I just got this due to a sale over the weekend and I've got a couple mechanics questions as the material here is different than my memory of Shadowrun. No idea if that's due to mechanics changes for the CRPG or because I'm a couple editions behind on the TTRPG and probably have forgotten some things anyway.
1) Do cybernetics impair physical adepts? I remember them knocking down your magic stat but I don't see how the magic stat matters for physical adepts.
2) How do stat/skill/specialization work? Here's my understanding from reading the tool tips, but it seems way off from my memory of the tabletop version so I find myself doubting my interpretation:
Attribute - small bonus to succeed at all related skills, acts as a threshold to how much you can improve skills
Skill - big bonus to succeed at specific skill, acts as a threshold to how much you can improve specialization
Specialization - no bonus to succeed at skill, unlocks various bonus special abilities
3) How is melee weapon damage calculated? If I have a 3 damage sword and 5 str do I do 8 damage?
4) How much do racial stat maximums matter? I don't remember getting much above 6 in stats on the tabletop.
5) Are there other things to do with karma than character improvement? I remember having other options, but they were painful because you were getting a small temp boost and losing long-term char advancement.
I've already put in a barrage of questions, but if I could ask one more favor - please avoid spoilers. I'm trying to figure out the general mechanics to determine how I want to play. I'm not concerned about 'Monowire Cat of Nine Tails is always better than Rune-enhanced Gauntlets' or 'Don't forget to load up on Downtown drugs before facing the Cyber-medusa boss.' Thank you.