On my latest Calgary hunt for Biopunk material, I was curious as to whether various book and comic specialty shop clerks had any Biopunk books. I was surprised to hear that most stores didn’t have a clue as to what the term meant, nor really showed an interest other than the obligatory computer search. I had gone to a few bookstores and comic stores before ending my day at The Sentry Box.

I was overjoyed to see that the staff was absolutely passionate about Sci-fi and Gaming, even offering to watch my toddler while I looked around. They were amazingly helpful and interested when I asked if they had anything Biopunk. They hadn’t heard of the term either. I suppose that’s due to the relative newness of the genre, but once I explained they gleefully directed me to a number of novels and a book called GURPS Bio-Tech.  The GURPS fourth edition (2006) “Bio-Tech” sourcebook by David Morgan-Mar and David Pulver is a different medium for those of you who are might like to mix your Biopunk and Role Playing Games (RPGs). This is also an excellent inspiration and resource for aspiring Biopunk writers.

GURPS stands for Generic Universal Role Playing System, published by Steve Jackson Games.  For those of you unfamiliar to the role playing genre players assume the role of a fictional character, in this case say a Bio-Engineer or Bio-Executive, then play your character under the direction and narration of a Game Master (a sort of referee). Players are able to act in character or narrate what their character says or does within the story, thus helping to create a story as they go. The game is played within a system of rules and guidelines but can improvise freely according to their character. It’s a form of interactive and collaborative story telling. I’m sure you’re heard of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). That’s a role playing game set in a fantasy world with magic and sorcery. GURPS Bio-Tech of course, is set in a Bio-Tech world amidst Bio-Tech Corporations and Facility settings.

“Heh, it’s cool. I’m an Ishtar-sequence upgrade. With my genomed liver, I can drink all night and never get wasted.”

The sourcebook includes basic principles and historical development of genetic engineering. Of course, it has cool genetic and bio-enhancements and spliced creatures and gadgets.  You can tinker with your Genetic code and revel in your inner mad scientist. Upgrade your liver or enhance your eyes. Create Clones and hybrids. Conduct genetic surgeries and Xenotransplants. Grab some drug and neuro-viral upgrades and bio-gadgets for your adventures. Add some ‘noir’ by investigating Genetic crime using the latest techniques. There’s plenty of fodder to pull out the more dystopian elements of a Biopunk story, such as the misuse of genetics and bio-tech and where it could lead if put into the wrong hands, such as the risks of cloning, germ warfare, religious implications, eugenics, and other ethical issues.  There's plenty of fun to be had rising up against the Corporations and government as well as rebelling and making an income in the underground black market.

There’s an excellent Bibliography at the back of the book with resources for Fiction. The Bibliographic resource alone is worth the money.  It includes reference to articles form Popular Science, Games, and Film & Television. The book serves an excellent reference for those exploring the Biopunk genre.

I still have to find a group and get the time set aside to play the game itself, but in the meantime its an amazing springboard of ideas in which to encourage the Biopunk concept in an alternate medium. I can’t wait to try it out. For those writers out there, we’d all love more Biopunk stories. I hope Biopunk continues and grows to be a more familiar genre so the next time I revisit the book stores, they'd have heard of it. In the mean time, I'll keep Gurps Bio-Tech as a handy reference as I continue the hunt for new Biopunk material.