Cyborgs

In the Kagoma System, Cyborgs are individuals who have undergone significant Magitech Augmentation, blending their natural biology with advanced arcane technology. The term "Cyborg" is used broadly and encompasses a spectrum of augmentation, from minor enhancements to complete reliance on cybernetic and magitech systems for survival. See the "Augmented" Race variant, Here.

While Cyborgs are a testament to the technological mastery of the Eternal Empire, their existence is both a marvel and a cautionary tale. They are celebrated as pioneers of innovation by some and viewed with suspicion or fear by others, particularly in the Wildlands and among religious factions who see heavy augmentation as a rejection of the gods’ design.

The Rise of Cyborgs

The integration of magitech into organic life began during the Second Crusade (the war against rogue AI). After the war, magitech augmentations spread into civilian life, with applications in medicine, labor, and combat. Over time, individuals voluntarily began augmenting themselves for greater physical and mental capabilities, leading to the emergence of Cyborgs as a distinct societal group.

Cyborgs embody the tension between progress and humanity in the Kagoma System. They represent the triumph of mortal innovation but also serve as a cautionary tale about the cost of pushing the limits of the soul and body. Whether revered, feared, or reviled, Cyborgs are central to the story of a galaxy shaped by magitech.

Appearance and Design

Cyborgs are incredibly diverse in appearance, depending on the type and extent of their augmentations. Magitech enhancements often blend sleek, arcane-infused machinery with organic tissue. Many augmentations glow faintly with arcane runes or emit subtle hums of energy, while others are concealed to preserve a more "natural" appearance.

Industrial Cyborgs

Augmented for labor, these individuals have reinforced limbs, integrated tools, and hardened bodies capable of surviving extreme environments.

Combat Cyborgs

Designed for war, these Cyborgs sport integrated weaponry, enhanced reflexes, and protective plating. Their bodies are optimized for endurance and speed, making them deadly opponents.

Elite Cyborgs

Wealthy citizens and high-ranking officials can afford high-quality, aesthetically pleasing augmentations. These augmentations emphasize style, with ornate designs, gold trim, and arcane flourishes.

Survivor Cyborgs

Many Indents, injured rebels, or desperate citizens resort to crude, salvaged augmentations to survive. These modifications are often unregulated and poorly maintained, leading to a rough, pieced-together appearance.

Cyborgs in Society

Cyborgs occupy a controversial place in society, their status varying depending on location, wealth, and purpose:

In the Empire

Cyborgs are valued for their productivity and utility. The Empire employs Cyborgs as laborers, soldiers, and engineers, viewing them as tools of progress. However, excessive augmentation is closely monitored to prevent rebellion and Cyberpsychosis. The wealthiest citizens see augmentations as a status symbol, integrating advanced magitech to display their affluence. These "Designer Cyborgs" are celebrated in Imperial culture. Indentured Servants (Indents) who require magitech limbs or organs due to injuries often find their debt increasing, as the Empire charges exorbitant fees for repairs and maintenance.

In the Wildlands

Cyborgs are rare and often viewed with suspicion or outright hostility. The naturalists and religious factions of the Wildlands consider heavy augmentation an affront to the gods and a sign of corruption by the Empire. Rebel factions may include Cyborgs, though these are often individuals who have escaped Imperial control or used salvaged technology for survival.

Religious Perspective

The Chantry of the Eternal Empire views moderate augmentation as a gift from the gods, granted to further their divine mission. However, they condemn excessive modification, claiming it leads to the loss of the soul. Outside the Chantry’s influence, many devout groups see Cyborgs as abominations who have forsaken their humanity and divine essence.

The Borg

Through societal rejection and stigma, a militant and radical offshoot of cyborgs have organized known as The Borg, who revere cyborg supremacy. They often promote excessive augmentation among their ranks, and try to push the boundaries of Cyberpsychosis.

Roleplay

Body vs. Soul

Cyborgs often grapple with the philosophical question of whether they remain fully human. Their reliance on magitech can lead to existential crises, especially for characters who start to develop Cyberpsychosis.

Empire's Control

Many Cyborgs owe their existence to the Empire. Are they loyal tools of their masters, or are they seeking freedom from the system that rebuilt them?

Rebellion and Freedom

Rebel Cyborgs often seek to reclaim their autonomy, whether through sabotaging Imperial systems or forging alliances in the Wildlands.

Faith and Technology

Cyborgs may wrestle with their faith, especially in a world where magitech is seen as both a gift and a curse.

Known Cyborgs

General Rhytlock, the Iron Fist: An Imperial war hero and the poster child for magitech augmentation, Rhytlock is now an imperial System Lord who commands fear and respect with his fully integrated combat systems. Despite his achievements, whispers of him succumbing to Cyberpsychosis are spreading.

Orah Vyrne, the Scrap Surgeon: A rogue artificer in the Wildlands who salvages magitech parts to create crude but effective augmentations for those in need. Her clients often struggle with the costs to their Humanity Threshold.

Darvix Karn, the Patchwork Soldier: Darvix is a former Indent who escaped into the Wildlands after nearly dying in a mining collapse. With salvaged parts and sheer determination, he rebuilt himself into a patchwork cyborg. His body is a chaotic amalgamation of mismatched magitech components, including a mining drill for an arm - he now commands a large portion of the Borg.

Ilvara Vaelis, the Luminary: A wealthy noble from Avalon and one of the foremost advocates of magitech augmentation, Ilvara has embraced cybernetics to the extreme, making her almost unrecognizable as human. Her limbs are sleek, gold-plated constructs, and her head is adorned with an arcane interface crown that grants her direct access to Imperial databases. Her body is more a work of art than a machine, with glowing runes etched into every piece of her magitech enhancements.