The back story revolves around the "Fox Run" incident of 2025, in which a transport of supposed scientific equipment crashed and accidentally released a weaponized nano-virus called the "Carbon Plague". Adult humans infected by it died horribly after the virus rewrote the victims' genetic code and warped their bodies. However, the virus had a different effect on children and teenagers. Since they haven't fully matured, it altered their bodies. This granted them nanotech-enhanced powers, and made them immune carriers if they survived the illness. Society dramatically fears the capabilities of these "CyberEvolved" children, which drives them underground. CyberEvolved, also called the "Changed", also belong to "yogangs" or youth gangs, subcultures that have distinct philosophies, styles, and special skills. The oppressive
mega-corporation Arasaka manages to dominate the US Government and gets its candidate David Whindam elected President of the new Incorporated States of America (ISA). Its laissez-faire government works with the corporations directly, becoming their puppet. The "Bureau of Relocation" (BuReloc) is a paramilitary force that runs prison camps for "unproductive" citizens and hunts down the Changed. Multiple groups oppose, fear, and hunt the Changed, but one group stands out as protectors: the Edgerunners of old. The sourcebook describes them as wiser, more experienced and, ultimately rebels-
with-a-cause (
CyberGeneration offers the rules to convert old
Cyberpunk 2020 characters into adults for the
CyberGeneration setting). To oppose this oppressive dictatorship, several major "Edgerunner"
non-player characters from Cyberpunk 2020 run the Eden Cabal, a revolutionary movement that seeks to overthrow the ISA and BuReloc.
The CyberEvolved So-called "CyberEvolved" children have special powers and abilities. They fit in one of several archetypes: ;
Original CyberEvolved : '
Alchemist (Manipulation
)' - Uses nanites to reshape matter at the molecular level. : '
Bolter (Bolt Throwing
)' - Project
taser-like charged hexite metal cables or chains at a target. : '
Scanner (Interpretation
)' - Sense the brainwave patterns of others, allowing for
telepathic-like abilities. : '
Tinman (Shaping
)' - Liquid metal skin formed from hexite.
Limbs shape into tentacles or solid weapons and can extend; flesh provides "natural"
body armor : '
Wizard (Arcane
)' - Augmented computer-hacking powers, particularly with the Virtuality
augmented reality technology that has largely supplanted the Virtual Net. ;
Later Additions : '
Jammer (Holler
)' - Can jam media transmissions by generating electromagnetic force-fields. [
MediaFront] : '
Medic (Sympathetic Healing
)' - Heals others through biokinesis. [
Researching Medicine] : '
Scout (Probe Ops
)' - Creates hexite
remote probes for reconnaissance. [
EcoFront]
YoGangs Members of a YoGang have unique Special Abilities, like Roles in
Cyberpunk 2020. ==Rules==