From:	Damion Milliken <u9467882@***.EDU.AU>
Subject:	Re: Re[2]: Decking
Date:	Wed, 2 Nov 1994 20:10:13 +1100

Debbie writes:

> > But what about some sort of secondary deck with programs that let the
> > characters use some of their non-magical active skills in the matrix.
> > Say, at half their normal skill level? So, gun, sword, hand-to-hand
> > skills could be mapped into a corresponding attack skill in the matrix.
>
> This could work also, but I think you have to be careful not to
> penalize the decker for spending his points on computer skills instead
> of others. For example, if the street sammie has a skill of 8 in
> unarmed combat and he gets half for the matrix, he is the same as
> someone at who has computer programming at 4.

I don't really like it. Attacking in the matrix, although it looks like a
normal type of attack, is actually a complex set of programming
instructions. To do what you are proposing would require an incredibly
complex and bulky program to do the translation. If such an effective
program as this were ever invented there would never be a need for deckers,
as it would be way easier to automate the program and you'd never have to go
near the matrix yourself. It'd be easier and more economical (both
financially and storage wise) to carry around some ICE instead. And it
wouldn't drain your hacking pool off in such a vast way. And it isn't as if
you can fit ICE into your deck either.

luke writes:

> If you have several people helping out (the ideal situation), the
> hacking pool would spread very thin very quickly.

Most deckers would be better off not having anyone tag along, they'd be more
effective.

Note that I'm not criticising the idea as it stands, it is great, something
is needed along these lines (either this, or as someone else suggested, a
complete matrix rules re-write). It is just that I couldn't see that
particular part of it happening, the rest seems cool though.

--
Damion Milliken University of Wollongong e-mail: u9467882@***.edu.au

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