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Knock-Off Monday 12 May 2014

CORPORATE AGE CYBER-SHOPS PART 2

KNOCKOFF EQUIPMENTWhile this issue started out as a treatise for knockoff cyberware it gradually morphed into an article for knockoff tech in general. Having said that, I

wanted to create a system where, with just a few rolls of the dice, one could create an example of copied or reproduced technology complete withingrained flaws and defects along with cost reduction. While I could have filled several pages with lists of tech flaws I ins tead provided a fewexamples to get a GM started.

BasicsBefore we get to the Knockoff Creation System we must first define what a knockoff item is. A quick check in the thesaurus provides the followingas knockoff synonyms: Copy, Counterfeit, Fake, Forgery, Reproduction, Rip-Off.

These words invoke impressions of such an item being - a piece of shit, cheap, low-end, poorly-made and substandard; notsomething any self-respecting Agent would choose to sully their hands with. That poses the question - why would anyone choose to buy, let alone usesuch an item?

They are cheap.

Outlaws, small-time corporate security, independent freeholds, the working poor and other cash-strapped entities might find such items financiallyattractive. Better to havesomethingthan nothing at all.

SystemAs a baseline allknockoff tech items are considered Condition 9, critically failing on rolled doubles of 9/9 to 10/10 with a Cost Savings of10%.

xample In the Core Rules on page 10 it shows a new Process Socket costs 20,000. A knockoff process socket, assuming no other defects, costs18,000 [20,000 - 10% (2,000) = 18,000 and will critically fail on rolls of 9/9 to 10/10].

Knockoff Devices typically have no warranties or repair contracts of any kind. When such a contract is available the vendor will insist on replacingthe defective item notreturn the purchasers money. Generally, if a knockoff device fails, the user has no legalrecourse to recover his loss.

To determine an items other knockoff characteristics run through the system below.

Knockoff Creation SystemA.Roll D6 to determine the numberof knockoff characteristics the device has.

B.For every knockoff defect the item has roll a D6 to determine what Categoryit is in.

C.Once the Categories are decided make a roll under each to determine the specificKnockoff Characteristic the device has. Reroll any result ifnot applicable to your device.

1. AESTHETICS (Roll D4)

D4 Characteristics1-2 No other defects

3 1 additional defect4 2 additional defects

5 3 additional defects

6 4 additional defects

D6 Knockoff Category Description1 Aesthetics Determines the physical featuresof the device2 Flaw / Liability Defines any weaknessesor vulnerabilitiesthe device might have3 Improvement Describes any impediments to improvingthe device

4 Maintenance Determines the maintenanceproblems the device possesses5 Operation / Performance Demonstrates any performance issuesthe device has.6 Side Effects Describes any side effectswhen using the device

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1The device is bulky and/or larger than typical tech of this type[Lowers AGI by D2 points when using the device]Cost Savings: 5% per point of reduced AGI

2The device is much heavier than typical tech of this type[Requires a certain level of STR to carry / use without penalty. Adjust as needed]

Cost Savings: 5%3The device is ugly, unappealing or just plain b.o.r.i.n.g.Invites ridicule from others[Imposes a -3 to relevant Looking Good action checks]

Cost Savings: 5%4When used the devices irregular shape and asymmetrical design acts to impede the users response times[-D2 to Initiative checks]

Cost Savings: 5% per point of reduced Initiative2. FLAW / LIABILITY (Roll D4)

Notes: HazardsThe device is constructed of substandard, toxic materials, there is a 20% chance per use / mission that the devicebegins to break down, releasing harmful contaminants that affect the users mind and body.

1Physiological Hazard[-D2 to Endurance and reduce users maximum Hit Points by 5 until treatedCosts 500]Cost Savings: 20%

2Psychological Hazard[-D2 to Intelligence and reduce D4 of the users skills by 1 level until cured Costs 500]Cost Savings: 20%

3Susceptible to Hacking, Sabotage, and Cyberhunter attacks[Hackers, Saboteurs and Cyberhuntersgain a +4 to relevant action checks]Cost Savings: 15%

4Vulnerability[Reduce the devices V by 2 and increase the damage done by the relevant effect by 50 ]

Cost Savings: 15%3. IMPROVEMENT ISSUES (Roll D4)

1Expensive to Improve[Costs an additional D4 x 10 cash / resources to make improvements]Cost Savings: 5% per extra level (10%) of cash required to make improvements

D4 Strength1 8

2 9

3 104 11+

D12 Weakness1 Cold2 Corrosives

3 Dust & Particulates

4 Electricity5 EMP

6 Heat & Flames

7 Moisture

8 Nanites9 Radiation (i.e. Microwaves, etc.)

10 Specific Element, Metal, Mineral or other material substance11 Telepathics

12 Other

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2Difficult to Improve[-2 penalty to all action checks to improve the device]Cost Savings: 5%

3Takes longer to improve[i.e. An additional week of Downtime, takes twice as long, etc. ]Cost Savings: 5% per additional week / doubling of time (max 20%)

4Cannot Improve[The item simply cannot be improved - Reroll if not applicable]Cost Savings: 20%

4. MAINTENANCE ISSUES (Roll D6)1Expensive to repair[Cost an additional D4 x 10 cash / resources when effecting repairs]

Cost Savings: 5% per extra level (10%) of cash required to make repairs2Constructed of inferior materials

Cost Savings: 5% per level of lowered AV / 15% if device has 25% HP / 30% if device has 50% less HP3Upkeep, requires frequent maintenance[Must pay an additional 5 maintenance costs]

Cost Savings: 5%4Difficult to Repair[-2 penalty to all repair rolls and requires an additional success]

Cost Savings: 5%5Takes longer to repair

[i.e. An additional week of Downtime, takes twice as long, etc.]

Cost Savings: 5% per additional week / doubling of time (max 20%)6Cannot Repair[The item simply cannot be repaired, i.e. Disposable. Reroll if not applicable]

Cost Savings: 25%. If the item is already disposable (i.e. a grenade) reroll the result

5. OPERATION / PERFORMANCE1Incompatible with other tech[Cannot interface with other tech, i.e. odd shaped components, etc. There is a D4 x 10 chancethe deviceIs incompatible with any given tech including wireless devices]

Cost Savings: 5% per level of incompatibility2Inefficient resource usage

D4 Effect1-2 The device has a lower Armour Value than typical tech/material of this type[Armor Value reduced by D3 points]3-4 The device has fewer Hit Points than typical tech/material of this type

D4 HP Reduction1-3 25% less HP4 50% less HP

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[Uses an additional D4 x 10 resources, i.e. ammo, chemicals, etc. when used. Reroll if not applicable]Cost Savings: 5% per level of additional resource usage

3Inefficient Energy Usage (Cybernetics) Takes batteries, does not use the wearers metabolism to power.[Requires battery upkeep, say a makeshift energy cell or two (50each) every session. Reroll if not applicablCost Savings: 10%

4Substandard Performance[Critically fails on rolled doubles Similar to Prototype Equipment. All Knockoff devices fail on a 9/9 to 10/10 as abaseline]

Cost Savings:10% per level5Overly Complex[i.e. Multipart controls, Clunky interface, etc. Imposes a -1 penalty to relevant action checks. Reroll if not applicable

Cost Savings: 5%6Overheats[There is a D4 x 10 chance the device overheats whenever it is used. This inflicts a cumulative 1HP ofdamage each round until the device is deactivated]

Cost Savings: 5% per level of chance (10%) of the device overheating7Overpowered[Each time the device is used there is a D4 x 10 chance of the excess power load arcing, causing minor harm (D6Damage Galvanic) to the user and anyone else nearby]

Cost Savings: 5% per level of chance (10%) of the device malfunctioning8Power Hog[Drains twice as much power than usual. Includes energy cells. If cybernetic, it counts as two items of its type whendetermining an gents caloric needs]

Cost Savings: 10%9Sluggish[Each scene there is a D4 x 10 chance of the device requiring a greater amount of time to perform its function,i.e. twice as long]

Cost Savings: 5% per level of chance (10%) to require additional time10Underpowered[Each time the device is used there is a D4 x 10 chance of it cutting out for D4 rounds due to loss of power]

Cost Savings: 5% per level of chance (10%) of the device losing power

6. SIDE EFFECTSD20 Effect1 During every scene, each time the device is used / activated there is a 20% chanceof a power feedback and theuser sustains 2D4 damage of a type appropriate for the device (heat, cold, electricity, chaffing, etc.)

Cost Savings: 20%2 When used / activated, the device makes an unbelievably loud, high-pitched, sonic whine lasting for 2D4 minutes.Everyone within 30 meters suffers from an annoying headache (-2 penalty to action checks. Earplugs and the likemitigate the effects somewhat reducing the penalty to -1).

Cost Savings: 20%3 When the device is activated (must be powered) there is a 20% chanceall electronics within a 10-meter radiusare disrupted and hit with 4D6 EMP blast effect.

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Cost Savings: 20%4 When used the device emits a low, steady hum or rhythmic pulse that is noticeable up to 30 meters away (Stealthchecks are impossible).

Cost Savings: 5%5 When used / activated the device discharges harmless special effects, i.e. colored light beams, sparks, etc.

Cost Savings: 5%6 After a scene has concluded the device requires minor repairs before it can be used againRequires Mechtronics 1and 5 minutes work. Requires Mechtronics 1 and 5 minutes.

Cost Savings: 10%7 Each scene there is a 20% chancethat a piece of the device falls off, breaks away, ejects itself, etc. Device willnot function until repaired. Requires Mechtronics 1 and 5 minutes.

Cost Savings: 10%8 At random, completely inappropriate times (D3 times per session) there is a 20% chancethe device self-activates and attempts to perform its function.

Cost Savings: 10%9 Each session there is a 20% chanceof a suddenbreach in the devices power core (i.e. reactor, battery

pack, energy cell, etc. Requires repair before using again.

Cost Savings: 5%10 If damaged, the device emits a loud, mechanical shriek and begins to smoke; gradually filling a 10-meter area aroundthe user (Obscures vision within the cloud and persists for 2D4 minutes).

Cost Savings: 5%11 If damaged, the device emits a loud, mechanical shriek and begins to leak a sticky, viscous fluid that is hard to cleanoff (Takes 2D4 minutes and a strong detergent).

Cost Savings: 5%12 When used / activated the device shakes, shudders or produces powerful recoil effects (Takes up users Free Actionfor the round to recover).

Cost Savings: 5%13 Once or twice per session there is a 20% chance of the device having a power burst - stunning (knocking out) theuser for D4 minutes. Users with ICE are immune although they will feel the effects (tingling).

Cost Savings: 10%14 After D4 rounds of use the device causes a red, itchy rash on the users skin. The condition goes away when the

device is turned off / deactivated (-1 to Looking Good checks).

Cost Savings: 5%15 Every time doubles are rolled the device loses D4 condition levels.

Cost Savings: 5%16 When being used if a critical failure is rolled the device explodes - dealing 2D10 damage in a 5-meter radius.

Cost Savings: 10%17 Having faulty components the device takes 50% more damage from Galvanic and EMP attacks.

Cost Savings: 5%18 Whenever a critical failure is rolled the device disassembles itself. If cyberware the user takes 2D4 damage.

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Cost Savings: 15%19 Whenever a critical failure is rolled the device acquires another knockoff characteristic. Roll on Table B above todetermine the category and then Table C to determine the new defect

Cost Savings: 10%20 Whenever a critical failure is rolled the device acquires another D4 knockoff characteristics. Roll on Table B above todetermine the category and then Table C to determine the new defects.

Cost Savings: 20%

Copyright Iam Nobody, Brutal Games (Knock-off)2014