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Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

Message no. 1
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: PSI: PSIs and the Matrix
Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 20:52:49 +0100
I wanted to make a quick post to clear up some misconceptions or
miscommunications with regards to Psionics and the matrix.

First, I have not advocated making Cyberpsionics a Meta-power. I still
feel it is a normal discipline. Some meta-powers will enhance it (see
below) but it's just like any other class of power (unless we make it a
meta power, and the force you to use other psionic abilities (like
telephathy)).

Second: It was never ever Ever EVER designed to be a way for a standard
PSI to deck without decking hardware. (NOTE: There could be a realistic
Mastery ability that would allow a person to run naked in the matrix using
a psionic interface, but this will bring with it several problems and
isn't really recommended except for the stupid).

It can only effect people (including dragons surfing the ether :-).
Deckers have good defenses against PSI matrix attacks already (utilities
plus defensive hardware), and we can easily make up more (for example, a
piece of hardware that that monitors your brainwaves and will sever the
connection if a PSI makes contact with your brain (but it causes a
feedback that might frag your chips)).

Realistically, PSIs in the matrix will have a very limited use,
expecially for PCs. Very seldom do PCs meet up with other people (ICe is
a bitch). Hell, very seldom to PCs even run deckers (for practical
reasons). And now with the entire NPC decking community overly paranoid
about PSIs, the price to hire them just tripled. Finally something to
spend that suitcase full of nuyen on.

It definately doesn't unbalance the game, and I think we have adaquate
justifications

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@******.mankato.msus.edu
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