Just had a quick thought that it might be better to have cyborg programs (like reflex boost, melee combat tactics) drain move points every so often instead of setting the char with -maxmove. Like leasing a car. I say better because those who play cyborgs activate the program feel very little consequence of using it. Not everyone has high movepoints but it's not difficult to obtain enough where activating programs and going about normal tempus activities is no problem. My monk/borg uses 210 move points to run 6 programs, 247 to run the last one that I don't need and 547 to run all 8 programs (300 moves to run nanite).

This means both good and bad for the cyborg. More move points to work with but with more move point management.

As far as numbers go, each program on average costs 35 movepoints to activate (except for nanite) so how about having programs draining around 15-20 movepoints per program per tick. 150 per tick for nanite.

Hopefully, this'll open some doors on more cyborg ideas.

I don't like this idea because it would make cyborgs more inconvenient to play. :P

When programs are run on real computers, they don't keep sucking memory, do they? I thought this was the rationale behind a borg's programs.

Perhaps we should make all cyborgs continue to drain move points, regardless of whether or not they are running programs (except for when they are sleeping or in stasis). And when programs are running, the move points drain even faster. To compensate for this, borgs should get more move points, and they should have some bonuses (defense and attack bonuses, damage reduction, or something else). Punching a cyborg should do less damage than punching a human?

I don't know if I support this idea either- just throwing it out.

you are looking at his idea the wrong way. to me it would make the borg programs act more like spells with move coming off every tick. It wouldnt hurt borgs at all IMO so they shouldnt get any compensation since they already have a dam reduc program and a program for the other things you listed. if you want more move points make your borg half orc or orc. this is probably the best idea i have seen for cyborgs

Actually, I think it does make playing cyborgs more inconvenient to play. But, that was my intention. Cyborg programs should be more like using skills.

When do I activate my program? Should I be using it at all? When is using it most beneficial to activate?

Cyborg programs are active all the time. When I play a cyborg, I give no thought to how many programs I am running. I was thinking that programs could drain small amounts but have each additional program cost exponential amounts.

Something like: 5 * (2 ^ n) + P where "n" is the number of programs active and "P" is the program's modifier, usefulness of the programs determine the modifier.

If reflex boost = 15, power boost = 5, and melee combat tactics = 5, then activating all three will cost: 5 * (2 ^ 3) + 35 = 65 move points per tick. Activating only power boost will cost 15 move points.

It may make playing cyborg worse but I'm hoping that it'll help create new ideas to ultimately make playing cyborgs more interesting. (More ways to use move points and more ways to get it back.)

For example:

'De-energize' becomes more effective. It could also be more effective, especially against other cyborgs. I've seen it drain as low as 120 to as high as 160.

'Assimilate' could restore move points as well as absorbing the item's properties.

Overdrain could work better than recharge. (Should be done anyway)

A new program where cyborgs can link their programs' movement costs with an implanted device. Doing as such will drain moves from that device instead of the cyborg's move points, however the device cannot be activated.

The programs listed here: http://realm.tempusmud.com/forum/4/335/1263261662

'Grounding' turns a huge disadvantage into an advantage for prime cyborgs.

'Automated Repairs' gives more applications for the cyborg's move points. It doesn't have to restore hitpoints, it could repair system damage.