Assets

Table of Contents

General Equipment

Specialist Equipment (Quality 1-2): A catch-all for any piece of ordinary gear that provides an advantage or fulfils a vital function. Usually costs 1 load. Common examples may include:

At quality 2, you can get more advanced and highly-specialised equipment, such as:

Fabricator (Quality 2): Uses cheap resin or metallic residue to print small handheld components. If you own a fabricator, you can spend 1 load to pull out a component, small tool or simple weapon that you fabricated earlier. Items created by the fabricator are short-lived, and usually only last one session or mission; fabricated guns are single-use. The fabricator itself is microwave-sized, and isn’t portable.

Jammer Gun (Quality 2): A directed electronic countermeasure designed to disable drones and other wireless devices, as long as they’re not hardened. It has a fairly short range, and is blocked by line of sight. [1 load]

Fake ID (Quality 1): A fake ID for a specific situation or place. A decent forgery, but may not hold up to close scrutiny or a background check. [0 load]

Plasma Cutter (Quality 5): A bulky device that resembles a heavy weapon. You can activate it and cut through a door, ship hull or other obstacle. Not subtle or quiet, and generally too unwieldy to use in combat. Overuse may deplete the battery, costing 1 load to replace it. [3 load]

Medicine

Medkit (Quality 1): A portable clinic with medical tools and pharmaceuticals, perfect for treating an ally’s injuries. You can also spend 1 load to produce a sedative, antidote, disease treatment or other appropriate medicine. [1 load]

Performance Drugs (Quality 1): A single dose of a performance-enhancing drug; you can spend 1 load to have a pocketful instead. Decide what kind of drug it is when you purchase this asset; the effects are entirely narrative, but may alter position and effect. Performance drugs always have some kind of benefit, but also come with a consequence (which can be resisted). [0 load]

Some example performance drugs:

Truth Serum (Quality 2): A refrigerated case with a few doses of a powerful (and restricted) hypnotic drug that induces confusion, euphoria, and reduced inhibitions. Anyone suffering from its effects will struggle to keep their story straight, be easier to intimidate, and have a hard time keeping their mouth shut. [1 load]

Lazarus Kit (Quality 2): A kit containing a single dose of Lazarus, a rare and expensive medication that can revive the clinically dead. Using Lazarus correctly requires a skilled medic and precise dosage, and every second counts; reviving someone who has been dead for more than a few minutes is impossible. [1 load]

Hypo Rifle (Quality 2): A large weapon resembling a plastic rifle with a long, narrow barrel; it pneumatically fires hypodermic cartridges. Allows you to deliver sedatives, performance drugs or other substances at a moderate distance, though the range is inferior to a real rifle. Ineffective against armored targets. [2 load]

Vehicles

Mobility Aid (Quality 1): Could be an electric bike, a hoverboard or a smartboard with telescopic wheels, or whatever. You can use it to get around faster than you would on foot, and it can be picked up or collapsed to make it easy to carry around. Counts for 2 load in its collapsed form.

Personal Vehicle (Quality 5-6): You have access to a small personal vehicle; for quality 5, it’s a gravbike that can float above low obstacles and run for multiple days before it needs to be refuelled. For quality 6, it’s a vehicle such as a gravcar that can accommodate passengers. In less developed colonies, gravbikes and gravcars are often replaced by their more traditional wheeled variants.

Aerocar (Quality 8): A high-end luxury car that performs similarly to a gravcar in most respects, but is capable of vertical takeoff and low-level flight (still at the same speeds as a gravcar). Includes a basic autopilot package. Cannot leave atmo.

Shuttle (Quality 10): A small, personal shuttle that is capable of achieving a low orbit and rendezvous with a space station. Seats 2 or 4; basically an aerocar with spaceflight-grade engines and short-term life support. The kind of thing an oligarch uses to visit their orbital villa, or that a science vessel uses to send ground teams to a planet.

Powered Exoskeleton (Quality 6): An “exosuit” or wireframe that allows the wearer to exert superhuman physical strength when jumping, climbing, lifting, and in melee combat. However, it is extremely heavy and loud, and somewhat clumsy. The suit compensates for its own weight, but is too heavy to carry when unpowered.

Recon Armor (Quality 8): A light power armor suit; effectively a powered exoskeleton combined with a set of sealed military-grade armor that has its own air supply. Impervious to small arms fire, but high-caliber firearms are still a threat. The most advanced versions have communications and targeting systems built into their HUDs, and jump-jets for space maneuvers or a short “bounce” in atmosphere.

Wearable Assets

Fancy Clothes (Quality 2): This is not just one set of clothes, but a stylish wardrobe. Useful for impressing or coming up with disguises - whatever the situation, you will always have the right outfit. [0 load]

Mantle (Quality 1): Ordinary clothing that has been modified to include electroshock pads. You can use it up to ignore a consequence that comes as a result of someone attacking or grabbing you with their bare hands - instead, they get a shock and let you go. After discharging, it can’t be used again until your next downtime phase. [1 load]

Protective Gear (Quality 1): Heavy clothing, “road leathers”, or stabproof materials. You can mark it to mitigate a condition or injury by one level (i.e. an injury becomes a condition). The asset is then used up until your next downtime phase. [1 load]

Covert Armor (Quality 3): Discreet armor that is layered into and under clothing, but isn’t as protective as heavy-duty armor. You can mark it to mitigate a condition or injury by one level (i.e. an injury becomes a condition). The asset is then used up until your next downtime phase. [0 load]

Combat Armor (Quality 2): Heavy duty kevlar or even military armor. You can mark it to mitigate a condition or injury by two levels (i.e. a serious injury becomes a condition). The asset is then used up until your next downtime phase. More advanced models may include full-body suits with sealed components and integrated goggles, reducing the effects of flashbangs or gas weapons. [2 load]

Holographic Projection Armor (Quality 4): Holoprojectors sewn or built into clothes that can distort, project or blur the wearer’s image - but requires concentration and training to use effectively. Improves position when you are performing an action that will get you shot at or targeted by ranged weaponry. [1 load]

Squidsuit (Quality 6): A variant of the Holographic Projection Armor that uses the holoprojectors to confer limited invisibility as long as you move slowly. Improves position when attempting to pass through an area unseen. Useless in combat or when you need to move quickly. [1 load]

Computing Assets

Datapad (Quality 0): Basic computing equipment like a datapad, commlink or high-density storage device is available to most characters at minimal cost, unless there’s a good reason they might not have one. Datapads come in many forms and shapes: a plastic brick with a screen, a sleek sheet that can be folded or rolled up, a wristband with a built-in holoscreen, or even a featureless cube that can only be used with smart glasses. They’re fine for day to day use, but not good for hacking or heavy-duty work. [0 load]

Hacking Suite (Quality 2): A heavy-duty device packed with tools and programs used for hacking. They come in many forms - a portable “deck” with built-in holoprojectors, a sophisticated cranial implant, or even just a stationary terminal tricked out with custom hardware and software. You need one of these to hack effectively; without a hacking suite, you will always suffer reduced effect when trying to hack. [1 load]

Smart Glasses (Quality 1): These can connect to devices in order to play back video, send messages, link to a smartlinked gun, et cetera. Lets you use your datapad or other linked device while keeping your hands free for other things. The quality 2 version is a set of discreet contact lenses in a self-cleaning case. [0 load]

SenseNet (Quality 1): A headband or electrode net that plugs into your hacking suite, allowing you to enter “full immersion” into cyberspace. Improves reaction times, makes hacking and other online tasks much quicker, and allows you to fully “embody” a drone. You’re dead to the world as long as you’re plugged in, and you’ll experience “dumpshock” if the SenseNet is unexpectedly removed or the connection crashes. Malicious software (“Black ICE”) can inflict physical harm on someone who’s fully immersed. [0 load]

Network Tap (Quality 1): When plugged into a system, allows you to hack into it remotely as long as the tap is in place. Maximum range of 1 mile, unless it’s connected to the public grid. [1 load]

Programs

Software Package (Quality 1-3): Your datapad or hacking suite can do a great deal all by itself, but it can’t do everything. You can get software packages to add capabilities to your device that it doesn’t have by default. You can’t get software packages to make your device more powerful or more secure - that stuff is reflected by the quality of the device. A software package could be something like a universal translator; facial recognition software; or a subscription to a popular game or exclusive service.

Quality 1 represents a standard license for a commercial software package. Premium tools intended for corporate customers might be quality 2. Custom software or private tools that aren’t available on the open market might cost more, especially if they’re illegal.

Databank (Quality 1-3): This might be an offline repository of knowledge on some topic or field, a subscription to several newsfeeds or scientific journals, or a database filled with proprietary manuals or other information that isn’t in the public domain. It puts information at your fingertips that isn’t freely available, and makes research or information gathering in a specific area easier. Usually quality 1 unless the data in question is proprietary, restricted or illegal.

VR Construct (Quality 2+): A custom, simulated world that can be entered by someone who’s fully immersed in cyberspace, allowing them to experience a wholly artificial reality. The base price is for a construct that can run on a standard terminal or hacking suite. Such constructs are fairly limited and clearly constructed, but the most advanced constructs are indistinguishable from real life. Constructs can be used for entertainment, therapeutic or training purposes; they can also be used an interface for humans to interact with complex systems.

Autonomous System (Quality 2+): A weak AI that can run on a hacking suite or heavy-duty terminal. It is capable of executing simple tasks and commands, and limited problem-solving or decision making. Each AS has a specific purpose it was programmed for, such as data archival or security monitoring, and cannot perform functions outside its programming. Like constructs, the base price is for a fairly basic, unsophisticated AS. The complexity and sophistication of an autonomous system is directly correlated to its cost and the hardware required to run it.

Zero-Day Exploit (Quality 2+): A private and illegal exploit that hasn’t dropped on the public networks yet. Gives you an edge against a specific system, but for one hack only - once you “burn” the exploit, security systems will adapt and patches will be released. The base price is for enterprise-grade software; anything more secure than that will command a suitably inflated price tag.

Black ICE (Quality 6+): Not available for purchase; this is “dangerous” security software found protecting certain networks. Networks protected by Black ICE can cause damage to your hacking suite as a consequence, or injury if you are directly connected via SenseNet.

Drones

A drone is treated as a single customisable asset, which you can modify by adding tags to it. A basic drone is a quality 2 asset and starts with one tag. It can be operated at a range of up to 1 mile for about 8 hours, and usually must be actively controlled by its operator. The exact form of your drone depends on what tags it has, but most basic drones are assumed to move by wheels, tracks or small articulated legs. Most drones can be folded up into a hard case that counts for 2 load.

Every level of quality you add to the drone makes it more sophisticated and lets you add another tag to it. The following tags are available:

The following tags are upgrades to one of the options above:

Other Robots

Autoturret (Quality 4-5): A tripod-mounted “perimeter defense system” that can be operated remotely. They can also operate offline in autonomous mode, firing on anything that doesn’t transmit the correct “friendly” radio signal. Higher quality models have thermal and nightvision capabilities built into their optics.

Anthroform Robot (Quality 6): A humanoid robot with articulated limbs, highly maneuverable and flexible. These robots are rarely seen because they’re expensive and relatively fragile (though still stronger and tougher than most humans). Hospitality models are popular with the wealthy, and anthroforms are also sometimes used for “telepresence”, operated remotely with a SenseNet rig.

Heavy-Duty Robot (Quality 9): A mechanical hulk which towers above a human and rolls along on mechanical treads. It has a human-like torso and a pair of fine manipulators, either of which can be replaced with weapons or tools. These robots are used in heavy industry, riot control and private security, but aren’t good in tight spaces.

Automechanical: An enormous, vaguely humanoid robot. They’re squat and immensely heavy, standing more than 10 feet tall and weighing several tons. They can be piloted remotely or operate autonomously, but many models also have space for a human pilot. Used by military and defense forces - they’re the big guns. Automechs cost millions of credits to manufacture; like starships, they aren’t available for purchase with mere Cash.

Weapons

Melee Weapons

Melee weapons come in three broad flavours:

Most weapons count for 1 load, unless they’re especially big and bulky. You can decide narratively whether a weapon is quiet or loud, sharp or blunt, easily concealed or obvious, and whether or not it can be effectively thrown in combat.

Guns

Like drones, guns have tags that define their capabilities and limitations. Here are some of the more common guns you might find in the Foundation:

Here are explanations for the tags above:

Smart is a special tag that increases a gun’s quality by 1. Smart guns can connect to a pair of smart glasses or a cybereye, and they fire special ammo that can change trajectory in mid-flight. They’re very accurate and can be fired safely from cover, but are vulnerable to hacking and jamming.

Laser is a special tag that increases a gun’s quality by 2. It replaces ammo and loud; laser weapons are nearly silent and can fire hundreds of shots between recharges. However, they can overheat temporarily. Laser weapons are also more deadly and accurate than a conventional firearm.

Unusual Ammo

Access to an exotic type of ammunition is a quality 1 asset. You decide which is currently loaded whenever you mark load for one of your guns, and can change types whenever you reload. Each type of ammo adds a tag to your gun when used. The available types include:

Grenades

A box of grenades is a quality 3 asset. You can have a single grenade for 1 load, or a several grenades for 2 load. Grenades can affect multiple people at once and be thrown around corners or over obstacles. Each grenade has a tag that determines its exact effects:

A quality 4 grenade might have additional features such as:

You can also get grenades in the form of plastic explosives (with remote detonator) or nanothermite paste. These require skill to use effectively, and they can’t be thrown like regular grenades.

Augments

Cosmetic Augment (Quality 1): A living tattoo, biomonitor, skinwatch, modification to hair, skin or eyes, or other augmentation installed for cosmetic or convenience purposes. This augment is free during character creation, you can start with as many cosmetic augments as you want.

Cyber Eyes (Quality 2+): A cybernetic eye that works as well as the organic part it was designed to replace. Your eyes function as a pair of smart glasses, connecting wirelessly to your datapad or hacking suite. Each additional level of quality lets you pick two tags to add: thermal vision, night vision, magnification, recording, sensory filters, hardened, lifelike.

Cyber Ears (Quality 2+): An auditory implant that works as well as the organic part it was designed to replace. Your ears work like a commlink, and can wirelessly connect to a datapad, radio, or listening device. Each additional level of quality lets you pick two tags to add: amplification, wide frequency, thought-to-speech, universal translator, recording, hardened, inconspicuous.

Cyber Arm (Quality 2+): A cybernetic arm that works as well as the organic part it was designed to replace. Your arm doesn’t feel pain, and damage to it requires technical repairs rather than rest and recovery. Each additional level of quality lets you pick one tag to add: augmented strength, extended reach, heavy-duty, lifelike.

Cyber Legs (Quality 2+): Cybernetic legs that work as well as the organic parts they were designed to replace. Your legs don’t feel pain, and damage to them requires technical repairs rather than rest and recovery. Each additional level of quality lets you pick one tag to add: augmented athletics, shock absorber, wall walker, lifelike.

Specialized Augment (Quality 3): An augmentation with a specific purpose; it makes you better at performing tasks related to a specific specialty. The exact form varies depending on the specialty it’s built for; when you push yourself to use that specialty, it only costs 1 stress.

Integrated Asset (Quality 2): Choose one of your assets to integrate into your body or one of your augments in some way. You can integrate anything that makes sense, such as a weapon, medkit, thieving equipment, a hacking suite, or even specialised equipment like a rebreather. The integrated asset generally folds or retracts when not in use; it can be deployed with tactile or voice controls, or operated wirelessly.

Hidden Compartment (Quality 2): You get +1 load, and can hide a handheld object from casual inspection. A scanner or detector might notice that you have an augment, but will not reveal the nature of the augment or its contents.

Military-Grade Augments

Armature (Quality 4): A heavy frame that includes extensive subdermal armor, bone reinforcement and other protective implants. Gives the same benefits as combat armor (and stacks with whatever armor you’re wearing). It’s impossible for this Augment to be inconspicuous.

Biorepair System (Quality 4): Several of your internal organs have been replaced with artificial variants that operate more efficiently than the originals. You are immune to tear gas and other irritants, very resistant to toxins and poisons, and recover from injuries faster than an ordinary person. Rest and recuperation gives you 2 ticks of the recovery clock, instead of just 1. There are some concerns that this shortens lifespan in the long run.

Chem Injector (Quality 5): Releases psychoactive drugs into your bloodstream on command - suppressing hunger, increasing alertness, and heightening reflexes. You can go up to 3 days without eating or sleeping without feeling any discomfort or suffering any reduction in position or effect - the crash afterwards won’t be pretty, though. Alternatively, gives you the effect of a single performance drug on command - including the drawbacks.

Mood Detector (Quality 5): Subdermal and eye sensors loaded with facial recognition and body language analysis software. You can ask the GM what the current emotional state of another person is and get an accurate answer.

Neural Cutout (Quality 6): A dangerous and experimental piece of headware mostly used in spec ops and recon units. It’s an implanted neural interface that allows you to enter full immersion into cyberspace at any time. Unlike a SenseNet headband, the neural cutout allows you to instantly switch back and forth between the physical world and full immersion without disconnecting; it even keeps you upright when you’re immersed. This makes it very useful for drone operators or netrunners, but also very dangerous - if you’re targeted by Black ICE, there’s no way to disconnect it.

Time Dilator (Quality 6): Modifies the nervous system to affect how you perceive time; known as “wired reflexes” in some circles. Whenever there’s a question about who acts first, the answer is you. You also get +1d when rolling to resist any consequence that you can avoid with quick reflexes or lightning-fast reaction times.

Illegal Augments

Daredevil Wire (Quality 7): Amplifies the extremes of emotional highs and lows, sharpening instincts and giving you incredible confidence - but tends to give you a feeling of invincibility. You can activate this at any time, and it lasts for the rest of the scene; it gives you +1d on all action rolls, but -1d on all resistance rolls. Incompatible with the Serenity Wire.

Serenity Wire (Quality 7): Flattens emotional highs and lows into an enduring sense of serenity and calm, which permanently increases your maximum stress by 1. Called a “zombie wire” in some circles because the implant gives you a flattened affect and monotonous tone, and makes it harder to care too much about anything. Incompatible with the Daredevil Wire.