What are the differences between these? is the MIU an upgraded EG, or different? What can one do that the other can't? Where are their overlaps?

How common are machines with either dataports or MIU interfaces? (e.g. our own ship's systems, Planetary systems, stuff we find)

How easy would it be for a non-Ad-Mech to get a MIU?

2 reasons to ask:

1) Is it worth my Explorator purchasing a Common MIU, when he already has EG?

2) My friend is thinking of a Heretek Void-Master with MIU. Feasible? Worthwhile?

Are we likely to tread on each others toes?

Electro-Grafts are restricted to the Admech. MIU's are not, though they are definitely not common outside of it.

Electro grafts give you (with the proper talent, aka electro graft use): +10 on inquiry, tech-use and CL tests, but only if you're connected to a data-port of a cogitator that contains relevant data.

MIU on the other hand gives you (common model): +10 to Tech-Use, Pilot or Drive tests when the device is capable of MIU linking. And not to be forgotten: MIU's allow you to experience the senses of a familiar (servo-skull, grapplehawk, ...) as if you were there.

So basically an MIU only overlaps with an electro-graft regarding the Tech-Use test when "jacked in". Good Q models MIU also overlap regarding inquiry test, but i'd let them stack tbh.

If i were your TP then i'd buy a good Q model, the added bonusses are really worth it. Or even a BQ one if your GM allows extra advantages.

As for your friend, why would he not get one? You might get on eachothers turf a bit, but then for his character it makes sens.

As for how common dataports are: i'd say they're very common. Devices capable of MIU linking are less common by far, but still more then common enough.

Personally, as a GM, I allow MIU and Electro-Graft to stack regarding Tech-Use. The way I see it, it works as follows:

-MIU: allows the explorer to commune with the Machine Spirit of the divice.

-Electro-Graft: allows the explorer to access relevant data from a data port relating to the divice he is using.

Also, Electro Grafts aren't exclusive of the Mechanicus, since any Augmentacist can purchase the talent. Of course is very rare to see someone outside the Mechanicus with one, but is possible.

Well, that package allows for some talents that are normally tech priest only. I'd also allow it to stack, but I generally implement some sort of diminishing returns, such as adding an extra +5 instead of the full +10.

Maese Mateo said:

And yet the errata states that Mechanicus Implants are a prerequisite to get it. Augmenticists are basically bionics-freaks to the point of being a robot with a brain in a jar, so makes sense they can use them. Not so for most any other character.