| From: | Martin Steffens (Berlitz) v-marts@*********.com |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Essence (was Re: Cyberware and Cosmetic Surgery) |
| Date: | Fri, 24 Sep 1999 03:24:52 -0700 |
> Surgery already impacts essence, resulting in variation from
> base cost.
I knew about the essence in surgery rules, but think that they
are not really that good. I don't like it that the less essence
you have the more likely it becomes to lose more essence. One
could say that if you want thermo in your cyber eyes there is
no fluctuation in essence possible, since the enhancement is
attached to an already cybered part or that the doctor just has
to move some wires aside instead of internal organs. And the
more cyber one has the more likelier that becomes. I feel more
for a fixed number test against the docs' biotech/cyberimplant
skills than vs essence. But added to that I like the idea of
a certain extra random effect that differs per implant. 0.1
essence left, and you need that image enhancer. Do you feel
lucky, punk?!
> There is also the "sensative system" flaw, which
> doubles essence cost. In fact, I'm suprised at the current big
> flap. The "sensative sytem" flaw has been around quite some
> time; what is its justification, if not physiological or
> psychological?
Well the name of the flaw suggests physiological. I know that
some people have an extremely sensitive system that reacts
violently to changes. I suspect this is based on physiological
reasons mostly, as opposed to people who faint when they see
a needle, these people can happily watch the whole process
but the loss of blood pressure causes them to faint. Yet
others manage. I tend give the physiological effect more
weight.
The way I personally see the essence value is as an initial
change shock to the system. Of course psychological acceptance
plays a part (that's why the suggested -+10% value),
but that's far more important after the initial operation
than during.
To throw some ideas around that flow from this theory:
- A character can be allowed a acceptance test for example
a month after the full recovery time and regain some
essence (body test I suggest).
- Failing this test means additional essence loss (perhaps
cumulative until the implant is removed, after which
essence recovery is possible)
- During the operation the character must make a body test
against a number based on the essence cost of the
implant to prevent system shock (if it happens the
operation is cancelled and the character must wait
at least a month before trying it again).
Note that these are just some quick thoughts scribbled down
(well typed actually), nothing has been worked out or tested.
