Pyramid. Bio-Tech

40 Pages·2010·2.949 MB·English

by  Steve Jackson

Stock #37-2624
C
ONTENTS
COVER ART INTERIOR ART
BobStevlic GregHyland
C.J.Miozzi
FROM THE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
BIOMECHA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 I T
N HIS
byDavidL.Pulver
MARTIAN TECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
I
byKenSpencer
SSUE
BIOMOD LOCATION SHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TERRA INCOGNITA:
ADLEMAN BANK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 What could be more perfect than tailor-made body parts?
TheBio-TechissueofPyramid,ofcourse!
byC.J.Miozzi
David Pulver, co-author of GURPS Bio-Tech, explores
BETTER LIVING THROUGH Biomecha–theultimateinorganicweaponry.Theseimpossi-
bleconstructscanbepartofasettingorthefocalpointofa
PHARMACEUTICALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
universe. With new templates, abilities, and campaign seeds,
byStevenMarsh
you’llbeeagertogetyourveryownbiomech.
THE CHILDREN OF INZANAMI. . . . . . . . . . 32 Somehomesandequipmenttakeawhiletogrowonyou
–sometimesliterally!SuchisthecasewithMartianTech,the
byJ.EdwardTremlett
in-demandgearfromthenextworldover.It’sdesignedforthe
RANDOM THOUGHT TABLE: Roma Universalis alternate Earth (first seen in Pyramid
OOZE AND AHS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 #3/20: Infinite Worlds), but it’s useful for anyone needing
exoticanimatetech.
byStevenMarsh,PyramidEditor
Whathappenswhenthevillain’slairisthevillain?Willthe
ODDS AND ENDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 living, breathing building that is Terra Incognita: Adleman
featuringMurphy’sRules Bank be able to recover from his psychosis before he really
hurtssomeone?
ABOUT GURPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Since humanity first chewed on bark to feel better, drugs
have helped humanity easily overcome many disadvantages.
Butaseveryoneknows,eventhebestdrugscansometimespres-
enttheirownchallenges.BetterLivingThroughPharmaceuticals
offers 10 new bio-tech chemicals that can change your life –
sometimesinunexpectedways!
Whenbioengineeringgetsoutofcontrol,itcanpopulatea
universewithallkindsofstrangecreaturesthatnoonewould
ever realize were once human. The Children of Inzanami are
varied and scattered among the stars. This campaign back-
ground offers an excellent way to explain the existence of
seeminglynonhumanracesinafuturisticsetting.
For a means of keeping track of bodily modifications (as
Article Colors
well as cybernetics, fantasy accessories, and more), print out
theBiomodLocationSheet.Thissheetincludesyourchoiceof
Each article is color-coded to help you find your
threedifferentimagesonthefrontandeasy-to-accesscanoni-
favoritesections.
calGURPSinformationabouthitlocationsontheback.
PaleBlue:InThisIssue Get some tips for getting rid of organic tech in Odds and
Ends, celebrate life with the whimsy of Murphy’s Rules, and
Brown:InEveryIssue(letters,humor,editorial,etc.)
ponder the ickiness of bio-technology with Pyramid editor
DarkBlue:GURPSFeatures
StevenMarshinRandomThoughtTable.
Purple:OtherFeatures
Mostorganicentitiesaremorethanthesumoftheirparts
–andthesamegoesforPyramid.Celebratelife!
Editor-in-Chief(cid:2)STEVEJACKSON GURPSLineEditor(cid:2)SEANPUNCH PageDesign(cid:2)PHILREEDand
ChiefOperatingOfficer(cid:2)PHILIPREED EditorialAssistant(cid:2)JASON“PK”LEVINE JUSTINDEWITT
ArtDirector(cid:2)WILLSCHOONOVER ProductionArtist(cid:2)NIKOLAVRTIS MarketingDirector(cid:2)PAULCHAPMAN
e23Manager(cid:2)STEVENMARSH PrepressChecker(cid:2)MONICASTEPHENS DirectorofSales(cid:2)ROSSJEPSON
P M 2 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
F
ROM THE
E
DITOR
T I F P informationtendtobetakenupbycorerulesandlargersup-
HIS S THE IRST AGE
plements – or even not-so-large supplements, such as those
OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE foundate23.It’seasierandlessriskytobe“wildandcrazy”in
asix-pagearticlethanitisina32-pagesupplement.
“Bio-tech”–it’sabigtopic!Infact,itwasbigenoughtofill Or perhaps the frenetic nature of this month’s articles are
its own GURPS hardcover – and given the diversity of the likelifeitself–alwayspushingtheenvelope,alwaystryingout
topic,it’snosurprisethatwecouldfillanissue. somethingnew.Inthatway,PyramidislikeaPetridishfornew
For the most part, the bio-tech articles we received and andstrangeideas.
workedonwerefirmlyonthe“bigger”sideofthisbigtopic.
Home-grown mecha, extruded Martian homes, new species,
L ? D ’ T
a bank that takes “work where you live” to a new extreme – IFE ON T ALK
theseareallfairlyover-the-topideas.Andit’stheover-the-top M A L
TO E BOUT IFE
aspectofbio-tech–thepulsing,ichor-dripping,squishybits
– that was at the forefront of the brain during this month’s Ofcourse,likeanyscientificexperiment,weneedtoknow
RandomThoughtTable(pp.37-38).Eventhe“quietest”article howthesenewandstrangeideasworked.Istheresomething
thismonth–thenewdrugspresentedonpp.28-31–tendsto we did this issue that you want us to do more of? Was there
bemore“overthetop”thanmanypharmaceuticalspresented anythingthatshouldbeputinthebio-recyclingbin,neverto
inGURPSBio-Tech. bespokenofagain?We’dlovetohearfromyou.Sendusanote
SomeofthismightbeduetothenatureofPyramid.Most at [email protected], or visit our virtual gathering at
of the simpler, “sedate” (but important) corners of rules and forums.sjgames.com.
AdditionalMaterial:SteveJackson,DavidPulver,andSeanPunch.
Pyramid,GURPS,Warehouse23,andtheall-seeingpyramidareregisteredtrademarksofSteveJacksonGamesIncorporated.e23andthenamesofallproducts
publishedbySteveJacksonGamesIncorporatedareregisteredtrademarksortrademarksofSteveJacksonGamesIncorporated,orusedunderlicense.
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P M 3 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
B
IOMECHA
D L. P
BY AVID ULVER
“LetTarogo,”MisaIshinoshouted.Thetwothugswerehold- these include The Guyver, Iczer One, Xam’d Lost Memories,
ingherfriend,blooddrippingfromhisbrokennose.“Hedoesn’t Genocyber, and – for larger piloted designs – Aura Battler
knowanything.” Dunbine, Brainpowerd, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Many
“Andyoudo?”Thefirstthugdemanded.Heglaredatthesmall computer, video, and roleplaying games also have characters
schoolgirlwhowasfacingthem,breathinghardfromtheexer- orfoesthatutilizebiomecha-likeweapons.
tionofhavingruntosaveherfriend.Notthatitwoulddoherany
good. No witnesses, the Boss had said. Make them talk, then B O
IOMECHA RIGINS
bringbackthestarfish-thing.TheMega-whatever.Butjustdon’t
takeitoutofitscontainer.“Youfoundit?” The GM should decide how any biomecha were created.
“Notexactly,”Misasaid.Shelookedalotmoreconfidentthan Thereareseveralpossibilities;often,morethanonemayapply
any 14-year-old girl should when she was facing three hulking atonce.
Yakuzagangsters.“Itfoundme.”Shelickedherlips.“Ithinkit’s
Human Bio-Technology: The biomecha was developed in a
hungrynow...”
lab,usuallyingrowthtanks(GURPSBio-Tech,p.20-22).While
Thatdamnkidwastryingtopsychhim.Heshookhisheadto
somebiomechamaybegrownorbred,othersareoftenassem-
clearit,thenpastedonanevilsmirk.“Okay,brat,youaskedfor
bledviabiofabsusingtissue-engineeringtechniquessuchasthe
it.” He drew a long knife. “First, we’ll play with you a little bit.
biogenesis or neogenesis process (GURPS Bio-Tech, p. 26).
Soonyou’llbebeggingtotelluswhereyoustashedthegizmo.”He
Biomechadesignscouldalsousesteampunk-eramethods,such
gestured for his two henchmen to drop her half-conscious
asgraftingtissuesfromvariousanimalsandhumanstogetherin
boyfriendandgetreadytocircleherwhenshetriedtorun.
Frankenstein’smonsterfashion.
Misadidn’trun.Shehadfoundthepodthatthecompany’s
Nonhuman Origin: The biomecha is an alien construct,
menwerelookingfor.Andshehadopenedit.And...Oh,this
eitheranaturalcreatureoraproductofalienbio-technology.
wasgoingtohurt!(Butsomehowherbodyseemedtoregener-
“Alien”mayrefertoextraterrestrials,fantasyracessharingthe
ateafterward).
planetwithhumans(suchasasettingwhereelvesaremasters
“MegaraChange!”sheshouted.
ofmagicalbio-technology),orevenadvancedAIthataredab-
Foramoment,theadvancingthugscouldonlystareinshock,
blingingenetics.Alienbiomechamaybelimitedtotheirnon-
assomethingseemedtomoveunderMisa’sblouse.Thentheflesh
humancreators,ortheymightbeacquirablebyhumans.They
onherlegsandarmsbegantobubble,followedbyherface...
could be salvaged from a crashed UFO, received as gifts, or
oneeyepoppedout...Suddenly,therewasanexplosionofgore
even purchased as trade goods (often with whatever adapta-
andviscera.
tionsareneededtomakethemhuman-compatible).Alienbio-
And standing in front of them was an armored, alien
mechaaresometimesmanufacturedfromfleshorprotoplasm
humanoid, with silvery-blue, lightly scaled skin and sculpted
with very different properties from any terrestrial tissue
ribs. A long demonic tail. Curving horns. Steam hissed from
(despitesomehowhavingtheabilitytointerfacewithhumans),
ventsonitsback.
giving them super durability, regenerative properties, or the
“Yes,”ithissed.“Let’splay.”
ability to store vast amounts of energy in their cells. Some
examples of alternate bio-technology are covered under
Biomecha are living symbiotic battle armor. Essentially a
DifferentBiologies(GURPSBio-Tech,p.35).
smallbiovehicle(GURPSBio-Tech,p.96),thedisturbinginti-
NaturalSymbioticOrganism:Thebiomechisanaturalcrea-
macy of wearing a living creature also makes them a potent
ture that didn’t require any genetic engineering or surgical
symbol of body horror. Indeed, most biomechs physically
modification to create. It just happens to possess an innate
interfacewiththeiruser’sbody,creatingarelationshipthatis
abilitytointerfacewithorbepilotedbyotherentities.Acom-
more like that of a parasite or symbiotic and its host, and
mon variation on this is the natural symbiotic organism that
which sometimes has long-term effects on the operator’s
only seems to be a wild animal but was in fact actually the
metabolism. Many biomecha designs are thematically influ-
productofgeneticengineeringmanygenerationsago,having
encedbyH.P.Lovecraftandthealienbiomechanicaldesignsof
successfully thrived and reproduced. See the note on Self-
H.R. Giger, while being directly inspired by Japanese live-
ReplicatingBiomechs(p.10).
action-hero, manga, and anime series. Notable examples of
Adventureidea:Thegoodnewsisthatthehero’sbiomechahasformedadeepandlovingbondwithhim.Badnews?
Theseemotionshavemadeitjealous;iftheherodonsanotherbiomechaunit,hislovingvesselcouldgoberserk.
P M 4 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
HybridTechnology:Thebiomechamaybealientechnology ParanormalOrigins:Biomechadesignsaretypicallysuper-
but requires additional modification by human scientists to science, and a fantastic origin is just one step beyond that!
enablehumanstosafelyinterfacewithorcontrolit.Thismay Biomechacouldbetheresultofattemptingtocloneorsynthe-
involvegraftinginnonbiologicalcomponents–suchaspods, sizetissuessalvagedfromsupernaturalentitiessuchaswere-
control units, or neural interfaces – or chimerazation (see creatures, vampires, demons, or angels. Or, a sufficiently
GURPSBio-Tech,p.38)ofalienorganismwithterrestrialtis- advancedbio-technologymayreallybetrulyindistinguishable
sue.Alternatively,thealienbiomechamaybeunchanged,but frommagic:Biomechamaybetheproductofmagicalbio-tech
thehybridizationprocessmayinvolvemodifyingthewould-be (GURPSBio-Tech,p.30),mostlikelyusingsomevariationof
pilotsbyinsertingalienbiomodsorxeno-grafts.It’salsopossi- aCreateChimeraorManipulateDNAspell.
blethatalienhybridparahumans(seeGURPSBio-Tech,p.38)
Biomecha research and development can be a dangerous
mayneedtobecreatedviageneticengineering.Suchahybrid
process.Projectsareoftenpunctuatedbyincidentsofthebio-
mightbeanobviousvarianthuman,orcouldappearexternally
mechsgoingoutofcontrol,orofthesymbiotsinjuring,driv-
human,andmaynotevenrealize(orbetold)thattheyhavea
ingmad,ormutatingthepilotsorhostswhoworkwiththem.
genetickinshiptowardthebiomecha.
B O
IOMECH AND WNER
Asabiomechaisalivingmachine,it’softenappropriateto marsupial-likepouch.Biomechaofthissortaredesignedwith
createitasanAlly.Somebiomechamaybefullysapientpart- the advantages Compartmentalized Mind (Controls) and
ners,butmostarenot–theseshouldhavetheMinionmodifier Payload.Lifesupportmaybeprovidedbymechanicalimplants
(usuallyat+0%).Unlessthebiomechaneedsalotofmainte- orabyproductofthebiomecha’smetabolism.Sometimes,this
nanceorisotherwiseoftenunavailable,Constantly(¥4)isthe involvestubesandorgansofthecreatureconnectingdirectlyto
usual frequency of appearance. In some campaigns, a bio- theoperator’sbody,orimmersinghiminafluidderivedfromthe
mechamayadditionallycountasanAllywithSpecialAbilities creature’s oxygenated blood (much like the liquid-breathing
(+50%),butifexoticabilitiesarecommonlyavailablefrombio- apparatususedbysomedeep-seadivers).
tech, cybernetics, etc., that’s not the case. When applicable,
thosewithmultiplebiomechsshouldhaveAllyforeachone. I C
NTERFACE ONTROLS
Therearetwomainpossibilitiesforhowhumanoperators
controllivingbiomechs. Interfacecontrolssymbioticallyconnecttheoperatorand
the biomecha. They may be an electronic system (such as a
M C neural-interface helmet or headband that is connected via
ANUAL ONTROLS
cable or radio to implants in the biomecha). Just as often,
Ifthebiomechaislargeenoughforacockpittobeinstalled, they’re some form of direct biological symbiosis. For exam-
the operator may use manual controls and displays. These ple,thebiomechmaypossessinternaltendrilsthatpenetrate
could be conventional mechanical or electronic panels the operator’s body and connect with his nervous system.
implantedinthebiomechaandcyberneticallysplicedintoits Sometimes the operator is also immersed in a fluid that
nervoussystem.Alternatively,themanualcontrolscouldbean assists with transmitting these signals, as well as providing
organic part of the creature, such as fleshy knobs, dangling lifesupport.
nerve fibers that the operator must manipulate, or particular To simulate the ability to interface with the battlesuit, the
sounds or smells he must interpret, possibly augmented by wearerneedsthefollowingadvantages(inadditiontoAlly):
specialized bio-gadgets or implants that can serve as
Symbiotic Bond with Biomecha: Puppet [5] + Possession
periscopesorviewportsforitsinternalcrew.Ifthebiomechis
(Assimilation+10%;Parasitic;-60%;PuppetOnly,-30%)[20].
aform-fittingbattlesuit(typicallythesameSMasthewearer,
25points.
oroneSMlarger),thewearerisusuallytightlyintegratedwith
thesuit,andthecontrolsarenegative-feedbackandamplifica- As a 0-point feature, the wearer may use Possession
tion-based.Thatis,thewearerwilltrytomovealimb,andthe (Parasitic)evenifheisthesameSMasthebiomech,provided
biomechaorganismwillsensethatpressureandmoveitsown thattherulesforform-fittingmecha(seeSuitsvs.Vehicles;see
limb. The biomecha may have been engineered or cyberneti- p.6)areobserved.
callymodifiedtoprovidetheseresponses,oritmayneedtobe Iftheusercancontrolmorethanonedifferentbiomecha,
trainedtodoso. usethe10-pointversionofPuppet.Iftheinterfaceisrelianton
Usuallythecockpitisaverytightfit.Ifthecontrolsarecom- gadgetry,suchasahelmet,buythiswithGadgetlimitations(or
pletely neural, the user may not even be able to freely move. money;seeGURPSUltra-Techforstatisticsofvarioustechno-
Access may be via a surgically implanted portal (hatch, entry logical neural interfaces). Otherwise, a symbiotic bond can
pod,etc.)orsqueezingthroughabiologicalsphincterorintoa representoneofthefollowing:
Theintroductionofbiomechsareagoodwaytoaddvarietytoacampaign.Imagineaparanormalinvestigationsetting
wheretheheroesgettorampuptheoffensewithsomenewsquishytech!
P M 5 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
• Necessarytraining(oranaturaltalent)atinterpretingthe may appear that the host transformed into the biomecha.
alienneuralsignalssentthroughaparticularbiomecha’snatu- Alternatively, the biomecha’s tissue manifests as emerging
ralinterface. from the host’s flesh or bodily orifices, and forming round
• Imprinting of the biomecha entity (like a chick on its him.Occasionally,thebiomechacanonlybemaintainedfor
mother),perhapsimmediatelyafteritwasbornorhatchedout alimitedperiod.Ifthebiomechaisvehicularratherthansuit-
ofanegg,orcrawledfromitsgrowthtank,sothatonlysome- sized, the biomecha will usually just appear with the opera-
onewhoitisimprintedoncanbondwithit,sharingsomeform toralreadyinterfacedinsideit,enmeshedininterfacetendrils
ofempathiclink. orfloatingnakedinliquid-filledchamber.
• Aspecializedgeneticmodificationorracialorhereditary To buy this capability for someone, take the Symbiotic
ability to control the biomecha. In some settings, this might BondwithBiomechaability(seep.5)alongwithAlly.Givethe
evenbelimitedtoparticularfamiliesorbloodlines(“onlyason AllytheSummonableenhancement,andotherlimitationslike
ordaughteroftheHouseofZeroscanbondwiththeImperial CostsFatigue,EmergenciesOnly,orTrigger,asappropriate.
biomecha”). Thereareafewdifferentwayssomeonecouldganasum-
• Infestation with a biomod or a symbiotic parasite (see monablebiomech.Sometimes,thepersonchoosestobecome
GURPSBio-Tech,p.94)thatlivesinsidethecharacter,serv- ahost,suchasathroughafamilyritualorbybeingamember
ingasananchorforthesummoningorgrowthoftherestof of an elite agency. In bio-tech horror settings, this is often
the biomecha. See Parasitic Invasion and Summonable involuntary!
Biomecha(below). Usually the parasitic entity is in a dormant or larva state,
oftenassomesortofpod(typicallyaboutthesize
ofahumanhead),slime,monstrousplant,orweird
creature. It may be found in the wild, as a newly
Suits vs. Vehicles
createdlabspecimen,orsealedinapackage.Upon
beingtouchedbybarefleshtheparasite,essentially
The interior space inside a biomecha is represented using the
alarvalformofabiomecha,suddenlycomestolife
Payloadadvantage.However,therelativesizeofthebiomechacom-
and often attempts to physically merge with its
paredtoitsoccupant(s)determineswhethertoclassifyitasavehi-
unwaryhost.Thisistypicallydepictedasaprocess
cleorasuit.
involvinganeruptionofstrikingtentacles,stingers,
• AbiomechathatistwoormoreSMlargerisgenerallyconsid- ovioposter, or pseudo-pods and sometimes bodily
eredtobeaformofbiovehicle.IfthePayloadisgreatenough,itmay invasion, with part or all of it vanishing into the
even have room for multiple occupants. There may be an actual subject’sbody.
cockpit,whetherthevehicleusesinterfaceormanualcontrols. Alessinvasiveapproachmaybepossibleifthe
• AbiomechathatisthesameSMoronelargerthanitsopera- symbiosis is performed in a controlled environ-
torisgenerallyconsideredtobeaform-fittingbattlesuit.Itshould ment. In this case, the subject may simply be
beapproximatelythesameshapeasthewearer,althoughsincethe injected with or given a pill containing the sym-
biomecha is itself alive, its nervous system can often control any bionteggs,orpossiblyloweredintoagrowthtank
extraarms,wings,tail,etc.thattheuserlacks. filledwithananomachinefluidormetamorphosis
virusthathasthesametransformationaleffect.
GMs should consider using the damage rules detailed under
Eitherway,oncetheparasiteisinside,itbegins
Possession(Parasitic)(p.B76)regardlessofwhetherthevehiclehas
tospreadandgrow,permeatingthehost’snervous
interfaceormanualcontrols.Thatis,anyattackthatpenetratesor
system;surgerymayormaynotbeabletosafely
ignores the biomech’s DR can injure the occupants, but the bio-
removeit.However,whileitsinitialbehaviormay
mech’s HP act as extra DR for this purpose. However, if the bio-
suggests that the victim is doomed to be eaten
mecha is form-fitting (same SM or one higher), then it may be
alive by some parasitic monster growing inside
realistictoassumethatthebiomecha’sHPdonotprotectthewearer.
his stomach, instead, it’s a biomecha symbiont.
After a period of time (which may range from
minutes to weeks depending on the degree of
superscienceinvolved),thesymbiontisfullygrown.
Parasitic Invasion and
Usually,thefirstappearanceofthebiomechatransformation
Summonable Biomech will be involuntary, triggered by stress such as an attack on
thehostoroneofhisfriends,orsomeotherlife-threatening
Thisisaparticularlyexoticformofsymbioticbondwitha
event.However,thehostmayeventuallylearnhowtocontrol
biomecha. Common in cinematic body horror-inspired bio-
thetransformation.
tech settings, a parasitic symbiotic organism takes up resi-
If someone has a summonable biomecha bonded to him,
denceinsidetheperson’sbodyandservesasalivingportalor
whathappensifhedieswhileinhumanform?It’spossiblethat
anchorforanevenlargerextradimensionalorganism:asum-
nothing will happen; this may sever the bond with the bio-
monablebiomecha,whichcanperiodicallybecalledforthto
mech. However, some other, more horrific possibilities could
materializearoundthehost.Fromanexternalperspective,it
insteadoccur:
Biomechacanbeintroducedforalimitednumberofadventuresbypredetermininganin-gamejustificationforgetting
ridofthem.(“Oh,no!Ourxenoarmorisdead!”)Seep.39forideas.
P M 6 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
Russian Doll Monster: The corpse may transform one last manybioroidsandgeneticupgrades,biomechaareusuallyengi-
time,butthistime,thePCisn’tincommandofthemonstrous neeredtoberesistanttonormaldiseases,soonlyespeciallyvir-
biomecha form. Instead, it’s an NPC, often with a Bestial, ulentpathogens(oronesspeciallydesignedtotargetthem)are
predatorynature,whoislikelytoattackfriendorfoe.TheGM likely to be threats. Thus, a biomecha is unlikely to sicken
should use Alternate Form’s statistics as a racial template to becauseitspilothastheflu.
createthemonstrouscharacter. Due to the intimate connection between the biomech and
BackFromtheDead:Thebiomechamightbeabletouseits itshost,ifthebiomechisexposedtoapoisonordisease,the
regenerative abilities to resurrect the host’s body. This is an hostmayalsobeexposed,andviceversa.However,duetotheir
advantage,suchasExtraLife. physiologydifferences,eithershouldresistanydiseasethatthe
otherisexposedtoata+5toHT.
C F A primary advantage of biogadgets is their self-healing
ARE AND EEDING
capability.Biomechausuallygoonestepfurtherandareengi-
B neered with rapid regenerative abilities. Even so, sometimes
OF IOMECHA
medicaltreatmentwillbenecessary.Abiomechnormallyhas
Abiomechisalivingorganismor,sometimes,acollectionof averydifferentphysiologythanahuman(seePhysiologymod-
several organisms working in symbiosis. It does not have the ifiers,p.B181)andcountsasanutterlyalienspecies(-5toskill).
Machinemetatrait.Assuch,it’svulnerabletoradiationandto Unless otherwise noted, biomecha have bioreactors that
metabolichazardssuchaspoisonordisease,whichmaybevery allow them to eat. Some models require exotic nutrients,
effectiveweaponsagainstbiomecha.Althoughmostbiomecha thoughmostdesignsareintendedtoliveoffwhateverorganic
havebodiesthatincorporatefiltersorsealsagainstgas,theyare materialisavailable.Otherpossibilities(iftheyhaveDoesn’t
stillvulnerabletoinjectedtoxinsthatgetpasttheirDR.Another EatorDrink)includesolarpower,biologicalfuelcells,natu-
possiblevectorforcontaminationistheoccupanthimself,espe- ral electrical batteries, or exotic extradimensional, mana, or
ciallyifheissymbioticallylinkedtothebiomecha.However,like bio-energyengines.
Guyver: The aliens created the Guyvers to fight their wars for them. The humans
rebelled. Out of control. The Guyver is nothing more than a weapon.
– Guyver: Dark Hero
S B
AMPLE IOMECHA
A T
LLY EMPLATES
A few examples of biomechs are presented below, which A
LASTOR
GMs can use as templates for creating further designs. The
namescanbemodifiedtosuitparticularcampaigns. 605points
Asbiomechaarealive,theycanevolveandgrow.Thismight The Alastor is an combat-infantry suit-type biomecha
representthebiomechalearningalongwithitspilot,oritcould designedforcommandoandspecialoperationsmissions.Itis
representagradualmetamorphosistowardits“ultimatestate.” a high-powered military Airborne Ranger design, utilizing
Eitherway,theGMmayallowthosewithbiomechstospend exotic hyper-resilinmuscles(basedoninsectproteins)thatare
character points on improving the biomecha’s various traits, strongenoughtopunchthroughahalf-inchofsteelplate(ST90)
evenifthemechaissimplysomethingthattheherowearslike andtoughenoughtoresist7.62mmriflebullets.Ithasaround,
armorratherthananimplantedsymbiont. nearlyfeaturelessheadwithathinredstripforitsopticsensors
andacircularlamprey-stylemouththatcansuckbloodoutofits
Cost prey.Apairofnaturalradioantennaextendoutfromitshead.
Itsdarkgreenskiniscoveredbythickchitin-likearmorplatesof
A typical cost for biomecha (if commercially available) is
military-gradebioplas,whosecompositeconstructionalsopro-
$50,000 plus $1,000 per character point. Rare or unique
vides some radar stealth. Its arms end in tentacle-like fingers.
designs(e.g.,experimentaloralientechnology)maybeseveral
timesmoreexpensiveorpriceless.
Fordetailsoncreatinglarge,inorganicmechaasspaceshipsinsteadofAllies–plussomesamplegiantrobots–flip
throughGURPSSpaceships4:Fighters,Carriers,andMecha(alsobyDavidPulver).
P M 7 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
Itcanalsosprayspider-likewebbingfromtwospinneretson AttributeModifiers:ST+90(Size,-40%)[540];DX+1[20];IQ-
its neck glands, usually to secure prisoners. It often carries 9[-180];HT+2[20].
standard military heavy infantry weapons and typically has SecondaryCharacteristicModifiers:SM+4.
implanted cybernetics as well. Its membranous folding Advantages:Claws(LongTalons)[11];Doesn’tBreathe(Oxy-
wings, concealed in a hump in its back, are not powerful gen Storage, 50¥, -40%) [12]; DR 50 (Can’t Wear Armor,
enoughtoallowittofly,butitcanusethemtomakeglider -40%)[150];EnhancedMove2(Ground)[40];FilterLungs
insertion drops from high altitude, or escape by leaping off [5]; Infravision [10]; Night Vision 9 [9]; Nictitating Mem-
tallbuildingsintotheair. brane 8 [8]; Protected Hearing [5]; Protected Vision [5];
Reduced Consumption 1 [2]; Regeneration (Regular) [25];
Attribute Modifiers: ST+30 (Size, -10%) [270]; DX+2 [40];
Resistant to Disease +8 [5]; Sealed [15]; Spines (Long
IQ-9[-180];HT+2[20]
Spines;Directional,FromRearOnly,-50%)[2];StrikingST
SecondaryCharacteristicModifiers:Per+3[15];SM+1.
50(Size,-40%)[150];SuperJump1[10];TemperatureTol-
Advantages:Binding15[30];Chameleon2(Extended,Infrav-
erance5[5];UniversalDigestion[5].
ision and Radar, +20%) [12]; DR 40 (Can’t Wear Armor,
Perks:PenetratingVoice[1].
-40%; Flexible, -20%) [80]; Enhanced Move 1.5 (Ground)
Disadvantages: Appearance (Monstrous) [-20]; Dead Broke
[30]; Filter Lungs [5]; Flight (Controlled Gliding, -45%;
[-25];Reprogrammable[-10];SlaveMentality[-40];Social
Winged; -25%; Switchable, +10%) [16]; Infravision [10];
Stigma(Subjugated)[-20];UnusualBiochemistry[-5].
LessSleep4[8];NightVision7[7];NictitatingMembrane
Features:Sterile[0].
8 [8]; Peripheral Vision [15]; Protected Hearing [5]; Pro-
Availability:$832,000.LC2.
tected Vision [5]; Reduced Consumption 2 [4]; Regenera-
tion(Regular)[25];ResistanttoAcceleration(+3)[1];Radio
Variant
[10];ResistanttoDisease+8[5];StrikingST50(Size,-10%)
[225]; Super Jump 1 [10]; Temperature Tolerance 4 [4]; The standard design is an interface-type biomecha. To
VampiricBite(2HP/second)[35]. makeitamanual-controldesignaddthefollowing:
Disadvantages: Appearance (Monstrous) [-20]; Dead Broke
Manual Control (27 points): Compartmentalized Mind (Con-
[-25];Reprogrammable[-10];RestrictedDiet(FreshBlood
trols)[25];Payload2[2].IfSTisunmodifiedfromtheST
or Nutrient Fluid) [-10]; Self-Destruct [-10]; Short Life-
100racialaverage,thebiomecha’sPayloadcancarryupto
span 1 [-10]; Social Stigma (Subjugated) [-20]; Unusual
400lbs.(typicallytwooccupants).
Biochemistry[-5].
Features:Sterile[0];Tail[0].
Availability:$605,000.LC2.
MataNui:Thismaskgavemenewlife.
Variant
–Bionicle:
The standard design is an interface-type biomecha. To
makeitamanual-controldesignaddthefollowing: TheLegendReborn
Manual Control (32 points): Compartmentalized Mind (Con-
trols)[25];Payload7[7].IfSTisunmodifiedfromtheST40
racialaverage,thebiomecha’sPayloadcancarry224lbs.
M
EGARA
B
RONTIDE 321points
755points Thisisanagilebattlesuit-typebiomecha.Itresemblesabio-
mechanical humanoid, with silvery-blue skin and sculpted,
Alaboratoryprototypehumanoidbio-weaponintendedfor
ribbedarmorplate.Ithasabarbedtailandcurvinghorns,but
amassproductionasalightreconnaissancewalkingtank,the
noobviousmouth;itspowersourcemaybesolarorsomeform
Brontideisalong-leggedbiomechanicalgiantstanding32’tall.
ofcosmicenergy.Althoughfrightening,itisnotentirelyunat-
Ithasanleanangularappearancewithawedge-shapedhead,
tractive.Theoriginalswerediscoveredinacrateronthemoon
andtwopowerfularmswithcurvingbladesattachedtothem.
and brought back to Earth at Area 51, where it was success-
Thebiomechahasadoublerowoflongspinesextendingdown
fully duplicated by a bio-defense contractor. It is capable of
itsback,buttheseareintendedmoreasheatradiatorsrather
functioning as an environment suit and as a living weapon.
defensive structures, although they perform double duty as
Thisbiomechalacksthethickcarapaceofheavierdesigns,but
both. The interior pilot pod is accessed through a (rather
itsarmorcanstillstoppistolbulletsorswordstrikes.Itcan’t
slimy)sphincterintheupperreartorso.TheBrontideispow-
stand up to heavier biomechs in a head-to-head slugging
ered by a powerful bioconversion engine that can eat just
match,butitcancarryexternalweapons.
aboutanythingbiological.
Justbecausethisarticlepresentsaplethoraofbiomechaoptions,youdon’tneedtousethemall!Aninteresting
campaigncanbebuiltaroundjustonebiomechdesign(or,perhaps,two–onefortheheroes,andoneforthe
adversaries).
P M 8 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
Attribute Modifiers: ST+15 [150]; DX+3 [60]; IQ-9 [-180]; requires first opening up a vulnerable “third eye” in the head.
HT+2[20]. The Temporary Disadvantage limitation assumes Nictitating
Advantages: Claws (Sharp) (Switchable, +10%) [6]; Doesn’t Membrane8;fortheMegara,thisbecomes-3%,raisingthebio-
Breathe) [20]; Doesn’t Eat or Drink [10]; DR 10 (Flexible, laser’scostto65points.Thebio-energycellsalsoneedfivesec-
-20%)[40];EnhancedMove1.5(Ground)[30];LessSleep3 ondstochargeup.63points.
[6];NictitatingMembrane3[3];NoDegenerationinZeroG Cannibalistic Bite: Vampiric Bite 7 (Eats flesh rather than
[1]; Perfect Balance [15]; Protected Vision [5]; Reduced drinking blood, +0%) [60]. Notes: The biomecha has sharp
Consumption2[4];Regeneration(VeryFast)[100];Resist- teeth that tear its victims, and by eating their flesh, it con-
anttoAcceleration(+3)[1];Radio[10];ResistanttoDisease sumestheirbio-massandusesittorestoresitsownbody.This
+8[5];Sealed[15];Striker(Tail;Impaling;Clumsy,-2tohit, isamessierprocessthanblood-drinking:Insteadofdraining7
-40%) [5]; Striking Strength 10 [50]; Super Jump 1 [10]; HPperturn,itinflicts2dofinjury.60points.
Temperature Tolerance 20 [20]; Ultravision [10]; Vacuum Corrosive Enzymes: Corrosion Attack 3d (Cyclic, 10 sec-
Support[5]. onds, 3 cycles, +100%; Increased Range, ¥4, +40%; Jet, +0%;
Disadvantages: Dead Broke [-25]; Reprogrammable [-10]; LimitedUse,10uses,SlowReload,-5%)[71].71points.
Slave Mentality [-40]; Social Stigma (Subjugated) [-20]; Decaying:BadSmell[-10];Slippery1[2];SlowHealing1[-5].
UnusualBiochemistry[-5]. Notes:Thebiomechaisrotting;perhapsitisrejectingsomeof
Features:Sterile[0]. the tissue grafts, cybernetic implants, or other processes that
Availability:$320,000.LC2. wereusedtocreateit.RemoveanyRegenerationthemechahas.
-13points,pluspointslostfromRegeneration.
Variant
The standard design is an interface-type biomecha. To
makeitamanual-controldesignaddthefollowing: Somepeoplewouldsaymypaintings
showafutureworldandmaybetheydo,
ManualControls(35points):CompartmentalizedMind(Con-
trols)[25];Payload10[10].IfSTisunmodifiedfromtheST butIpaintfromreality.Iputseveralthings
30 racial average, the biomecha’s Payload can carry one
andideastogether,andperhaps,whenI
occupantofupto180lbs.weight.
havefinished,itcouldshowthefuture.
O A –H.R.Giger
THER DVANTAGES
D
AND ISADVANTAGES
Nearlyanyphysicaladvantageordisadvantagethatwould ExternalPlates:DR5[25].Notes:Thebiomechaiscovered
beappropriateforalivingthing–humanoralien–mayalso with external plastic, metal, or composite armor plates that
beappropriateforabiomecha.Fornonsupersciencedesigns, provideextraprotectionandmakeitlooklikearobotorsuit
the TL guidelines in GURPS Bio-Tech can be used. Many ofarmor.IfthebiomechahadMonstrousAppearance,remove
geneticmodifications,biomods,orcyberneticimplantscould it;thisadds20pointstothecostofthisoption.25points(45
alsobedirectedadaptedasmodificationsforabiomech.For pointsifMonstrous).
example,abiomechcouldhaveaBoostedHeart(GURPSBio- Impaling Horn: DR 2 (Skull Only, -70%) [3]; Striker
Tech,p.174). (Impaling; Limited Arc, straight ahead, -40%; Long, +1 SM,
Here are a few exotic options that could be added to bio- maximumreachonly,+75%[11].Notes:Arhinoceros-oruni-
mech designs. For many more possibilities, see GURPS Bio- corn-like horn extends out of the biomech’s forehead, sur-
TechandGURPSPowers. roundedbyextraheadarmor.14points.
MicronizationMode:Shrinking8(TemporaryDisadvantage,
BattleJaw:Teeth(Fangs;Switchable,+10%)[2].Notes:The
Remove Compartmentalized Mind and/or Payload, Variable)
biomech’smouthisahugemawthatcanopenlikethatofan
[Variable].Notes:Thebiomechacanshrinkdowntoacompact
egg-eatingsnake.11points.
portableform,usuallyreducingtoaroundSM-3(sizeofacat
Bio-Laser: Burning Attack 8d (Accurate +4, +20%; Armor
orabackpack),butonlywhenitsoccupantisnotaboard.Ifthe
Divisor (2), +50%; Costs Fatigue, 5 FP, -25%; Increased 1/2D,
mechaisnonsapient,assumeitcanshrinkorgrowifitsmas-
¥20,+20%;IncreasedMax,¥10,+15%;TakesRecharge,fivesec-
tertouchesit.ThisisobviouslyunnecessaryforMetamorpho-
onds, -15%; Temporary Disadvantage, Remove Nictitating
sis-type mecha, but is useful for other types! Some sentient
Membrane,-8%)[63].SpecialEffects:Losesdamageinsmoke;
biomechamayresembleatoyorpetwhenshrunk.TheTem-
tight-beamburningdamage;theFPmustbespentatarateof
poraryDisadvantageistheremovalofanyCompartmentalized
one per second while laser is charging, rather than at the
MindorPayloadadvantages.Variablecost.
momentoffiring.Notes:Thisisapowerfullaserbeamgenerated
Suppressed Personality: The biomecha appears to be a
throughorganiccrystallensesandbio-electricity.Usingthelaser
docile creature with insect-level IQ and Slave Mentality.
Bykeepingthenumberofbiomechssmallinacampaign–atleastatfirst–youcankeepthesettingfromgettingtoo
crazy.Inalow-poweredbiomechacampaign,itcanbeusefultoalternateadventureadversaries(mechaenemy,mundane
enemy,repeat).
P M 9 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
Self-Replicating Biomechs
The default assumption is that biomechs are asexual Fertile:Twobiomechsofoppositegenderwhomatemay
andsterile.However,itmaybepossibletodesignbiomechs produceoffspring.Thiscouldbevoluntaryorrandom(e.g.,
thatareneither.Thishasnopointcost,butwouldusually roll 3d; on a 3-5, it occurs). A pregnant female biomech
beanextremelyexpensivedesignfeature. remains so for 12 months; in the final three months, the
pregnant biomech’s nutrient requirements double.
Gendered:Biomech’spossessagender(male,female,or
Biomech pregnancy adds 0.2 lbs. of weight (as encum-
both). Gendered biomechs can engage in intimate rela-
brance)permonth,whichisnotusuallyvisible.Biomech
tions.Thesexofagenderedbiomechsmayormaynotbe
pregnancydoesnotimpairthebiomech’soperator,buthe
obvious; sometimes a biomech may have a slightly femi-
willusuallybeawareofchangeswithinthebiomechitself.
nine or masculine facial and bodyshape.(Assumesexual
Towardtheendofthepregnancy,theoperator(andobser-
organsarenormallyretractedorconcealedbehindarmor
vant viewers) may notice something unusual, such as a
flaps for both modesty and self-protection). A biomech’s
bumportumorgrowingonthebiomech.Biomechbirthis
genderdoesnotnecessaryhavetobethesameasitshost,
arapidprocess,andoccursanytimethattheunitisworn
whichcouldhaveinterestingconsequences.
attheendofthedevelopmentperiod;theprocessrequires
AdaptiveGender:Abiomechmaybedesignedsothatits
the cooperation of an operator. A biomech giving birth
genderconformstoitshost.Thebiomechisnormallyasex-
extrudes 1d/2 soft egg-like biomech units over that many
ual, but its gender (and possibly appearance) adjusts to
hours.Thesehardenoveramonthintoabiomechcapsule
matchthatofitshostwithin10secondsofbonding.Thisis
capableofbondingwithahuman.Abiomechthatispreg-
similartoHermaphromorphadvantage,butsincethegen-
nantcan’tbecomepregnantagainuntilatleastsixmonths
derswitchisnotcontrollable,isa0-pointfeature.
afterithaslaiditslastegg.0points.
However,itsownalienconsciousnesslurksunderthesurface, researchortrackingpurposes.Adds+2toanyFirstAid,Diagno-
and may attempt to take control of the vehicle if the pilot is sis,orPhysicianrollsifthedisplaydatacanbeaccessed.1point.
incapacitated or in stressful situations. Add the disadvantage Implanted Radio: Radio (Secure, +20%; Temporary Disad-
SplitPersonalitytoitssheet,usuallyself-controlrollof(12)or vantage,Electrical,-20%)[10].Notes:10milerange.Alsouse-
(15). Its normal personality includes the Reprogrammable fulforremotelytransmittingbiomonitordata.10points.
Duty and Slave Mentality that are standard for a biomecha.
Assign -50 points of mental disadvantages and/or quirks to S E
IDE FFECTS
replace these traits when the biomecha’s Split Personality is
triggeredbystress.Variablecost. Ahumanwhohasasymbioticbiomecha(seep.6)bondedto
Rejection Risk: Fragile (Explosive; Devoured instead of himmaygraduallyfindhisownbodyalteringduetothealien
blowingup,+0%)[-15].Notes:Inanycircumstanceswherethe presence within. The effect is often progressive over time and
biomechawouldexplode(e.g.,acriticalfailureontheHTroll possiblyevenbeneficial.Forexample,thepersonmightgradu-
for a major wound) but is not totally destroyed, its control allydiscoverthebiomechais“improving”hisbodybyremoving
mechanisminsteadfailscatastrophicallyanditeatsitsopera- disadvantageslikeBadSight(Nearsighted)orgivinghimadvan-
tor alive. It inflicts its thrusting damage each second to who- tages like Very Fit, Very Rapid Healing, or even Unaging.
ever is inside it. The operator can try to force his way out or However, these may come with side effects, such as gaining
destroy the biomecha from within. If trying to force his way minorUnnaturalFeatures,UnusualBiochemistry,orworse.
out,hemustwinaQuickContestofSTwiththebiomecha. Unlike a robot, a biomecha can continue to grow and
Tentacle Explosion: Common in designs engineered from evolve.Thealiennatureofmanybiomechsmeanthatitisper-
alien or demonic tissue, this allows the biomech to suddenly fectlyreasonableforthemtomanifestnewExotictraits.This
sprout four extra writhing tentacles from its body, giving the can even be explained as the biomecha gradually evolving
mecha eight limbs. This ability is mainly used for grappling. towarditsultimateform.
ExtraArms4(Extra-Flexible,+50%)[60];Stretching2(Extra Sinceabiomechaconnectstheuser’sbodyandmindwitha
ArmsOnly,-20%)[10].70points. nonhumanlifeform,thereisalwaysthepossibilityofcontam-
inationresultinginlong-termdamage.Thesecouldrangefrom
Cybernetics mundane effects (such as infections developing where a bio-
mecha’s interface penetrates the user’s skin, or cumulative
Biomecha will sometimes be implanted with cybernetics
exposuretotoxicorcarcinogenicagents)toexoticpossibilities
(seeGURPSUltra-Tech)togivethemabilitiesthatarenotbio-
(suchasacquiringaliencharacteristicsorbecomingaddicted
logical.Asidefromcontrols,twoexamplesare:
tochemicalssecretedbythesuit).Ingameterms,theGMmay
Biomonitor:Accessory(Biomonitor)[1].Notes:Allowsacon- wishtoletpilotsbuyvariousdisadvantagestohelppayforthe
trolling organization to monitor the biomecha’s vital signs for costofthesuitorupgrades.
Campaignidea:Inahigh-schoolcampaign,theheroesfindbabybiomechs!Bothmature,untilthedaytheyjointogether.
P M 10 O 2010
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER