Optimization Advice for a Combat Hacker, Help me build a Hacker and the Greatest Swordsman in the World Options

[klinktastic]

The legs add 4/4 natural armor, 12 dice to jumping, the Nanohive for neocortials 3 (more hacking dice when not stressed), and then they have some other odds and ends. So while yes, they are expensive, you get some nice benefits. Ortho skin or dermal plating cost almost as much for less armor. The big cost is the nanohive (which you can get used for cheaper and no essense penality since you are using capacity for storage) and the neocortials 3 (which are expensive no matter what). You could opt for no hydraulic jacks, and save the capcity for later. Or just add some cheap cyberstakes for a quick get away if needed.

[Yerameyahu]

I still like monkey feet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) The jumping jacks are just *fun*.

[WhiskeyJohnny]

But do any of those things require the modular property? I am definitely taking the legs with jacks and the rest.

[Zyerne]

Modular costs very little as I recall and allows you to swap limbs out should you ever need to.

It's a very minor expense for future flexibillty.

[klinktastic]

Yeah, modular cost is negliable for the flexability it provides. Alternatively, you can drop some of the jacks rating for grip feet, which are pretty sweet.

[WhiskeyJohnny]

Are grip feet worth it though, considering I've only got a cyberlimb strength of 3?

[Yerameyahu]

I just like climbing. Also, they have weak manual dexterity, so you can grab/hold things. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Definitely not a vital issue, but they're fun.

[klinktastic]

Probably not, but something to include in future modular limbs if you need to climb.

[WhiskeyJohnny]

Where can I find the Cybergland and Orientation system? I've looked through the books I have, and haven't been able to find them (though I may have just missed them). I found them.

Also, if I were to go the Used Cyberware route, would that reduce the cost of the accessories (i.e. Hydraulic Jacks, Thermographic Vision, etc.) as well?

[Whipstitch]

Are grip feet worth it though, considering I've only got a cyberlimb strength of 3?

I don't really see why not. A strength 3 person should be able to hang from a bar with just their hands and so I don't see why a person with special monkey feet shouldn't be able to do the same. Beyond that situation, a +2 bonus to climbing is a +2 bonus. I also wouldn't discount the advantage of just having plain ol' rubberized feet instead of flesh and bone either, and if I remember correctly rubberized soles are part of the grip feet package. I've really gotten into rock climbing over the last year and you'd be surprised what someone can do with a specialized rock shoe. "Smearing" requires you to have a lot of confidence in the power of friction, but luckily that faith is pretty well-founded. If it wasn't I'd be a dark stain at the bottom of the Black Hills right now.

[Karoline]

Freebasing an actual climb? Fun stuff. Yeah, those climbing shoes are great. I can't imagine climbing something without them really.

[klinktastic]

Where can I find the Cybergland and Orientation system? I've looked through the books I have, and haven't been able to find them (though I may have just missed them). I found them.

Also, if I were to go the Used Cyberware route, would that reduce the cost of the accessories (i.e. Hydraulic Jacks, Thermographic Vision, etc.) as well?

Yes, I would have standardware partial legs, but see if your GM will let you put used standards in the legs. Worth a shot. Otherwise, you can just make them completely used for even less cost but a little more essense.

[WhiskeyJohnny]

Does anyone know where I can find the rules for implanting and modifying my commlink?

[Yerameyahu]

What do you mean? It's just 'Implanted Commlink' in cyberware, for whatever comm you want. If you want to mod it later… too bad, you shouldn't have gotten it implanted. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[WhiskeyJohnny]

What do you mean? It's just 'Implanted Commlink' in cyberware, for whatever comm you want. If you want to mod it later… too bad, you shouldn't have gotten it implanted. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I'm just wondering if it costs essence (and if so, how much), costs extra nuyen, that sort of thing?

[Yerameyahu]

Oh. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) SR4A p339. Essence or Capacity, Commlink Cost + 2000¥.

[WhiskeyJohnny]

Oh. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) SR4A p339. Essence or Capacity, Commlink Cost + 2000¥.

And if I only have the SR4? Also, as the commlink in Glyph's build sounds like what I want to use, where can I find the rules on upgrading them, and writing a custom OS?

[Yerameyahu]

It's in SR4 somewhere near there.

It's unlikely that you want to 'write a custom OS'. Just buy System (like any other program) and Firewall.

[Aku]

And if I only have the SR4? Also, as the commlink in Glyph's build sounds like what I want to use, where can I find the rules on upgrading them, and writing a custom OS?

same in SR4, ess .2, or capacity cost 2.

[WhiskeyJohnny]

It's in SR4 somewhere near there.

It's unlikely that you want to 'write a custom OS'. Just buy System (like any other program) and Firewall.

I say so only 'cause it was suggested in Glyph's Build.

[Aku]

I say so only 'cause it was suggested in Glyph's Build.

pg 240, sr4 has starting rules for it.

[Yerameyahu]

OH. That's the same as what I said. I thought you meant 'program your own System'. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[WhiskeyJohnny]

Ok, so I've got my 'wares figured out, along with my gear and build. Thanks for all of the help, everyone.

[icedrake]

Ok, so I've got my 'wares figured out, along with my gear and build. Thanks for all of the help, everyone.

Can you please post your final build? I'm looking to create a similar concept as a new player, minus the cyber limbs and I'd like to see your breakdown.

[WhiskeyJohnny]

Yeah, I'll format it up and post it here. One thing though, what exactly are you going for? Gunbunny/Hacker or Street Sam/Hacker? And if you're not going to go with the cyberlimbs (and I can't blame you for that) then I would recommend going the Adept route, as that seems to be a bit simpler to keep track of.