| From: | Brian Johnson <john0375@****.TC.UMN.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: VR2.0 Questions- super deckers |
| Date: | Tue, 4 Feb 1997 16:09:44 -0600 |
> a) The SPU(Math) increases Technical, Technical(B/R), and Science skills
> with half its rating (Shadowtech). Does this include the Computer skill?
> While decking?
yes, yes. (see the hacking pool part of VR 2.0 for more specifics
> b) If you have got an Encephalon,
>the Task Pool goes into the Hacking Pool
> when:
> - - You slot a skillsoft(Decking)
and, you do not use your own 'computer' skill, but this wouldn't
really be possible, if you read the shadowtech bit on skillsofts, it
says the chip always overrides the user's skill. (unless, of course, you
have it in the jack, but are not running it.)
[ I'd disagree that most deckers wouldn't try this, it is a very
efficient way of working, of course, the role playing element really
chews, and Karma should be reduced for complete reliance on the skill
chip while decking.]
In the above case, yes, the Task pool adds to the
hacking pool.
Note it is quite possible to create a super decker using these rules
(I did it as an exercise)
This character is, of course, not an Otaku, because they haven't enough
money to start with to buy all this stuff. Tech A, Attributes B/C Skills
C/B race D, magic E
Math SPU-4 (+2 to computer, electronics, biotech, and sciences, b/r)
Encephalon-4 (+3 int, +3 task pool)
Cerebral booster-2 (+2 int, +1 task pool)
with a computer-10 skill chip.
[ and the money to buy the deck, which might be a little weak to start with]
[plus programs, but you can always beg MR. Johnson (not me) for them.]
quite expensive, but with maximum intelligence 6,
Final intelligence is 11?
Hacking pool is:
3+ 1/2 MPCP, +2 (math spu) + 4 (task pool-emcephalon and cerebral booster)
+2 (intelligence modifiers from encephalon and Cerebral booster)
for a base of :11+ 1/2 MPCP !
And a 'starting' computer skill of 10[or matrix conc, decking spec.]
This is also a fairly easy way to create really mean competition for the PCs.
[and a fairly quick way to replace dead NPC deckers in the companies, the
surgery will take about 60 days to recover from]
you should use the SOTA rule in VR2.0 and apply it to computer skill
chips as well to keep these types of characters under [some] control
(everytime SOTA advances, the skill chip degrades , regardless of roll.)
[the above should not be seen as endorsement of the character archetype,
just an example of what can be done, and where most decker characters
would end up, given the chance (and the needed Tech) In other words,
don't go blasting off about availability and maximum starting
skill(chips) ratings, etc. In the event of a real emergency...]
Know your enemy.
