Cyborg
Source Tech Core pg. 8
Augmentations and self-modifications are common throughout the galaxy, but a cyborg takes this a step further, replacing at least half of their original body with augmentations.
A cyborg is a creature who has heavily altered their body with cybernetics and other augmentations, sometimes replacing significant sections of their skeleton and nervous system with a frame, a chassis for the additional specialized augmentations the body would otherwise be unable to handle. A portion of the cyborg population has benefited from the marvels of technology to regain limbs or function they'd lost due to physical trauma, illness, or similar complications. Many other cyborgs are sponsored or tested upon by corporate, military, or scientific organizations for their individual capacities. In some cases, people are subjected to such modifications against their own volition, whether through illicit means or through airtight contracts that require the individual to “volunteer” for modification testing as collateral. No matter how they got their first augmentations, it isn't rare to see cyborgs continuously rebuilding their bodies with artificial parts to significantly alter their capabilities. For many, augmenting themselves to such a degree that they become a cyborg allows them to express their true selves.
In most societies, an individual is considered a cyborg when at least 50 percent of their body is enhanced by biotech, cybernetics, magitech, or some other artificial means. Cyborgs and the scientific minds who drive that level of technological growth commonly refer to the crossing of that threshold as cybergenesis—a rebirth into a wholly new and unique form.
Some cyborgs seek to hide their advancements with subtle biotech components over the flashier and often less costly cybernetic parts. Just as many bear their cybernetic augmentations proudly, incorporating purely aesthetic design elements like metal faceplates, glowing lightbars, or holographic decorations to flaunt their customizations.
Many cyborgs become part of another community—one full of androids, SROs, and other cyborgs. While still as much of a member of their community of origin as they were before, they can find solidarity with other constructed organisms. With the right modifications, they can even live in environments that would be hazardous to most organic life-forms. Many cyborgs develop a greater understanding of constructed lifeforms, their unique communities, and the hardships they face.
If you want to play a character who represents the bleeding edge of what technology can bring to an already established species and who has augmented their body well beyond what's common, you should play a cyborg.
In most societies, an individual is considered a cyborg when at least 50 percent of their body is enhanced by biotech, cybernetics, magitech, or some other artificial means. Cyborgs and the scientific minds who drive that level of technological growth commonly refer to the crossing of that threshold as cybergenesis—a rebirth into a wholly new and unique form.
Some cyborgs seek to hide their advancements with subtle biotech components over the flashier and often less costly cybernetic parts. Just as many bear their cybernetic augmentations proudly, incorporating purely aesthetic design elements like metal faceplates, glowing lightbars, or holographic decorations to flaunt their customizations.
Many cyborgs become part of another community—one full of androids, SROs, and other cyborgs. While still as much of a member of their community of origin as they were before, they can find solidarity with other constructed organisms. With the right modifications, they can even live in environments that would be hazardous to most organic life-forms. Many cyborgs develop a greater understanding of constructed lifeforms, their unique communities, and the hardships they face.
If you want to play a character who represents the bleeding edge of what technology can bring to an already established species and who has augmented their body well beyond what's common, you should play a cyborg.
You Might…
- Treat your body as a weapon or a tool, rather than as a part of your true self.
- Feel uncomfortable among others of your ancestry, hiding your dual nature in their presence.
- Revel in your customized body and the capabilities it grants you.
Others Probably…
- Are often amazed by the abundance of obvious technological augmentation you have.
- Mistake you for an android or similar constructed lifeform.
- Probe you with questions about how your augmentations feel.
Physical Description
Cyborgs resemble their original ancestry with a large amount of aftermarket advancements to half or more of their bodies. Iconically, these augmentations and advancements are cybernetic, giving most cyborgs a technological appearance—some are even mistaken for androids or SROs—but cyborgs can possess any kind of augmentations available. Regardless of the number and type of augmentations they possess, a cyborg's original biological makeup still resides somewhere on their form, making their appearance an amalgam of organic and synthetic components. Many cyborgs visually denote the difference between their original and enhanced parts with obvious borders like circuitry, screws and bolts, or tattoos.
Cyborgs age and require sleep and sustenance in the same manner of their original ancestry. However, most possess augmentations that enable them to survive in environments that would be hostile to their original ancestry unmodified. As the augmented portions of their bodies don't age at the same rate as their biological bodies, many cyborgs have the capability to outlive their original lifespans.
Cyborgs age and require sleep and sustenance in the same manner of their original ancestry. However, most possess augmentations that enable them to survive in environments that would be hostile to their original ancestry unmodified. As the augmented portions of their bodies don't age at the same rate as their biological bodies, many cyborgs have the capability to outlive their original lifespans.
Society
Most cyborgs continue to live in their communities just as their non-cyborg peers do, but it isn't entirely rare for a cyborg to join a community of androids or similar constructed life-forms.
For those who delight in their cybergenesis, cyborg groups have popped up throughout the Pact Worlds to celebrate innovations in augmentation and to compare and spotlight those who make the most novel and unique use of their augmentations. Many cyborgs find camaraderie within these groups, which can bring a sense of belonging to those who search for solidarity with others who struggle with or enjoy the novelties of living as a cyborg.
For those who delight in their cybergenesis, cyborg groups have popped up throughout the Pact Worlds to celebrate innovations in augmentation and to compare and spotlight those who make the most novel and unique use of their augmentations. Many cyborgs find camaraderie within these groups, which can bring a sense of belonging to those who search for solidarity with others who struggle with or enjoy the novelties of living as a cyborg.
Beliefs
Though initially biased by the views and influence of their original communities, cyborgs are often inspired by technological achievement. While there are people of innumerable walks of life who choose to become cyborgs, there are certain communities whose members are more likely to undergo this transformation than others. Many followers of Triune end up becoming cyborgs to live closer to their deity by integrating computers into their very being. Those who worship the Newborn, particularly the outer god's domain of renewal, might view cybergenesis as a way of remaking themselves completely.
Sample Names
Argente, Cybercore, Mark 3, Mecha-Greg, Miss Laser, Nicol V2, Olly4, Operative Ell, Tiseri, Vantage
Versatile Heritage
Cyborg
Source Tech Core pg. 27
Your body has been substantially augmented with cybernetic modifications, well beyond standard augmentation procedures. You gain the cyborg and tech traits, in addition to the traits from your ancestry. Your body has an integrated comm unit you can operate by thought alone, even making calls and taking photos without audibly speaking or moving. This doesn't count as an augmentation. Your implant limit is increased by 4. You can choose from cyborg feats and feats from your ancestry whenever you gain an ancestry feat.