Getting the most out of AR Options

[Mayhem_2006]

So spirits rely on servants. Done.

Or get voice input commlinks with vocalisers to read their emails out loud.

[Hida Tsuzua]

I'm going to be talking about this from a non-technomancer perceptive. Mainly because technomancers bring all sorts of other things to the table (overthreading and sprites especially).

Being an AR hacker has two big advantages. The first is that you can actually go on adventures rather than camping out in the truck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grinbig.gif) The second is being completely immune to dumpshock and all forms of damaging simsense. So you get to laugh at blackhammer and blackout. Now this is kindof a moot point if your GM adapts, but a lot of published adventures always keep Black IC as the "big guns." It also means for all intents and purposes, you are an agent and thus be treated like one. If you're defeated in cybercombat, just log back on (note this requires some hacking on fly 9 times out of 10). Just spoof every once in a while to keep people off your trail (though getting kicked off or liberal use of jack out will stop that as well) and "dying" in matrix is like dying in a FPS, just a short wait respawning. You can try to crash the whole node if you have to and hurt all those hot VR users. While such brutal attacks may not always be the best option, it never stops being an option either. In high TR Missions games, you're going to get caught if you try to hack, so you might as well be prepared. You might be able to team up with a more "subtle" technomancer who can do their thing while you smash though the door and waste everyone's IPs.

Since you already need physical IP, it's fairly easy to become a decent combat character as well. Or you can specialize in breaking and entering and using that theoretical high logic rating hackers are suppose to have to good use (hardware skill is quite handy). Or get some magical ability. It's hard to combine "I'm in a coma" hacking with anything other than drone control (never jump in, use remote) and oddly, facing. You can also play pokemaster with spirits due to remote command cheese, but please do your GM a favor and don't.

However, sometimes cold VR is needed. Probing is a needed skill for a hacker character. If the GM doesn't allow program ratings greater than 6 for PCs, it's hard to hack on the fly to admin without being detected (even with edge) since most equal rating systems will trigger the alarm on the second roll. If your GM allows it, turning off the delayed alarm due having the program option Mute on your hacking is really awesome and then probing doesn't matter (if the GM doesn't allow it, I can't blame him). However the stuff that requires VR can be done cold and takes forever (forever being over a minute) anyways so you're not doing it during the run.

There's also a legality issue. Hot Sim VR is illegal and requires a hardware change that takes hours. If you're a AR hacker, you can keep it cold and if you're worried about the law (like the local police demands to see your commlink), delete all those restricted programs. Just copy them from your home server (you do have your programs pirated or self-programmed right?) when the police aren't on your back.

Going AR does mean giving up on the tasty +2 hot sim bonus. In addition you'll never see 5 IPs. However, I strongly suggest AR hacking. There's enough advantages to make a reasonable choice. It also makes the GM's life easier in that he doesn't have to factor in "guy who sits in the car the entire run" into his adventures. That alone makes it worth it.

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) My point is that it doesn't render the game unplayable (for a weird ultra-niche beta race) or inexplicable, it only makes it different (from some people's personal vision).

Never said it did... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Yerameyahu]

Never said you said it did. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I was still responding to Udoshi.

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

Never said you said it did. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I was still responding to Udoshi.

Heheheh... Gotcha... Man this is getting confusing... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wobble.gif)

[Tanegar]

I finally have a concept for the character, and it means I'm going the augmentation route rather than adept. He's a member of a criminal syndicate called the Eye, heavily augmented information brokers (inspired by the Omar from Deus Ex: Invisible War) with sidelines in weapons and illegal augmentation. Now to work on the actual build...

[Tanegar]

Here's my build. Honest critique welcome. Do I need black IC programs, or will a good Attack program suffice?

"Redeye"

Metatype:
Human (0 BP)

Positive Qualities:
Codeslinger (Hack on the Fly) (10 BP)
Erased (10 BP)
Analytical Mind (5 BP)
Photographic Memory (10 BP)

Attributes:
Body 3 (20 BP)
Agility 3 (20 BP)
Reaction 3 (20 BP)
Strength 2 (10 BP)
Charisma 3 (20 BP)
Intuition 4 (30 BP)
Logic 4 (30 BP)
Willpower 3 (20 BP)

Edge 3 (20 BP)
Essence 1.25

Skills:
Cracking group 4 (40 BP)
Electronics group 4 (40 BP)
Athletics group 1 (10 BP)
Stealth group 1 (10 BP)
Pistols 2 (8 BP)
Dodge 2 (8 BP)
Perception 2 (8 BP)
Knowledge: Data Havens 5
Knowledge: Illegal Augmentation Traffickers 3
Knowledge: Arms Dealers 2
Knowledge: North American Smuggling Routes 2
Knowledge: Matrix Security Design 5
Language: English N
Language: Russian 4
Language: Japanese 3

Gear:
Commlink (Fairlight Caliban w/ Novatech Navi) 9500Y
AR gloves 250Y
Common Use Programs 4200Y
-Analyze 6
-Browse 6
-Command 6
-Edit 6
-Encrypt 6
-Reality Filter 6
-Scan 6
Hacking Programs 66,000Y
-Armor 6
-Attack 6
-Decrypt 6
-Defuse 6
-ECCM 6
-Exploit 6
-Medic 6
-Sniffer 6
-Spoof 6
-Stealth 6
-Track 6
Lifestyle (Middle, 1 month) 5000Y
Ares Predator IV 350Y
Spare clips (10) 50Y
Silencer 200Y
100 rounds regular ammo 200Y
50 rounds APDS ammo 350Y
Armor vest 600Y
Cyberskull (obvious) 10,000Y
-Datajack 500Y
Cybereyes (Rating 4) 10750Y
-Flare compensation
-Low-light
-Thermographic
-Smartlink
-Vision Enhancement 3
-Vision Magnification
Cyberears (Rating 4) 18500Y
-Audio Enhancement 3
-Balance Augmenter
-Damper
-Select Sound Filter 6
-Spatial Recognizer
Wired Reflexes 2 32,000Y
Medkit 6 600Y
-Medkit supplies x4 200Y
Tag eraser 150Y
Handheld sensor package 450Y
-Radio signal scanner 6
-Laser microphone 6
Glue sprayer 150Y

Group Contact:
The Eye (15/4) (19 BP)

[sabs]

Does your GM let you auto-downgrade software? Or do you have to run the right ratings?
Cause that fairlight is only response 4, and that OS is Firewall 3/System 4

You can't run programs of a rating higher than 4. No Biofilter? REALLY? That's.. I mean I know you said mostly AR.. but sometimes you gotta go VR and with no biofilters you're matrix damage right on the hull. That seems like a bad idea.

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

Does your GM let you auto-downgrade software? Or do you have to run the right ratings?
Cause that fairlight is only response 4, and that OS is Firewall 3/System 4

You can't run programs of a rating higher than 4. No Biofilter? REALLY? That's.. I mean I know you said mostly AR.. but sometimes you gotta go VR and with no biofilters you're matrix damage right on the hull. That seems like a bad idea.

Well, Programs AUTOMATICALLY downgrade to what the system will allow (They will only run at the rating of the SYstem or the Program, whichever is lower). So that is not a worry.
But yes, eventually he will need to go VR, if for just a few things. He will Definitely NEED a Biofeedback Filter Program for those occassions. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wobble.gif)

[Tanegar]

Well, I'm super-tight on BP here. I had to downgrade my Logic from 5 to 4 to fit all the cyberware I wanted. Not having a Biofeedback Filter is not a huge concern right now because I can't go VR even if I want to: no sim module or simrig.

On the subject of simrigs, it seems like there should be an implantable version, but I can't find one. Am I just blind, or what?

So, yeah, commlink upgrades are first on my shopping list when I get money, followed by VR hardware and a Biofeedback Filter.

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

Well, I'm super-tight on BP here. I had to downgrade my Logic from 5 to 4 to fit all the cyberware I wanted. Not having a Biofeedback Filter is not a huge concern right now because I can't go VR even if I want to: no sim module or simrig.

On the subject of simrigs, it seems like there should be an implantable version, but I can't find one. Am I just blind, or what?

So, yeah, commlink upgrades are first on my shopping list when I get money, followed by VR hardware and a Biofeedback Filter.

Well then, that should solve all your issues then...
Have Fun...

[LurkerOutThere]

If your tight on pooints Analytic Mind may be a good one to cut unless your planing on doing a lot of software rolls. Also is the cyberskull something backstory related? It just seems a little out of place, as big a fan as I am of datajacks you could put one in your eye or ears instead without the signifigant essence cost.

[Tanegar]

Both are integral to the concept. Analytical Mind because I have an image of this guy as something of a Mentat-type human computer, the cyberskull because the crime syndicate that he's part of is inspired by the Omar from Deus Ex: Invisible War, and I wanted him to have their look.

[Yerameyahu]

AFAIK, you can't put a datajack in your eye or ears. In SR4.

[Udoshi]

On the subject of simrigs, it seems like there should be an implantable version, but I can't find one. Am I just blind, or what?

Bodyware, not headware. Same cost as a hotsim unit, little more essence. Since you're not using an implanted hotsim module, you can just buy a regular hotsim unit for it at a far reduced price.

[sabs]

Given you can't use any of that software at R6. WHy not just buy it at R4 until you get a better commlink?

[Yerameyahu]

Well, he could get Optimized.

Do normal programs really scale down to meet your System, or is that only if they already fit your *base* System to begin with? Not that it matters very much. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

Well, he could get Optimized.

Do normal programs really scale down to meet your System, or is that only if they already fit your *base* System to begin with? Not that it matters very much. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Programs will only operate at the rating of your System, if the System is lower than the Program's Rating. It is automatic... A Rating 6 Program on a System/Response Comlink Rated 4 will run that Program at Rating 4... take that same Program and put it on a Rated 6 Comlink, and the Program will run at Rating 6. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wobble.gif)

And Yes, Optimized is awesome indeed...

[Yerameyahu]

I mean, I understand the concept, but I wasn't sure where it says that programs actually *do* that by default. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

I mean, I understand the concept, but I wasn't sure where it says that programs actually *do* that by default. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Sorry... let me see if I can locate it, have to go get my books though, so it may take a bit...

Here it is: SR4A; Page 235 under the Programs Topic, 2nd Paragraph...

In order to use a program, it must be running. A running program is executed by the device on which your persona is running and belongs to your persona; only you may use the program. The System rating of the device limits the rating of the program. A program operates at its own rating or the System of the device, whichever is lower.

That should suffice I would think...

[Tanegar]

Given you can't use any of that software at R6. WHy not just buy it at R4 until you get a better commlink?

Because it's cheaper to upgrade the commlink than it is to buy a bunch of new software. I'd have to spend 70,200¥ on a bunch of R6 software anyway; why also spend 46,800¥ on a bunch of R4 software that I'm going to discard at the first opportunity rather than 3,000¥ on a System 6 OS once play starts? I'm pretty sure I'll get the 3,000¥ from the first run, and then I'm running a full suite of R6 software, as opposed to spending 70,200¥ over however many runs. The difference between R6 and R4 software only saves me 4BP, which isn't enough to make the tradeoff worthwhile.

[Brainpiercing7.6...]

Are you using Unwired? If so, just buy pirated software at 10% of the price. You'll have to spend some time searching for updates on warez sites, but....

[Hida Tsuzua]

So I did a complete rework of Redeye. Here are some major points.

Being unSURGEd human is very meh outside of certain builds. Being an ork is much better. Formori is really awesome if you can afford it. Arcane Arrestor is one of the few ways for a mundane to have any defense against magic worth the name. SURGE is just a big pile of points. You don't even have to be a freak unless you want to be one. Metagentic Improvement and Biocompability is just too good for its price.

Sadly in SR4, cybereyes and cyberears aren't very good. With easy to get optics and sensor suites, it's just better to carry them around and save your Essence. The complete sucking that is the cyberskull is also sad. I tried to make something of it, but I couldn't, there isn't the room for it. If you can live with just wearing a respirator, things become so much easier. Cyberware is awesome, but just a matter of picking the right ones. I hope you feel sufficiently cyborg with Move By Wire, a cyberarm, and commlinks with DNI. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cyber.gif)

Move-by-Wire 2 is a very efficient Essence package for what you get. It's Wired Reflexes 2, Reaction Enhancer 2, and Skillwires 4 for 85000Y and 3 Essence. Since the package is normally 60000Y and 4.4 Essence, you're playing 25000Y and a Restricted Gear for 1.4 Essence. I believe this to be a very good deal. You can get it Second Hand for 42500Y and 3.6 Essence and that's just a steal. You also get +2 to dodge tests which is just a freebie.

The cyberarm of awesome (which my friends call this tactic) is what lets you pass off as a street samurai. Sell down your body and agility and buy a customized cyberlimb with a lot of enhancements. It'll average out with your low base stats to give you a decent body and agility score overall. It may or may not be cheap. I'm just happy for an edition where cyberlimbs are generically useful rather at best niche and at worst useless. However, if you use an one-handed firearm, you use the super-enhanced agility giving you a respectable combat pool. This combined with a great body score, good armor, and a reaction of 9 means you're also hard to hurt.

Nanohive with Neocortical 3 is pretty cheap and easy to fit into your cyberarm. It gives you +3 dice to all your logic-linked skills (not to logic tests) as long as you can focus. It's a nice pile of points for when you can take your time. PuSHeD works similar and is a nice way to get an extra dice.

You forgot to get a Fake SIN. While GMs might overlook fake licenses, they won't overlook lack of a Fake SIN. I also bought a second commlink for your "public" face. Keep the one in your arm in hidden mode.

I went with automatics rather than pistols. Automatics covers a larger field of useful niches and you can get a machine pistol almost as concealable as a heavy pistol. Stay with SMGs or lighter so you can one hand them. The Praetor is an great SMG for when you need to lay things down. Be sure to palm it when you can (with a 6 die palming check you can an addition -2 to concealing stuff). If you can buy a longcoat for another -2 conceal, do it.

The only huge flaw with this character is the giant gapping wound that is lack of Charisma skills. Your best bet is to grab some pirated skillsofts ASAP. That'll give you a 5 die pool. Terrible for doing stuff, but merely "slightly below average." However your old character was in a similar boat and if you're in deep trouble, there's edge (which you now have 5 extra dice).

The build has some spare cash left. You can buy an agent, heavier guns, fake licenses, or some cyberware. If you want more points for something, you may want to drop cybercombat and let your agents fight while you do other stuff like spoofing. I didn't check Knowledge skills so I leave that to you.

In game, you want several things. The first is a Response 6 chip. That'll give you that +2 to all programs you need. The second is pirated skillsofts and a tacnet. Lastly, you can decide how you'll want to run that TacNet. I like to run it off a secondary commlink, but you can run it off your main if you want.

With Karma, buy specializations first. Then you can buy whatever you want.

[ Spoiler ]

Redeye
Free CP: 0
Free Cash: 11475Y

tl;dr Summary:
Hacking on the Fly Dice Pool: 14(17) = Hacking 6 + Exploit 4 (System limited) + PuSHeD 1 + Codeslinger 2 + Optimized(Exploit) 1 + (If Focused: Neocoritcal 3)
Automatics Dice Pool: 14 = Agility 8 + Automatics 4 + Smartlink 2

Metatype:
Formori (45 BP) -As a SURGEd Formori, Redeye is thin and scrawny for a troll. SURGEing also messed up his immune system. While it integrates cyberware quite well, it is weaker against foreign invaders. For this and other reasons, Redeye wears a respirator whenever he can.

Positive Qualities:
Codeslinger (Hack on the Fly) (10 BP)
Analytical Mind (5 BP)
SURGE III (15 BP)
-Biocompatability (Cyberware) 10
-Metagenic Improvement (Agility) 20
-Reduced Attribute(Strength) -5
-Reduced Attribute (Charisma) -5
-Extragavent Eyes (Yellow Orb) -5
Restricted Ware MBW 2 (5BP)
Codeblock (Repair) -5
Addiction (Mild) Stimulants -5
Spirit Bane (Beasts) -10
Weak Immune System -5
Slow Healer -10

Attributes: Base(Modified)[Limb]
Body 6(10)[14] (0 BP)
Agility 2(5)[8] (0 BP)
Reaction 5(9) (40 BP)
Strength 5(4)[3] (0 BP)
Charisma 1 (0 BP)
Intuition 4 (30 BP)
Logic 4 (30 BP)
Willpower 3 (20 BP)

Edge 5 (40 BP)
Init: 9(13)
Passes: 1(3)
Essence 1.36

Skills:
Cybercombat 4 (16BP)
Hacking 6 (24 BP)
Electronic Warfare 4 (16 BP)
Electronics group 4 (40 BP)
Stealth group 1 (10 BP)
Automatics 4 (16 BP)
Perception 1 (4 BP)
Knowledge: Data Havens 5
Knowledge: Illegal Augmentation Traffickers 3
Knowledge: Arms Dealers 2
Knowledge: North American Smuggling Routes 2
Knowledge: Matrix Security Design 5
Language: English N
Language: Russian 4
Language: Japanese 3

Gear: 50CP Spent (250000Y)
Cyberware:
Obvious Cyberarm Ess: 1 15000Y (note this has an availability of 12)
Customized (Body 5, Agility 3) 12000Y
Datajack 1 500Y
Nanohive + 3 Neocortical 2 25000
Agility Boost 3 (3) 750
Body Boost 3 (3) 400
Gyromount 4 6000
Commlink 2 2000
Capacity Free 0
Second Hand Move By Wire 2 42,500Y Ess:3.6
Pushed 15000Y .1
Simrig (Cold) 5000Y .5

12500Y Transys Avalon Novatech Navi Response 4 Signal 4 System 6 Firewall 5 Optimized (Exploit) Cyptosense Module (for your sensors)
Common Use Programs 4200Y
-Analyze 6
-Browse 6
-Command 6
-Edit 6
-Encrypt 6
-Reality Filter 6
-Scan 6
Hacking Programs 72,000Y
-Armor 6
-Attack 6
-Decrypt 6
-Defuse 6
-ECCM 6
-Exploit 6
-Medic 6
-Sniffer 6
-Spoof 6
-Stealth 6
-Track 6
-Biofeedback Filter 6
Lifestyle (Middle, 1 month) 5000Y
Medkit 6 600Y
Medkit supplies x4 200Y
Tag eraser 150Y
Handheld sensor package + Skinlink 500Y
Radio signal scanner 6
Laser microphone 6
Glue sprayer 150Y
Earbuds with Audio 3, Skinlink 380Y
Contact Lens 3 w/ Imagelink, Flame Comp, Vision Enchancement 3, Skinlink 475
Glasses w/ Smartlink, Vision Magification, Low-Light, Skinlink 850
Microsensor w/ Ultrasound, Skinlink 1050
Microsensor w/ Cyberware Scanner, Skinlink 500
Respirator 6 150Y
Fake SIN 4 4000Y
Novatech Airware + Iris Orb 2500Y
Overdrive x10 1500Y
Skinweb Array 200Y

Armor: 16/12 (13/11 for encumbrance)
Full FFBA 6/2 1600Y
Armor Jacket 8/6 900Y
Secure Tech PPP System 2/4 -900
Forearm Guards, Leg and Arms Casings, Shin guards, Vitals Protector

Ballistic Shield 6/4 (22/16 total, 19/15 for encumbrance) 1500Y

Weapon:
Styer TMP 4P SA/BF/FA 30©
Recoil Comp: 6 = Gas-Vent 3 + Gyromount 3
Concealment: +1=2-1
Accessories: Gast-Vent 3, Concealable Holster, Smartgun External
Cost: 1475=600+400+400+75
60 SnS Rounds (2 clips), 60 Flechette (2 clips) 1095Y

Group Contact:
The Eye (15/4) (19 BP)

[Yerameyahu]

Sigh. Munchkinry causes such odd mental images: 'palm' a P90? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[LurkerOutThere]

Thinking about it further why don't you put the comlink into the cyberskull? It would kind of go with your theme and make sure it can never be taken from you. I don't recall the number of slots a skull has but this should be doable.