Nano-tech Augmentation (5 points per level)

After reading Grey Elf’s excellent Cyber-Buffy rules, I became enamored of the idea of doing something similar for nanotech cybernetics, as shown in the Deus Ex series of video games and several popular anime series.  This is an expansion of his excellent rules set, not a replacement, and can be found here.  This is what I’ve got sketched out so far. 

A character with this Quality has been injected with nano-machines, which are used to alter and enhance their physical, and in some cases even mental performance.  Unlike standard cybernetics, nanotechnology is much less demanding on the body and instead of replacing organs and limbs, it works to enhance and improve them with the latest in micro-technology.  Nano-tech does not interfere with the body’s natural healing processes, and in fact can even boost it.  When first purchased, the character gains two enhancements, and one additional enhancement for each level bought thereafter.  A character is limited to no more levels than double their Constitution score.

In a setting like the Buffyverse, nano-tech can function side-by-side with supernatural beings.  In fact, many supernatural beings can be enhanced themselves, though obviously this should be done with extreme caution.  A nano-tech enhanced Slayer should be a terrifying thing and not unleashed casually.  Because they work with the natural body, any physical attribute bonuses stack with bonuses granted from supernatural enhancement packages, though only at half-effectiveness.  For example, a Slayer with a nano-tech upgrade granting +2 Strength would actually only receive a +1 bonus to that attribute.  Mental attributes bonuses stack normally.

Nano-tech can even be administered to undead creatures such as vampires because they still have a somewhat functioning biology, allowing them to be process blood and even be drugged and the like.  However, they cannot gain any kind of regenerative enhancement as their body does not heal in a “normal” fashion as far as their technology is concerned.  Their vampiric powers and blood drive their rapid healing and no technology can improve on that, at least at the moment.  Also, any character or creature with high level regenerative powers (con/minute or con/turn) cannot be nano-tech enhanced, as it takes time for the enhancements to spread throughout the body, unless a way is found to suppress this healing factor for the proscribed amount of time. 

Such enhancement comes with a hidden cost though.  It is not available to the mass public, and as such, any character possessing such enhancements has come by them by either a government agency or extremely well-funded corporation.  This means anyone taking this Quality must also take a disadvantage in the form of a Total Obligation to their benefactor, or a 5 point Adversary in the form of the same organization.  Also, if any of their nano-tech augmentations are damaged or disrupted, there are very few people capable of repairing them.  Entire adventures can be crafted around a nano-tech enhanced character on the run being forced to sneak back into the lion’s den seeking repairs.

Augmentation Options

Many of these are enhanced versions of normal Qualities from the Buffy and Angel Core Rulebooks.  These Qualities do not stack with their natural counterparts unless specifically stated otherwise.  Yes, several of these are copied or tweaked from Grey Elf’s Cyber-Buffy rules.  I include them here for sake of thoroughness.  Still, this is just what I consider to be the basics.  The sky’s the limit (provided the Director approves). 

• Muscular Enhancements:  +1 to Strength.  Can be taken multiple times.
• Reflex Booster:  Fast Reaction Time and + 1 to Dexterity.  Additional levels grant +1 to Dexterity.
• Endurance Booster:  +1 to Constitution.  Can be taken multiple times.
• Heightened Senses:  +1 to Perception.
• Enhanced Sense:  requires Heightened Senses.  +5 bonus to any Notice check involving a single sense.  Can be taken multiple times, but must affect a different sense each time.  Only one sense can be actively enhanced at any given time.
• Neural Interface:  +1 to Intelligence or Willpower.  Can interface with computers and networks for Cyber-Jacking.  Also grants the first level of Eidetic Memory.
• Speed Burst:  doubles running and jumping distance.  Can be taken multiple times.
• Sub-dermal Weave:  adds +1 to Strength as well as the Natural Toughness quality.
• Regeneration:  increases the character’s healing rate by one tier.  Can be taken multiple times.  Example: A normal human takes one level and gets Regeneration (Con/Hour).  A Slayer would get Regeneration (Con/Minute).
• Therm-optic Camouflage:  requires Sub-dermal Weave.  Renders the character nearly invisible, with only a continuous visual distortion effect signaling their presence.  Add +5 to any Crime roll to avoid being spotted by anyone and anything relying on normal vision.  Cannot be used simultaneously with Thermal Masking.
• Thermal Masking:  requires Sub-dermal Weave.  Masks thermal heat signature, allowing the character to avoid triggering thermal sensors and the like.  Cannot be used simultaneously with Therm-optic Camouflage. 
• Remote Control:  requires the Neural Interface enhancement.  After making an appropriate hacking check to gain access to the control system, the character may continue to direct orders to things like robots via a remote wireless signal.  If coupled with the Enhanced Senses (Sight) augmentation, the character can even receive remote telemetry from accessed security systems.
• Sonic Emitter:  can imitate any sound the character has heard; especially useful when bypassing voice security.  Can also emit a high-pitched sonic for 12 points of damage.  It should go without saying that this cannot be dodged.  Perfect for disrupting psychics and spellcasters. J
• Mental Shield:  +1 to Willpower; scrambles the neural pathways and makes the character extremely resistant to torture and interrogation.  A bit of a stretch, but could also be used to resist mind control and telepathy. (see Iron Mind from the Angel Sourcebook)
• Environmental Support:  grants a 3 point resistance to airborne toxins and diseases.  Can also allow the character to suspend respiration for a number of minutes equal to the character’s Constitution attribute.

Inefficient Power Supply (point Drawback)
Vulnerability: EMP (point Drawback)