From: warmongr@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Krishgan)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.misc
Subject: SRUN: Sleepwalkers, Possessed, and Dead Heads-
Summary: -or how to make the Living Dead, SR Style...
Keywords: Shadowrun, SR, SRUN, SHADOWRUN
Date: 25 Jul 92 13:58:54 GMT
Organization: the Night Crafter's Associated Press

->>[This is the part I explain some actions that I hinted at in two of my
  posts on .frp.misc...]<<
    -Keith

Sleepwalkers in Shadowrun-

     The following is a suggestion for those who like to get into the really
  bizarre and "far left field" in gaming.  First of all, I need to elaborate
  and add an additional piece of Cyberware...

*******************************************************************************
New Cyberware- Wired Reflexes, Level 0
    Cost           :  17,500 Nuyen
    Essence Cost   : .75
    Legality Code  : -<Laugh>- (see below)

    Basically, this setup is required if for some reason, an individual loses
    control of his/her own neural pathways/reactionary abilities.  They are
    widely used by many medical facilities for operation on patients who have
    suffered major spinal injury or neurological damage, say from automotive
    accidents or major electrical shock.

    The system allows the user normal movement and ability, within the para-
    meters of their original system.  It gives no bonus to speed or action
    beyond the users normal and/or original motive responses.

    Normally, this piece of gear is considered to be Legal, and is allowed
    to any who REQUIRE its implantation.  However, if it has been implaced
    without LEGAL MEDICAL CONSENT/DOCUMENTATION, then it is classified as a
    major felony akin to Forgery and Defamation of Character.
*******************************************************************************

     Ok, now that we have this little tidbit, we can begin the construction of
  what is commonly known on the streets as a "Sleepwalker."  Sleepwalkers are
  people who desire/decide to do more than one function in life at a time, but
  are physically incapable of doing so do to the restrictions of both Physical
  and Mental Coordination/Limitation.

     Sleepwalkers are not to be readily confused with Simsense Addicts/Users
  and/or Chipheads, though they can be on and the same.  A Sleepwalker more
  often is someone who requires more than one objective at a time and makes
  attempts to do so.

     What is required to be a Sleepwalker?  First of all, you would need at
  least Wired Reflexes Level 0 (as above).  Second, you would need a Display
  Link or compatible piece of equipment (such as a SoftLink or Encephalon).
  Third, you would need some sort of storage/operational medium to function
  through.  This can be either a Datajack with external program media or
  Internal Headware (includes such things as SoftLinks, Encephalons, and
  C-Square CDecks).  Fourth, a Sleepwalker will require a Sense Link that
  has been integrated with the above mediums (and additional .1 essence cost).
  And lastly a little bit of guts.

     A Sleepwalker is effectively someone who is doing some sort of mental
  activity and is allowing his/her body to be run on a sort of "autopilot"
  mode.  The Sense Linkage allows the "autopilot" of the Sleepwalker to still
  use the functional sense of the body in order to guide itself around.
  Simple option programs that can do things like "washing dishes", "watch TV
  and Eat for an afternoon", and "drive to work" are all readily available
  through various sources.  When combined with Map OC's (optical chips) and
  an Orientation System, then complicated procedures can begin to be programmed
  for the Sleepwalker.

     For example, with a bit of time and patience, Reflex has created a 
  "Sleepwalker Smart Frame" that gets him up in the morning, gets him dressed
  cleaned up, shaved if necessary, have breakfast, and go for a morning jog
  around the neighborhood for exercise.  Doing all of this while and more is
  possible.  People often wonder if Reflex's "Morning Frame" can also operate
  that Predator he carries around for protection.

     The implications of this can be staggering to say the least.  When
  combined with such things as Radio/ComSuites, Internal Telephones and other
  transmittive/receptive devices, it could be possible to do a VAST number of
  things at the same time.  Deckers seem to really enjoy this kind of extra
  functioning, as they can be in both the Matrix and have their "meat" body
  doing some of the more mundane things, like walking downtown for a stroll.

->>>>>[Oh yeah, a Stroll he says...walking around downtown to get closer to
  the targets they are hitting through their headware telephones if you ask
  me...]<<<<<
    -Dapper Dan<8:24:50/7-25-61>

->>>>>[Ah, but Dapper, we didn't...]<<<<<
    -Backdraft<9:47:21/7-25-61>

     There are also many, as yet unproven, reports of individuals who have
  created seperate and multi-layer frames that are capable of doing a very
  in-depth series of functions.  For example, if Skillwires and the appropriate
  Skillsofts are beings utilized (like Acting or Piloting), it becomes very
  possible for a Sleepwalker to go an do major business transactions while
  all the time monitoring different activities and/or doing different functions
  entirely.

->>>>>[Ah Hell, the boss has a set of frames that let him go into a building
  using things like Stealth and Athletics, knock out guards with Armed/Unarmed
  Combat and/or Firearms, locate an access terminal or piece of hardware (which
  he is doing his own Matrix cover the whole time of course), and get out
  by way of foot, vehicle, or other.  Sort of takes the terminology and words,
  "Jack-of-All-Trades" to an entirely new level.]<<<<<<
    -Backdraft<9:51:01/7-25-61>

     There is one other type of Sleepwalker that is also rumored to be on the
  streets.  The Possessed Sleepwalker.  This guy is a bit more interesting, as
  someone else is actually controlling his body.  On the streets, these types
  are known as "Schizos."  This guy requires Skillwires and is almost always
  someone with Alpha or higher grade cyberware.  

     A Possessed is capable of having several people function in and/or through
  his/her body at once.  Sometimes, these individuals also have things like
  multiple Datajacks and/or Skillsoft/Chipjack Implants.  They also almost
  always have a Multi-Channel Telephone and/or Radio/ComSuite system to allow
  for the higher influx of informational exchange.

->>>>>[Yeah, but these guys have one MAJOR limitation.  The people that are
  functioning through him/her cannot access skills of their own beyond the
  level of the Skillwire Implants.  So, Reflex only has Skillwires level 6,
  and if Detrius decides to use his Gunnery (which is Level 8), then he is
  restricted to Level 6 usage only.]<<<<<
    -Gideon "the Greaser" Carmichael<8:38:45/7-25-61>

->>>>>[Ah yes, but there are even ways around this.  Skillwires +, SPU(I/O),
  preprogrammed TacComs, and even multiple Sense Link Interfaces.  And it is
  SO cool to work like this.  And if you have a "Dead Head" then it can go
  even further...]<<<<<
    -Backdraft<9:53:29/7-25-61>

     The last and final type of Sleepwalker that will be mentioned within this
  article is the "Dead Head."  A Dead Head is not even a living being.  A Dead
  Head is a relatively new and very advanced drone.  Dead Heads are almost 
  exclusively controlled by those in the corporate sector and above in general
  funding/spending (like Military).

     Dead Heads are basically massive collections of Cybernetic Implantational
  Devices with full ComSuite Interfacing.  Think of a Dead Head as a special
  type of Vehicle Drone.  With no limits placed upon the psyche of the
  individual, or the biological flesh, these drones are rapidly becoming a
  new means of heavy level protection and/or invasion/espionage operations.
  Almost ALL Dead Heads also come with a Self-Destruct mechanism, often times
  capable of levelling a medium size building.  As they can also be built to
  near Vehicle standards, they are also capable of resisting higher amounts
  of physical damage than "normal" Sleepwalkers, and so usually have a greater
  "mortality level" than other modes of operation.

->>>>>[HIGHER MORTALITY RATE MY ASS!!!  These things are damn near
  indestructable.  I ran into one with a few of my friends inside of the
  Renraku Arcologoy in Seattle.  The only reason we even knew we weren't 
  dealing with a piece of meat is the mage with us said the guy was actually
  dead.  This thing had damn near everything I tell ya, Strength, Speed,
  Body, Built IN Laser Weaponry, Sensors, hell even an ECM designed to go
  against our group comlinks.  It hit the trog with us (no offense big guy),
  and put him through a reinforced partition!  I tell ya, if you know you
  are going to deal with one of these, bring a MicroNuke or something, cuz
  you're gonna need it!!!]<<<<<
    -the Hi-Way Hog<7:15:06/7-25-61>

->>>>>[Hey Hi-Way, I don't suppose you knew that the thing was also being run
  by one of their security computers did ya???]<<<<<
    -Nightfire<9:02:51/7-25-61>

->>[So there ya have it, the ideas and mentionings of the future.  I do
  so hope you enjoyed it.  I know my players have and will yet...]<<
    -Keith

->>[Oh yeah, btw, I will post some ideas on the Dead Heads and their rulings
  in another post later.]<<
    -Keith

->>[This is the part I explain some actions that I hinted at in two of my
  posts on .frp.misc...]<<
    -Keith

Sleepwalkers in Shadowrun-

     The following is a suggestion for those who like to get into the really
  bizarre and "far left field" in gaming.  First of all, I need to elaborate
  and add an additional piece of Cyberware...

*******************************************************************************
New Cyberware- Wired Reflexes, Level 0
    Cost           :  17,500 Nuyen
    Essence Cost   : .75
    Legality Code  : -<Laugh>- (see below)

    Basically, this setup is required if for some reason, an individual loses
    control of his/her own neural pathways/reactionary abilities.  They are
    widely used by many medical facilities for operation on patients who have
    suffered major spinal injury or neurological damage, say from automotive
    accidents or major electrical shock.

    The system allows the user normal movement and ability, within the para-
    meters of their original system.  It gives no bonus to speed or action
    beyond the users normal and/or original motive responses.

    Normally, this piece of gear is considered to be Legal, and is allowed
    to any who REQUIRE its implantation.  However, if it has been implaced
    without LEGAL MEDICAL CONSENT/DOCUMENTATION, then it is classified as a
    major felony akin to Forgery and Defamation of Character.
*******************************************************************************

     Ok, now that we have this little tidbit, we can begin the construction of
  what is commonly known on the streets as a "Sleepwalker."  Sleepwalkers are
  people who desire/decide to do more than one function in life at a time, but
  are physically incapable of doing so do to the restrictions of both Physical
  and Mental Coordination/Limitation.

     Sleepwalkers are not to be readily confused with Simsense Addicts/Users
  and/or Chipheads, though they can be on and the same.  A Sleepwalker more
  often is someone who requires more than one objective at a time and makes
  attempts to do so.

     What is required to be a Sleepwalker?  First of all, you would need at
  least Wired Reflexes Level 0 (as above).  Second, you would need a Display
  Link or compatible piece of equipment (such as a SoftLink or Encephalon).
  Third, you would need some sort of storage/operational medium to function
  through.  This can be either a Datajack with external program media or
  Internal Headware (includes such things as SoftLinks, Encephalons, and
  C-Square CDecks).  Fourth, a Sleepwalker will require a Sense Link that
  has been integrated with the above mediums (and additional .1 essence cost).
  And lastly a little bit of guts.

     A Sleepwalker is effectively someone who is doing some sort of mental
  activity and is allowing his/her body to be run on a sort of "autopilot"
  mode.  The Sense Linkage allows the "autopilot" of the Sleepwalker to still
  use the functional sense of the body in order to guide itself around.
  Simple option programs that can do things like "washing dishes", "watch TV
  and Eat for an afternoon", and "drive to work" are all readily available
  through various sources.  When combined with Map OC's (optical chips) and
  an Orientation System, then complicated procedures can begin to be programmed
  for the Sleepwalker.

     For example, with a bit of time and patience, Reflex has created a 
  "Sleepwalker Smart Frame" that gets him up in the morning, gets him dressed
  cleaned up, shaved if necessary, have breakfast, and go for a morning jog
  around the neighborhood for exercise.  Doing all of this while and more is
  possible.  People often wonder if Reflex's "Morning Frame" can also operate
  that Predator he carries around for protection.

     The implications of this can be staggering to say the least.  When
  combined with such things as Radio/ComSuites, Internal Telephones and other
  transmittive/receptive devices, it could be possible to do a VAST number of
  things at the same time.  Deckers seem to really enjoy this kind of extra
  functioning, as they can be in both the Matrix and have their "meat" body
  doing some of the more mundane things, like walking downtown for a stroll.

->>>>>[Oh yeah, a Stroll he says...walking around downtown to get closer to
  the targets they are hitting through their headware telephones if you ask
  me...]<<<<<
    -Dapper Dan<8:24:50/7-25-61>

->>>>>[Ah, but Dapper, we didn't...]<<<<<
    -Backdraft<9:47:21/7-25-61>

     There are also many, as yet unproven, reports of individuals who have
  created seperate and multi-layer frames that are capable of doing a very
  in-depth series of functions.  For example, if Skillwires and the appropriate
  Skillsofts are beings utilized (like Acting or Piloting), it becomes very
  possible for a Sleepwalker to go an do major business transactions while
  all the time monitoring different activities and/or doing different functions
  entirely.

->>>>>[Ah Hell, the boss has a set of frames that let him go into a building
  using things like Stealth and Athletics, knock out guards with Armed/Unarmed
  Combat and/or Firearms, locate an access terminal or piece of hardware (which
  he is doing his own Matrix cover the whole time of course), and get out
  by way of foot, vehicle, or other.  Sort of takes the terminology and words,
  "Jack-of-All-Trades" to an entirely new level.]<<<<<<
    -Backdraft<9:51:01/7-25-61>

     There is one other type of Sleepwalker that is also rumored to be on the
  streets.  The Possessed Sleepwalker.  This guy is a bit more interesting, as
  someone else is actually controlling his body.  On the streets, these types
  are known as "Schizos."  This guy requires Skillwires and is almost always
  someone with Alpha or higher grade cyberware.  

     A Possessed is capable of having several people function in and/or through
  his/her body at once.  Sometimes, these individuals also have things like
  multiple Datajacks and/or Skillsoft/Chipjack Implants.  They also almost
  always have a Multi-Channel Telephone and/or Radio/ComSuite system to allow
  for the higher influx of informational exchange.

->>>>>[Yeah, but these guys have one MAJOR limitation.  The people that are
  functioning through him/her cannot access skills of their own beyond the
  level of the Skillwire Implants.  So, Reflex only has Skillwires level 6,
  and if Detrius decides to use his Gunnery (which is Level 8), then he is
  restricted to Level 6 usage only.]<<<<<
    -Gideon "the Greaser" Carmichael<8:38:45/7-25-61>

->>>>>[Ah yes, but there are even ways around this.  Skillwires +, SPU(I/O),
  preprogrammed TacComs, and even multiple Sense Link Interfaces.  And it is
  SO cool to work like this.  And if you have a "Dead Head" then it can go
  even further...]<<<<<
    -Backdraft<9:53:29/7-25-61>

     The last and final type of Sleepwalker that will be mentioned within this
  article is the "Dead Head."  A Dead Head is not even a living being.  A Dead
  Head is a relatively new and very advanced drone.  Dead Heads are almost 
  exclusively controlled by those in the corporate sector and above in general
  funding/spending (like Military).

     Dead Heads are basically massive collections of Cybernetic Implantational
  Devices with full ComSuite Interfacing.  Think of a Dead Head as a special
  type of Vehicle Drone.  With no limits placed upon the psyche of the
  individual, or the biological flesh, these drones are rapidly becoming a
  new means of heavy level protection and/or invasion/espionage operations.
  Almost ALL Dead Heads also come with a Self-Destruct mechanism, often times
  capable of levelling a medium size building.  As they can also be built to
  near Vehicle standards, they are also capable of resisting higher amounts
  of physical damage than "normal" Sleepwalkers, and so usually have a greater
  "mortality level" than other modes of operation.

->>>>>[HIGHER MORTALITY RATE MY ASS!!!  These things are damn near
  indestructable.  I ran into one with a few of my friends inside of the
  Renraku Arcologoy in Seattle.  The only reason we even knew we weren't 
  dealing with a piece of meat is the mage with us said the guy was actually
  dead.  This thing had damn near everything I tell ya, Strength, Speed,
  Body, Built IN Laser Weaponry, Sensors, hell even an ECM designed to go
  against our group comlinks.  It hit the trog with us (no offense big guy),
  and put him through a reinforced partition!  I tell ya, if you know you
  are going to deal with one of these, bring a MicroNuke or something, cuz
  you're gonna need it!!!]<<<<<
    -the Hi-Way Hog<7:15:06/7-25-61>

->>>>>[Hey Hi-Way, I don't suppose you knew that the thing was also being run
  by one of their security computers did ya???]<<<<<
    -Nightfire<9:02:51/7-25-61>

->>[So there ya have it, the ideas and mentionings of the future.  I do
  so hope you enjoyed it.  I know my players have and will yet...]<<
    -Keith

->>[Oh yeah, btw, I will post some ideas on the Dead Heads and their rulings
  in another post later.]<<
    -Keith