OOC: Phoenix Rising, Out of Character thread for the runners Options

[Coldhand Jake]

His Hacking, OS, and Agent progs are custom written by a programming genius, his old contact, and he had regular updates. Hence, I paid full price. However...the writer's dead, and he has to do all the cracking himself, if it's getting done. No one's going to be mad of him making copies...no one's managing the code... but as a gamer and GM myself, I figure paying the fee for the pirated version would cover the fee of getting someone to crack it for you. Jake really ain't got the time for that kind of codework.

[bmcoomes]

I'm in agreeance with Jake on this. You can get it at reduced cost for a Pirated but you have to so work your self so with out skill your boned.

Thanks,
Brent

[Oenone]

I don't quite get what you mean by that actually..

I was just saying that in order to copy the programs they needs to be cracked first. So if you're able to provide a copy of them then they are by definition already cracked or had no copy protection to begin with. (Going off both P228 of the BBB and P94 of Unwired). Given that you've said they're from a programmer contact it could well be they never had any copy protection to start off with.

Of course we could be taking about totally different things, as it sort of reads like you're planning on getting an NPC to crack the legal programs you have and /then/ sending them on? If so by all means ignore the above as that does make sense. (Although it might be better to just pay for pirated copys of other software rather than risk an NPC meddling with your top of the line programs?)

@bmcoomes Actually now might be a good time to ask if you're using the software degredation rules?

If so then Etoile'll definately be running legal and registered software. As I don't think she's likely to use her commlink for anything more risky than the odd bit of web browsing or sending the odd encrypted message to people (which the BBB makes out to be legal unless I've misread it? As Encrypt is a common use program and thus isn't restricted in any way).

Erm anyway not that this is of much importance to me ICly as I'm hardly playing the most tech loving Street Samurai ever! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Zaranthan]

Okay, things are more up to date now. Sorry to be dragging my feet like this, but school and an unexpected job hunt have limited my hobby time. If I don't get an IC post up tonight, I'll probably just drop out to avoid holding everybody else up.

[ Spoiler ]

Dancing Eyes, "Tick-Tock", Face/Astral [400/400 BP]

- Race: Human (0 BP)

- Attributes (190/200 & 40 BP)
Bod Agi Rea Str Cha Int Log Wil Mag Edg
3 4 3 2 5 3 2 5 5 2

Essence: 6.0
Initiative: 6
Initiative Passes: 1
Physical Damage Track: 10
Stun Damage Track: 11

- Active SKills (142 BP)
Assensing: 2
Astral Combat(Blunt Focus): 4(+2)
Clubs(Pistol): 2(+2)
Conjuring: 1
Banishing/Binding/Summoning
Counterspelling: 4(+2 Manipulation)
Dodge: 2
Influence: 2
Con/Etiquette/Leadership/Negotiation(+2 Dragon)
Outdoors: 1
Navigation/Survival/Tracking
Perception: 2
Pistols(Revolvers): 2(+2)
Ritual Spellcasting: 1
Spellcasting: 4(+2 Manipulation)
Stealth: 1
Disguise/Infiltration/Palming/Shadowing

- Knowledge Skills (15/15 Free Points)
P. Astral Threats: 2
P. Parazoology: 3
I. Current Events: 3
S. NAN/Seattle Border Crossings: 1
A. Salish Spiritual Practices: 2
Language Skills:
Salish: N
English: 4

- Qualities (20/35 - 35/35 = -15 BP)
Magician (15 BP)
Mentor Spirit: Dragon (5 BP) [+2 Manipulation/Negotiation, test to follow orders/accept defeat]
Codeblock[Data Search] (-5 BP)
Mild Media Junkie (-5 BP) [Unwired p.37]
Spirit Bane (-10 BP) [Spirits of Air]
Sensitive System (-15 BP)

- Spells (24 BP)
Heal
Increase Reflexes
Stunbolt
Levitate
Healthy Glow
Sterilize
Influence
Control Emotions

- Gear & Lifestyle (58,110/60,000) (12 BP) (Bound Foci: 5 BP)
[Carry: 30 kg]
1000 Squatter lifestyle, 2 months
4000 Fake SIN, Rating 4 (Jeffrey Stone, Magician, store clerk)
400 Fake License, Rating 4 (Warhawk)
400 Fake License, Rating 4 (Smartlink)

600 Sunglasses w/Image Link, Low-Light, Flare Compensation, Optical Magnification, Rating 3 Enhancement, and Smartlink
1250 Novatech Airware Commlink (R3, S3)
1000 Iris Orb OS (F3, S3)
50 Skinlink
100 Sim Module (Cold)
50 Trodes (under bandanna)
500 Satellite Link
50 Subvocal Microphone

270 Rating 6 Mapsofts (Pedestrian): Everett, Snohomish, Redmond, Bellevue, Downtown, Renton, Auburn, Tacoma, Puyallup
150 Rating 3 Browse
150 Rating 3 Encrypt
2500 Rating 1 Linguasofts: Japanese, Russian, Korean, Or'Zet, Sperethiel

10k Weapon Focus Force 1 (Warhawk)
30k Sustaining Focus Force 3 (Health)

250 Ruger Super Warhawk
100 Personalized Grip (Melee) [1]
300 Melee Hardening [1]
400 Smartgun System (Topmount) [0]
1000 Electronic Firing [2]
500 Increased Cylinder [1]
50 Trigger Removal [0]
50 Skinlink [1]
----
2650
75 Concealable Holster

100 4 Speed Loaders
40 20x Regular Ammo (2SL)
200 20x Ex-Ex (2SL)

1600 Form-Fit: 6/2 (Enc as 3/1)
550 PPP: 1/3 (Enc at 4/4) [Forearms, Shins, Vitals]
200 Leather Jacket: 2/2 (Enc at 6/6)
----
2350 Total Armor: 9/7 (+3 Body (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) )

50 Survival Knife
25 Flashlight (Low-Light)
300 Biomonitor

- Contacts (10/10 Free BP)
Talismonger (Connection 3, Loyalty 3)
Fixer (2/2)

- Notes
Starting Nuyen: 2d6+3 * $20 = $300

Dragon is a sly ruler, slow to act and slightly cruel, but undeniably powerful.
His regal demeanor hides a scheming mind and his dark lair hides endless riches.
In China he is the Dragon Emperor, one of the pair of creatures that represents the balance of yin and yang.
In North America, the actions of Dunkelzahn and Ghostwalker have revitalized the worship of this mighty creature.
Wherever they are found, Dragon’s followers are confident individuals striving for power and influence.
Advantages: +2 dice for Manipulation spells, +2 dice for Negotiation Tests.
Disadvantages: Dragon magicians are single-minded and confident to a fault, as well as sore losers.
A Dragon magician must make a Willpower + Charisma (3) Test to follow advice orders that are not their own, or to accept a defeat gracefully.

[bmcoomes]

Well looking at it, if I'm going to use Pirated software then I'm also going to use the degredation to keep balance. Pluse we have enough resources (as in people) to keep up.

Thanks
Brent

[Coldhand Jake]

As for me, I'll happily help crack it, but I haven't studied how long it takes to do it. Once I have that data, he's got a habit of sharing resources, especially with women who put up with him for any length of time. Especially if you offer him something to appeal to his weakness as a complete perv.

[Oenone]

"Extended Software + Logic Test with a threshold between 10 and 20 (gamemaster’s discretion) and an interval of 1 hour."

Quoted from the BBB.

So erm not really something do-able on short notice, but not actually that hard with a few days downtime (at least for the important software like Analyse or maybe Encrypt).

Sadly to use the really good level's you've got it means investing in some more expensive commlinks. So I guess it'll be a job for after the first payday.

[bmcoomes]

Okay, things are more up to date now. Sorry to be dragging my feet like this, but school and an unexpected job hunt have limited my hobby time. If I don't get an IC post up tonight, I'll probably just drop out to avoid holding everybody else up.

[ Spoiler ]

Dancing Eyes, "Tick-Tock", Face/Astral [400/400 BP]

- Race: Human (0 BP)

- Attributes (190/200 & 40 BP)
Bod Agi Rea Str Cha Int Log Wil Mag Edg
3 4 3 2 5 3 2 5 5 2

Essence: 6.0
Initiative: 6
Initiative Passes: 1
Physical Damage Track: 10
Stun Damage Track: 11

- Active SKills (142 BP)
Assensing: 2
Astral Combat(Blunt Focus): 4(+2)
Clubs(Pistol): 2(+2)
Conjuring: 1
Banishing/Binding/Summoning
Counterspelling: 4(+2 Manipulation)
Dodge: 2
Influence: 2
Con/Etiquette/Leadership/Negotiation(+2 Dragon)
Outdoors: 1
Navigation/Survival/Tracking
Perception: 2
Pistols(Revolvers): 2(+2)
Ritual Spellcasting: 1
Spellcasting: 4(+2 Manipulation)
Stealth: 1
Disguise/Infiltration/Palming/Shadowing

- Knowledge Skills (15/15 Free Points)
P. Astral Threats: 2
P. Parazoology: 3
I. Current Events: 3
S. NAN/Seattle Border Crossings: 1
A. Salish Spiritual Practices: 2
Language Skills:
Salish: N
English: 4

- Qualities (20/35 - 35/35 = -15 BP)
Magician (15 BP)
Mentor Spirit: Dragon (5 BP) [+2 Manipulation/Negotiation, test to follow orders/accept defeat]
Codeblock[Data Search] (-5 BP)
Mild Media Junkie (-5 BP) [Unwired p.37]
Spirit Bane (-10 BP) [Spirits of Air]
Sensitive System (-15 BP)

- Spells (24 BP)
Heal
Increase Reflexes
Stunbolt
Levitate
Healthy Glow
Sterilize
Influence
Control Emotions

- Gear & Lifestyle (57,885/60,000) (12 BP) (Bound Foci: 5 BP)
[Carry: 30 kg]
1000 Squatter lifestyle, 2 months
4000 Fake SIN, Rating 4 (Jeffrey Stone, Magician, store clerk)
400 Fake License, Rating 4 (Warhawk)
400 Fake License, Rating 4 (Smartlink)

600 Sunglasses w/Image Link, Low-Light, Flare Compensation, Optical Magnification, Rating 3 Enhancement, and Smartlink
1250 Novatech Airware Commlink (R3, S3)
1000 Iris Orb OS (F3, S3)
50 Skinlink
100 Sim Module (Cold)
50 Trodes (under bandanna)
500 Satellite Link
50 Subvocal Microphone

270 Rating 6 Mapsofts (Pedestrian): Everett, Snohomish, Redmond, Bellevue, Downtown, Renton, Auburn, Tacoma, Puyallup
150 Rating 3 Browse
2500 Rating 1 Linguasofts: Japanese, Russian, Korean, Or'Zet, Sperethiel

10k Weapon Focus Force 1 (Warhawk)
30k Sustaining Focus Force 3 (Health)

250 Ruger Super Warhawk
100 Personalized Grip (Melee) [1]
300 Melee Hardening [1]
400 Smartgun System (Topmount) [0]
1000 Electronic Firing [2]
500 Increased Cylinder [1]
50 Trigger Removal [0]
50 Skinlink [1]
----
2650

100 4 Speed Loaders
40 20x Regular Ammo (2SL)
200 20x Ex-Ex (2SL)

1600 Form-Fit: 6/2 (Enc as 3/1)
550 PPP: 1/3 (Enc at 4/4) [Forearms, Shins, Vitals]
200 Leather Jacket: 2/2 (Enc at 6/6)
----
2350 Total Armor: 9/7 (+3 Body (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) )

50 Survival Knife
25 Flashlight (Low-Light)
300 Biomonitor

- Contacts (10/10 Free BP)
Talismonger (Connection 3, Loyalty 3)
Fixer (2/2)

- Notes
Starting Nuyen: 2d6+3 * $20 = $300

Dragon is a sly ruler, slow to act and slightly cruel, but undeniably powerful.
His regal demeanor hides a scheming mind and his dark lair hides endless riches.
In China he is the Dragon Emperor, one of the pair of creatures that represents the balance of yin and yang.
In North America, the actions of Dunkelzahn and Ghostwalker have revitalized the worship of this mighty creature.
Wherever they are found, Dragon’s followers are confident individuals striving for power and influence.
Advantages: +2 dice for Manipulation spells, +2 dice for Negotiation Tests.
Disadvantages: Dragon magicians are single-minded and confident to a fault, as well as sore losers.
A Dragon magician must make a Willpower + Charisma (3) Test to follow advice orders that are not their own, or to accept a defeat gracefully.

Hay that fines, I'm not to worried with those who life happens too. It happen to me to on occasion with a wife and two kids (one-three years old, the other 8 months) plus working Corrections.

[bmcoomes]

Well we are still needing Cizh, Little Johnson, Divine Virus, Deadman Tarantula, and Zaranthan to post on the IC thread. I know Zaranthan other engagements so he's fine, but I've not heard for the others I something so we can move forward.

Thanks,
Brent

[Shalimar]

What are the rules for degredation? And where are they? The pirated software rules are in the BBB but I didn't see the others.

[Oenone]

What are the rules for degredation? And where are they? The pirated software rules are in the BBB but I didn't see the others.

They're in Unwired page 109. The section on Pirated Software.

"In game terms, illegal and pirated software—and also programs that a character has coded himself (p. 118)—degrade over
time, reflecting that the program is slowly becoming outdated. Hacking and malware programs degrade at the rate of 1 rating
point per month; all other programs degrade 1 rating point per 2 months."

The above being a quote from the section in question.

[Shalimar]

What type of a check is needed to maintain them? I would think Computers + Logic or some such.

[DWC]

It's Computers+Logic, with an interval of 1 week, with a threshold based on the difference between the decayed rating and the desired rating. Easy, but really, really, really time consuming.

[crizh]

Or you can just buy patches from a Warez group.

[Shalimar]

It's Computers+Logic, with an interval of 1 week, with a threshold based on the difference between the decayed rating and the desired rating. Easy, but really, really, really time consuming.

Wow that interval is insane. If you write all your own programs there aren't enough weeks in the month just to keep all the hacking programs up to date. Could you get an agent to run maintnance on the code?

[Coldhand Jake]

I think we're all ready for this meet...

[bmcoomes]

Yup I think so too.

Brent

[crizh]

Wow that interval is insane. If you write all your own programs there aren't enough weeks in the month just to keep all the hacking programs up to date. Could you get an agent to run maintnance on the code?

Technically you could load it with a Software Autosoft but it isn't really Sapient so it's debatable whether or not they are smart enough.

(GM call really)

Sprites certainly can. You can also trade your own Patches with a Warez group for access to their Patches. Or just buy the Patches from them.

What with spoofing Lifestyle it shouldn't be a big expense for the Hackers.

[Zaranthan]

I'll be keeping my astral eyes open for the time being. Any chance of recognizing the arm bands?

[Coldhand Jake]

Opening a chat between Charlie, DD, and myself, making the basic introductions, suggesting a three-way, no big deal. Keeping the chat open so we can discuss any offers, mostly to help Charlie on her first job.

[Tarantula]

Sorry about that guys, had a rather hectic weekend. I need to get to bed now, but will post in the morning ASAP.

[bmcoomes]

Ok, if by the end of the day you have not posted in the IC thread then you will be dropped. So please if you wish to continue to play in this campaign then get over there and post.

(Little Johnson, Divine Virus, and Tarantula)

Thanks,
Brent

[Tarantula]

Post is up! Just a question, how big would you say a whitenoise generator is? Hand/pocket sized? Car battery sized? Guitar amplifier sized?

[bmcoomes]

Well I know the white noise generator they have to day for baby rooms is small enough for a jacket pocket.

Brent

[Tarantula]

Kinda what I figured too, just always good to check as it doesn't mention anywhere, and I've had GMs call that its bigger.