Need some expert SR4 rules lawyers... Options

[Veggiesama]

Ignore.

[ Spoiler ]

I'm working on a top secret coding project that involves SR4. Shh.

That said, I have some gaps in my SR4 knowledge, and I don't have most of the supplements. I need you guys to fill me in with some details.

1. Core p54 mentions three types of tests: normal (skill + linked attribute), attribute-only (attrib1 + attrib2), and defaulting (attrib - 1). Each can get a variety of mods. Here's a short list of tests that breaks those rules:

1. Single attribute rolls, like range combat defense (attrib)
2. Full defense in melee (attrib + skill + skill)
3. Matrix/rigging (skill + program rating, attribute + program rating, and commlink/drone attribute + program rating, to name a few)
4. Edge (whatever before + edge)
5. Armor (attrib + equipment rating)
6. Force/Equipment/NPC stuff (rating, maybe rating x2 or more)

Basically I'm trying to boil down to a list of a few general tests, but I have a feeling that won't be easy, maybe not possible. There are probably a million others, but are there any big tests I'm forgetting (like... attrib1+attrib2+attrib3, if there's such a roll, ignoring edge)? Do any of the supplement books switch up the paradigms too much? Don't worry about dice pool mods, just the base dice pools themselves.

2. In what situations is an unmodified skill rating used over a modified skill rating? The errata confuses me a little.

3. Can initiative (or any of the derived tests, like judge intent) be modified independently of the derived attributes? For example, can you have 3 REA, 3 INT, and have a 7+ Initiative somehow?

4. Do the new books have any kind of "attribute/skill swapping" features? I know there are a few rare cases where you use an unlinked attribute (like Reaction + Pistols for quick-draw), but are there any other kinds of huge changes, e.g. a quality to use WIL instead of REA for physical initiative, or cyberware that lets you use STR for calculating your damage track boxes, or something ridiculous like that? I want to make sure I cover all the bases.

That's all the questions I have for now... I might have more later.

[Ryu]

1. Is there a reason why you differentiate between the sources of dice?

2. Natural skill is used to limit modified skill. You won´t use natural skill for tests.

3. Yes, by the the Increase Initiative spell.

4. Skills are not fixed to their attribute, the GM may call for a different one.

[Draco18s]

4. Skills are not fixed to their attribute, the GM may call for a different one.

Full Defense (burning next action) to jump off a metal table, flip it onto it side, and get behind it.

Gymnastics + Strength, not Agility.

(Happened last night, cyber-sam was standing on the table because "he does not believe in chairs")