Borg

Borg refers to cybernetic enhancements and characters within the Cyberpunk universe, particularly focusing on Borgware, notable figures like Adam Smasher and Johnny Silverhand, and the archetype of Morgan Blackhand.

Borgware Hardened Shielding

Borgware Hardened Shielding is an additional level of armor in Cyberpunk RED. It costs 1,000 eb and can only be installed at a Hospital. This enhancement increases the durability of another piece of Borgware and provides protection against Electrical Shocks, Microwaves, and EMPs. During Character Generation, it incurs a Humanity Loss of 14, and if installed later, it results in a Humanity Loss of 4d6. The source for this information is from Black Chrome, R. Talsorian Games, 2023.

Cyberware

Cyberware describes cybernetic technology grafted onto a living body. Originally developed for practical and medical purposes, cyberware has become as commonplace as tattoos and jewelry. It refers to any cybernetic technology permanently installed into the body, and all cyberware is artificial. Cyberware generally interacts with the nervous system, and while people with artificial hip joints or pacemakers are not considered cyborgs, cyberware is widespread in the cyberpunk world. Cybernetics are often desired for practical applications and status, and they can be affordable for most of the middle class and some poor individuals. The working class often has two or three implants of some kind. Cyberoptics can be useful for recording meetings, while cyberaudio with boosted sensitivity can be useful for eavesdropping. Installing cybertechnology is considered a major purchase, and it can be acquired almost anywhere, with some installations done during walk-in visits. Ripperdocs, who are underground medtechs, can perform installations cheaply but do not follow medical codes and procedures. Cyberware installation uses nanotech to interface with the nervous system, and full body conversions, which replace virtually everything except the brain, are rare due to the risk of cyberpsychosis. Most cyberware requires regular maintenance to function properly, and faulty implants can endanger the user's life.

Adam Smasher

Adam Smasher is a full borg mercenary employed by Arasaka. He became a notorious solo and rival of Morgan Blackhand, and by 2077, he was head of security within Arasaka and the personal bodyguard of Yorinobu Arasaka. Born on June 21st, Smasher has a Bronx American father and a Russian mother, growing up in the South Bronx, New York City. He joined his neighborhood combat gang and enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving for six years before being discharged for insubordination. After returning home, he worked as a mercenary and was employed by Arasaka to steal prototype tech. Smasher was maimed during a job but was reanimated after being effectively dead for over eight minutes. Arasaka offered him a full body conversion in exchange for a 15-year employment contract, which he accepted while in a life support tank. This decision led to his fame along the eastern seaboard, and he was contracted for various missions, often with a stipulation for collateral damage and civilian casualties. Smasher has a reputation for ruthlessness and has been involved in numerous violent encounters, including a notorious attack in Connecticut and a confrontation with Johnny Silverhand during the Night City Holocaust.

Johnny Silverhand

Johnny Silverhand, born Robert John Linder on November 16, 1988, in College Station, Texas, was the lead singer of the band Samurai before its breakup in 2008. A military veteran, he fought against the corrupt American government and megacorporations, becoming known for his impulsive and manipulative nature. After losing his arm, he had a bionic left arm implanted and was likely one of the early victims of cyberpsychosis. Silverhand was killed by Adam Smasher during the Night City Holocaust on August 20th, 2023, but his consciousness was saved as an engram. He was involved in various missions against Arasaka, driven by a desire to save his friend Alt Cunningham. His legacy includes the songs "Chippin' In" and "Never Fade Away," and he is remembered as a controversial legend of Night City.

Morgan Blackhand

Morgan Blackhand is characterized as a pragmatist and is known for capturing targets alive. He served in the Second Central American War, where he lost his right arm, which was later replaced with cyberware. Morgan became a mercenary for Militech and was involved in various operations, including leading a strike team during the assault on the Arasaka Towers in August 2023. He has a rivalry with Adam Smasher and is considered one of the most notorious solos in the Cyberpunk universe. Morgan Blackhand's status remains unconfirmed after the Night City Holocaust, and he is often depicted as an archetypical Solo character.

Referencie

Cyberpunk

Borg

Cyberware