Technically, both humans and Replicants may undergo synthetic augmentation – surgical implants that perma-nently enhance natural physical and mental abilities. Realistically, “augs” are ungodly expensive and require dicey medical procedures, intensive post-op healing, and ongoing upkeep. Not to mention the risks of glitching or outdated tech. Getting tune ups is tricky when it’s grafted into your spine.
Beyond the colossal risk, augs are also culturally frowned upon by humans and Reps alike. As anti-Nexus prejudices fester, many humans covet their organic bodies like some VIP pass to a better life. Reps are also precious about their simulated humanity, if only to better blend into a crowd. Only the super-rich, reckless, or royally screwed even consider augs an option, so it’s rare for someone you know to get one. Even still, officers with severe field injuries may apply for prosthetics to continue their duties, so you may see one or two on the force. The Chief himself included.
CHOP SHOPS : LA is the hub of the synthetics indus-try, so you’ll find more specialists here than anywhere else. There are many legitimate “upgrade centers” for every taste and wage bracket. And even more semi-legal “beauty salons” or “skin doctors” in shadier Sectors. These shops traffic in used and off-market goods, catering mostly to Reps or humans seeking maintenance or upgrades on the cheap. Many salons are run by moonlighting bioengineers with heavy consciences and exclusively service Nexuses. Reps in need, even fugitives, often seek out these Sympathizers long suspected of aiding Reps with emergency repairs, illegal upgrades, even new appearances, and work assignments at low/no cost.
Forced to keep off the radar, skin docs chiefly stock their tools and components from the network of illegal chop trafficking off-market salvaged body parts and trans-plants. Though they’re a growing threat and priority target for Vice, scavengers are a necessary evil for the salons show-ing mercy to Reps with no cash and no place to turn.
INSTALLAT ION: Installing a synthetic upgrade requires surgery that will typically take a Shift to complete and make you Broken by damage. The doctor performing the surgery rolls for MEDICAL AID , with an advantage for advanced medical equipment found only in premium clin-ics. If the roll fails, the aug won’t work and you suffer an appropriate critical injury from the list for piercing damage. You might even die on the operating table.