Matrix bonuses are dumb., Splitting the discussion from the 5E rules Q&A Options Track this topic Email this topic Print this topic Download this topic Subscribe to this forum Display Modes Outline Switch to: Standard Switch to: Linear+

[Tanegar]

...because you say so, hmm?

No, it breaks SR's internal logic due to the massive, colossal, epic disconnect between the way technology has previously been stated to work in the Sixth World, and the way it is now being stated to work, with absolutely no in-universe explanation given for the change.

The reason was given by JH in a blog

"Hackers were not useful in combat (because apparently no one uses radio communition, drones or tacnets) so in order to be useful they need something to hack (like items or cyberware). Since everybody (especially the player) however knows, that being online is a potential hacking/detection problem, everybody (especially the players) went offline - which is not acceptable. So to make everything having a price and hackable 8because, you know, hackers cannot do anything in combat) you only get the good goodies if you are online. "

Example given in the blog : your googles with a vision enhancement catches info bits from the air and so you get +3 to perception. But now you are hackable"

That is the official reasoning behind "everything must be online".

I have no idea where he's getting the idea that nobody uses radios, drones, or tacnets. I see posts here on Dumpshock all the time about the awesomeness of tacnets (and they are pretty damned awesome), and my players use drones and comms all the time. Which reminds me, I should really start throwing some hackers at them.

Anyway, hacking enemy comms is super useful in combat. Hacking enemy drones is super useful. Hacking the enemy tacnet... holy shit, the havoc you could wreak. Why in great Cthulhu's unholy name is it necessary for cyberware hacking to be a viable avenue?