So the gene tech in 4th edition allowed me to introduce such things as "tanks" from "space: above and beyond." For those who have no idea what they were or what that series was "tanks" we're vat grown humans specifically designed as cannon fodder for international wars. If they survived their service they could earn their freedom but were treated as 2nd class citizens. This fit into the Shadowrun world very nicely and gave every one another race to treat even worse then the orcs.

So does anyone know why they decided to recon gene tech out of the game or was that just a rumor?

If you're already inventing things for the game world, what's the problem?

Where exactly can i find this in shadowrun 4e? I've never heard of this before

Augmentation had gene tech. The "Tanks" are something he added from another source to his game.

Not worried about, just wondering at their thought process. Was the addition of gene tech taking the game to far away from the cyberware feel? I understand why they removed/retconned Nanotech. The thing was too easily abused and as written had the potential to be a game breaker. Yes, I may house rule gene tech back in for 5th edition but simply use it for the production of NPC corporate cannon fodder.

Well we did have one crazy doc who spliced gecko and monkey genes into a rockerboy who was looking for that edge to take him to the top.

With an extendable tongue and apish charms he is fast climbing the charts...

His name?

Gene Simians

*hangs head* You have absolutely no shame, do you?

What is this 'shame' of which you speak? Can you eat it?

Nanotech's not been Retconned, just facing a 'Nanopocalypse" of sorts.

I've not seen any mention of Genetech issues whatsoever, other than the failing of Leonization.

I'd say the best course of action would be to wait for the eventual Augmentation-style book and see what's cooking.

In Storm Front Fastjack's alter ego wanted him to get a nanohive AND a certain gene mod to complete/accelerate the take over of his mind. That and freelancer (?) chatter over the last few months indicates that both are getting pulled back.

Pulled back, but not necessarily removed entirely.

Also keep in mind, so far we only have the core rulebook out. We don't know what is up with the plot behind Fastjack yet, and we don't have any expansion material. Until then, not worth panicking.

No panic, just curious about some comments to that point that may have been taken out of content.

Not if it means the band is getting a reboot for KISS 2075

now just need to figure out the others.

Figure a Cat Shaman, A free spirit and a cyberzombie to start, but may need tweaking.

I made this half pony half monkey monster to please you.

Well, if you are rebuilding the whole Band for the 2075 tour, than by all means...
Looks like a good start, but you are right... probably needs tweaking.

But I get the feeling that you don't like it;
What's with all of the screaming?

Many current writers are fans of 2nd ed era and would like to see the game go back to this era. Others were pushed away during late 3rd/early 4th ed and take their revenge now by rejecting everything made by those who were in charge at that time.

Or so it seems at least.

I still think the 3 eras solution would have been the best option.

Remember than genetech was always only introduced in the cybertech books, AFAIK the BBB never said anything about genetech. Therefore he 5th Ed BBB not mentioning genetech does not tell us anything.

As versus Jeantech, which almost made it into the Style over Substance.

Lowriders

Wireless bonus: adjustable height riding

At least that's a wireless bonus that makes sense.