Improved invisibility vs. security cameras, is it that difficult? 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+

[shon]

Quick question: is using improved invisibility to cheat a camera sensor really hard?

Explanation:
[page 208 SR4A rule book]
Physical illusions are effective against technological systems, assuming the caster achieves enough hits to meet the Object Resistance threshold.

Consulting page 183, a typical camera sensor should be about 4 object resistance, some might even argue that more, but let's stick to 4 for now.

Meaning: you need to have 4 hits on the improved invisibility spell test.
You also need it to be force 4 spell since force limits hits.

I guess the more powerful magicians can do it in their sleep, while drunk. But for a starting shadowrunner with magic 5 and spellcasting of 3-4, (8-9 DP) getting 4 hits would be considered pretty lucky, no?

What I'm trying to say is: I thought doing improved invisibility is a rather easy trick to bypass security cameras, but after reading the book, I guess it's something for the more powerful characters.

And on a related note: should the caster know how good the spell went? Can they judge if it's enough to bypass that camera or should they find out by seeing the security guys running toward them?