Matrix involvement in your sessions: for dummies. Options

[Captain K]

Sorry if this topic's been covered, but I didn't see anything similar in the thread index when I scanned through. Lock if necessary.


Our group's gotten back together after many years away from the game, and we upgraded to 4th edition along with the game. We're just all pretty confused about the 2070 Matrix--implementing the rules, and implementing the omnipresence of AR.


So maybe you folks can help? Here's the two main concerns we have:

1) Where's the limit, as far as using the Matrix/AR? How much can you really do? Anything you can think of? Can every mechanical device with a wireless connection to the Matrix be hacked? Every person's commlink, every place of business's Matrix node? Every vehicle and wirelessly accessible kitchen appliance? Where do you draw the line in your sessions, or do you?

On the same note, how much Matrix interconnectivity do you allow your players to have, in the heat of a run? The 4th ed. sourcebook makes it seem like everyone with even a simple commlink and some AR glasses can have live textual communication, live-updated tacmaps, and the kitchen sink. Where you draw the line here, if at all?


2) As far as implementing the rules for hacking, how many dice rolls should it take for your hacker character to accomplish something meaningful? One dice roll to access a desired node, and one to search for juicy data, and that's it? I'm sure our group is missing some important steps, but we've been away from the game for a long time, the Matrix is totally different in fourth edition, and we were never incredibly familiar with the Matrix in 2nd or 3rd ed. either.

In your sessions, how do you resolve a typical hacking excursion? For example, if the hacker character is armed with a license plate number, how difficult do you make it for him to find out who owns the vehicle, and from that, everything interesting about that person?


My group is anxious to get comfortable with the 4th ed. Matrix, because it's just cool, but we don't feel like we really have a grasp on how to incorporate it into our sessions. Hopefully you guys can share your experiences.