Node idea, "Resource Points" (RP) Options

[GrinderTheTroll]

So my idea is to give each Node "Resorce Points" (RP) equal to Response x System. So a Rating-5 Node would have 25 RP. The total Rating of all Programs running on the Node count towards the RP available.

If you exceed the RP (25 in this example) you effectively reduce the Reponse Rating 1 point for Tests and programs runnings would be at an effective -1 Rating while running in the Node. System would remain unchanged.

Some examples for Node-5 (25 RP):
- Running x6 Rating-4 programs = 24 RP (6x4=24), no Response loss.
- Running x6 Rating-5 programs = 30 RP (6x5=30), Reponse -1 for Tests and -1 program Ratings.
- Running x11 Rating-5 = 55 RP (5x11=55), -2 Reponse for Tests, -2 program Ratings.
- Running x4 Rating-3, x3 Rating-4 programs = 24 RP (4x3=12, 3x4=12), no Response loss.

Yes it does incur some overhead, but it gives you a more detailed way to manage variable Rating program loads and allow Nodes to have "basic" programs like Encrypt and Analyze running (albeit at lower ratings) without having to sacrifice too much.

Another point about RAW program definition and load is that "internal" Node database or application do incur load, or are at least, not defined in SR4 RAW. You could more specifically, define "R&D Database/Application" an RP amount (5+ RP?) it uses as part of it's native software and still provide other basic functions.

This would make an R&D Node-5 (25RP) running am R&D-type Database/Application, incur 5 RP load, leaving 20 RP for other resources.

Your thoughts are welcome!

Thanks,
~GTT

[Blade]

I like the idea, it may need some tweaking and balancing, but I like it.

About "internal" applications, Edit does a lot of things such applications may do. You can combine it with an agent for more complex applications, but basically Edit covers nearly every internal application I may think of.

[GrinderTheTroll]

[Blade]

Actually, I liked the fact that nearly every kind of application can be seen as a common-use program. You don't have to think a lot about what application the node may run as some common-use program cover it all.

In an online store node, you may need something to help customers locate what they want : that's a Browse program. In a corporate office node, you just need an Edit program, it covers nearly everything an office worker might use. In a factory node, the only program you need to control all the equipment is the Command program...
If the tasks are demanding, just add an agent (loaded with a virtual friend program if you want to give him a personnality) and have him use the program : it will guide the customer through the online store and coordinate the equipment of the factory.

That's why I think that considering more precise application isn't really useful.

[OneTrikPony]

i like it too except; my cyber arm, my smartlink, my music player my vector zim comlink... all being individual devices are all "nodes". (I can't see any other way to read the BBB.)

I know that Ginder is talking about what used to be called "hostes" in SR3 but as far as i can see there is no such thing as a host anymore.

why won't this lead to;
A- a hacker Running x6 Rating-4 AGENTS
B- old school decking were the team hacker sits in a room in some other place jacked into his "NODE" since he can't have a comlink that can run 6 agents

I am not gripeing or criticyzing it's something i need to have solved befor I start my own game and I'd really like to know how people handle this. If this is available why can't your players have it?

[GrinderTheTroll]