From:	Matb <mbreton@**.NETCOM.COM>
Subject:	Re: Recon
Date:	Sat, 4 Oct 1997 14:48:04 -0700

> >> I think it's pretty much implied that a decker with Recon uses the
> >> matrix to spy on the challenges. Otherwise why would a custom system
> >> prevent them from using the ability? I have always played that Recon
> >> is a matrix action.

> >If Recon is a Matrix action, Custom System would cut it off anyway. I
> >don't see the big difference between Recon-as-Matrix and
> >Recon-as-not-Matrix -- I suppose the only effect is that you wouldn't be
> >able to use Recon during a Matrix Crash, and that makes that card a bit
> >too powerful, imho -- nor, really, what the big deal is.

> I was just trying to say that I feel that a custom system and closed system
> are basically the same thing (if anything a closed system should be better).
> Custom system specifically prevents Decker's with the Recon skill from using
> it. So I have always played that a closed system would also prevent deckers
> with Recon. I wasn't trying to make a case for matrix crash being able to
> stop Recon. What is the text of the card (matrix crash)???? I thought it
> just stopped programs from being used (but I have not used it for awhile).

Matrix Crash
Special/ 4Y
The Matrix is offline. No Matrix actions may be taken. Roll d6 at the
start of each turn. On 4+, the Matrix comes back online and this card
is trashed.

So, if all Recons are Matrix, during a Crash you wouldn't be able to use
a Crawler drone. Closed Systems are effectively Matrix Crashed systems;
you can't perform Matrix actions from the safehouse on them.. but you
can Recon them. (Custom System specifically says "Matrix/Programs or
Recon.." leading one to believe the one is not the other.) My point,
over-beaten as it is, is that Recons aren't Matrix in nature.

> >> >Besides, the Crawler drone can be given the Recon ability and it
> >> >doesn't use the Matrix.

> >> I think FASA just took a card text short cut, when they wrote that card.
> >> Personally I think the card should read 2 nuyen: Turn to look at a
> >> target challenge. This represents the drones ability to sneak around in
> >> cramped places like airducts...

> >Can't agree with this. There already is a drone that can look at a
> >challenge (Microskimmer); Red Alerts and Impossible Missions negate the
> >reusable Crawler but keep the disposable Microskimmer, a fair balance of
> >power.

> >The best thing about the Crawler, if I read it right, is that you can
> >pay more yen to look at more challenges in the same turn. Pretty handy
> >when you need to make a run this-fraggin-turn!

> I think it is along the same lines as Bam Bam's special abilty, myself
> (ie can't be pumped multiple times). How does Impossible Mission stop
> the crawler drone? I thought it just was a closed system...

...Or is it in line with Stiletto (2Y: Stealth until end of turn...)
Hmm, interesting; since the Crawler doesn't give the Recon a time limit
can we assume its a permanent bonus in ability?

I'll forward this one to FASA.