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In a galaxy where biology is negotiable, your body becomes another piece of equipment—upgradable, replaceable, and customizable. Implants enhance capabilities beyond natural limits. Cybernetic modifications replace flesh with superior machinery. Consciousness transfer allows existence beyond original biology. Shell technology enables temporary inhabitation of entirely different forms.

But augmentation comes with costs beyond credits. Every implant creates dependencies. Every modification changes how society perceives you. Every consciousness transfer risks losing pieces of yourself. The line between enhancement and loss of humanity blurs with each upgrade.

Choose carefully what you replace. Some changes cannot be undone.

15.1 Implant System

Implants are technological devices surgically integrated into organic bodies, providing enhancements ranging from medical necessities to combat advantages.

Implant Categories

Medical Implants: Life support, organ replacement, healing acceleration

Pacemakers and cardiac regulators
Synthetic organ systems
Trauma response nanobots
Auto-injector systems

Enhancement Implants: Improved physical or mental capabilities

Muscle fiber augmentation
Neural processing accelerators
Sensory enhancement packages
Reflex optimization systems

Utility Implants: Practical tools and conveniences

Integrated communication systems
Data storage and processing
Translation software
Environmental adapters

Combat Implants: Tactical advantages and weapon systems

Targeting overlays
Adrenaline regulators
Integrated weapon mounts
Armor subdermal plating

Restricted Implants: Experimental, illegal, or dangerous modifications

Consciousness backup systems
Memory manipulation devices
Illegal AI integration
Chronocite-based temporal processors

Implant Tiers

Tier 1 - Basic Augmentation:

Simple functionality
Minimal biological integration
Low malfunction risk
Common availability
Cost: 500-2,000 credits

Tier 2 - Advanced Enhancement:

Complex functionality
Moderate biological integration
Some malfunction risk
Requires specialized facilities
Cost: 2,500-10,000 credits

Tier 3 - Elite Modification:

Cutting-edge technology
Deep biological integration
Higher malfunction risk
Rare and regulated
Cost: 15,000-50,000 credits

Tier 4 - Experimental Systems:

Prototype technology
Complete biological integration
Significant malfunction risk
Extremely rare, often illegal
Cost: 75,000-250,000 credits

Tier 5 - Unique Constructs:

One-of-a-kind devices
Unprecedented integration
Unknown risks
Unavailable for purchase
Cost: Story-based acquisition

15.2 Implant Installation

Installing implants requires medical expertise, appropriate facilities, and careful biological integration.

Installation Requirements

Prerequisites:

Appropriate technique unlocked (Softshell No More, Implant Specialist, or Modified)
Access to medical facility or qualified surgeon
Implant tier matches character's allowed tier
Sufficient credits for implant and installation

Installation Locations:

Certified Medical Facilities:

Guaranteed success
Professional aftercare
Legal documentation
Highest cost

Independent Surgeons:

Variable quality (roll for outcome)
Lower cost (20-40% discount)
May skip legal documentation
Moderate risk

Black Market Clinics:

No questions asked
Cheapest option (50% standard cost)
Significant risk (30% complication chance)
No legal records
Possible stolen/counterfeit implants

Field Installation:

Emergency or desperate circumstances only
Requires Medicine skill check
High complication risk
Limited functionality until proper integration

Installation Process

Step 1: Locate Medical Services Roll Investigation or Commerce:

TD 6: Find reputable clinic
TD 10: Find illegal surgeon
TD 10+: Bypass ID or licensing requirements (Deception or Persuasion)
TD 10+: Expedite scheduling (Persuasion)

Step 2: Pay Installation Costs

Implant Tier	Legal Facility Cost	Independent Surgeon	Black Market Clinic
Tier 1	1,000 C	600-800 C	500 C
Tier 2	2,000 C	1,200-1,600 C	1,000 C
Tier 3	5,000 C	3,000-4,000 C	2,500 C
Tier 4	12,000 C	7,200-9,600 C	6,000 C
Tier 5	Variable	Rarely available	Extremely dangerous

Step 3: Installation Procedure

Legal Facility: Automatic success, no roll required

Independent Surgeon: Roll d6 for quality

1-2: Poor work, roll on Minor Complication table
3-5: Adequate installation, functions normally
6: Excellent work, +5% functionality bonus

Black Market Clinic: Roll d20 for outcome

1-6: Severe complication (see Severe Complication table)
7-14: Minor complication (see Minor Complication table)
15-20: Successful installation

Field Installation: Medicine check vs. TD = 8 + (Implant Tier x 2)

Success: Functions at reduced capacity (75%) until proper integration
Failure: Roll on Minor Complication table
Critical Failure (Minimum Roll): Roll on Severe Complication table

Surgical Complications

Minor Complications (Standard Conditions):

d10	Complication
1	Severe Bleeding: Immediate Bleeding condition
2	Nerve Damage: Disadvantage on one skill (1 cycle)
3	Surgical Shock: -2 Spirit for next scene
4	Partial Installation: Implant functions at 50% effectiveness
5	Infection Risk: TD 8 Spirit check or lose 1d6 HP per day
6	Temporary Amnesia: Forget events from last 24 hours
7	Implant Rejection: -1 Spirit checks (1 cycle)
8	Power Drain: Implant reduces Energy by 1 each combat
9	Hallucinations: TD 8 Spirit or Disadvantage on Awareness (1 cycle)
10	Neural Feedback: Immediate 2d6 damage

Severe Complications (Poor Conditions/Illegal Clinics):

d10	Complication
1	Extreme Infection: -1d4 maximum HP until cured
2	Implant Destruction: Implant permanently destroyed
3	Skill Paralysis: Random skill unusable (24-72 hours)
4	Comatose State: Unconscious 1d4 hours
5	Chronic Pain: Take 1d4 damage each scene (2 cycles)
6	Cross Wiring: Implant effect reversed or harmful
7	Paranoid Episode: Distrust allies (12-48 hours)
8	System Shutdown: All implants disabled (1 cycle)
9	Burnout: -2 Evasion and Athletics checks (1 cycle)
10	Severe Brain Injury: Unconscious, TD 12 Medicine to stabilize

Recovery and Integration

Successful Installation:

Rest required: 24 hours (Tier 1-2), 48 hours (Tier 3-4)
Cannot engage in strenuous activity during recovery
Full functionality after rest period

Complicated Installation:

Extended recovery: +1-3 days depending on severity
Medical treatment required for severe complications
Possible permanent effects (GA discretion)

15.3 Common Implants

The implants listed as common implants are just that. There are a wide variety of implants and modifications that are available galaxy-wide with varying costs and pre-requisites. Use the below list as a starting point and a source of inspiration.

Tier 1 Implants

Neural Link (1,000 C + installation) Wireless connection to computers and devices. +1 Programming when directly interfaced.

Enhanced Vision (1,500 C + installation) Low-light vision and zoom capability. Immune to Blinded from darkness.

Subdermal Communicator (800 C + installation) Internal comm system. Cannot be jammed by standard means.

Adrenal Regulator (2,000 C + installation) Once per day, ignore Exhaustion penalty for one scene.

Pain Suppressor (1,200 C + installation) Gain +1 Spirit when resisting pain or torture.

Tier 2 Implants

Reflex Booster (5,000 C + installation) +1 to Evasion skill. Permanent passive benefit.

Muscle Fiber Enhancement (6,000 C + installation) +1 to Athletics skill. Increase carrying capacity by 25%.

Neural Processor (8,000 C + installation) +1 to one Intellect skill (chosen at installation). Cannot be changed.

Auto-Injector System (4,000 C + installation) Holds 3 doses of medical items. Can auto-inject when HP drops below 25% (once per day).

Targeting Overlay (7,500 C + installation) +1 Accuracy with ranged weapons. Projects trajectory assistance.

Tier 3 Implants

Combat Reflex System (20,000 C + installation) Once per combat, take an additional action during your turn. Costs 3 Energy.

Reinforced Skeleton (25,000 C + installation) +5 permanent HP. Resistance to bone breaks and crush damage.

Advanced Neural Interface (30,000 C + installation) Direct brain-computer integration. Pilot vehicles or control drones mentally. +2 Piloting/Navigation when directly interfaced.

Synthetic Organ Suite (35,000 C + installation) Immunity to biological toxins and diseases. Reduced need for food/water (50% normal).

Subdermal Armor (40,000 C + installation) +1 AR (flat damage reduction). Does not stack with worn armor but provides coverage for unarmored zones.

Tier 4 Implants

Consciousness Backup (100,000 C + installation) Creates periodic memory backups. If character dies, consciousness can be restored to clone or shell (requires additional costs and story elements).

Temporal Awareness Processor (150,000 C + installation) Gain Advantage on initiative rolls. Once per session, reroll any single roll.

Integrated Weapon Mount (75,000 C + installation + weapon) Concealable weapon system (light weapons only). +2 Accuracy due to neural targeting. Cannot be disarmed.

Full Sensory Suite (120,000 C + installation) 360-degree awareness, thermal vision, motion detection. +3 Awareness, immune to flanking from unaware positioning.

15.4 Cybernetic Body Modifications

Cybernetic modifications replace biological components with mechanical alternatives, offering superior performance at the cost of organic functionality and social acceptance.

Modification Tiers

Minor Modifications (Tier 1):

Cosmetic enhancements
Basic sensory upgrades
Decorative cybernetics
Generally legal, socially accepted
Cost: 500-2,500 credits

Moderate Modifications (Tier 2):

Limb augmentations
Enhanced vision systems
Muscular amplification
Requires Tier 2 credential (regulated)
Social stigma in conservative areas
Cost: 3,000-15,000 credits

Major Modifications (Tier 3):

Complete limb replacement
Dermal armor plating
Organ replacement
Requires Tier 3 credential (restricted)
Significant social impact
Cost: 15,000-50,000 credits

Full Conversion (Tier 4):

Total cybernetic reconstruction
Synthetic organ replacement
Minimal organic tissue remaining
Illegal in most jurisdictions without special permits
Severe social consequences
Cost: 50,000-150,000 credits

Cybernetic Limbs

Standard Cybernetic Arm: (5,000 C + installation) Strength equivalent to natural limb. +1 Hand-to-Hand when using cybernetic arm for attacks.

Enhanced Cybernetic Arm: (15,000 C + installation) Superior strength. +2 Hand-to-Hand, can bend metal bars, crush objects. Integrated tool mounts available.

Combat Cybernetic Arm: (30,000 C + installation) Military-grade strength and durability. +3 Hand-to-Hand, +1 AR on that limb. Can integrate weapon systems.

Cybernetic Leg (Standard): (4,000 C + installation) Normal mobility. +1 Athletics when running or jumping.

Enhanced Cybernetic Leg: (12,000 C + installation) Superior performance. +2 Athletics, +5 feet movement per Energy spent.

Integrated Tool Systems: (+2,000-10,000 C per system) Built-in tools: cutting torch, data probe, lockpick, grappling hook. Eliminates need for separate tools.

Dermal and Structural Modifications

Subdermal Plating Upgrade: (20,000 C + installation) Armor integrated beneath skin that functions with the implant of the same name. +1 AR in addition to implant effects. It doesn't count as worn armor and is always active.

Reinforced Skeletal Upgrade: (35,000 C + installation) Metallic bone reinforcement that works with the implant of the same name. +15 HP in addition to implant bonus, immunity to bone fractures, -1 Stealth (metallic signature).

Synthetic Skin: (8,000 C + installation) Enhanced durability and environmental resistance. +1 resistance to temperature extremes, +2 Spirit against pain.

Optical Enhancement Suite: (12,000 C + installation) Complete eye replacement. Thermal vision, zoom, recording capability. +2 Awareness, immune to visual Blinded effects.

Installation and Complications

Cybernetic modifications follow same installation procedures as implants but with increased difficulty:

Installation TD Modifiers:

Minor: TD 6+
Moderate: TD 8+
Major: TD 10+
Full Conversion: TD 12+

Cybernetic-Specific Complications:

Complications and requirements are sole discretion of the GA and the level of difficulty wanting to be achieved within the game.

Rejection Issues:

Organic immune system attacks cybernetics
Requires immunosuppressants (100 C/week)
Chronic pain and inflammation

Power Requirements:

Extensive cybernetics require energy
Heavy modifications: -2 maximum Energy
Full conversion: -5 maximum Energy

Maintenance Needs:

Regular servicing required
Monthly maintenance: 100-1,000 C depending on complexity
Malfunction chance increases without maintenance

Social Consequences:

Conservative regions hostile to heavily modified individuals
-1 to -5 Persuasion depending on modification level and audience
Possible denied entry to facilities or systems

15.5 Shell Technology

Shells enable consciousness transfer into alternative bodies—biological, synthetic, or hybrid forms. This technology remains experimental, expensive, and morally controversial.

Shell Types

Temporary Synthetic Shell:

Mechanical body for short-term use
Duration: 1 narrative cycle
Consciousness returns to original body automatically
Cost: 10,000 credits
Availability: Rare, restricted

Temporary Organic Shell:

Cloned biological body
Duration: 2 narrative cycles
More natural experience than synthetic
Cost: 20,000 credits
Availability: Illegal in most jurisdictions

Permanent Synthetic Shell:

Fully stable mechanical body
Permanent consciousness transfer
Original body dies or destroyed
Cost: 100,000 credits
Availability: Highly restricted, requires special permits

Permanent Organic Shell:

DNA-matched biological body
Permanent transfer, indistinguishable from original
Ethical concerns and legal restrictions
Cost: 150,000 credits
Availability: Illegal except in specific jurisdictions

Consciousness Transfer Process

Requirements:

Specialized facility (not available everywhere)
Neural mapping (2-4 days)
Target shell prepared and compatible
Tier 4 medical access or black market connection

When used, Consciousness Backup allows the GA to treat a successful restoration as if the character had passed the Medicine / Programming checks for transfer into a prepared shell or clone. The GA may still apply a roll on the Transfer Complications table if desired.

Transfer Procedure:

Step 1: Neural Mapping Programming check TD 10 to create consciousness template

Success: Clean transfer possible
Failure: Degraded template (-1 to all Trait dice temporarily)

Step 2: Consciousness Transfer Medicine check TD 10 to perform transfer

Success: Transfer complete, full functionality
Failure: Partial transfer (roll on Transfer Complications table)
Critical Failure (Minimum Roll): Consciousness fragmentation, possible death

Step 3: Integration Spirit check TD 10 to integrate with new body

Success: Full control, no adjustment period
Failure: Adjustment period (1 week), Disadvantage on physical actions
Critical Failure: Rejection, must transfer back or risk permanent damage

Transfer Complications

d10	Complication
1	Memory Loss: Forget last 1d6 months
2	Personality Shift: One trait die drops one size permanently
3	Skill Degradation: Random skill at -2 until retraining
4	Sensory Disconnect: -2 Awareness for 2 weeks
5	Identity Crisis: Disadvantage on all Spirit checks (1 cycle)
6	Partial Transfer: One memory category inaccessible
7	Motor Control Issues: -2 Athletics for 1 week
8	Temporal Disorientation: Confusion about timeline for 3 days
9	Emotional Blunting: -2 Charisma for 1 cycle
10	Consciousness Echo: Original personality fragments persist (roleplay complication)

Shell Limitations

Synthetic Shells:

Cannot use organic-only implants
May be detected by scanners (TD 10 Awareness)
Require periodic maintenance
Social stigma in biological-focused cultures

Organic Shells:

Age normally (temporary shells degrade faster)
Require standard biological needs
May have genetic markers identifying as clone
Legal status varies dramatically by jurisdiction

Both Types:

Cannot transfer while in shell (must return to original)
Memory updates require re-transfer
Original body must be preserved (expensive for permanent transfers)
Psychological adaptation required

15.6 Body Modification Crafting

Characters with appropriate skills can create implants and modifications rather than purchasing them.

Crafting Implants

Requirements:

Engineering and Medicine skills
Appropriate components
Workshop or medical facility
Blueprint or design knowledge

Crafting Process:

Below represents a generic table regarding Implants specifically. GA may additionally use Chapter 11 as a reference point if confusion arises.

Implant Tier	Components	TD	Time	Notes
Tier 1	20 Basic – Schem.	8	2 hours	Simple functionality
Tier 2	30 Basic, 10 Advanced – Schem.	10	4 hours	Moderate complexity
Tier 3	20 Advanced, 1 Rare – Schem.	12	1 day	Advanced systems
Tier 4	10 Rare, 1 Unique – Schem.	14	3 days	Cutting-edge tech
Tier 5	1 Unique, advanced schematic	16+	1 week	Experimental prototype

Crafting Modifiers:

Specialized Facility: +2 to roll
Assistant with Medicine skill: +1 to roll
Rushed Work: -2 to roll, half time
Exceptional Materials: +1 to roll, double component cost

Results:

Success: Standard implant created
Failure: Components wasted, no implant created
Critical Failure: Components destroyed, possible injury (1d6 damage)

15.7 Augmentation and Society

Physical modifications carry social consequences beyond mechanical benefits.

Minimal Augmentation (1-2 visible modifications):

Generally accepted in most societies
May be fashionable in some cultures
No mechanical Persuasion penalties

Moderate Augmentation (3-5 visible modifications):

Accepted in progressive areas
Viewed with suspicion in conservative regions
-1 Persuasion in traditional communities

Heavy Augmentation (6-10 visible modifications):

Accepted only in cybernetic-friendly zones
Feared or discriminated against elsewhere
-2 to -3 Persuasion in most areas
Possible denied entry to facilities

Extreme Augmentation (Full Conversion):

Rejected by most biological societies
Welcomed in Cetus and similar locations
-5 Persuasion with biologicals
May trigger hostility or violence in some regions
Automatic suspicion from authorities

Cultural Attitudes

Pro-Augmentation Cultures:

Cetus (Cybernetic homeworld)
Titan (necessity-driven modifications)
Mars (military enhancement acceptance)
Certain Metronis districts

Moderate Cultures:

Most Coalition space
Trade-focused stations
Pragmatic colonies

Anti-Augmentation Cultures:

Traditional Earth enclaves
Religious communities
Elathria (natural form emphasis)
Some frontier settlements

Legal Restrictions

Regulated Modifications:

Weapon-integrated systems
Combat enhancements beyond standard
Consciousness transfer technology
Restricted AI integration

Illegal Modifications:

Uncredentialed military-grade augmentations
Consciousness duplication
Forced modification of others
Biological weapon integration

15.8 Augmentation Economics

The augmentation market creates significant economic activity and inequality.

Market Dynamics

Core World Pricing:

Full selection available
Regulated and certified
Premium pricing (+20-40% standard cost)
Guaranteed quality

Colony World Pricing:

Moderate selection
Variable quality
Standard pricing
Some risk of complications

Black Market Pricing:

Illegal and experimental options available
Reduced cost (50% standard)
High complication risk (30-50% chance)
No legal recourse for failures

Insurance and Warranties

Medical Insurance:

Standard plans: Cover basic implant complications
Premium plans: Cover advanced modifications
Military/Corporate: Often cover job-related augmentations
Cost: 100-2,000 C monthly depending on coverage

Equipment Warranties:

Legal facilities: 30-day warranty standard
Independent surgeons: No warranty typical
Black market: Never warranted
Extended warranties: +20% installation cost