By William Littlefield

POST-PLAYTEST PUBLIC RELEASE ONE: 11-17-2003

The material presented here is intended for use with the Savage Worlds system from Pinnacle Entertainment Group. Savage Worlds
and all affiliated logos are Trademarks of Pinnacle Entertainment Group, Inc. © 2001 Pinnacle Entertainment Group, Inc. Savage
Worlds is Copyright 2003, Great White Games. This work is not an officially licensed product and has no affiliation with Great White
Games. Illustrations used without permission. All original material is © 2003 by William Littlefield.
I highly recommend that anyone seriously interested in adding cybernetics to their campaign rush on over to www.rpgnow.com and
pick up the Atomik Vortex Add-on Booklet (FREE) and the Atomik Cybertek Supplement ($5.45). They provide a wealth of information
and are well worth the cost. In addition, I highly recommend any GURPS supplement (GURPS Cyberpunk and GURPS Cyberworld are
both excellent resources) that covers the cyberpunk or cybertek genres. R. Talsorian’s Cyberpunk 2020 game line is also highly
recommended - the “chrome” sourcebooks are excellent sources of cyberware ideas and the sourcebooks are outstanding resources
for creating a cyberpunk setting. My own extensive play testing has led me to the conclusion that cybernetic enhancements are best
treated simply as trappings of the various Edges and Powers already described in the Savage Worlds rulebook. This is the approach
this document assumes you will prefer as well. If that is not the case then the AB: Weird Science and AB: Super Powers Edges are
easily adapted to accommodate the use of cybertek. I wish you luck in converting them for use – I found the process to not be worth the
effort as far as my own cyberpunk game was concerned.

CYBERTEK AS A VARIANT OF THE EXISTING EDGE/POWER MECHANICS

The easiest method, and the one I prefer and use, of integrating cyberware into your Savage Worlds campaign is to simply treat each
individual piece of cybertek as a separate Edge. A prime benefit of this system is that it does not use power points or skill rolls – the
device functions at all times (an optional rule allows for a small chance of “systems failure” to occur). In order to make use of the
various devices, the character must first choose the Hardwired Edge:

HARDWIRED
Requirements: Novice
This Edge is a prerequisite for all the Cybertek Enhancement Edges. It represents the body’s “preparation” to accept future cybertek
implants – whatever exact processes this procedure entails is left to the individual GM to decide. In a “Steampunk” setting this may be
the simple acquisition of a portable (and suitably miniaturized steam power plant. For a post-apocalyptic setting the wiring of hard points
and enhancement of internal structures would be more appropriate. This Edge is classified as a “Weird Edge”.

Once a character has chosen the Hardwired Edge he is eligible to choose a Cybertek Enhancement Edge any time he would normally
be eligible to choose an additional Edge. While this method is certainly in keeping with the “Fast, Furious, Fun” credo of Savage
Worlds, you must admit it does lack some of the “flavor” that is normally present in other cybertek systems. Have no fear – you can
easily add that flavor by means of the following optional rules.

OPTIONAL RULE ONE: But at the cost of our humanity

One area that is conspicuously lacking is the concept of “Humanity”. In the cyberpunk genre it is generally assumed that the more
“enhancements” one obtains the less human one becomes. The easiest way to recreate this under Savage Worlds is to require a Spirit
roll whenever obtaining an additional piece of cybertek. This roll should be modified by -1 for each Cybertek Enhancement Edge the
character already possesses. Cybertek Enhancement Edges that enhance an existing piece of cybertek (i.e., adding a grappling hand
to a cybernetic arm) are not counted when figuring this penalty. Failure indicates that the character’s Spirit die type is reduced by one
step. It can thereafter be raised normally (i.e., during a level opportunity). If a character’s penalties due to his enhancements ever
equals his current Spirit die type he is removed from the game (becomes an NPC controlled by the GM) - his insistence on repeated
cybertek enhancements has reduced him to an inhumane mass of flesh and metal.

OPTIONAL RULE TWO: That which does not kill us only makes us stronger
Each piece if cyberware has an associated Risk Factor (RF). This is a modifier that is applied to a Vigor roll made at the time the
cybertek is installed. The RF of any piece of cyberware should be between 0 and -4. A RF of 0 indicates a minor procedure that
requires little or no recovery time while a RF of -4 indicates a major procedure requiring a lengthy recovery period. When a piece of
cyberware is installed the character makes a normal Vigor roll. Success indicates no adverse effects resulting from the procedure.
Failure indicates that the character suffers a wound. Snake eyes inflicts two wounds. These wounds may only be healed by natural
means and must be fully healed before the character can gain the benefits of the chosen Cybertek Enhancement Edge. The modifiers
assume access to high tech medical facilities and well-trained medical personnel. If this is not the case, an additional penalty of -2
would not be considered inappropriate.

OPTIONAL RULE THREE: There’s no such thing as a free ride

Cyberware isn’t free. You still have to choose the appropriate Cybertek Enhancement Edge, but you also have to pay the monetary cost
as well. Each Cybertek Enhancement Edge should have an associated Value Level (VL) that is simply a multiplier for the base cost as
set by the GM. For example, a piece of cybertek with a VL of 4 in a campaign where the GM has set the base cost of cybertek at $2000
would actually cost the character $8000 to obtain and have installed. You cannot choose the Edge unless you can afford the desired
enhancement. The cost includes that of the device as well as the procedure required to install it.

OPTIONAL RULE FOUR: Systems failure

Cybertek is mechanical in nature and as such is subject to failure at some point. Whenever a cybertek device is used roll 2D6. If double
sixes are rolled the device suffers a minor malfunction for the current round only. If double ones are rolled, the device suffers a major
malfunction for 2D6 rounds.

OPTIONAL RULE FIVE: Repairing damage from an external source

Cybertek can also be damaged due to factors other than internal systems failure – lasers, explosions, projectile weapons, etc... To
reflect such possibilities simply give each enhancement a Toughness rating. Damage is inflicted according to the normal rules – hitting
a piece of cybertek requires a “called shot”. If the attack beats the device’s Toughness the device will no longer function until it is
repaired. A successful Repair roll and 2D6 hours are required to make the repairs.
Cybertek Descriptions
This list is by no means exhaustive and individual GMs are encouraged to add, delete, or modify it to suit their individual campaigns.
This is simply a basic list to get your creative juices flowing! The Edges reflect their use in my personal campaign where cybertek is rare
and those who rely on it are shunned by members of the “normal” populace (-1 on Charisma for each visible enhancement) – to that
end, many of these enhancements are quite powerful as the negative effects of their use tend to balance out the positives. It should
also be noted that I employ all five optional rules in my games. The values for Risk Factor, Value Level, and Toughnessare left for the
individual GM to determine – the ones I have included are set to reflect their use in my campaign and should not be construed as being
applicable to other campaigns. I allow players to come up with their own enhancements – I simply put them into a form that is
“balanced” as far as my own game is concerned. The following examples have all been extensively play tested.

Remember, all cybertek enhancements are considered to be individual Edges – each with the Hardwired Edge as a prerequisite. Any
enhancement listed as ‘military (improved)’ requires the base enhancement as a prerequisite. The GM is the final arbiter of whether or
not the bonuses granted by cybertek enhancements stack with those provided by mundane Edges – I would rule, in most cases, that
thy do stack.

Enhanced Sensory and Targeting Array Neuro Rewire

This enhancement allows the user to add a +2 modifier to any This enhancement allows the user to use both arms as if he
Notice rolls he may make in the same manner as the Alertness were ambidextrous. The military (improved) version of this
Edge. In addition, a character with this enhancement is treated enhancement allows the character to ignore the standard MAP
as having taken the Aim maneuver in any turn in which he when fighting with a weapon in both hands.
makes a ranged attack and did not move. The military
(improved) version of this enhancement allows a +2 modifier Internal Stabilizer
on all Shooting and Throwing rolls. This enhancement incorporates an internal stabilizer that not
only allows the user to ignore the normal penalty for firing from
Nanotech Healing Enhancement an unstable platform, but also to ignore the normal -2 penalty
A character with this enhancement may add +2 to his Vigor for firing an automatic weapon – whether he moves or not!
rolls when checking for natural healing. In addition, he may
apply a +2 modifier when attempting to recover from being Carbon Weave Skin
Shaken. Such bonuses are due to the strategically placed This enhancement grants the recipient two points of armor (all
nanopods containing nanobots and quick acting therapeutic over) as well as increasing Toughness by +1. This armor
drugs. The military (improved) version of this enhancement lets bonus may be stacked with the benefits of more mundane
the character ignore one point of wound penalties. forms or armor.

Cyber Arm Enhanced Camouflage and Concealment Array

Each instance of this Edge replaces one of the character’s This enhancement consists of a skin weave that adjusts to
arms with a cybernetically enhanced version. The arm can be match the user’s surroundings and grants a +2 bonus on
optimized for strength or dexterity when installed – it can later Stealth rolls and a -2 modifier against all attempts to detect the
be optimized for the other attribute, but this requires an user. This enhancement cannot be combined with the Carbon
additional Edge. There are also numerous “add-ons” that can Skin Weave.
be obtained for a cyber arm (each is treated as an additional
Edge). Arms optimized for strength allow a +2 modifier on all Attribute Enhancement Array
Strength rolls. Those optimized for dexterity allow the same This enhancement acts to allow the character to add +2 to any
bonus but in regards to Agility rolls. rolls made against a specific attribute. In addition, any skills
linked to the attribute gain a +1 bonus as well. Each
Cyber Leg enhancement only affects a single attribute. Multiple attributes
When this Edge is chosen both of the character’s legs (and may be enhanced by taking the Edge more than once.
their pelvic/hip girdle) are cybernetically enhanced. The benefit
of this enhancement is a +2” bonus to Pace. When running the Cyber Arm Enhancements
character rolls a D10 instead of a D6. Finally, the character is There are many variations of this enhancement – each
not Fatigued by moving long distances. requires the Cyber Arm Enhancement Edge as a prerequisite.

Myoskeletal Enhancement • Grappling Hand: The user’s cyber hand is detachable

This enhancement involves strengthening the character’s and is attached to a 50’ cable capable of bearing up
bones and supplementing his muscles. The end result is a +1 to 300lbs. It may be “shot” up to 50’ using an internal
bonus to Toughness and an increase in his Load Limit (x8 explosive device. An Agility roll is required to hit one’s
rather than x5). In addition, he accumulates Fatigue levels from target and “catch”.
physical exertion at ½ the normal rate. The military (improved) • Cyber Fingers: The user’s fingers each have a unique
version of this enhancement allows a +2 modifier to Strength and relatively minor effect – one may be a wire cutter,
rolls. another may be a small flashlight, and yet another
may be a “Swiss army knife” type device. Up to five
Reaction Time Neuro Enhancement enhanced fingers are allowed when this enhancement
This enhancement allows the character to draw two cards is taken.
when determining Initiative. He may then act on the best card. • Projectile Hand: The user’s hand is a ranged weapon.
In addition, he is also treated as if he had the Quick Draw Make a normal Shooting roll when using it as such. Its
Edge. The military (improved) version of this enhancement range is 3/6/12 and it does 2D6 points of damage if it
allows two additional cards to be drawn rather than one. hits.
Cyber Leg Enhancements Device VL* RF T
There are many variations of this enhancement – each
requires the Cyber Leg Enhancement Edge as a prerequisite. Enhanced Sensory and 4 -3 S
Targeting Array
• Internal Rocket Boosters: The user’s legs contain
internal rocket boosters that allow the user to make Cyber Arm 2 -1 8
vertical and horizontal jumps of up to 25’. One jump
per round is possible and an Agility roll is required to Cyber Leg 2 -1 10
land properly. Failure costs the user his next action as
he lands in a heap. Snake eyes indicates the user has Myoskeletal Enhancement 3 -4 N/A
landed so badly that he takes a Wound (which can be
soaked normally) in addition to losing his next action. Reaction Time Neuro 3 -2 S
• Roller Blades: The user can increase his pace by +2” Enhancement
by utilizing the retractable roller blades in his feet. An
Agility roll is required to stay balanced - Failure costs Neuro Rewire 3 -2 S
the user his next action as he lands in a heap. Snake
eyes indicates the user has landed so badly that he Internal Stabilizer 2 -2 S
takes a Wound (which can be soaked normally) in
addition to losing his next action. Carbon Weave Skin 2 -3 N/A
• Toe Blade: A retractable toe blade allows the user to
make hand-to-hand attacks (kicks) that score damage Enhanced Camouflage and 3 -2 S
equal to STR+2. Concealment Array

Hidden Storage Compartment Attribute Enhancement 2 -2 S

This enhancement creates a storage compartment within an Array
existing cyber arm or leg. The exact size is up to the user but
should not exceed 2”x6”x2” for an arm or 4”x12”x4” for a leg. Cyber Arm Enhancements 1-2 0 4
The compartment is opened either by a small external clip or
internally via a neuromuscular stimulant. Cyber Leg Enhancements 1-2 0 4

Hidden Storage 1 0 2
Enhanced Visual Array
Compartment
This enhancement allows users the ability to see in the infrared
spectrum as well as gaining the equivalent vision granted by
Enhanced Visual Array 1 -1 S
standard night vision goggles.
* = I assume a base value level of $2500

S = All are located in the cranial region. Any head shot that
causes damage will render a random device inoperable.

N/A = When the user suffers three or more cumulative wounds

the device is rendered inoperable.

One Last Option!

Whenever you fail your Humanity Check roll on the following

table (in addition to losing a Spirit die step):

2D6 Result
2 Bad wiring results in a nervous tic of some sort –
apply a -1 modifier to your Charisma.
3-4 Shoddy workmanship – your cybertek enhancement
is obvious – apply a -1 modifier to your Charisma
5-6 A crossed wire somewhere allows you to pick up
intermittent radio transmissions – apply a -2 modifier
to your Notice rolls until this problem is repaired.
7-8 Each day you must make a Spirit roll – failure means
that you forget a random skill for the day.
9-10 Gain the Habit (Addiction) Hindrance due to the
immunosuppressant and pain drugs you were taking
following your last enhancement.
11 “They” are out to get you, of this you are sure – gain
the Delusional Hindrance
12 You no longer feel human – each day is a constant
struggle to suppress the “beast within”. Make a Spirit
roll at the start of each day – if you fail gain the
Bloodthirsty Hindrance.