Matrix questions Options

[Yerameyahu]

Well, I think this will give you an idea, even if you don't know the rules system:

The script cannot contain more steps/tasks than the character’s Programming skill ÷ 10 (round down). To program a script, the character must succeed in a Programming Test with a timeframe determined by the gamemaster.

To load the script, the character must have successfully intruded in the system and must succeed in an Infosec Test (or an Opposed Infosec Test if the system is actively monitored). If successful, the script is loaded into the system and will run as programmed.
Once the script is activated, it carries out the pre-programmed sequence of actions. The programmer’s Infosec skill is used for any tests those actions call for.
Inactivated scripts may be detected in a security audit, just like backdoors (p. 260).

[_Pax._]

Okay, a little bit stream-of-consciousness here ... brainstorming an idea.

Have the player define the script s/he wants, step by step, in list format. (Or as a flowchart, if they want to go that far.)

Now, go through the list. Every action that would not normally require a roll, is worth +1 point of complexity. Every If-Then decision point, is worth +2 points. Every action that would require a roll to achieve, is worth +3 points. The Script has a Program Rating equal to half it's Complexity, round up; the programmer can freely increase the complexity, without adding actual instructions, in order to improve that rating.

Coding the Script requires a Software+Logic extended test, with a threshold equal to the script's final Complexity, and an interval of ... does 1 day sound good?

Using the script requires uploading it to the node, then commanding the Node to run it. Any die rolls the Script needs to make use a die pool of it's rating, plus the Response of the node it is on.

...

Does that sound like a workable starting point?

[Yerameyahu]

Sounds a little complex. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) It probably shouldn't be able to perform any logic, just attempt tasks in order.

For consistency, it'd be nice if you could make the Software test based on Rating, and then the number of tasks is based on Rating (instead of vice-versa).

Probably the node should be making the tests, not the script? We might want to examine actual examples to decide.

[XON2000]

The AI has a home node, but can leave it. RW pg. 88, Welcome to My Mind.

Not having a home node is bad - RW pg. 90, Node Sweet Node. (Depending on stats, building a new home fast can be a top priority.)

Destruction of a node the AI moved to is bad. Destruction of a Home node the AI is not residing in requires finding a new home, but does not lead to destruction. RW pg. 90, Realignment and Restoration.


A trace will find the node the AI is on - in your example the team members commlink. If it works from its home node (toaster in the riggers kitchen or whatever), that location is traced. Stay "on the team" and you don´t have a long-range connection to maintain, stay home and you face less danger of physical destruction. Think "taking home in the primary battle drone" vs. "well hidden stationary home node".

Hey, Ryu, what book are you referencing? I can't figure out what RW is (the only thing I could think of was "Running Wild," but that doesn't make any sense).

[Halinn]

Hey, Ryu, what book are you referencing? I can't figure out what RW is (the only thing I could think of was "Running Wild," but that doesn't make any sense).

While I'm not sure how Ryu made that typo, the rules being referenced are in runner's companion, on those page numbers.

[XON2000]

While I'm not sure how Ryu made that typo, the rules being referenced are in runner's companion, on those page numbers.

Ah, I should have figured. Thanks!

[Ryu]

While I'm not sure how Ryu made that typo, the rules being referenced are in runner's companion, on those page numbers.

Answer already found. Thank you sir!