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Message no. 1
From: Wolfchild nathan.olsen@*******.msus.edu
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1999 17:42:03 -0500 (CDT)
1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black IC
is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
line to prevent damage from black IC?

2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
read it, but is that it?

3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
cyberarm?

4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?

5) What do people like better, point-based character generation (ala SR
Comp and SR3) or priority-based character generation (ala SR2)?

6) Is there a group somewhere in the Mankato, MN area?

I'll ask more when I think of them. Oh yeah, one more:

7) How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?



Wolfchild - "Discinctaque in otia natus."
--
_,-/ "Desperanda tibi salva concordia socru." \-,_
,-~ / -Juvenal, Satire 6 \ ~-,
/' | /(_ "Quin tu istanc orationem hinc _)\ | `\
/' / \,_/ .\ veterem atque antiquam amoves?" /. \_,/ \ `\
| | /, ,-' -Plautus, Miles Gloriosus `-, ,\ | |
| | ,-, \ \,?| There are nights when the wolves are |@,/ / ,-, | |
| ,-|/ / ,_\,_/_ silent, and only the moon howls. _\_,/_ \ \|-, |
|/' | __, _) ZOMBIE@****.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU (_ ,__` | `\|
| `;-~_.--~ ZOMBIE@****.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU ~--._~-;' |
\ \__ http://krypton.mankato.msus.edu __/ /
`,-,`` /~zombie/lynx.htm '',-,'
((|))____/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\____((|))
Message no. 2
From: night_train@*****.com night_train@*****.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1999 19:07:52 -0400 (EDT)
---- On Jul 6 Wolfchild <nathan.olsen@*******.msus.edu> wrote:
> 1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black IC
> is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
> Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
> line to prevent damage from black IC?

No, black IC does damage through biofeedback. Things like stopping your heart, redlining
your blood pressure, etc.

> 2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
> link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
> interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
> read it, but is that it?

Uh, think real hard about the difference between reading something and "knowing"
it before you say "is that it."

> 3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
> cyberarm?

Problably about the same size as a medium sized first aid kit today. And no I wouldn't
allow it.(personal call)

> 4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?

Not sure about that one, but remember orichalcum is prized for its mystical qualities not
its heavy duty (balistic/impact).

> 5) What do people like better, point-based character generation (ala SR
> Comp and SR3) or priority-based character generation (ala SR2)?

My personal choice is point based. But it's also situational, point-based allows more
flexibility, priority-based is faster and simpler.



Always feed the troll. -Night Train
-----------------------------------------------
FREE! The World's Best Email Address @*****.com
Reserve your name now at http://www.email.com
Message no. 3
From: Arcaist arcaist@***.net
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 01:09:37 +0200
> 1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from
black IC
> is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
> Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on
the
> line to prevent damage from black IC?

See the Germany Sourcebook, IIRC. Since I only have the german version,
I can't tell you the exact name, but there is a cyber-device that does
prevent the lethal feedback to come through.

> 2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
> link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
> interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes
you
> read it, but is that it?

A datasoft let's you read or "know" the data. A display link is capable
of displaying real graphics instead of text. Of course it *can* show
text, but also a photo of the person you're searching for, a map of that
high-security donut factory you're crawling into, or a stopwatch.

> 3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
> cyberarm?

I would say it's the size of a small suitcase, so I would rather suggest
installation in a cybertorso.

> 5) What do people like better, point-based character generation (ala
SR
> Comp and SR3) or priority-based character generation (ala SR2)?

It's pretty much the same, if you look at the characters generated with
each system.

--
(><) Arcaist (><)
0:-) ==SR==> >:-)
Message no. 4
From: Max Rible slothman@*********.org
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Tue, 06 Jul 1999 16:07:24 -0700
At 17:42 7/6/99 -0500, Wolfchild wrote:
>1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black IC
>is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.

No. It's done by inducing physiological feedback through the
simsense interface. There is a form of IC that's supposed to do
this stunt, and in my campaign it got eaten by the SOTA long ago--
it's too easy to just isolate your deck's power supply from the rest
of its circuitry.

>Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
>line to prevent damage from black IC?

Yes. Frankly, I don't think anyone sane would allow a wire to go
into their head; they'd use a fiber optic connection, which is much
more difficult to fry. (This is why I don't believe in some of the
rigger rules that suggest that you can fry a rigger directly with
a zapper warhead, among other things. Crude stunts like frying your
brain would never survive the SOTA, and frying your electronics is
likely to produce dump shock as the systems cut out, not excruciating
pain from the feedback mechanisms that are letting you know that your
vehicle has been damaged.)

The reason you can't produce a filter to keep out the harmful simsense
is that it would also block the signals that make you get enough of an
adrenaline rush to function at accelerated speeds.

>2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
>link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
>interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
>read it, but is that it?

A display link is actually an overlay on your vision, so you can do other
nifty heads-up display things with it...

>3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
>cyberarm?

I see them as about half the size of a shoebox-- easy enough to keep
on your motorcycle, but not sized for a cyberarm. A specialized
cyberarm could have the expert system built in and some specialized
fingers for administering drugs, a bandage dispenser in the arm, and
so on, and probably be of higher quality than your standard medkit,
but I don't see a regular cyberarm as being able to hide one.

>4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?

Who cares? If you have a chunk of orichalcum one inch thick
and wide enough to stop a 9mm round, you can just sell it and retire.

>7) How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Aren't you going to be embarrassed when you have to file the claim
with your health insurance company for carp-inflicted trauma? :-)

--
%% Max Rible %%% max@********.com %%% http://www.amurgsval.org/~slothman/ %%
%% "Ham is good... Glowing *tattooed* ham is *bad*!" - the Tick %%
Message no. 5
From: Scott Wheelock iscottw@*****.nb.ca
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Tue, 06 Jul 1999 20:25:06 -0300
"And now, a Channel 6 editorial reply to Wolfchild."
] 1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black IC
] is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
] Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
] line to prevent damage from black IC?

Isn't there something like this in VR 2.0 that makes what would have
been physical damage mental?

] 2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
] link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
] interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
] read it, but is that it?

Sounds like a big difference to me. If you know something, you don't
have to familiarizxe yourself with it, or skim through it looking for
that section on Pastries of India, or stand there for a minute gazing
into your own eyes (?). You just know it.

] 3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
] cyberarm?

I take it as being about the size of two SR3s on top of one another.
It's listed as three kilograms in SR3, so that's just my best guess.
As for putting it in a cyberlimb, it'd be mostly storage space, really.
The "expert computer" might be something you could put in there.

] 4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?

I can't answer this at the moment, my orichalchum's in the shop.

] 5) What do people like better, point-based character generation (ala SR
] Comp and SR3) or priority-based character generation (ala SR2)?

POINT-BASED!!! Ahem...I mean, I prefer the point-based system.

] 6) Is there a group somewhere in the Mankato, MN area?

I'm just gonna congratulate myself on actually knowing there _is_ a
Mankato, MN.

] I'll ask more when I think of them. Oh yeah, one more:
]
] 7) <CENSORED>

Oh no. I'm not getting involved in that one.

-Murder of One
Message no. 6
From: Twist0059@***.com Twist0059@***.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1999 19:56:23 EDT
In a message dated 7/6/99 7:26:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
iscottw@*****.nb.ca writes:

>
> "And now, a Channel 6 editorial reply to Wolfchild."
> ] 1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black
IC
> ] is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
> ] Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
> ] line to prevent damage from black IC?
>
> Isn't there something like this in VR 2.0 that makes what would have
> been physical damage mental?


The ICCM Filter, I believe, is what has been referred to, but that only
allows deckers to make Willpower instead of Body rolls against Black Ice. It
may also allow you an extra die roll, but I've forgotten the exact rules on
it.

However, in all this black ice talk, it's important to note that only Hot
Decks will kill the decker. Run them Cool and get your response increase and
reality filters, and you should be fine. (Also get the expert system program
at the end of Corporate Download. Too cool.)





-Twist
Message no. 7
From: Schizi@***.com Schizi@***.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1999 20:15:50 EDT
In a message dated 7/6/99 6:42:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
nathan.olsen@*******.msus.edu writes:

> 2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
> link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
> interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
> read it, but is that it?

A knowsoft requires the datasoft link. So, to speak using a ligua soft, or
use a chip for Science skill, you need it. A display link shows you info,
such as a map, or even a dictionary or such. So, for instance, with a
knowsoft, you could speak a languae, with a Display link, you would scroll
thorugh a list of words in a language to language guide.

>
> 3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
> cyberarm?
>
I have alllowed a player to have a "mini" kit in his cyberarm, instead of the
+4 for not having a kit, he has a +1, and it has no computer.
Message no. 8
From: IronRaven cyberraven@********.net
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Tue, 06 Jul 1999 18:59:35 -0400
At 17.42 07-06-99 -0500, you wrote:
>Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
>line to prevent damage from black IC?

Got the impression that some of it is caused by an extreme stress
reaction (kind of like a scar or burn mark being raised by hypnotic
suggestion), not just electric shock.

>4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?

Who has that much orichalium, and why don't I want to mess with them?

>7) How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Depends on who's wood it is.


>| | ,-, \ \,?| There are nights when the wolves are |@,/ / ,-, | |
>| ,-|/ / ,_\,_/_ silent, and only the moon howls. _\_,/_ \ \|-, |

Creepy when that happens, isn't it.



CyberRaven Kevin Dole
http://members.xoom.com/iron_raven/
"Once again, we have spat int he face of Death and his second cousin,
Dismemberment."
"Briar Rabbit to Briar Fox; I was BORN in that briar patch!"
Message no. 9
From: Steadfast laughingman@*******.de
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 1999 03:21:08 +0200
And so it came to happen that Wolfchild wrote:

> 1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black IC
> is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
> Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
> line to prevent damage from black IC?

Actually as many have already posted, black ICE targets the Assist on the
Deck. As the Assist is used by your Decker to deal with the Matrix as it
"translates" the Matrix mathematical algorithms into sensation like a warm
breeze or an ice cold storm it is used by black ICE to actually
overstimulate the parts of the brain that are responsible for your
vitality. It can cause nearly anything other than external harm (so no
burns, shotwounds or stuff) from blood vessel bursts due to hyped blood
pressure to lethal heart disfunctioning.
But there is a way to minimize that, it is called "cold decking". With that
you take into acount that you are a tad bit slower and you are not using
your deck to its fullest, but the lethality of black ICE is greatly
decreased. Can't tell you right now how the actuall game terms are as I
have given my VR2 to a friend (damn, and I thought I would not need it in a
while) and "hot" and "cold" decks are not an option in the SR3rd.
basic
rulebook. Sorry there.

> 2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
> link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
> interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
> read it, but is that it?

Actually, a knowsoft link lets you know what is on a given chip just like
you would have learned something in school. A display link lets you read
text only data on a small window in your eye, wether it is from active
memory storage or from chip is in that case not important, important is
that you only have text without pictures or graphics. I personally do not
know why the BBB (Big Bosses of Bshadoran) have actively denied
picturetransfer but I think there is a higher plan. Its either this, or I
have overread something.
This is all SR3rd. stuff if you mean the Shadowtech Datasoft, I'll guess it
is the knowsoftlink now. But that is just an estimation.

> 3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
> cyberarm?

A standard Medkit weighs about 3 kg with the medkit refill weighting zero,
or better written a not important measure of weight. But then "somebody"
may not have considered the ingenuality of the SR players. So I would rule
that the Computerunit can most easily be fit into a cyberarm, but the
supllies would be mostly to bulky to be stored in the average
cybercompartment. But if you insist, I would allow it in my Campaign, with
the roll wether or not the medkit is depleted set for the Cybered version
to 1,2,3 (then it is depleted).
But then, who would like to have the precious little space for cybersquirt
transfered into a small medkitunit with computer if could have a Biotech
skillsoft 5 and some medikal supllies (aka the refill)?

> 4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?

Probably a lot as many persons would hang around that stuff, trying to grab
it and getting fillthy rich. Damn, what is the barrier rating for an Orc, a
Troll and an Elf sticking to that Orichalkum? So I would would first rule
for shooting or trying to break through the Barrier a blind modifier (+8
for shooting, +4 for melee/unarmed) Then, AFTER they hit I would activate
my brain. Scarry thought by the way.

> 5) What do people like better, point-based character generation (ala SR
> Comp and SR3) or priority-based character generation (ala SR2)?

I personally like the points based system more, gives me a feeling of a wee
bit more flexability and freedom during chargen.

> 6) Is there a group somewhere in the Mankato, MN area?
>
> I'll ask more when I think of them. Oh yeah, one more:
>
> 7) How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Is that thread not the "nevereveranddonotdaretoaskyoufool!" ? Seemed to me
like it, so I do not make any remarks to it.
Phuh, that was close, "...stronger the dark side she is, more tempting,
quicker..."

---> Steadfast
The one, the only.
That is, if you do not count the others.
Message no. 10
From: Steadfast laughingman@*******.de
Subject: Big Bag O'Questions
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 1999 03:37:27 +0200
And so it came to happen that Steadfast wrote in reply to Wolfchild:

<snip own stuff>

> Actually, a knowsoft link lets you know what is on a given chip just like
> you would have learned something in school. A display link lets you read
> text only data on a small window in your eye, wether it is from active
> memory storage or from chip is in that case not important, important is
> that you only have text without pictures or graphics. I personally do not
> know why the BBB (Big Bosses of Bshadoran) have actively denied
> picturetransfer but I think there is a higher plan. Its either this, or I
> have overread something.

Damn, hate it than I see the flaws all by my self. Of course are the Image
links the more advanced over the Displaylinks, and it all simply stands a
few paragraphs further down.
Hu yeah, waht a nice restart then....

---> Steadfast
The one, the only.
That is, if you do not count the others.
Message no. 11
From: Ereskanti@***.com Ereskanti@***.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 00:25:19 EDT
In a message dated 7/6/1999 7:01:52 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
Twist0059@***.com writes:

>
> However, in all this black ice talk, it's important to note that only Hot
> Decks will kill the decker. Run them Cool and get your response increase
> and
> reality filters, and you should be fine. (Also get the expert system
> program
> at the end of Corporate Download. Too cool.)

Uhm...I could be wrong, but a cool deck and a reality filter are not
compatible. I mean, the bonuses from the RF are not going to work with a
deck in Cool Mode.

-K
Message no. 12
From: Twist0059@***.com Twist0059@***.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 03:04:38 EDT
In a message dated 7/7/99 12:26:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Ereskanti@***.com writes:

> >
> > However, in all this black ice talk, it's important to note that only
Hot
>
> > Decks will kill the decker. Run them Cool and get your response
increase
>
> > and
> > reality filters, and you should be fine. (Also get the expert system
> > program
> > at the end of Corporate Download. Too cool.)
>
> Uhm...I could be wrong, but a cool deck and a reality filter are not
> compatible. I mean, the bonuses from the RF are not going to work with a
> deck in Cool Mode.
>
> -K


Not saying you're definitely wrong here, but I looked up Reality Filters in
VR2.0 just now and didn't see anything about their needing Hot operating
modes. Either I missed something, or you might be confusing Cool with the
plain vanilla tortoise mode. Cool still uses the ASIST interface, it just
doesn't rely on sole DNI commands like Hot.




-Twist
Message no. 13
From: Y T y..t@********.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 09:43:29 GMT+1
This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand
this format, some or all of this message may not be legible.

--=_NextPart_Caramail_013917931332408_ID
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable


> -------Message d'origine-------
> In a message dated 7/7/99 12:26:19 AM Eastern Daylight
Time,
> Ereskanti@***.com writes:
>
> > >
> > > However, in all this black ice talk, it's important
to note that only
> Hot
> >
> > > Decks will kill the decker. Run them Cool and get
your response
> increase
> >
> > > and
> > > reality filters, and you should be fine. (Also get
the expert system
> > > program
> > > at the end of Corporate Download. Too cool.)
> >
> > Uhm...I could be wrong, but a cool deck and a reality
filter are not
> > compatible. I mean, the bonuses from the RF are not
going to work with a
> > deck in Cool Mode.
> >
> > -K
>
>
> Not saying you're definitely wrong here, but I looked up
Reality Filters in
> VR2.0 just now and didn't see anything about their
needing Hot operating
> modes. Either I missed something, or you might be
confusing Cool with the
> plain vanilla tortoise mode. Cool still uses the ASIST
interface, it just
> doesn't rely on sole DNI commands like Hot.
>
The bonus grant by the R.F. is only because it is always
the seam iconography for the matrix and then it is easiest
for the Decker character to understand it.
The black Ice do physical damage only on Hot mode because
on this mode it is the deck component who is regulating the
all the life support brain functions ( heart pulsation ,
respiration etc…) The Black Ice try to kill the Decker by
corrupting this functionality of the deck.
YT

______________________________________________________
Boîte aux lettres - Caramail - http://www.caramail.com


--=_NextPart_Caramail_013917931332408_ID--
Message no. 14
From: Gurth gurth@******.nl
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 13:20:39 +0200
According to Wolfchild, at 17:42 on 6 Jul 99, the word on
the street was...

> 1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black IC
> is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
> Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
> line to prevent damage from black IC?

Something like that already exists in VR 2.0: the intrusion counter-
counter-measures (ICCM) filter. It gives a TN bonus when trying to jack
out from black IC and allows more resistance tests against damage from
black IC.

> 2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
> link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
> interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
> read it, but is that it?

In SR3, a datasoft link is called a knowsoft link. The difference between
a knowsoft link and a display link is that the former allows you to use
knowledge skillsofts (knowsofts -- hence the name, "knowsoft link" :)
while a display link only allows you do read the data that's on the chip.

"Reading" a knowsoft wouldn't help you -- all you'd get would be the raw
code projected onto your retina; it'd be like opening an executable file
in a hex editor. Likewise, using a knowsoft link to access a data chip
won't help, because the knowsoft link wants to "execute" the data, which i
can't. In modern computer terms, it'd be like trying to execute a text
file.

> 3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
> cyberarm?

With a Concealability of 3, I'd say it's about the size of a stack of RPG
books (5 or so of them). Putting it into a cyberarm would be very
difficult, though I have been thinking of expanding the possibilities of
medkits in my game -- making many more ratings available, with a lower
rating indicating a smaller medkit. That way, a rating 1 should be small
enough to put into a cyberarm.

> 4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?

No idea, but as it consists of rather soft metals (gold, silver, copper,
mercury), I wouldn't count on it being very strong. BTW, how expensive do
you think a 2.5 cm thick plate is going to be? A single alchemical unit of
orichalcum weighs 10 g and costs 88,000 nuyen. Assuming it has a density
around that of gold (as good a guess as any), that'd give a 10 g unit a
volume of roughly half a cubic centimeter. A 10 x 10 x 1 cm plate of the
stuff would then cost a mere 17,600,000...

> 5) What do people like better, point-based character generation (ala SR
> Comp and SR3) or priority-based character generation (ala SR2)?

SR3 has a priority-based system as standard; only the Companion (both
issues) have the point system. I myself prefer the priority system over
the points-based one.

> 6) Is there a group somewhere in the Mankato, MN area?

Probably, but don't ask me where :)

> I'll ask more when I think of them. Oh yeah, one more:
>
> 7) How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

How many Wolfchildren could a carp thwap if a carp could thwap?

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
E-mails uit het verleden bieden geen garantie voor de toekomst.
-> ShadowRN GridSec * Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
->The Plastic Warriors Page: http://shadowrun.html.com/plasticwarriors/<-
-> The New Character Mortuary: http://www.electricferret.com/mortuary/ <-

GC3.1: GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ U P L E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+
PE Y PGP- t(+) 5++ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
Incubated into the First Church of the Sqooshy Ball, 21-05-1998
Message no. 15
From: Ereskanti@***.com Ereskanti@***.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 12:24:29 EDT
In a message dated 7/7/1999 2:05:36 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
Twist0059@***.com writes:

> > Uhm...I could be wrong, but a cool deck and a reality filter are not
> > compatible. I mean, the bonuses from the RF are not going to work with
a
>
> > deck in Cool Mode.
> >
> > -K
>
>
> Not saying you're definitely wrong here, but I looked up Reality Filters
in
> VR2.0 just now and didn't see anything about their needing Hot operating
> modes. Either I missed something, or you might be confusing Cool with the
> plain vanilla tortoise mode. Cool still uses the ASIST interface, it just
> doesn't rely on sole DNI commands like Hot.

I might at that. This sounds like one of those questions I have in mind.

-K
Message no. 16
From: Wolfchild nathan.olsen@*******.msus.edu
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 20:19:33 -0500 (CDT)
Before I respond to the answers (btw, thanks), here's an idea/question
that I had. Unless something has changed in the official rules, cyber
memory had an essence cost of Mp/100. I know there are house rules that
have changed this to something more realistic, but lets stick with the
official stuff for a moment. For those who want significant computer power
that is easily portable for use on runs, what about installing a computer
into a cyberarm (or torso or leg or whatever) and running a display link,
datasoft/knowsoft link, or other cyber from the limb to the user's head
for viewing and control of the computer? The memory is easily expandable
to levels much higher than allowed with cyber-memory and has a fixed
essence cost. Think of it as something similar to a cyberdeck installed in
a cyberarm, but cheaper and designed for more mundane uses.

Speaking of which, why do cyberdecks cost so much more than a standard
computer with equal Mp storage?

Anyway, since Gurth answered with more detail, I'll be responding to his
email.



On Wed, 7 Jul 1999, Gurth wrote:

> > 2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
> > link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
> > interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes
you
> > read it, but is that it?
>
> "Reading" a knowsoft wouldn't help you -- all you'd get would be the raw
> code projected onto your retina; it'd be like opening an executable file
> in a hex editor. Likewise, using a knowsoft link to access a data chip
> won't help, because the knowsoft link wants to "execute" the data, which i
> can't. In modern computer terms, it'd be like trying to execute a text
> file.

Thanks. I thought it was something like that but I couldn't find any
mechanics of how the two pieces of cyber worked in any of my books.


> > 4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?
>
> No idea, but as it consists of rather soft metals (gold, silver, copper,
> mercury), I wouldn't count on it being very strong. BTW, how expensive do
> you think a 2.5 cm thick plate is going to be? A single alchemical unit of
> orichalcum weighs 10 g and costs 88,000 nuyen. Assuming it has a density
> around that of gold (as good a guess as any), that'd give a 10 g unit a
> volume of roughly half a cubic centimeter. A 10 x 10 x 1 cm plate of the
> stuff would then cost a mere 17,600,000...

If it is so soft, why is it used in "magical" weapons (ie. weapon foci)?
The reason I asked for the barrier rating was not to make a wall of
orichalcum, but to figure out just how durable it is. I had a picture in
my mind of a a Wolverine-type character (from the Marvel comics) with
orichalcum retractable spurs and using them to climb up the outside of a
building by punching the spurs into the wall. Is it just plated on the
outside of weapons then?

> > 6) Is there a group somewhere in the Mankato, MN area?
>
> Probably, but don't ask me where :)

I think Hayden is still in the area somewhere but I wouldn't game with him
if the world depended on it. He is not a popular guy anywhere except the
internet. If he keeps going the way he has been, he'll be in jail before
too long.



Wolfchild - "Discinctaque in otia natus."
--
_,-/ "Desperanda tibi salva concordia socru." \-,_
,-~ / -Juvenal, Satire 6 \ ~-,
/' | /(_ "Quin tu istanc orationem hinc _)\ | `\
/' / \,_/ .\ veterem atque antiquam amoves?" /. \_,/ \ `\
| | /, ,-' -Plautus, Miles Gloriosus `-, ,\ | |
| | ,-, \ \,?| There are nights when the wolves are |@,/ / ,-, | |
| ,-|/ / ,_\,_/_ silent, and only the moon howls. _\_,/_ \ \|-, |
|/' | __, _) ZOMBIE@****.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU (_ ,__` | `\|
| `;-~_.--~ ZOMBIE@****.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU ~--._~-;' |
\ \__ http://krypton.mankato.msus.edu __/ /
`,-,`` /~zombie/lynx.htm '',-,'
((|))____/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\____((|))
Message no. 17
From: Mongoose m0ng005e@*********.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 21:35:43 -0500
:1) Unless I'm mistaken, the physical damage done to a decker from black IC
:is done through an energy feedback through the decker's connection.
:Wouldn't it be simple to create a sort of fuse or circut breaker on the
:line to prevent damage from black IC?

It's not an energy feedback, its SIMSENSE feedback. Basically, they
scare you to death, or otherwise overload your brain. Running at less
intense simsense levels protects against this somewhat ("cool" decking only
does stun dmage) and hardening is designed to filter out such dangerous
signals (hence its high cost).


:2) Datasofts can be utilized with either a datasoft link or a display
:link. Does this mean that the two pieces of cyberware are functionally
:interchangeable? Sure, one lets you "know" info while the other makes you
:read it, but is that it?


For that purpose, thye are interchangable. Both have other non-overlaping
uses.

:3) About how big is a standard medkit? Could it be installed in a
:cyberarm?


Yes, as long as not much else is there.

:4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?


The same as 1 inch of gold or lead, I'd say.

:5) What do people like better, point-based character generation (ala SR
:Comp and SR3) or priority-based character generation (ala SR2)?


SR3 uses a priority system, and our group seems to like it.

Mongoose
Message no. 18
From: Gurth gurth@******.nl
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 12:12:21 +0200
According to Wolfchild, at 20:19 on 7 Jul 99, the word on
the street was...

> Before I respond to the answers (btw, thanks), here's an idea/question
> that I had. Unless something has changed in the official rules, cyber
> memory had an essence cost of Mp/100.

The older type does, yes. The newer kind of headware memory (introduced in
Shadowtech, and by SR3 this is the standard type) has an Essence cost of
Mp/300.

> I know there are house rules that have changed this to something more
> realistic, but lets stick with the official stuff for a moment. For
> those who want significant computer power that is easily portable for
> use on runs, what about installing a computer into a cyberarm (or torso
> or leg or whatever) and running a display link, datasoft/knowsoft link,
> or other cyber from the limb to the user's head for viewing and control
> of the computer?

I have no real problem with this. I'd just apply the normal cost
multiplier for installing stuff into a cyberarm, and (if required) add the
cost of a DNI interface.

> Speaking of which, why do cyberdecks cost so much more than a standard
> computer with equal Mp storage?

Because they are much more than simple computers; they have all the
"extra" stuff like MPCP, hardening, ASIST filter, and so on built into
them, which cost _plenty_ of money.

Cyberdeck memory is actually cheaper than that for other computers --
20Y/Mp for computer memory, vs. 7.5Y/Mp for cyberdeck active memory, 6Y/Mp
for storage memory, and 50Y+(.5Y/Mp) for off-line storage.

> Thanks. I thought it was something like that but I couldn't find any
> mechanics of how the two pieces of cyber worked in any of my books.

It takes a while to figure this out, yes. Also, if you have a chipjack,
you don't need a knowsoft link because (reading between the lines of the
rules for skillsofts in SR3) one is already built into the chipjack. A
knowsoft link is only needed if you want to access a knowsoft through a
datajack (which I say is impossible, unless you put some kind of adaptor
into the datajack first) or from headware memory.

> > > 4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?
[snip]
> If it is so soft, why is it used in "magical" weapons (ie. weapon foci)?
> The reason I asked for the barrier rating was not to make a wall of
> orichalcum

I don't think anyone could :)

> but to figure out just how durable it is. I had a picture in my mind of
> a a Wolverine-type character (from the Marvel comics) with orichalcum
> retractable spurs and using them to climb up the outside of a building
> by punching the spurs into the wall. Is it just plated on the outside of
> weapons then?

It's used in very small quantities: every unit (10 g) used in a focus'
construction gives a -1 TN modifier to enchant the focus. Sure, you could
make a whole sword out of it, but you'd be using about a hundred units, at
a cost of 8,800,000... (Although this would allow you to build a Force 100
weapon focus and roll against a normal TN and spend 100 less Karma :)

IMHO it's either forged into the weapon somehow (put it in the folds of
the blade, for example) or is used to make decorations on the weapon.

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
E-mails uit het verleden bieden geen garantie voor de toekomst.
-> ShadowRN GridSec * Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
->The Plastic Warriors Page: http://shadowrun.html.com/plasticwarriors/<-
-> The New Character Mortuary: http://www.electricferret.com/mortuary/ <-

GC3.1: GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ U P L E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+
PE Y PGP- t(+) 5++ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
Incubated into the First Church of the Sqooshy Ball, 21-05-1998
Message no. 19
From: Steadfast laughingman@*******.de
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 12:36:22 +0200
And so it came to happen that Wolfchild wrote in reply to Gurth:
>
> Before I respond to the answers (btw, thanks), here's an idea/question
> that I had. Unless something has changed in the official rules, cyber
> memory had an essence cost of Mp/100. I know there are house rules that
> have changed this to something more realistic, but lets stick with the
> official stuff for a moment. For those who want significant computer power
> that is easily portable for use on runs, what about installing a computer
> into a cyberarm (or torso or leg or whatever) and running a display link,
> datasoft/knowsoft link, or other cyber from the limb to the user's head
> for viewing and control of the computer? The memory is easily expandable
> to levels much higher than allowed with cyber-memory and has a fixed
> essence cost. Think of it as something similar to a cyberdeck installed in
> a cyberarm, but cheaper and designed for more mundane uses.

Seems possible and doable to me.

> Speaking of which, why do cyberdecks cost so much more than a standard
> computer with equal Mp storage?

Because Decks need much more technical goodies like, just for example
Simsense. And it needs to be light enough to _easy_ take the deck around.
>
<snip>
> > > 4) What is the barrier rating of 1 inch of orichalum?
> >
> > No idea, but as it consists of rather soft metals (gold, silver, copper,
> > mercury), I wouldn't count on it being very strong. BTW, how expensive do
> > you think a 2.5 cm thick plate is going to be? A single alchemical unit of
> > orichalcum weighs 10 g and costs 88,000 nuyen. Assuming it has a density
> > around that of gold (as good a guess as any), that'd give a 10 g unit a
> > volume of roughly half a cubic centimeter. A 10 x 10 x 1 cm plate of the
> > stuff would then cost a mere 17,600,000...
>
> If it is so soft, why is it used in "magical" weapons (ie. weapon foci)?

Orichalcum is only used to enhance the magical propeties during the
creation of a weapon focus for example. It is used to enhance the magical
effect (meaning to diminish Karma investment for bonding and creation). If
you want a weapon focus with orichalcum in it you can place the orichalcum
anywere, at the pommel, the grip or inlaid inside the blade if you have
some decent smithing degrees. Note that this is just an example. I do not
think that the creation process of a weapon focus in form of a Katana
actualy needs the smithing of the blade with the materials noted for
creation of the weapon focus.

> The reason I asked for the barrier rating was not to make a wall of
> orichalcum, but to figure out just how durable it is. I had a picture in
> my mind of a a Wolverine-type character (from the Marvel comics) with
> orichalcum retractable spurs and using them to climb up the outside of a
> building by punching the spurs into the wall. Is it just plated on the
> outside of weapons then?

Well, then why not simply use some dikote(tm) spurs, they should do the
trick.


--

---> Steadfast
The one, the only.
That is, if you do not count the others.
Message no. 20
From: Darrell L. Bowman darrell@******.dhr.state.nc.us
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 09:05:44 -0400
On 7 Jul 99, at 1:09, Arcaist wrote:

> A datasoft let's you read or "know" the data. A display link is capable of
> displaying real graphics instead of text. Of course it *can* show text,
> but also a photo of the person you're searching for, a map of that
> high-security donut factory you're crawling into, or a stopwatch.

Err,... a display link just displays text, an image link displays
graphical, video images,.. right??


---
That which does not kill me, pisses me off.
-- Smilin' Jack.
Message no. 21
From: Twist0059@***.com Twist0059@***.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 09:32:36 EDT
In a message dated 7/8/99 6:32:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
laughingman@*******.de writes:

> > Speaking of which, why do cyberdecks cost so much more than a standard
> > computer with equal Mp storage?
>
> Because Decks need much more technical goodies like, just for example
> Simsense. And it needs to be light enough to _easy_ take the deck around.


Because a cyberdeck contains: your MPCP (big bastard), Hardening, Active and
Storage Memories, an ASIST Interface, an I/O Processor, and all the mojo that
makes it go together, yeah baby!

VR2.0 (one of the best SR books ever) goes into depth on what makes up each
piece of the cyberdeck when you create your own (the only way to fly). So
check it out, even if you don't like playing deckers all that much (or your
GM excludes them to the dreaded NPC). You can make a really big and heavy
cyberdeck through a process VR2 calls Breadboarding, and that can make your
cost less severe if you're having cash problems.



-Twist
Message no. 22
From: Twist0059@***.com Twist0059@***.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 09:35:11 EDT
In a message dated 7/8/99 6:41:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time, gurth@******.nl
writes:

> > The reason I asked for the barrier rating was not to make a wall of
> > orichalcum
>
> I don't think anyone could :)

Careful, a dragon might die and make you eat those words. ;-)

.....Naw, that wouldn't make any sense. That'd be as crazy as, as, as a
chick named Josie Cruise.



-Twist
Message no. 23
From: Max Rible slothman@*********.org
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 10:11:27 -0700
At 20:19 7/7/99 -0500, Wolfchild wrote:
> For those who want significant computer power
>that is easily portable for use on runs, what about installing a computer
>into a cyberarm (or torso or leg or whatever) and running a display link,
>datasoft/knowsoft link, or other cyber from the limb to the user's head
>for viewing and control of the computer?

Makes perfect sense. Computers are so compact you could pack quite
a powerhouse in your cyberarm.

>Speaking of which, why do cyberdecks cost so much more than a standard
>computer with equal Mp storage?

Cyberdecks have all sorts of nifty extras that aren't in an ordinary
computer.

>If it is so soft, why is it used in "magical" weapons (ie. weapon foci)?

The amount of orichalcum added to a weapon focus is measured in grams;
the mass of the focus is measured in kilograms. The orichalcum might
be mixed in as an alloy, or added as inlay or filigree on the blade.
No one would make one out of pure orichalcum-- too dense, too malleable,
and way too expensive.

> I had a picture in
>my mind of a a Wolverine-type character (from the Marvel comics) with
>orichalcum retractable spurs and using them to climb up the outside of a
>building by punching the spurs into the wall.

Weapon foci wouldn't help you with that. All weapon foci do is add to
your skill; they don't give you an unusual ability to punch into walls.
Of course, you could take a physad with Smashing Blow to do the
Kevin Matchstick trick from Mage: the Hero Discovered v3 of making
his own handholds...

--
%% Max Rible %%% max@********.com %%% http://www.amurgsval.org/~slothman/ %%
%% "Ham is good... Glowing *tattooed* ham is *bad*!" - the Tick %%
Message no. 24
From: Lloyd Vance ljvance@*******.edu
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 10:22:51
>>If it is so soft, why is it used in "magical" weapons (ie. weapon foci)?
>
>The amount of orichalcum added to a weapon focus is measured in grams;
>the mass of the focus is measured in kilograms. The orichalcum might
>be mixed in as an alloy, or added as inlay or filigree on the blade.
>No one would make one out of pure orichalcum-- too dense, too malleable,
>and way too expensive.
>
>> I had a picture in
>>my mind of a a Wolverine-type character (from the Marvel comics) with
>>orichalcum retractable spurs and using them to climb up the outside of a
>>building by punching the spurs into the wall.
>
>Weapon foci wouldn't help you with that. All weapon foci do is add to
>your skill; they don't give you an unusual ability to punch into walls.
>Of course, you could take a physad with Smashing Blow to do the
>Kevin Matchstick trick from Mage: the Hero Discovered v3 of making
>his own handholds...
>

But successes do up the damage code, which could be translated (if the GM
wanted to) into penetration for climbing.

The Hamm
aka Lloyd Vance
Message no. 25
From: Max Rible slothman@*********.org
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 10:43:01 -0700
At 10:22 7/8/99 +0000, Lloyd Vance wrote:
>>> I had a picture in
>>>my mind of a a Wolverine-type character (from the Marvel comics) with
>>>orichalcum retractable spurs and using them to climb up the outside of a
>>>building by punching the spurs into the wall.

>>Weapon foci wouldn't help you with that. All weapon foci do is add to
>>your skill; they don't give you an unusual ability to punch into walls.
>>Of course, you could take a physad with Smashing Blow to do the
>>Kevin Matchstick trick from Mage: the Hero Discovered v3 of making
>>his own handholds...

>But successes do up the damage code, which could be translated (if the GM
>wanted to) into penetration for climbing.

This is only relevant if the Power of your attack is greater than the
Barrier Rating of the wall you're climbing. And since magical weapons
are not defined to be any more damage-resistant than normal ones, you'd
be wrecking some incredibly expensive foci to the point that (if spurs)
they couldn't retract, and they'd certainly lose their edges.

--
%% Max Rible %%% max@********.com %%% http://www.amurgsval.org/~slothman/ %%
%% "Ham is good... Glowing *tattooed* ham is *bad*!" - the Tick %%
Message no. 26
From: Lloyd Vance ljvance@*******.edu
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 11:00:52
At 10:43 AM 7/8/99 -0700, you wrote:
>At 10:22 7/8/99 +0000, Lloyd Vance wrote:
>>>> I had a picture in
>>>>my mind of a a Wolverine-type character (from the Marvel comics) with
>>>>orichalcum retractable spurs and using them to climb up the outside of a
>>>>building by punching the spurs into the wall.
>
>>>Weapon foci wouldn't help you with that. All weapon foci do is add to
>>>your skill; they don't give you an unusual ability to punch into walls.
>>>Of course, you could take a physad with Smashing Blow to do the
>>>Kevin Matchstick trick from Mage: the Hero Discovered v3 of making
>>>his own handholds...
>
>>But successes do up the damage code, which could be translated (if the GM
>>wanted to) into penetration for climbing.
>
>This is only relevant if the Power of your attack is greater than the
>Barrier Rating of the wall you're climbing. And since magical weapons
>are not defined to be any more damage-resistant than normal ones, you'd
>be wrecking some incredibly expensive foci to the point that (if spurs)
>they couldn't retract, and they'd certainly lose their edges.
>
>--

Yes, but since power is tied to strength, just make sure you're the
strongest mofo around, and you'll beat most barrier ratings . . . Of course
if you had a set of Dikote (tm) treated spurs (I'm not saying you can
Dikote orichalcum, just regular spurs), that would make the whole Wolverine
theme easier. Of course you wouldn't be able to slash the nasty spirits,
but you could climb tall buildings in a series of single bounds.

>%% Max Rible %%% max@********.com %%% http://www.amurgsval.org/~slothman/ %%
>%% "Ham is good... Glowing *tattooed* ham is *bad*!" - the Tick %%


The Hamm (not ham, and if I was, I am tattooed, but not glowing, so am I
*bad*? Or maybe just quasi-evil . . .)
aka Lloyd Vance
Message no. 27
From: Kelson kelson13@*******.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 12:56:37 -0700
On Thu, 08 Jul 1999 10:22:51 Lloyd Vance wrote:

>But successes do up the damage code, which could be translated (if the GM
>wanted to) into penetration for climbing.

Yes, but orichalcum is made up of soft metals. It's not made to punch through anything.
Whether it's mixed into the blade, inlaid, or whatever, it's not going to assist in
helping penetrate hard materials (that's what dikote is for). Heck, cruel GMs could even
rule that using a weapon foci for such could damage the orichalcum and ruin the magical
enchantment gained by the focus. (heh) IIRC, weapon foci only increase skill (by adding
dice), not the actual damage code. While this causes you to do more damage, it doesn't
increase the power level directly - which would be required if you wanted to damage
barriers more effectively.

>The Hamm
>aka Lloyd Vance

Justin


--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
Message no. 28
From: Lloyd Vance ljvance@*******.edu
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 13:41:54
At 12:56 PM 7/8/99 -0700, you wrote:
>On Thu, 08 Jul 1999 10:22:51 Lloyd Vance wrote:
>
>>But successes do up the damage code, which could be translated (if the GM
>>wanted to) into penetration for climbing.
>
>Yes, but orichalcum is made up of soft metals. It's not made to punch
through >anything. Whether it's mixed into the blade, inlaid, or whatever,
it's not going to >assist in helping penetrate hard materials (that's what
dikote is for).

Yes, I agree, and that is what I said in one of my posts. Although I don't
always buy the orichalcum is a soft metal, therefore can be damaged easily
argument, because it is magical. Should have more durability (ie hardness
for *normal* use, not this Wolverine action) because of its magical nature.

>Heck, cruel GMs could even rule that using a weapon foci for such could
damage the >orichalcum and ruin the magical enchantment gained by the
focus. (heh) IIRC, weapon >foci only increase skill (by adding dice), not
the actual damage code. While this >causes you to do more damage, it
doesn't increase the power level directly - which >would be required if you
wanted to damage barriers more effectively.
>
>>The Hamm
>>aka Lloyd Vance
>
>Justin

No argument here. Although I would let player know/ have discussion with
GM about toughness of orichalcum, and what can be expected from it
performancewise before I attempted anything extravagant, personally. Of
course, I always thought it silly to have orichalcum spurs, although I've
known quite a few folk to get them. I just don't like the idea of having
something that can get you into major trouble on more than one plane of
existance.

The Hamm
aka Lloyd Vance
Message no. 29
From: Steadfast laughingman@*******.de
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 23:04:38 +0200
And so it came to happen that "Darrell L. Bowman" wrote in reply to
Arcaist:

> > A datasoft let's you read or "know" the data. A display link is
capable of
> > displaying real graphics instead of text. Of course it *can* show text,
> > but also a photo of the person you're searching for, a map of that
> > high-security donut factory you're crawling into, or a stopwatch.
>
> Err,... a display link just displays text, an image link displays
> graphical, video images,.. right??

Guess so.
A display link can only be used to access text only information in
your eye, an image link lets you view graphics and video images. Don't
see that an image link can't process text only information as it is
the advanced variant of the display link, am I correct with this one?

--

---> Steadfast
The one, the only.
That is, if you do not count the others.
Message no. 30
From: Steadfast laughingman@*******.de
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 23:04:43 +0200
And so it came to happen that Twist0059@***.com wrote in reply to my
humble self:

<snip>
> VR2.0 (one of the best SR books ever) goes into depth on what makes up each
> piece of the cyberdeck when you create your own (the only way to fly). So
> check it out, even if you don't like playing deckers all that much (or your
> GM excludes them to the dreaded NPC). You can make a really big and heavy
> cyberdeck through a process VR2 calls Breadboarding, and that can make your
> cost less severe if you're having cash problems.

<display wide grin>
Yes, it's realy nice. But when the GM catches a glimpse of the time
most of the stuff takes, and if he only thinks about the costs you
need to invest to get most of the toys to make your own boards then
you can be in trouble. Hach, I once got such a smartass who made a
real cool deck all by himself. After the time had passed, his deck was
to his surprise a nice way behind the Sota curve. Well, I was a bit
nasty about that, but he learned his lesson.
<end wide grin>

But true, VR2 rocks, it made deckers so much more part of a team. I
only wished I had mine handy and not borrowed to a friend.

--

---> Steadfast
The one, the only.
That is, if you do not count the others.
Message no. 31
From: Michael & Linda Frankl mlfrankl@*****.msn.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 17:36:07 -0400
<<Nightshade quoth:>>

>Err,... a display link just displays text, an image link displays
>graphical, video images,.. right??


That's my take on it. The display link really doesn't handle image
processing.

>---
>That which does not kill me, pisses me off.
> -- Smilin' Jack.


Hmmmm... wonder where you heard that one? <g>

;)

Mike, aka Smilin' Jack
Message no. 32
From: Da Twink Daddy datwinkdaddy@*********.com
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999 16:02:41 -0500
----- Original Message -----
From: Steadfast <laughingman@*******.de>


> <snip>
> > VR2.0 (one of the best SR books ever) goes into depth on what
makes up each
> > piece of the cyberdeck when you create your own (the only way to
fly). So
> > check it out, even if you don't like playing deckers all that much
(or your
> > GM excludes them to the dreaded NPC). You can make a really big
and heavy
> > cyberdeck through a process VR2 calls Breadboarding, and that can
make your
> > cost less severe if you're having cash problems.

Ageed.

> <display wide grin>
> Yes, it's realy nice. But when the GM catches a glimpse of the time
> most of the stuff takes, and if he only thinks about the costs you
> need to invest to get most of the toys to make your own boards then
> you can be in trouble. Hach, I once got such a smartass who made a
> real cool deck all by himself. After the time had passed, his deck
was
> to his surprise a nice way behind the Sota curve. Well, I was a bit
> nasty about that, but he learned his lesson.
> <end wide grin>

Well, this was, IMO, not warranted and I'd be really pissed if my GM
did this because of:

"Do not include programs and components in progress in these
calculations. The decker is presumed to update the technology for
ongoing projects while the task is still going on." (VR2, p. 78)

Now, of course I wouldn't allow a decker to complete all but one day
of a program and then wait for a year and a half and finish it
completely up to date. I'd say that if a decker didn't do at least 14
days worth of work (reduced by task bonus, of course) during the month
SOTA increased that he must add the program rating (or some other
improvised something) in days to the time left. (Even so, after a year
and a half he might only need a month or so of time to get his
projrect 'up to speed.')

> But true, VR2 rocks, it made deckers so much more part of a team. I
> only wished I had mine handy and not borrowed to a friend.

Agreed.

Da Twink Daddy
bss03@*******.uark.edu
ICQ# 514984
Message no. 33
From: Darrell L. Bowman darrell@******.dhr.state.nc.us
Subject: Big Bag O' Questions
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 17:35:39 -0400
On 8 Jul 99, at 23:04, Steadfast wrote:

> > Err,... a display link just displays text, an image link displays
> > graphical, video images,.. right??
>
> Guess so.
> A display link can only be used to access text only information in
> your eye, an image link lets you view graphics and video images. Don't see
> that an image link can't process text only information as it is the
> advanced variant of the display link, am I correct with this one?

That's my take.

---
Duct tape is like the force:
It has a light side and a dark side,
and it holds the universe together.
-- source unknown

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Thwap!