SRM00-01 optional event question (SPOILER) Options

[Dark father]

[Deacon]

I just want to say that the decking run in SRM-02 was made easy for two reasons. First, I didn't want to overcomplicate things for new players. And second, it was not written with Matrix in mind. While I have access to that book, I'm not at all familiar with it, and therefore any decking parts of Missions that I write won't account for Matrix.

GMs who know this may want to plan for it. My suggestion is to disallow use of Matrix.

[TinkerGnome]

I'd really hate to see Matrix disallowed. I'd much prefer there being a bonus for PC deckers who have and can use the book rather than it not being allowed or being required. The main thing that pops to mind is the paydata (which can hopefully be condensed into a few sentences for the campaign). Matrix searches are also a powerful item that would be nice for PC deckers to be able to use, though streamlining the mechanic to work as a contact would also be not-so-bad (the bonus being you get to use computer in place of etiquette).

There are other items which are attractive from a PC point of view but don't really need to be included in modules, including wireless links and frames/agents. These things fall under the umbrella of "if you want to use it, have the book handy", though, so I guess they're not a big deal.

[Deacon]

The problem is, is that I can't use Matrix to plan the decking runs. Here's the point: Dark father mentions that the decking run in Demolition Run seemed too easy, because of an operation not mentioned in SR3, but in Matrix. I couldn't plan for someone using that operation, because I don't have the book.

Now, what happens if I plan for a really tough matrix run as part of a Mission Brief, and something out of Matrix turns it into a cakewalk, which it's not intended to be?

There are several things I theoretically could do:

1) Plan for it. Nope, can't do it. I don't own the book. I can borrow a friend's -- or, at least, I used to be able to. Not only that, but what happens if I plan on a player having Matrix, and the player doesn't?

1a) Have someone else do the Matrix-enabled decker runs for me. Hey, the reason I'm doing these Briefs is because no one else has stepped up and volunteered to do them. If you want to design these Matrix-enabled runs, why aren't you writing for SRM?

2) Have the GM convert the system on the fly. Not many GMs are that familiar with Matrix to do this, and in many cases the GM won't think he has the authority to do so.

3) Disallow Matrix completely. Seems the most logical choice.

I'm sorry that this stomps on the player who went and bought the decker book, but I have no choice. That's the problem with the way FASA went about developing the third edition rules -- the expansion books alter the game system (Stress rules for cyberware, Martial Arts, Optempo rules) from what the basic book presents. I have to rely solely on basic book rules because, quite often (according to the campaign concept) that's all some players and GMs will have.

[TinkerGnome]

It's less a matter of designing Matrix runs for to use Matrix and more a matter of designing them so that Matrix doesn't break them. There are already Matrix bits in the modules so far (paydata is a Matrix thing).

Most of the nasty host tricks from Matrix can't be used, of course, because that would require everyone to have the book. Adding in things like paydata, protections against Validate, etc, should be a relatively minor matter (when compared to the work throwing in a bouncing host behind a vanishing SAN would create).

I don't write because I'm more in tune with the mechanics and less so with the creative side of things. I'd be more than happy to assist you with checking out Matrix runs for compatability with Matrix, if you need someone to do that. I do think it's a bit annoying that every character type except for Deckers would get to use the special bits in their expanded books (Riggers get customized vehicles, Sams get all of the additional weapons from CC and the cyberware from M&M, Mages get all sorts of stuff from MitS).

I feel that some effort should be made to create the illusion that Matrix is being used, even if it is not being utilized in whole.

[Dark father]

Well I think for SRM01 and SRM02, things were ok. THe two matrix systems weren't grade A security, so it's understandable that a competent decker wouldn't have any problem. Also, take in account that in this kind of campaign, deckers shouldn't be essential, because playing a decker in a convention in the limited time frame might be difficult. That's why I think that Missions decking runs should be simple enough to not hinder the non-decker players. The matrix in demolition run was a very important asset. So a decker is really helpful in this mission. He can't do the run all by himself, he can only gather the informations to make the run for the rest of the team easier. So as long as the matrix runs are something that helps missions run swiftly, I think there shouldn't have increased difficulty. And the player who took time to create a decker, with Matrix or not shouldn't be hindered.

My conclusion : keep things as is. If a player take the effort to build a complete decker, don't punish him by forbidding things. However, in future missions if the Matrix should be really more difficult, I think it would be a good idea to contact some interrested SRM game masters and try to work together to build a matrix that will be challenging with both SR3 and Matrix rules.

Oh, and I'm writting a SRM module. The matrix part in it should be as easy as in the first modules.

[bitrunner]

short and sweet:

if someone has the Matrix book and wishes to use it, they must have it with them. The GM at the table is the arbitrator as to how to interpret and/or modify the intent of the adventure as far as the basic core decking rules or use of the Matrix book rules are concerned...

as with everything else, no optional rules are used - so as long as you stick to that, you're fine.

if you're a decker, and you are using the Matrix book at the table, then you can use the book, and if anything, it will differentiate between those that are "true" deckers and those that have a datajack, cyberdeck, and computer skill. sure, that's all you really need to be a "decker", but if you can use the Matrix book to take advantage of an extra program, piece of gear, or expanded rule, then do so...

if you're playing a decker character, then i encourage you to purchase the Matrix book and use it as i've outlined above...after all, marketing is one of the side purposes of SRM, as we're all well aware... :)

[Dark father]

Hehehe, that's exactly what my decker player did ;-)

[snowRaven]

[JackWill]

funny thing about is every GM has his pet pev... mine is magic.. i think it is too munchie, uber, waht ever.. i don't like it.. and its slows down the game... well.. I don't play magic.. only physical adepts...

I don't find the matrix to hard to run, its really really fast unlike 2nd ed.. oh god that sucked... but yeah I have a decker/rigger.. and my style of decking is.. plan out what you want.. go in, get it, hop out! thats it.. thats how matrix should be.

I find it annoying when GMs go.. i will allow this.. but not this... i hate that.. usally because i'm at a con.. and i go i really want to make a decker.. and the GM screws over deckers.. but loves magic.. or gun bunnies.. or some gay drek like that.

The only rules i don't like is edges and flaws... do you really need to get extra attributes.. or skills or money.. to role play a flaw... or an edge? Use your pools to alter that.. not a wack gaming system.. but i look at edges and flaws as a character gen process.. and i like the proiorty system the way it is.

But yeah guys.. i loved the games.. hehe.