| From: | Mongoose m0ng005e@*********.com |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Decker/otaku initiation |
| Date: | Wed, 7 Apr 1999 14:48:27 -0500 |
to
:go through any third-party interface, (if I understand correctly) they just
:need themselves, a datajack, and somewhere to plug in.
Faster than what? They are already faster than a decker who is not
using response increase circuitry (unless the decker is "hot" and using a
filter), and about as fast as any "native" matrix icon or being. Speed
really isn't an issue outside of cyber combat, when performing Sytem
Opperations, which is where Otaku excell. I can imagine its easier (and
safer) to learn system ops than combat, as well, especially for Otaku.
It is reasonable that there should be SOME way for Otaku to improve
thier various living persona statisctics, besideds improving thier
attributes, forms, and channels. Something along the line of Physad power
purchases with karma would work, though you'd have to decide what thier
"magic" rating was, and what costs various imrovements had.
Actually, building an Otaku from scratch, like a physad, would be cool,
if you wanted more variety. I may have to look at that. This also brings
up another point- you can't unexpectedly become a physad, just because you
are a good athelete / soldier/ whatever. I don't think deckers who are not
born with the potential can become Otaku.
:Just curious, as this not only would make more sense (to me at least) but
:would actually make it seem worthwhile to use an otaku, otherwise, it
:doesn't seem like they have any real advantages
The capabalities of an advanced Otaku are hard to exactly duplicate for
a normal decker, and some are theoretically impossible. For example, an
Otaku's Channels are (willpower linked) skills- they are NOT limited by
MPCP, so the Otaku can (theoretically) have sytem opperation TN's of 2- and
for all tests, not just those he has loaded programs for. Otaku also start
with a higher computer skill and higher natural intellegence than a decker,
and if they spend equal karma on that skill, the Otaku's skill will always
be higher; the deckers may even cost more to raise, even when its at a lower
level. And, if really tweaked, Otaku can start with a higher detection
factor than any decker is likely to achieve without a LOT of work. Otaku
also "upgrade" faster during game play, a major factor in campaigns whre
downtime is a rare luxury.
Also, Otaku should have some role-playting advantages, like info from
comrades in the Otaku community, mystic clues from the DR, and the ocassion
"act of god" that benefits them and whatever mysterious goals they may be
pursuing. At the very least, they should never have to worry about unwanted
information building up about them in any computer.
Mongoose
