Date: Tue, 19 Sep 1995 00:19:14 -0400 (EDT)
From: Andrew Jackson <ajackson@cs.mcgill.ca>
Subject: SWRPG: replacement limbs
To: jae+sw-rpg@DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU
Cc: self <ajackson@cs.mcgill.ca>
Errors-to: jae+sw-rpg-errors@DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU
Reply-to: jae+sw-rpg@DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU
Message-id: <Pine.SUN.3.91.950916230503.24551A-100000@marge.cs.mcgill.ca>
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT


Below is a description and stats for a prosthetic hand. Please note, 
although this device has balancing factors, it is still classed as an 
enhancement. If you do not allow cybernetic and/or cybernetic 
enhancements in your game, please delete this.
(Thanks to Traveller for "it's fixed" and for the "laughs")
(Thanks to Sheridan for the brainstorm session)
(Thanks to Tendandys for the motivation...Terukta, minus a hand)


NAME: Verpine "improved" prosthetic hand replacement
TYPE: cybernetic replacement/enhancement
SCALE: character, Verpine
COST: see below
CYBER POINTS: 2

DESCRIPTION: (from Alliance Acquistition Scout, Commander Hadaro Flet)
	The Verpine are well known for their love and aptitude of things 
technical. This is no less true in the realm of cybernetics. The ever- 
practical Verpine arguement is that "if it _has_ to be replaced, why not 
make it better?" Despite this idealogy, most Verpine are loath to replace 
fully functional body parts. I think they prefer an intact body, as do 
most of us, but like to "tinker" while repairing. It is not surprising that 
"chit vikt" (it's fixed) and "chit virk" (it's better) are so 
similar in the Verpine tongue (pardon the expression).
	Considering their substantial technical skills, Verpine prosthetics 
are efficient, biologically functional, and often incorporate some useful 
features. One example of this are Verpine hand replacements. The Verpine use 
their three fingured hands to do delicate and complex work. It comes to 
no surprise that many Verpine hand replacements not only duplicate this 
vital function, but improve the hand's usefulness in technical, engineering,
and even computer work.
	Verpine hands have three digits, and thus most of their hand 
replacements have three additional tools...basically 1 per digit. Standard 
cybernetic replacements are feats of miniaturization; one need only look 
at Commander Skywalker's medical record to realize that (...oh? you need 
clearance? well...so do I technically). You can imagine what 
miracles of miniaturization Verpine technicians are capable of.
	A fine laser cutter is often added to the outside digit. This 
fine laser beam can cut wires, fine hydraulic tubing, or even solder on 
the correct power settings. The range is minimal (10 cm) and it has little 
value as a weapon--those familiar with the Verpine will understand that 
they rarely make their prothetics with weapon capabilities.
	Several fine screwdrivers, hex-keys, jimmy-rods, or even a 
hex-wrench are often added to the middle digit. This digit is normally 
the largest, although it is slightly oversized when these tools are added. 
The fine tools are stored within the digit and can be selectively 
extruded by touching one of several small dorsal surface buttons. What is 
truly amazing about these tools is that when inside the digit, they have 
joints, allowing finger articulation. When extruded, the tool becomes 
fully rigid. The tools are used to aid the building and repairing of 
computer consoles, droid mechanism, assorted starship systems and to 
repair other assorted devices. Obviously, only the fine, delicate 
components of these devices can be worked on with these tools. I have 
heard rumors that certain Verpine have used their tools as lock picks...
	In a couple of prosthetics I examined, the inside digit, similar to 
the human "thumb", has a comlink. I uncertain why a Verpine would need a 
comlink..but I suspect it is for non-Verpine benefit. Due to the upswing 
in the Roche Asteroid Field's economy, many non-Verpine visit the Roche Field.
As one Verpine diplomat commented: "K-comunnicating with you ch-humans is 
a painnn..<chuk'chuk'chuk>". Or it could be to test comm systems on various 
ground and space faring vehicles. Whatever the reason, this tool operates
like a Standard Comlink.
	However, I have seen another version of the Verpine Prosthetic 
Hand--one with a standard computer interface socket where the "thumb" is. 
This replaced the comlink tool, of course. The Verpine Slicer, using that 
socket and a small pile of adaptor cables, was able to access all the 
ports in my 'Vette. After asking the Verpine about this, it informed me 
that the interface can download up to 4D of files, into a series of memory 
modules in the wrist. However, the memory is dynamic and thus uses 
battery power to maintain the data. This will run the power pack down in 
about 72 hours. I asked about Wetware access to the data, but the Verpine 
Slicer told me that it could not view the data except by uploading it to 
another computer, although it did find that idea...intriguing.
	As for the "battery", the distal part of the forearm is always 
replaced. It is here that the A111 cells are placed. This is the same cell 
type that powers datapads. They are small enough that three can be 
placed within the distal forearm. If normal biological articulation is 
used, these cells can last a long time. Use of the tools, however, 
results in more frequent replacements. This process is difficult, as 
several plastitendons, mettaloligaments, and myomuscles must be worked 
around. However, the Verpine I saw did this with ease, as the reader can 
imagine.
 
(-Informal Addendum to Report-) 
THE CONS:
	OK, before you send our wounded to Roche, Jorser, there are some 
thing you should know. First: I have no idea whether the Verpine can or 
are willing to make these hands for non-Verpine. I was not shown any 
xenobiologic prosthetics during my entire visit. Their digits are somewhat 
larger than ours and have the "bone" on the outside...out of the way as 
their BioTechs put it.
	 However, the Verpine Diplomats did assure me at several points 
in the vist that the Roche Field is open for business. BTW, Jorser, they 
have a sort of hive mind or communications net going...I think Alliance 
negotiators might be in for a run on their credits.
	Second: the Verpine Hand Prosthetic is not designed to be a 
weapon. It may help the techies who got their hands burnt off 
by reactor steam or the occasional careless demolitions officer...but our 
combat vets aren't going to get much use out of this. On top of that, the 
Verpine Prosthetics are delicate. If they suffer a jarring shock, say 
popping an Imp in the nose, they can easily lock up. Either all the 
articulations become misaligned, some wires short circuit, or some other 
problem occurs....or all of the above.
	Third: using those tools burns power. You gotta carry a bunch of 
A111s with you or have access to rechargers or something. The Verpine in 
Roche Field have no problem, but what about our "field" operatives? And 
when the power is drained...*all* power is drained. They don't seemed to 
have bothered to put in reserves since they always have access to power 
cells or rechargers in the Roche Field. So there you are with your 
SuperHand...unscrewing a security panel when...WWRRRRr.r.r .r...rrrr...<bff> 
your hand freezes up. You check your extra cell...oops, dead too! A few 
seconds later a couple of ST's walk around the corner--and you can't 
even slug 'em right!
	Anyway, the usefulness is for you people to decide. I just tell 
it how it is and you make all the decisions. That's why they pay _you_ and 
I get this run down 'Vette....sucker!
			
			--Report ends.
---------------------------------
SPECIAL PROPERTIES:
1) full joint articulation, even at fine motor skill level
2) fine laser cutter/welder
		 - 10cm range 
		 - 1D soldering up to 5D cutting damage per round. 
		 - At low power, 20 minutes of continuous operation is
		   possible. At high power, 5 minutes is possible.
		 - rescessed buttons on the dorsal suface of the digit 
		   allow power selction (1 action)
3) assorted fine tools 	
		- screwdrivers, hexwrenches, hex-keys, jimmy-rods 
		  or a combination are possible
		- while not replacing a tool kit, these tools are 
		  better than hands alone: +2 to appropriate 
		  repair skills when used with laser tool.     
 		- may be used as security-picks on some locks 
		  (even if just to remove the wiring panel): +2 
		  to security in compination with laser tool.
		- recessed selector buttons are on the dorsal surface of 
		  the digit (1 action)
		- these are power driven (much like dentist's various fine 
		  drills) and 20 minutes of continuous operation
		  is possible.
4a) comlink
		- acts like a Standard Comlink. Toggles and selectors are 
		  recessed buttons and levels on the dorsal suface of the 
		  digit.
 		- 2.25 hours of continuous operation is possible.
**OR**

4b) computer socket interface
		- a standard computer jack, much like the one found in 
		  some R2 units (end is not flared), for file/data 
		  downloading.
		- assorted cables and adaptors can be used for greater 
		  compatibility
 		- the mem-chips can store up to 4D worth of files.
		- stored data cannot be directly accessed by the user, it
		  must be uploaded to a computer or datapad first.
		- data can be stored 72 hours (3 days) before draining 
		  the battery. The Verpine think they can improve this time.
 
SPECIAL PENALTIES:
1) delicate 
		- if the hand is severly jarred, such as by falling or by 
		  striking someone or something, there is a 66% chance of 
		  causing serious damage to the device. The GM is encouraged 
		  to come up with his/her own "device errors". Total 
		  lock-up is one example; turning on the laser tool non-stop
		  is another (followed by lock-up of course). An annoying 
		  voice that says "insufficient power for requested 
		  function" would be cruel...I mean cool...
2) power consumption
		- the GM is encouraged to apply the power consumption 
		  guidelines: frequent use=inopportune power drainage.
		- remember: the power use rate for each item is if *no* 
		  other tool is operated. Thus if storing data...it would 
		  remain in memory for 72 hours--with only normal joint 
		  movement and *no* other tools being used. If the laser 
		  tools was used at high for 30 seconds..the memory storage
		  might drop to 12 hours!
		- be reasonable with this, but don't waste time book-keeping.

------------------
Written by Andrew R. Jackson.