Cyber


"Flesh is frail; technology endures. The Cyber embrace the synthesis of human ingenuity and machine precision, transcending their mortal limitations to become something more."

The Cyber, also known as Transhumans or Hybrids, are a faction of sapiens who have merged with advanced technology to enhance their physical, cognitive, and sensory capabilities. Rejecting the constraints of their biological origins, they embrace cybernetic implants and artificial intelligence to achieve superior strength, speed, and intellect. While they are still considered part of the broader sapien group, the Cyber view themselves as an evolved species, transcending the boundaries of humanity.

With their sleek cyberpunk aesthetic and mastery of cutting-edge weaponry, the Cyber are both feared and admired. Some see them as the pioneers of the future, while others view them as a warning of humanity’s potential to lose itself to technology.

Born of Technological Evolution

The Cyber emerged from a pivotal era of technological advancement when humanity began integrating machines into their bodies. At first, cybernetic enhancements were purely utilitarian—prosthetics for the injured, neural implants for medical treatments, and augmented vision for specialized tasks. Over time, these enhancements became more sophisticated, enabling individuals to improve themselves beyond natural limits.

As cybernetic technology flourished, a philosophical shift occurred. Some individuals embraced the fusion of flesh and machine not just as a necessity but as a path to self-improvement. This movement gave rise to the Cyber, a group that saw their cybernetics not as tools but as integral parts of their identity. Entire communities of Cyber formed in sprawling megacities, where neon lights reflected off metallic limbs and augmented eyes glowed with artificial intelligence.

Despite their advanced technology, the Cyber remain tied to their humanity in many ways. They grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and the cost of their enhancements. Are they still human, or have they become something entirely new?

Cyber in the Material Plane

The Cyber are deeply integrated into the material plane, often inhabiting bustling urban centers where technology reigns supreme. Their presence is unmistakable, with glowing implants, sleek mechanical limbs, and advanced weaponry setting them apart from ordinary humans.

The Cyber are sought after for their expertise in technology and combat, serving as engineers, hackers, mercenaries, and innovators. However, their reliance on cybernetics often makes them targets of suspicion and prejudice. Many mortals question whether the Cyber’s enhancements come at the cost of their humanity, leading to a mix of admiration, fear, and resentment.

While most Cyber strive to coexist with other factions, some push for complete separation, believing that their technological superiority places them above those bound by flesh. This divide has led to internal conflicts within the faction, as well as tensions with other groups who see the Cyber as a threat to tradition and balance.

Culture of the Cyber

The Cyber’s culture revolves around the principles of self-improvement, innovation, and individual expression. Their society is as diverse as their augmentations, with no two Cyber looking or thinking alike. However, several core values unite them:

  • The Pursuit of Perfection: The Cyber believe in constant improvement, upgrading their bodies and minds to overcome weaknesses and achieve their full potential.
  • Adaptation Over Tradition: Unlike more conservative factions, the Cyber embrace change, viewing it as essential for survival and growth.
  • Individuality Within Unity: Each Cyber is unique, customizing their augmentations to reflect their personal goals and aesthetics. Despite this individuality, they share a collective respect for technological progress.

Their cities and enclaves are marvels of futuristic design, blending neon-lit skyscrapers with sprawling digital networks. Cyber communities often resemble living machines, with seamless integration between their physical and virtual environments.

Playing a Cyber

As a Cyber, you embody the cutting edge of human evolution. Your character’s journey may explore themes of identity, the limits of humanity, and the ethical dilemmas of transhumanism. Whether you embrace your enhancements or struggle with their implications, playing a Cyber allows you to delve into the interplay between man and machine.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • Why did you choose to enhance yourself? Was it out of necessity, ambition, or curiosity?
  • How do you feel about your augmentations? Are they tools, or are they a core part of your identity?
  • Do you view traditional humans as equals, or do you see them as inferior to the Cyber?
  • How do you handle prejudice or mistrust from those who fear or envy your enhancements?

Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Intelligence score increases by +2, and your Dexterity or Strength score increases by +1.

Age: Cyber retain the same lifespan as standard humans, but their cybernetic enhancements can prolong their functional capabilities well beyond natural limits.

Alignment: The Cyber’s emphasis on individuality and progress often leads them toward neutral or chaotic alignments, though their personal values may vary widely.

Size: Cyber are typically the same size as humans, though their augmentations may make them slightly taller or heavier. Your size is Medium.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Enhanced Vision: You gain darkvision up to 60 feet. In addition, you can see in complete darkness as if it were dim light when using your augmented sensors.

Technological Adaptation: You have proficiency in Technology and Engineering Tools.

Cybernetic Enhancements: Choose two of the following augmentations during character creation:

  • Integrated Weapon: You can deploy a built-in weapon (melee or ranged) as part of your body. This weapon deals 1d8 damage and is treated as magical.
  • Neural Boost: You gain advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks and saving throws against being charmed.
  • Armored Plating: Your AC increases by +1 while not wearing armor.
  • Kinetic Amplifiers: Your unarmed strikes deal 1d6 bludgeoning damage, and you can shove enemies an additional 5 feet.

Overclocked Reflexes: Once per long rest, you can take an additional action on your turn.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Binary (a digital language used by Cyber).

Subraces: Cyber Variants

The Cyber’s diverse augmentations allow for specialized roles within their society. Choose one of the following subraces:

Hackers

  • System Infiltration: You can cast Hack Device (a custom spell) once per long rest. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
  • Technomind: You have advantage on saving throws against illusions and mind-altering effects.

Enforcers

  • Combat Protocols: You gain proficiency in martial weapons and one ranged weapon of your choice.
  • Adrenal Overdrive: When you reduce an enemy to 0 hit points, you can gain temporary hit points equal to your level.

Cyber Specialists

  • Utility Augments: Choose an additional Cybernetic Enhancement.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet, and you can Dash as a bonus action.

Names

The names of the Cyber reflect their duality as part human, part machine. Many retain their original human names, while others adopt futuristic monikers or aliases that embody their augmented identity. Cyber who embrace their individuality often craft names that highlight their enhancements or aspirations.

Masculine Names

  • Zynex, Kaelron, D-Volt, Stryker, Axion, Kryll.

Feminine Names

  • Nyssa, Vex, Altryn, Zerra, Cylith, Venra.

Neutral Names

  • Syn, Arc, Quorra, Lux, Nexel, Vyn.

Cyber individuals involved in advanced hacking or espionage often adopt code names like “Ghost,” “Cipher,” or “Spectra.” These aliases emphasize their independence and connection to technology.

Playing a Cyber

As a Cyber, your character combines human emotion with machine precision. You are a living example of the potential—and risks—of technological evolution. Your story might explore themes of personal identity, the balance between organic and synthetic life, and the consequences of transcending humanity’s natural limits.

Example Cyber Characters

  • "Zynex, a Cyber Enforcer with an Integrated Weapon, serves as a bounty hunter in a sprawling megacity. Though efficient and deadly, he struggles with the remnants of his human emotions, questioning whether his upgrades have cost him his soul."
  • "Nyssa Cylith, a Hacker specializing in system infiltration, uses her skills to expose corruption in corporate regimes. While her cause is noble, her methods are often questionable, blurring the lines between hero and vigilante."
  • "Quorra Vyn, a Cyber Specialist with kinetic amplifiers, works as a bodyguard for a prominent diplomat. Her loyalty is unwavering, but she fears that her augmentations have made her more weapon than person."

Roleplaying Hooks

  • Why did you choose to augment yourself? Was it for survival, ambition, or to pursue a specific goal?
  • How do you feel about your connection to technology? Do you see it as a blessing, a necessity, or a potential curse?
  • Do you view traditional humans as equals, or do you believe that the Cyber are the next step in evolution?
  • How do you reconcile the human aspects of your identity with the machine parts that define your abilities?

DM’s Toolbox: Cyber in the World

The Cyber faction provides numerous opportunities for intrigue, action, and exploration. Their technological prowess and transhuman ideals make them valuable allies, formidable adversaries, and fascinating narrative tools.

As Allies

  • Technological Experts: A Cyber character or NPC aids the party in hacking systems, repairing advanced machinery, or navigating a cyberpunk cityscape.
  • Bodyguards and Mercenaries: A Cyber Enforcer offers their services to protect the party from hostile forces, bringing a mix of advanced weaponry and tactical skill.
  • Freedom Fighters: A group of Cyber rebels seeks to overthrow oppressive regimes, enlisting the players’ help in their cause.

As Antagonists

  • Rogue Technocrats: A faction of Cyber extremists seeks to impose their vision of technological perfection on the world, regardless of the cost.
  • Cyber Heist: A skilled Cyber Hacker infiltrates a powerful organization, and the party must stop them before they unleash chaos.
  • Corrupted Enhancements: A malfunction in Cyber augmentations causes violent behavior, forcing the party to uncover the source of the corruption.

Campaign Hooks

  • The Forgotten Code: The party discovers an ancient data archive containing the blueprints for unprecedented Cyber enhancements. Both Cyber factions and corporate powers vie for its control.
  • The Cyber War: Tensions between augmented and non-augmented factions escalate into open conflict, with the players caught in the middle.
  • The Missing Link: A series of high-profile Cyber disappearances leads the party to a secret facility experimenting on Transhumans, revealing dark truths about their origins.

Cyber in Combat

The Cyber’s enhanced abilities make them adaptable combatants, capable of fulfilling a wide range of roles. Their augmentations provide unique advantages, from devastating offensive power to unparalleled mobility and utility.

Combat Roles

  • Frontline Fighter: Enforcers with Armored Plating and Kinetic Amplifiers excel in close-quarters combat, overpowering enemies with sheer force.
  • Tactical Support: Hackers use system infiltration and advanced sensors to disrupt enemy strategies and provide crucial intelligence.
  • Agile Striker: Specialists with Enhanced Mobility and Integrated Weapons strike swiftly and retreat before their enemies can react.

Strengths

  • Cyber augmentations provide exceptional versatility, allowing them to adapt to various combat scenarios.
  • Access to technology-based abilities, such as hacking and integrated weapons, gives them unique tactical options.
  • High Intelligence and Dexterity make them effective in roles requiring precision and speed.

Weaknesses

  • Reliance on technology makes them vulnerable to anti-tech measures, such as EMPs or hacking attacks.
  • Their emphasis on individual customization can create gaps in their abilities compared to more specialized factions.
  • Their moral ambiguity and transhuman nature can lead to mistrust from other factions.

Optional Details

  • Visual Representation: Cyber cities could be depicted as neon-lit metropolises, with towering skyscrapers, holographic advertisements, and streets filled with augmented individuals. Cyber characters themselves might feature glowing implants, sleek armor, and weaponized limbs.
  • Faction Symbol: A stylized circuit board forming the shape of a human skull or heart, representing the fusion of humanity and technology.