This came from a Cyberpunk thread elsewhere, but what are some uses for cyberware and bioware for regular people?
Some are obvious, like cyberlimbs for amputees. (although growing a replacement arm makes this a little dubious)
Enhanced Articulation as a treatment for arthritis.
Bone Density or Bone Lacing for osteoporosis.
Muscle Enhancement/Replacement for degenerative muscular diseases.
Synthacardium for people with any sort of disease that weakens the heart.
Other ideas?
Full Version: Cyberware for Joe Average
I recall the book mentioning something about implanted commlinks being popular with businessmen "on the go" (or something like that.)
I can't comment on SR4, but with SR3, it costs far less in most every way to have a new limb grown than to get a cyber limb replacement. Beyond senseware (eyes, ears, etc.), commware and datajacks, all the ware that would be useful for the "average joe" seems to largely be made illegal (pheromones anyone?)
Well, legality rating R can be ignored. Presumably a doctor's recommendation will get you the required permits. It's F that's really a problem. (These are SR4 legality terms) For SR3, I'd still assume that most of the stuff that's "illegal" is legal if you have a legitimate reason to have it. Basically, anything that allows a permit.
I agree that cloning a new limb is quick and easy enough to make cyberlimbs uncommon. (I strongly dislike this fact)
Senseware is cheap enough (and gives enough advantages) that it'd probably be favored over clonal replacement.
I agree that cloning a new limb is quick and easy enough to make cyberlimbs uncommon. (I strongly dislike this fact)
Senseware is cheap enough (and gives enough advantages) that it'd probably be favored over clonal replacement.
| QUOTE (Moon-Hawk) |
| Well, legality rating R can be ignored. Presumably a doctor's recommendation will get you the required permits. It's F that's really a problem. (These are SR4 legality terms) For SR3, I'd still assume that most of the stuff that's "illegal" is legal if you have a legitimate reason to have it. Basically, anything that allows a permit. I agree that cloning a new limb is quick and easy enough to make cyberlimbs uncommon. (I strongly dislike this fact) Senseware is cheap enough (and gives enough advantages) that it'd probably be favored over clonal replacement. |
Cyberlimbs would be preferred in cases of a genetic deformity where a clonal replacement would be just as defective as the original. It would be rare but it would be a viable treatment option.
Datajacks for just about anyone...
Tracheal filters could be useful for someone working around noxious gasses.
| QUOTE (Moon-Hawk) |
| I agree that cloning a new limb is quick and easy enough to make cyberlimbs uncommon. (I strongly dislike this fact) |
Are there SR4 limb cloning rules, I hadn't noticed them? Cyberlimbs have dropped in price by a factor of 5. Bioware has generally only dropped in price by a factor of 2 to 3. What was the difference between the two procedures before?
What about toxin filters for alcoholics? Drink all you want, you won't be able to get drunk or even catch a buzz.
A player I know had a really old PC, who started back in 2nd edition, that had something like that as a part of his character. He had one installed so he could drink vodka like water.
| QUOTE (Moon-Hawk) |
| What about toxin filters for alcoholics? Drink all you want, you won't be able to get drunk or even catch a buzz. |
I can just see it now.......
College fraternity initiations in 2070:
"Dude as a new pledge for TKO you have to undergo the secret initiation, now just come down tho the frat-house basement......"
Where pre-med students implant a toxin filter then they all go do Keg-Stands
If digestive expansion wasn't so expensive, a lot of lower class citizens and bums would be able to make good use of it.
| QUOTE (Moon-Hawk) |
| What about toxin filters for alcoholics? Drink all you want, you won't be able to get drunk or even catch a buzz. |
So a person with that would actually drink alcohol because of the taste? Oh god.
| QUOTE (Lagomorph @ Jul 26 2006, 07:02 PM) |
| If digestive expansion wasn't so expensive, a lot of lower class citizens and bums would be able to make good use of it. |
Wrong, market. Digestive Expansion is for those over-stressed corporate employees who are prone to ulcers and gastro-reflux.
Bioware is easy. Almost all of it has a legitimate use.
Enhanced Articulation is supposed to be a cure all for arthritis.
Trauma Dampner would be great for migranes and epilepsy.
Your kids a little slow in school, buy them a cerebral booster upgrade.
Expanded Volume is a cure for asthma
Orthoskin is good for burn victims. ( Orthoskin supposedly heals better than normal skin )
Memory enhancement for altimer patients.
And who wouldn't want a sleep regulator?
The list goes on.....
Most people aren't going to touch bodyware, but it seems to me that there must be a cultural force at work encouraging consumers to make themselves better. After senseware and commlink related gear, the next most popular consumer treatment would be all the permutations of cosmetic modification.
Other popular mods would be fingertip compartments and skin pouches for secure personal storage. Also the various forms of implanted ID.
Someone may get a Touch Link for AR, but I can't reasonably see why when a sim module seems to provide the same experience and is infinitely more useful, even if it does cost 2k
instead of 1k .
Clearly, a lot of money is dumped into the cyber industry. The armed forces industry has got to be a major buyer of cyber goods, or there would be no way this tech would trickle down to the shadows.
Other popular mods would be fingertip compartments and skin pouches for secure personal storage. Also the various forms of implanted ID.
Someone may get a Touch Link for AR, but I can't reasonably see why when a sim module seems to provide the same experience and is infinitely more useful, even if it does cost 2k
instead of 1k .Clearly, a lot of money is dumped into the cyber industry. The armed forces industry has got to be a major buyer of cyber goods, or there would be no way this tech would trickle down to the shadows.
I can imagine cyberware would be useful in a wide variety of industrial applications.
Coal miners might have tracheal filters, like someone already mentioned, as well as cybereyes with lowlight and thermo, in case the lights go out. A maintenance worker might keep his entire toolkit in cyberlimb storage compartments. Dockworkers and furniture movers might have strength enhancements. A bike courier could have muscle aug and toner, perhaps a skin pocket or body compartment, and probably a datalock.
Maybe a student who was a huge slacker might get cyberears with a recording unit so he could sleep through class and listen to the lecture later. I know I would.
Coal miners might have tracheal filters, like someone already mentioned, as well as cybereyes with lowlight and thermo, in case the lights go out. A maintenance worker might keep his entire toolkit in cyberlimb storage compartments. Dockworkers and furniture movers might have strength enhancements. A bike courier could have muscle aug and toner, perhaps a skin pocket or body compartment, and probably a datalock.
Maybe a student who was a huge slacker might get cyberears with a recording unit so he could sleep through class and listen to the lecture later. I know I would.
Display link type items, to cut back on the need for external goggles/glasses/etc.
That bioware that makes your farts not smell bad. Or stinky sweat.
That um....marital enhancement implant.
That bioware that makes your farts not smell bad. Or stinky sweat.
That um....marital enhancement implant.
Coal miners in 2070 would probably be drones. People would still have to go down into the shafts to troubleshoot, oversee, and that kind of stuff but coal mining is a perfect example of a hazardous environment job that could be done effectively by a drone built for the task.
Then there's the bioware/cyber stuff for all the divers, especially with the advent of all those deep sea complexes. Sure, there's drones, but as 2bit says, there'll still be a need to have folks to actually go out and those little tweaks might be stuff people get to have that extra edge in a nasty environment.
| QUOTE (2bit) |
| Coal miners in 2070 would probably be drones. People would still have to go down into the shafts to troubleshoot, oversee, and that kind of stuff but coal mining is a perfect example of a hazardous environment job that could be done effectively by a drone built for the task. |
That is, if the labor unions would allow it.
Labor unions are likely still an issue for the A level corps and under, but the AA and up probably don't need to worry about it.
I would think the R/F rated stuff would be a little more exotic given it's prototype/exerimental nature and over-all function. I mean, who outside of military or mega-corp would need Wired Reflexes, Dermal Plating or Cyber-arm, weapon mounting platforms?
The rest of the stuff is easy to see the rest of the populace using in one form or another.
The rest of the stuff is easy to see the rest of the populace using in one form or another.
I suppose someone who had lost all motor control of his body from a disease or stroke could use the technology of wired reflexes to regain the ability to move. Though really they would only need something like wired reflexes rating 0. There's no little need for the speed increase.....
=============================
Shadowrunner trying to explain his cyberware at a security checkpoint
----------------------------------------------------------
"Two years ago, I suffered a massive stroke. Couldn't move anything beneath my neck! It was awful! These wired reflexes gave me my life back!"
"Uh huh, so my did you need the wired Reflexes with the maxed-out rating 3 reaction enhancement?"
"It was a really bad stroke!"
=============================
Shadowrunner trying to explain his cyberware at a security checkpoint
----------------------------------------------------------
"Two years ago, I suffered a massive stroke. Couldn't move anything beneath my neck! It was awful! These wired reflexes gave me my life back!"
"Uh huh, so my did you need the wired Reflexes with the maxed-out rating 3 reaction enhancement?"
"It was a really bad stroke!"
Who wouldn't want Wired Reflexes in 2070?
What with all the gangers and bullets flying everywhere as you to go buy some soymilk at the corner `shack.
What with all the gangers and bullets flying everywhere as you to go buy some soymilk at the corner `shack.
| QUOTE (Dale) |
| Who wouldn't want Wired Reflexes in 2070? What with all the gangers and bullets flying everywhere as you to go buy some soymilk at the corner `shack. |
Precisely. It could explain common people with dermal armor, as well. I believe that was mentioned in one of the novels.
Besides medical and cosmetical reasons, don't forget the police, security and military forces, or (semi-)professional sports either. How many people will get enhancements to compete in college level sports, and how many of the will end up with a pro contract ? Few. The ones who don't will still have minor to major implants.
Then there's ... Entertainment ! Simstars have to do their own stunts, and many an action oriented show on trid requires its cast to be enhanced to some extend.
And, of course, the legitimate equivalent to 'runners : corporate specialists and troubleshooters (figural and literal).
Enough reasons for lots of regular people to have some 'wear, though Joe Average will probably still be 100% meat - but once Joe decides he doesn't want to be average anymore and climb the ladder towards success, he WILL NEED some kind of edge towards his competition.
Then there's ... Entertainment ! Simstars have to do their own stunts, and many an action oriented show on trid requires its cast to be enhanced to some extend.
And, of course, the legitimate equivalent to 'runners : corporate specialists and troubleshooters (figural and literal).
Enough reasons for lots of regular people to have some 'wear, though Joe Average will probably still be 100% meat - but once Joe decides he doesn't want to be average anymore and climb the ladder towards success, he WILL NEED some kind of edge towards his competition.
| QUOTE (2bit) |
| Coal miners in 2070 would probably be drones. People would still have to go down into the shafts to troubleshoot, oversee, and that kind of stuff but coal mining is a perfect example of a hazardous environment job that could be done effectively by a drone built for the task. |
Exactly.
And think what a clever and mean rigger could do with some mining drones, should he get his hands on them.
| QUOTE (McGravin) |
| And think what a clever and mean rigger could do with some mining drones, should he get his hands on them. |
Now, think what a rampant AI could do...
Anyone remebering the 3D-game Descent?
Heh, that game came packaged with the CD-ROM I had to install in my computer many years ago.
| QUOTE (Dale @ Jul 26 2006, 09:04 PM) |
| Who wouldn't want Wired Reflexes in 2070? What with all the gangers and bullets flying everywhere as you to go buy some soymilk at the corner `shack. |
If you live in that sort of neighborhood, odds are you can't afford wired reflexes anyway. For those that can afford it, they live in better neighborhoods with drone surveliance and cops who are willing to get out of their heavily armored patrol cars.
Cyber Shotgun - Hunters/Sportsmen
Cyber Grenade launcher - Fishers (impatient fishers)
Spurs - Butchers
Hand Razors - Landscaper
Cat's Eyes - This guy
Cyber Grenade launcher - Fishers (impatient fishers)
Spurs - Butchers
Hand Razors - Landscaper
Cat's Eyes - This guy
Cyber Grenade launcher - Fishers (impatient fishers)
| QUOTE (booklord @ Jul 26 2006, 07:11 PM) |
If you live in that sort of neighborhood, odds are you can't afford wired reflexes anyway. For those that can afford it, they live in better neighborhoods with drone surveliance and cops who are willing to get out of their heavily armored patrol cars. |
Boosted Reflexes 1: 15,000 ¥.
To compare: The Sprawl Ganger's archetype in the SR3 book has a retractable handblade that cost him 10,000 ¥.
| QUOTE (nezumi @ Jul 26 2006, 01:17 PM) |
| I can't comment on SR4, but with SR3, it costs far less in most every way to have a new limb grown than to get a cyber limb replacement. |
As long as you're willing to wait two months, AND have a pre-existing agreement with the clinic you choose. (50,000¥ up front for a DocWagon platinum contract for a DNA match). Otherwise you're in for a longer wait while they try to find a suitable donor that matches your DNA profile well enough. Unless you want to go around with somebody elses arm stuck on you, and that's about as disgusting as used cyberware. (P.128)
| QUOTE (Adam Selene) | ||
Boosted Reflexes 1: 15,000 ¥. To compare: The Sprawl Ganger's archetype in the SR3 book has a retractable handblade that cost him 10,000 ¥. |
Yeah but isn't Boosted just a chemical treatment? It's not actually an implant. Not that it matters cost wise, but for those interested in the non-intrusive route it's more popular for sure.
FYI, no Boosted Reflexes in SR4.core, but I'm sure it'll surface in later source books.
It isn't bioware, and it isn't genetech, so logically it has to be cyberware. I have absolutely no idea about what its properties entail, but it's cheap and available on a Ganger's 20,000¥ budget. That's the only point I was making.
| QUOTE (2bit) |
| Coal miners in 2070 would probably be drones. People would still have to go down into the shafts to troubleshoot, oversee, and that kind of stuff but coal mining is a perfect example of a hazardous environment job that could be done effectively by a drone built for the task. |
Actually coal-mining in 2006 can be automated to a high degree and is in some german mines. The days of pneumatic hammers are long gone and modern coal-face systems work manless/controlled from a remote station
But: The Mining environment is one where radio is basically a no-no in most areas (CH4 Explosions are "ugly"), cables have a tendency to snag and anything but a very smart robot will fail due to the unforseeable changes in geology.
So rather than drones you need smart robots and those cost a lot. Add in the necessary gas-proofing, water-proofing and the non-corrosive materials and we get a pretty costly piece.
Might be cheaper to upgrade the miners. Filter, Thermo (Low-Light is useless when the light fails), Gas-Spectrometer with Readout (For additional warning) and an independent air supply (for extrem emergencies)
I doubt that explosives detenator signals and drone control signals are confused in the SR4 world. Having smart drone wouldn't be neccesary.
I think the point about radio signals wasn't connected with radio detonation of explosives. It would seem likely that spark-proof radios would be available though, o I'm not sure quite how they'd start an explosion. I'd have thought the biggest obstacle would be the tons and tons of rock blocking your signal.
That being said, drones appear to be smart enough to carry out simple tasks so they could mine with semi-frequent checks on their progress. I'm not saying mining is simple, mind you. I imagine mining drones would collapse shafts on themselves all the time!
@Booklord: LMAO at your "really bad stroke" line! If I used sigs I'd probably poach that.
That being said, drones appear to be smart enough to carry out simple tasks so they could mine with semi-frequent checks on their progress. I'm not saying mining is simple, mind you. I imagine mining drones would collapse shafts on themselves all the time!
@Booklord: LMAO at your "really bad stroke" line! If I used sigs I'd probably poach that.
| QUOTE (Samaels Ghost) |
| I doubt that explosives detenator signals and drone control signals are confused in the SR4 world. Having smart drone wouldn't be neccesary. |
CH4 aka Methan, not C4
. The stuff is a gas encapsulated within the coal and gases out when you cut it. Electrical systems in mines must be shielded unless they produce a spark. That's even true for low-power systems in the 5-24V region (Programmable control systems etc). If you get the stuff to explode it works like a Fuel Air Explosive. The coal dust is also explosive in the right concentration. The original FAE tests in WWII used it. For radio to work you either need a complex antenna system using i.e the overhead tram line as a broadcast medium or powerful systems. The latter are a no-no from the technical point of view.
This may differ from country to country, even from mine to mine but in general miners and mining engineers are "better save than sorry" type of guys.
| QUOTE (Adam Selene) | ||
As long as you're willing to wait two months, AND have a pre-existing agreement with the clinic you choose. (50,000¥ up front for a DocWagon platinum contract for a DNA match). Otherwise you're in for a longer wait while they try to find a suitable donor that matches your DNA profile well enough. Unless you want to go around with somebody elses arm stuck on you, and that's about as disgusting as used cyberware. (P.128) |
It's not AND, it's OR. Reread the section:
| QUOTE |
| When a character loses a body part and needs a replacement, the part might not be immediately available. Those who want a DNA match will have to have the part grown. (A DocWagon platinum service contract includes a "donor counterpart" who can provide material for immediate transplant starting three months into the contract.) |
So you EITHER pay $25k for a new limb and wait 8 weeks OR have a $50k docwagon contract already. The pricey part of getting a new limb is the $500 or $1,000 a day medical care, if they can't send you home for the wait. To remind you, an obvious cyberlimb is $75,000. So we can compare:
$25k + $28k ($500 a day * 8 weeks * 7 days in a week) = $53k, 0 essence cost, strength and quickness equal to body, 0 street index and availability
to
$75k + hospital fees, 1 essence cost, 4/4 avail and SI of 1, 3 str, 3 qui and it's an obvious hunk of metal.
So even if it were outpatient surgery for the arm compared to 8 weeks for the cloned arm, the arm is still cheaper, easier to get, has less social stigma and costs less essence.
It never says that they give you the arm for free. Just that it's "already available for transplant", which means they already have a DNA match ready for you. Nothing from DocWagon comes free, except what they list explicitly on the different contracts. I'm pretty sure "FREE LIMB REPLACEMENT" would have been mentioned.
The part about needing a match, then a growth is less concretely rooted on book knowledge. It's just common sense to me. When a limb costs 25,000¥ to the outpatient, I don't think it's cost-effective for DocWagon to keep an entire body replacement floating around in a vat for whenever a client bites it. I think they only do it based on an immediate need rather than any readiness.
Either way, that chalks the limb price up to 75,000¥ for somebody who needs it right then and there. And I never play cyberarms as having a social stigma anyways, unless they've got non-retractable spurs and god knows what else sticking out. But that's a personal preference.
The part about needing a match, then a growth is less concretely rooted on book knowledge. It's just common sense to me. When a limb costs 25,000¥ to the outpatient, I don't think it's cost-effective for DocWagon to keep an entire body replacement floating around in a vat for whenever a client bites it. I think they only do it based on an immediate need rather than any readiness.
Either way, that chalks the limb price up to 75,000¥ for somebody who needs it right then and there. And I never play cyberarms as having a social stigma anyways, unless they've got non-retractable spurs and god knows what else sticking out. But that's a personal preference.
Limbs have never been popular in my games. Wired reflexes on the other hand, are possessed by everyone and their dog! I always ask my players where they acquired their 'ware, especially intrusive stuff like WR. The most laughable one was "a relative bought them for me as a coming of age present." I let it slide as I was so gobsmacked!
| QUOTE (booklord) |
| Expanded Volume is a cure for asthma |
Unless the entry flat out says so (I don't have my book on hand), I wouldn't count on it. You can possess tremendous lung capacity and still have crippling asthma.
However, it would be heavenly for atheletes and some musicians.
| QUOTE |
| And who wouldn't want a sleep regulator? |
Amen. Most of my characters since SR3 has had that piece of bioware, just because that's the one piece I'd jump for IRL if it was an option.
You confust me... in one post you say both:
| QUOTE (Birdy) |
Actually coal-mining in 2006 can be automated to a high degree and is in some german mines. The days of pneumatic hammers are long gone and modern coal-face systems work manless/controlled from a remote station |
and
| QUOTE (Birdy) |
So rather than drones you need smart robots and those cost a lot. Add in the necessary gas-proofing, water-proofing and the non-corrosive materials and we get a pretty costly piece. Might be cheaper to upgrade the miners. |
sooo... today things can be automated to a high degree but in the future we'll need very expensive robots... so instead, they'd most likely turn to an augmented (meta)human workforce?
| QUOTE (Birdy) |
| anything but a very smart robot will fail due to the unforseeable changes in geology. |
Wasn't there a search-and rescue drone designed to navigate collapsed buildings or urban warzones? In any case I think the tech is there, and it fits with Shadowrun.
| QUOTE (ornot) |
| I'd have thought the biggest obstacle would be the tons and tons of rock blocking your signal. |
We're talking sci fi, but if I were to make something up for a shadowrun in a coal mine, I'd say the drone networks would have radio broadcast hubs down in the mines connected by cable to the surface.
| QUOTE (Geekkake) |
| That is, if the labor unions would allow it. |
Now that I tihnk about it, I like this idea much better. Sounds like a Shadowrun! Unscrupulous corporation with army of mining drones vs. army of lightly cybered dwarf, ork, and troll miners.
| QUOTE (2bit) | ||
Now that I tihnk about it, I like this idea much better. Sounds like a Shadowrun! Unscrupulous corporation with army of mining drones vs. army of lightly cybered dwarf, ork, and troll miners. |
Why cyber them at all? I mean, maybe the workers themselves can save up for the surgery, but ultimately, I doubt the mining company cares overmuch whether or not Jim the Dwarf dies from black lung. It seems like too substantial an investment when you can get hire another down-and-outer.
This raises an interesting point. I'd like to take this thread in a slightly different direction, if I may.
How does Joe Average pay for his cyber? Well, if there's a medical need, health insurance should take care of it. So that one's easy.
But what about the more elective cyber/bio. The things that would either help your life or your work? I think if you work for a big company, they'd be fairly happy to help you out with anything that will improve your performance at work. Since you'd be implanting 'ware made by your parent corp (obviously) they can afford to give it to you at cost, if not below cost. They may not be losing money, but they're increasing their market share and keeping you from possibly buying a competitor's stuff. Plus, since it's a perk for you (of course it is, the company assures you of this), you probably pay for some of the balance with long-term pay deductions. Of course, there's a little clause that if you want to quit you owe them money to pay them back for the 'ware, but who's thinking of that now?
Thoughts?
How does Joe Average pay for his cyber? Well, if there's a medical need, health insurance should take care of it. So that one's easy.
But what about the more elective cyber/bio. The things that would either help your life or your work? I think if you work for a big company, they'd be fairly happy to help you out with anything that will improve your performance at work. Since you'd be implanting 'ware made by your parent corp (obviously) they can afford to give it to you at cost, if not below cost. They may not be losing money, but they're increasing their market share and keeping you from possibly buying a competitor's stuff. Plus, since it's a perk for you (of course it is, the company assures you of this), you probably pay for some of the balance with long-term pay deductions. Of course, there's a little clause that if you want to quit you owe them money to pay them back for the 'ware, but who's thinking of that now?
Thoughts?
| QUOTE (Geekkake @ Jul 27 2006, 04:17 PM) | ||||
Why cyber them at all? I mean, maybe the workers themselves can save up for the surgery, but ultimately, I doubt the mining company cares overmuch whether or not Jim the Dwarf dies from black lung. It seems like too substantial an investment when you can get hire another down-and-outer. |
| QUOTE |
| Why cyber them at all? I mean, maybe the workers themselves can save up for the surgery, but ultimately, I doubt the mining company cares overmuch whether or not Jim the Dwarf dies from black lung. It seems like too substantial an investment when you can get hire another down-and-outer. |
Well that entirely depends on where. In a third world country noone cares about with virutally no consumer power anyway, then Aztechnology may run mines like a slave labor camp. But a mine located in NAN or the UCAS? Better to play it safe and treat the workers better or the public relations department will have a fit.
In any event though. I doubt that Aztechnology would use cyberware when breather masks with air filtering backpacks could be easily provided. The corps aren't going to spend money on things can be acomplished without surgery.
Why have air filter cyberware when you can have a gas mask?
Why use olfactory boosters when you can have chem-sniffers?
Is there any reason to pay for smartlink cyberware when the goggles and helmets are just as good?
With the appropriate high tech helmet you could duplicate almost all the advantages of cybernetic headware. ( bodyware is another story )
| QUOTE (Moon-Hawk) |
| This raises an interesting point. I'd like to take this thread in a slightly different direction, if I may. How does Joe Average pay for his cyber? Well, if there's a medical need, health insurance should take care of it. So that one's easy. But what about the more elective cyber/bio. The things that would either help your life or your work? I think if you work for a big company, they'd be fairly happy to help you out with anything that will improve your performance at work. Since you'd be implanting 'ware made by your parent corp (obviously) they can afford to give it to you at cost, if not below cost. They may not be losing money, but they're increasing their market share and keeping you from possibly buying a competitor's stuff. Plus, since it's a perk for you (of course it is, the company assures you of this), you probably pay for some of the balance with long-term pay deductions. Of course, there's a little clause that if you want to quit you owe them money to pay them back for the 'ware, but who's thinking of that now? Thoughts? |
I like it a lot. I can see the corp really pushing this stuff on employees as a means of enforcing loyalty. If someone is in your debt, then they're in your power. Sure, take the datajack option with the three-year no-interest scheme. You need a jack to be eligible for that new position, anyway.
| QUOTE (Moon-Hawk) |
| This raises an interesting point. I'd like to take this thread in a slightly different direction, if I may. How does Joe Average pay for his cyber? Well, if there's a medical need, health insurance should take care of it. So that one's easy. But what about the more elective cyber/bio. |
Credit.
Well that brings us into how much average Joe earns. Im sure this has been done to death elsewhere; but if Middle lifestyle costs 5,000 per month, then average Joe probably earns about 90-100,000 per annum. That's based on 1.5x lifestyle to cover a bit of saving, maybe raising his kids. Plenty of leeway around the average, but that could be typical.
If average UK salary is about £32k (about 55k US$, I think), then translating costs would mean things like the following:
Datajack approx. £200 / US$350 - It's a posh hi-fi sort of thing.
Control Rig approx. £3,500 / US$6000 - It's a flash toy for the weekend off-road racer. An expensive hobby sort of thing.
Cybereyes (basic). Same region as datajack. Your teenage daughter probably has wheedled some out of you for passing her exams.
Balance Augmenter approx £2000 / US$3,500. Another expensive toy for the weekend sportsman, etc.
Muscle Replacement 3 approx. £5,000 / US$8,500. Certainly affordable. It's restricted but what the Hell? There will be plenty of people who fork out for this. I mean imagine the difference those three points of strength make! You go from average Joe to uber-bouncer with no effort. Every person you see today with a body-builder physique will probably have this in the 2070 universe. Those kids that hang around at the end of your street? Yeah, a couple of them probably have it too.
Typical cyberlimb (no bonus attributes) approx. £3,500 / US$6000. Perfectly affordable, though boost it up a bit for a more cosmetic version. I don't think people will go for these for the sake of style or reliability (at least only rarely), but for those who have had an accident or have a problem with the arm they came with, I see it as a standard option.
So I think the average Joe can purchase the more common cyberware without going totally into debt. I think it would be reasonably common. And I certainly don't play the game as having a big stigma attached to cyberlimbs. Ask any disabled person and they'll tell you that there are always idiots who gawp. But a big social stigma for having cyberlimbs? I don't see it.
per month, then average Joe probably earns about 90-100,000 per annum. That's based on 1.5x lifestyle to cover a bit of saving, maybe raising his kids. Plenty of leeway around the average, but that could be typical.If average UK salary is about £32k (about 55k US$, I think), then translating costs would mean things like the following:
Datajack approx. £200 / US$350 - It's a posh hi-fi sort of thing.
Control Rig approx. £3,500 / US$6000 - It's a flash toy for the weekend off-road racer. An expensive hobby sort of thing.
Cybereyes (basic). Same region as datajack. Your teenage daughter probably has wheedled some out of you for passing her exams.
Balance Augmenter approx £2000 / US$3,500. Another expensive toy for the weekend sportsman, etc.
Muscle Replacement 3 approx. £5,000 / US$8,500. Certainly affordable. It's restricted but what the Hell? There will be plenty of people who fork out for this. I mean imagine the difference those three points of strength make! You go from average Joe to uber-bouncer with no effort. Every person you see today with a body-builder physique will probably have this in the 2070 universe. Those kids that hang around at the end of your street? Yeah, a couple of them probably have it too.
Typical cyberlimb (no bonus attributes) approx. £3,500 / US$6000. Perfectly affordable, though boost it up a bit for a more cosmetic version. I don't think people will go for these for the sake of style or reliability (at least only rarely), but for those who have had an accident or have a problem with the arm they came with, I see it as a standard option.
So I think the average Joe can purchase the more common cyberware without going totally into debt. I think it would be reasonably common. And I certainly don't play the game as having a big stigma attached to cyberlimbs. Ask any disabled person and they'll tell you that there are always idiots who gawp. But a big social stigma for having cyberlimbs? I don't see it.
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