Based on the MIU discussion in the rules question section and a lot of question of my players I've further detailed the Machine Interface Units.
(with fully intended pun) please shoot:
MIU
Abbreviations:
IU: Interface Unit (on weapons and machines)
GMIU: General Mind Interface Unit (on life forms)
WMIU: Weapon Mind Interface Unit (on life forms)
First and foremost: GMIU and WMIU can ONLY interface with Imperial, non-primitive machines that have an IU.
The difference between a GMIU and a WMIU is:
1. A Weapon MIU comes with a shoulder mount, which allows you to shoot a weapon as a free action. Keep in mind that when you make use of this feat, that you do not have any Free actions left for that round. Also note that you are allowed only ONE attack action per round, so if you wish to use the shoulder mount AND a hand weapon within one round, then the two weapon wielder rules apply. Using three weapon within one round is out of the question.
Only Pistols and Basic Weapons can be mounted on your shoulder. Accurate weapons do NOT benefit of the +10 aim when mounted like this.
2. A GMIU does NOT have a shoulder mount but it CAN interface with a weapon with a IU
In short: a GMIU is also a WMIU but without the free action shooting ability.
IU on Weapons
(Text from Errant) IU on weapons provide a large number of enhanced features to the wielder. First, the advanced machine spirit contained within is capable of relaying a great deal of data about the weapon, including ammunition, heat buildup, and material stresses, in addition to incorporating a small pict-camera. It allows an MIU-linked wielder to mentally switch between firing modes, eject clips, and fire the gun without pulling the trigger (This allows the trigger to be removed entirely, removing the ability for non-augmented users to equip it) while the camera allows for targeted shooting around corners, without exposing oneself to return fire. Good and Best versions of this upgrade do away with the need for a cable link, incorporating a small wireless vox-link. This allows the weapon to be fired remotely, or block firing by another user. Retrofitting this upgrade into a weapon takes up the under-barrel or scope mount on the weapon.
Which boils down to the following:
Common:
- When connected you can shoot without pulling the trigger
- Unjam can be done with a standard BS test, however you do need to have the weapon in your hands
Good:
- Switch fire modes (free action)
- Eject clips (one ½ action less loading time)
- Unjam with +10 BS while weapon in your hands (full action)
- Unjam with +10 tech-use without the weapon in your hands (free action)
Best:
- Wireless communication: can operate weapon without being physically connected to it. Max comm range 15 meter.
- Build in pict viewer which allows for targeting while in full cover (or remote targeting). While using the picts eyes you can ONLY see through the weapons eyes (so you yourself are effectively blind) furthermore this requires quite a bit of concentration, which gives a further -10 penalty on perception tests.
Good en Best non-primitive wapens are usually equiped with a common IU. Upgrades to good and best IU are with the normal penalties.
WMIU
-
Common
WMIU’s can only make use of the common capabilities of an IU on a weapon (it does not matter whether the IU is common, good or best)
-
Good
WMIU’s can make use upto the good capabilities of an IU on a weapon
-
Best
WMIU’s can make use of all capabilities an IU on a weapon has to offer and is thus capable of wireless connection and interfacing with the visual cortex.
GMIU
Common:
- can make use up to the good capabilities of an IU on weapons
- only spinal cortex connector
- interface with machine spirit on advanced machines
- +10 bonus to Tech-Use, Pilot, or Drive Tests, while connected to a vehicle or ship or advanced cogicator
Good:
- can make use of all capabilities an IU on weapons has to offer
- In addition to the spinal cortex also wrist connectors
- +10 bonus to communicate with machine spirits
- +10 bonus for Tech-Use, Pilot, Drive, Logic, Inquiry, while connected to a vehicle or ship or advanced cogicator
- +10 Ballistic on vehicles and ship weapons (NOT hand weapons) (these weapons can thus be fired as a free action)
Best:
- can make use of all capabilities an IU on weapons has to offer
- in addition to spinal and wrist also allows for mechandendrite connectors
- +15 bonus to communicate with machine spirits
- +15 for Tech-Use, Pilot, Drive, Logic, Inquiry, while connected to a vehicle or ship or advanced cogicator
- + 15 Ballistic on vehicles and ship weapons (NOT hand weapons)
- Capable of wireless interface upto 15m with a Best IU on weapons
- Capable of wireless interface upto 50m with a best IU on advanced machines. Thus:
o Can remotely operate a familiar (e.g. servo skull or grapplehawk upto a range of 50m)
o When inside a vehicle or ship AND with the knowledge of the correct machine interface prayers (security code) can operate weapons and Pilot a vehicle or ship while within 50m of an IU on that vessel.