Soul and the New Machine
in Cyberpunk REDNew Time Bad Time Red Time
This is especially true in the Time of the Red, when a massive war between Megacorporations and an atomic bombing have ravaged what little vestiges of civilization would be familiar to people in society today.Its Always Personal
The rule is it's always personal. Survival is a personal thing and the hallmark of these dark times. But there's a wider aspect to that—you look to your friends, team, family, or clan first. If you can do some good along the way, great. But don't count on it. Cyberpunk Characters are survivors in a tough, grim world, faced with life-and-death choices. How they make these choices has a lot to do with whether they end up as vicious animals roaming a ruined world or retain something of their basic humanity. Cyberpunk Characters are the heroes of a bad situation, working to make it better (or at least survivable) whenever they can. Whether it takes committing crimes, defying authority, or even outright revolution, the quintessential Cyberpunk Character is a rebel with a cause.As A Cyberpunk Player
As a Cyberpunk roleplayer, it's up to you to find that cause and go to the wall with it. This is the essence of Cyberpunk—playing your Character with the proper disaffected, cynical-yet-idealistic style. Whether you're a biker with leathered skin and metal claws, or a debutante in satin sporting the latest in designer cyberoptics, you're going to need a certain panache—a certain flair—in portraying yourself. To achieve the essence of the 2000s, you need to master three concepts:Style over Substance
It doesn't matter how well you do something, as longas you look good doing it. If you're going to blowit, make sure you look like you planned it that way.Normally, clothes and looks don't matter in an adventure—in this world, having a leather armor jacket andmirrorshades is a serious consideration.Attitude is Everything
It's truth. Think dangerous; be dangerous. Thinkweak; be weak. Remember, everyone in the 2000scarries lots of lethal hardware. Each Character in thisworld is playing a Role—a face that person projectsto the outside world as the real thing. They won't beimpressed by your new Militech smartgun unless youswagger into the club looking like you know how touse it...and are just itching for an excuse. Never walkinto a room when you can stride in. Never look atsomeone unless you can make it your best "killer" look.Use your best "I'm bad and you aren't" smile. Don't sitaround the flat or cube waiting for the next job. Get onout and hit the clubs and hangouts. Make sure you'rewhere the party starts.Live on the Edge
The Edge is that nebulous zone where risk-takers andhigh rollers go. On the Edge, you'll risk your cash,your rep, even your life on something as vague as aprinciple or a big score. As a Cyberpunk, you wantto be the action, start the rebellion, light the fire. Joingreat causes and fight for big issues. Never drive slowwhen you can drive fast. Throw yourself up againstdanger and take it head on. Never play it too safe.Stay committed to the Edge.