1.5 Merits

Merits Matrix

These Merits provide advantages related to superior augmentation, valuable contacts, or enhanced psychological resilience against the traumas of the city.

Physical & Augment Merits (The Body)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence (Narrative Focus) Cost
Superior Grade Chrome You own a piece of high-quality, specialized augment. You ignore the -1 penalty on rolls related to your primary Glitched Implant Flaw (if taken). 3 pts
Silent Runner Your movements and augments are meticulously maintained or custom-dampened. You gain +1 die on all Stealth rolls. 2 pts
High Pain Tolerance You are naturally or chemically resistant to pain. You automatically succeed on the Composure roll to resist gaining Superficial Damage from the Chronic Pain Flaw (if taken). 2 pts
Biologically Clean You maintain a regimen of natural health or have minimal chrome. You clear Superficial Damage at the end of every scene (instead of every game session). 3 pts
Quick Fixer You are innately skilled at emergency maintenance. You may make a Technology roll to clear Decay points as a Minor Action (instead of a full scene). 4 pts
Augment Anchor Your primary augment is perfectly integrated. Any roll involving your primary Specialization (e.g., REFLEX-SHIMMER) is made at -1 Difficulty (minimum 1). 5 pts
Low Power Drain Your system is highly efficient. When calculating the cost of the Augment Glutton Flaw (if taken), reduce the Resource cost by half. 2 pts
Durable Skeleton Your bones are naturally dense or synthetically reinforced. You ignore the first point of Lethal Damage received in a scene. 4 pts
Fast Twitch Fiber Your physical reactions are naturally excellent. You gain a permanent +1 bonus on your Initiative roll. 3 pts
Unnoticeable Chrome Your augments are internal and non-obvious. You do not suffer the social penalties from the Obvious Chrome Flaw (if taken) or the Visible Decay Flaw (if taken). 2 pts

Social & Background Merits (The Street)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence (Narrative Focus) Cost
Trusted Identity You possess impeccable, legally vetted documentation. You may take one additional dot in the Resources Background beyond the starting limits. 4 pts
Digital Broker You have reliable access to high-grade encrypted communications. When attempting to contact an Ally or Contact, you may make the roll at -1 Difficulty. 3 pts
Neighborhood Familiarity You are well-known and respected in one district. You gain +1 die on all Streetwise rolls in that specific district. 2 pts
Unforgettable Face Your appearance is distinctive and inspires trust. You may choose to automatically succeed on the Composure roll to resist the effects of the Feared Reputation Flaw (if taken). 3 pts
Hidden Asset You have stashed a key piece of gear or large sum of cash in a safe location. The GM will allow you to access this asset once per session without a roll. 2 pts
Perfect Cover Story You have a completely reliable, documented cover identity. You ignore the penalties from the Fugitive Status Flaw (if taken) when dealing with non-combat official NPCs. 3 pts
Debt Free You have no outstanding debts to criminal organizations. You may not be forced to take on an unwanted job by the Obsessive Creditor Flaw (if taken). 1 pt
Black Market Credentials You are known to trade in high-end, illegal tech. You gain +1 die on all Technology rolls made to buy or sell contraband. 2 pts
Extensive Network Your contacts are widely distributed. You may substitute your Intelligence for your Manipulation when rolling to leverage the Contacts Background. 3 pts
Social Chameleon You effortlessly blend in. You ignore the penalty from the Outsider Status Flaw (if taken) and the Target of Gossip Flaw (if taken). 4 pts

Mental & Psychological Merits (The Mind)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence (Narrative Focus) Cost
Inner Peace You have a powerful mental anchor. You clear one point of Willpower Damage (Superficial) at the end of every scene. 4 pts
Iron Will You are mentally tough. The difficulty to resist your own Compromising Habit Flaw (if taken) is reduced by 1. 2 pts
Logic Processor Your neuralware or mind is highly logical. You gain +1 die on all Intelligence rolls when dealing with data, code, or complex algorithms. 3 pts
Focused Resolve You are resistant to manipulation. The difficulty for a foe to use MIND SHACKLE or CROWD PULSE on you is increased by 1. 3 pts
Digital Resilience Your consciousness is well-defended. You gain an automatic success on any roll made to resist a hostile NET DOMAIN or MIND SHACKLE attack. 5 pts
Exceptional Memory You have perfect recall of digital data. You ignore the penalties from the Digital Amnesia Flaw (if taken). 1 pt
No Phobias You are immune to the crippling effects of phobias. You may not be targeted by the Severe Acrophobia Flaw or the Technophobe Flaw (if taken). 2 pts
Intuitive You have great instincts. You may use Wits instead of Intelligence for any one Technology roll per scene. 3 pts
Single-Minded You are highly focused. You automatically succeed on the Composure roll to resist the effects of the Paranoid Flaw (if taken). 2 pts
Emotional Filter You can quickly compartmentalize trauma. You ignore the effects of the Trauma Triggers Flaw and the Haunted Past Flaw (if taken) until the end of the current scene. 4 pts

Archetype-Specific Merits

These Merits can only be purchased by the corresponding Archetype and often interact directly with their Signature Specializations. All Merits below cost 4 Merit Points.

1. The Corpo (Control & System Access)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence Rationale
System Override (NET DOMAIN) When using a NET DOMAIN ability to shut down or control a non-hostile automated system (doors, lights, simple drones), you may treat the roll's Difficulty as 1 lower (minimum 1). Your deep corporate clearance makes low-level systems immediately compliant.
Executive Immunity (CROWD PULSE) Your reputation and manner are flawless. Once per session, you may automatically succeed on one Manipulation roll against any NPC with an Authority or Corporate background. You embody the law of the corporation; no one questions your word.

2. The Gangster (Brute Force & Territory)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence Rationale
Gutter Tactics (FORCE INJECT) Your combat style is dirty and unpredictable. Once per scene, when succeeding on a Brawl or Melee attack, you may choose to inflict Superficial Damage on your opponent's Health or their Decay track. You know how to hit the system in ways that cause systemic failure.
Turf Advantage (HULL INTEGRITY) You have a powerful, loyal presence in your home district. When fighting in your declared territory, you gain +1 die to all Stamina rolls. Your allies and knowledge of the environment give you an enduring edge.

3. The Hacker (Digital Phantom & Stealth)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence Rationale
Zero Trace Hacking (NET DOMAIN) Your exit is always clean. When successfully completing a NET DOMAIN hack, the next system you attempt to breach automatically has its security/trace difficulty reduced by 1. You leave perfectly clean data shadows, chaining breaches seamlessly.
Static Blur (VOID DRIFT) Your stealth system integrates with local digital noise. Once per session, you may automatically pass a Stealth roll when hiding in an environment with dense communication traffic (e.g., a crowd, a market). You become white noise—invisible to scanners and augmented vision.

4. The Technomancer (Neural Control & Repair)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence Rationale
Emergency Buffer (CHRONIC PATCH) Your body/system has a built-in self-diagnosis. When your Health track is reduced to 1 box, you automatically heal 1 point of Decay immediately. Your system flushes strain when the body is in crisis to focus all power on survival.
Neural Firewall (MIND SHACKLE) You have mastered the defense of the mind/system. The difficulty for any hostile MIND SHACKLE or NET DOMAIN ability to target you is increased by 2. Your own neural defense is nearly impenetrable to external forces.

5. The Drone Tech (Mechanical Mastery & Logistics)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence Rationale
Autonomous Support (MORTAL COIL) You have a highly capable, small, non-combat drone constantly running surveillance. Once per scene, you may ask the GM one specific question about the immediate environment (e.g., "Are there enemies in the next room?"). Constant, silent mechanical overwatch provides critical situational awareness.
Modular Design (TECHNOLOGY) Your gear is hyper-efficient and easy to maintain. When rolling to Repair or Craft an item, you may add your Cyber Rating (CR) as a bonus die. Your superior engineering provides reliable mechanical benefits.

6. The Nomad (Survival & High-Speed Action)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence Rationale
Reflexive Dodge (REFLEX-SHIMMER) You are trained in high-speed evasion. When you are the target of a Ranged Attack, you may spend 1 Willpower to impose a -2 dice penalty on the attacker's roll. Your reaction time and movement in the field are unmatched.
Code of the Road (STREETWISE) You adhere strictly to the nomadic code. You gain a permanent +1 bonus to all Willpower recovery checks. The strength of your community and values provides endless mental fortitude.

7. The Street Prophet (Influence & Conviction)

Merit Name Effect & Consequence Rationale
Unwavering Conviction (CROWD PULSE) Your faith in your cause is absolute. You are Immune to the effects of the Trauma Triggers and Haunted Past Flaws (if taken). Mental fortitude allows you to filter out personal weakness for the sake of the mission.
Mass Appeal (CROWD PULSE) Your message resonates deeply with the populace. When using a CROWD PULSE ability on a group of 5 or more, you may spend 1 Willpower to gain an extra success on the roll. Your words are uniquely powerful when directed at the masses.