| From: | R Andrew Hayden <rahayden@*****.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Mages with Bioware |
| Date: | Tue, 2 Feb 93 05:27:15 CET |
Back in October, this question was also the center of attention and my
gaming group (which has since dissolved--RIP) wrestled for a little while
with the problem.
Now, as you all know (at least the veterans), we threw the concept of
"game-balance" out the window, forcing the game to rely much more in
character innovation, luck, and ingenuity. When dealing with the
arguments of bioware, we decided that YES, bioware would effect the
ability of a mage to use magic, but not nearly to the extent that FASA
wants us to believe. So, I came up with some alternate rules that, while
not necessarily "game-balancing", are much more realistic. My group
enthusiastically accepted the new rules are being realistic. It was
interesting that they accepted them because no one was playing a magice
wielder, so this improved rule would only help the "enemies".
In any case . . .
Here they are.
------------------------
OPTIONAL RULES FOR BIOWARE AND USERS OF MAGIC:
These are optional rules to more realistically determine essence
loss for magic users who have had bioware installed. Please
remember, though, that the maximum amount of bioware you can
install is equal to you unaltered Body score.
Type Compatibility Essence Loss Price
------- ------------- ------------ -------------
Cultured 100% 10% Base x 4
Clonal 100% 20% Base x 2
Type O 90% 30% Base
Type G 75% 45% Base x 0.8
Second Hand 3d6 x 5% See Below Base x 0.4
Essence Loss refers to the percentage of the Body Cost of the item
that is also subtracted from total essence.
Forced Growth bioware has its essence determined in the following
manner: Subtract the compatibility of the grown part from 100%
and then add 25%. Multiply the body cost by this percentage to
determine the essence loss.
Second Hand essence loss is determined as follows: Subtract the
combatibility rating from 100%, add 35%. Multiply the body cost
by this number to determine the essence lost (yes, this number can
exceed the original body cost).
Example A:
Merlin wants to get an Adrenal Pump (level 2) installed. He
checks his wallet and determines he has enough nuyen to get a
cloned unit. The total body cost will be 2.50, and his essence
cost will be .50 (2.50 x 20%). He also has to shell 200,000 nuyen
out to some street doc.
Example B:
Merlin has come into a second hand Suprathyroid Gland (I don't
think you want to know how). He finds a street doc to install
it. The GM rolls a 5 for compatibility (25%) compatible. Thus,
the total essence cost will be 1.54 (1.4 x 110%).
Do not forget that rolls must be made when the surgery is performed
to determine if there is any additional essence loss.
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