Restructuring of Matrix Programs, First steps to easier matrix use Options

[Ryu]

In my opinion, one of the major hindrances in remembering the matrix rules is knowing what program is needed for any given task. Those players in my group who care tend to have everything at the same rating, and either 5 or 6 at that (This may be a result of well-paying runs, but I don´t like it anyway).

So I´m in the process of simplifiing several things. One of the final goals is also to change to an attribute+skill mechanic, but I´m not even half-way there.

Lets start with the structure I´ve choosen at the moment:

Standard Programs
(A)nalyse (includes old WiFi-Scan)
(B)rowse
©ommand
(D)NI Protection (replaces BioFeedBack Filters, should be a common program)
(E)nycryption
(F)ile Manipulation (replaces Edit)

Hacking Programs
Offensive: Attack / Blackout / Black Hammer
Defensive: Armor / Medic
Stealth: Sneak (Includes Misplace), Sniffer (includes Trace)
Illegal Access: Exploit, Spoof, Decryption (includes Defuse)

Justification / Reasoning
Some programs do rather similar things, and those characters who care will own both. Therefore they should by all means be rolled into one, especially given canon prices. Less programs means less to remember in the heat of action.
- Wifi-Scan is basically Analyse Network
- Trace is a form of Sniffing
- Data Bomb should be an option for Encryption of a file, not a program on its own.
- therefore Decryption of the file does Defuse the bomb, because you can save the file with the option disabled.
- Misplace (translated right?) should be a part of Sleaze(translation?), as evading Trace is the same as not being detected

Software Prices/Ratings
Software is freely available up to rating 3 as open source. Anything beyond that can be acquired as bootleg copy with an extended Data Search (rating, 1 hour) test. Software above level 3 degrades at a speed of 1point/month if not maintained by a programmer (as in “bought legally� OR spending a so far undefined amount of time on extended Software tests). System does not limit useable program ratings. Response is reduced every 5 programs, agents counting double.

Reasoning: There should be some advantage to legally bought software, and there should be basically free software like today. A full set of free software allows any player to roll any test, and the need to maintain higher ratings gives the specialists some priviledges. System gets a new use next.

Defense Layers
The matrix offers multiple layers of defense.
- The network in question can be encrypted. Solution: Decrypt
- You might need to be a subsribed device to manipulate a node. Solution: Analyse network traffic, Spoof OR Exploit Firewall
- Once you are on the node, you might want more user privileges than Anonymous gets. Solution: Exploit System

Reasoning: I re-interpret system as system stability. A sufficient task, and easier calculation of degradation with higher usability for low-powered comlinks.

Agents
New application for the brain processing idea: There are no free agents except for AIs. Any agent used requires a connection to a controlling users brain. Any agent beyond the first results in a -2 distraction modifier for the user. If the modifier would be higher than willpower, the agent booted last crashes.


Any comments on this are welcome. This needs MUCH more work before the change to skill+attribute, and I would not like to commit serious design flaws.