SR3 Cybersurgery Options

[Maelwys]

So I was wondering about this. M&M doesn't seem to help a whole lot, but maybe I'm missing something.

What are the rolls, how hard is it, what do I have to do to install something into a cyberlimb?

Is it really a medical procedure? Is it a medical procedure only if it requires a DNI connection?

If its not DNI, should it just be as simple as plug and play?

[Telion]

I wouldn't say it'd be plug and play, but its not full blown cybersurgery either. I'd say without looking into the book, that you'd need a minor procedure to do it.

There's lots of assumptions you can make but i'd say to use capacity you'd have to open it and then place it back in. I'd say it'd require at least a cybertech roll depending on the implant type. You'll also need the proper tools. A street doc should be able to handle it. As for DNI, I doubt it'd make a difference unless you have something you want DNI and the leg isn't wired for it already.

I'll check over the rules tomorrow if someone else hasn't provided a better answer.

[Dikotana]

By RAW there's no reason not to treat it as standard cybersurgery. By reasonable standards it should be much easier. Biotech (Cybertechnology implantation) or Electronics (Cybertechnology) are both reasonable skills to apply. You could consider it an "upgrade cyberware" procedure (M&M 147), but maybe with some of the conditions on the table on 146 not applying, such as needing a profile or data or possibly any of the patient condition modifiers. Because it's less invasive, the procedure might have a TN of 3 or even 2 instead of the standard 4, or the procedure might begin with 1-2 automatic successes to reduce the chance of negative options.

The surgery rules are really excessively complex. My group has almost entirely ignored them and played it by ear. Major surgery? Okay, you need a better clinic, take a few boxes of damage, and pay more. Want a spur? Any shadow doc can stick one in your arm without any additional price beyond the cyberware itself.

[Ryu]

My SR3 rules memory is fuzzy by now, but I would be looking at an Electronics B/R test with a target number of 4 (standard task).

[the_real_elwood]

By RAW there's no reason not to treat it as standard cybersurgery. By reasonable standards it should be much easier. Biotech (Cybertechnology implantation) or Electronics (Cybertechnology) are both reasonable skills to apply. You could consider it an "upgrade cyberware" procedure (M&M 147), but maybe with some of the conditions on the table on 146 not applying, such as needing a profile or data or possibly any of the patient condition modifiers. Because it's less invasive, the procedure might have a TN of 3 or even 2 instead of the standard 4, or the procedure might begin with 1-2 automatic successes to reduce the chance of negative options.

The surgery rules are really excessively complex. My group has almost entirely ignored them and played it by ear. Major surgery? Okay, you need a better clinic, take a few boxes of damage, and pay more. Want a spur? Any shadow doc can stick one in your arm without any additional price beyond the cyberware itself.

I'm with this. Unless the players really want to, getting into the surgery rules is just a pointless dice-rolling exercise. Also, unless your players are actually the surgeons, the NPC performing the surgery is going to be making the rolls using his skill. Not exactly the best use of gaming time, in my opinion.

[Telion]

I'll second the dice rolls being pointless. Unless you have some wacked out doc, or some unique character doing this, its usually good to just glaze over, set a price and move on.

[Maelwys]

Quite possibly. I was just wondering how much of a medical condition it really was. It seemed to be almost more of something that an electrician could do, though cybernetics seems to be heavily tied to medicine.

the only part that would really seem to require a doctor was if the item was connected via DNI. Since that requires essence, that would require a doc, but I think that its pretty safe to say, if it doesn't require essence, it should be almost as simple as plug and play.

Glad most people seem to agree for the most part. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Link]

Yeah; for assessing which cyber-limb accessories require surgery I'd base it off the essence cost (including a DNI link as discussed) from the ECU table.
M&M p35

[ Spoiler ]

EQUIPMENT CAPACITY
Replacement limbs offer a certain amount of space that can be used to accommodate additional equipment. The amount of space available depends on the limb and is different for obvious cyberlimbs and for synthetic. The space is measured in units of equipment capacity. Each unit offers roughly 50 cubic centimetres of space.
The Equipment Capacity Cost Table lists the number of equipment capacity units various implants and devices require in order to be installed in cyber replacements. Most additional equipment can be installed in cyber-limbs without Essence cost. Equipment that must interface with other, non-cyber parts of the body, however, does cost additional Essence, as shown on the Equipment Capacity Cost Table. For equipment not listed on the table, the gamemaster can establish an equipment capacity unit cost based on the gear’s approximate size, using the Equipment Capacity Units Table. Unless the equipment description includes it, most devices installed in a cyberlimb do not have a direct neural connection to the brain. In order for the user to cybernetically control such a device, it must be installed with a direct neural interface (see p. 39). These items are marked with an asterisk under Essence Cost on the Equipment Capacity Cost Table.

Relevant skills for installation.
M&M p135

[ Spoiler ]

Computer (Cybernetics)
The Cybernetics Specialization of Computer Skill includes knowledge of any cybertechnology that incorporates computerized systems, whether hardware or software. It focuses on the neural interface between such devices and the brain and nervous system, as well as datalinks to other devices.
Computer Cybernetics B/R: This Build/Repair Skill is called upon by implant surgeons repairing headware, skillwires, matrixware, riggerware and other computerized systems.

Electronics (Cybertechnology)
The Cybertechnology Specialization of Electronics deals with cyberware that incorporates electronics, especially senseware, cyberlimbs, smartlinks and other powered devices. Power and control systems, diagnostics, flux and communication, motorization and micro-engines are covered.
Electronics (Cybertechnology) B/R: This Build/Repair Sltill handles the construction, maintenance and repair of electronic cyberware.