Ok, what I did here was modify the way hacking works to attempt to bring it more in line with the magic system.

Essentially, the basic idea is that instead of hackers rolling skill + program, that they would roll attribute + skill with a cap on the number of hits in the roll determined by the rating of the program being used (similar to the way Force of spells caps the number of hits).

I've only just finished writing this up. It hasn't been playtested in any way. Any and all feedback would be muchly appreciated.


The Horror



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Skills

Computer and Data Search skills have been removed. In 2070, everyone is assumed to be able to use Computers and Search for data in the matrix at an acceptable level. Matrix Perceptions has been added as a skill.

Hardware Logic
Software Logic
Hacking Logic
Matrix Perception Intuition
Cybercombat Logic
Electronic Warfare Logic

Compiling Resonance
Decompiling Resonance
Registering Resonance




Programs


To perform an action in the matrix: roll attribute + relevant skill. The rating of the program determines the maximum number of successes you can obtain in the roll. This is stated in the text as (Attribute + Skill using your XXX Program). Using a point of Edge removes the cap on number of hits for that roll.

The System or Pilot rating of a node/drone is described here as its Rating. Rating serves to replace both attributes and skills where required (eg. If the text requires a Logic + Hacking roll, an agent would roll Rating x 2 instead).
Firewall now acts like a program. Where used, it acts as a cap on the number of hits for that action.


Detecting Wireless Nodes
- Detecting Active or passive nodes is automatic
- To detect a particular active or passive node in a crowded area make a Logic + Electronic Warfare test using your Scan program (threshold is 1 per 10 nodes in the area, interval 1 combat turn).
- To detect the presence of hidden nodes make an extended Logic + Electronic Warfare roll using your Scan program (15 + 1 per 10 nodes in the area, interval 1 combat turn).
- To detect a particular hidden node in an area make an extended Logic + Electronic Warfare roll using your Scan program (4 + 1 per 10 nodes in the area, interval 1 combat turn).

Matrix Perception
- You automatically detect all icons in a node, except for those running stealth programs.
- To detect hidden targets (targets running stealth programs), roll Intuition + Matrix Perception using your Analyse program. The target/s rolls Logic + Hacking using Stealth program. Each net success yields one piece of information about the target.
- To Observe in Detail, roll Intuition + Matrix Perception using your Analyse program. Each success yields one piece of information.



Breaking In

Hacking on the fly
- Make an extended Logic + Hacking test using the Exploit program (Firewall, 1 IP). Increase the threshold by +3 for security access and by +6 for admin access.
- The target rolls Rating x 2 using its Firewall rating (threshold is your Stealth) to detect you.

Probing the target
- Make an extended Logic + Hacking test using the Exploit program (Rating x 2, 1 hour). Add +3 to threshold for security access and +6 for admin access.
- The target rolls Rating x 2 (threshold is 10 + your Stealth, interval of 1 hour).

Alerts
- Active Alert: the target node receives a +4 dice bonus on all tests by or against the node itself.




Edit Action
- Roll Logic + Hacking using your Edit program. To alter the output of a device for a longer period you must take control of the device first.

Controlling Devices
- Make an extended Logic + appropriate skill roll using the Command program (threshold is the Device/Node Rating, interval 1 combat turn).

Spoof Command
- To spoof orders you must first detect the target using matrix perception
- Make an opposed Logic + Hacking test using your Spoof program. The target makes a Rating x 2 roll using its Firewall program.

Spoofing your Datatrail
- Make an extended Logic + Hacking test using your Spoof program (threshold = 1 per hour since last Spoof of datatrail, interval 5 minutes).
- If you fail to spoof the datatrail, your only option is to modify the Hardware itself. Make a Logic + Hardware test (2) test. Your SIN may also be compromised however.

Jamming
- A jammer blocks all devices with a Signal rating lower than the rating of the jammer. ECCM adds to the Signal rating of the device for purposes of bypassing Jammers.



Track
- Before tracking a target you must have detected the target using matrix perception.
- Roll Logic + Hacking using Track program (10, 1 Initiative Pass). Add the targets Stealth rating to the threshold of this task.
- The target may attempt to redirect a trace. The target rolls Logic + Hacking using Spoof Program. Each hit adds to the threshold of the tracker.
- Apply a –2 modifier to the threshold of tracking if the target has his/her connection jammed open by Black IC.

Intercept Traffic (both wireless and wired)
- First you must detect the signal you wish to intercept: Roll Logic + Hacking using your Analyse program.
- Then you must tap into the signal: Make an opposed Logic + Electronic Warfare roll using the Sniffer program. The target rolls Logic + Electronic Warfare using their Analyse program. If the target wins this contest then the tap was detected by the system and the user is warned.
- To block or alter parts of the traffic, make a Logic + Hacking test using your Edit program.
- Note that the traffic may be encrypted.

Encryption and Decryption
- To encrypt: make a Logic + Hacking test using your Encryption program. Your successes become the threshold of any decryption attempts.
- To decrypt: make a test of Logic + Hacking using your Decrypt program (threshold is determined by the original encryption roll).



Crash Program/OS
- Make an extended Logic + Hacking test using the Attack program (Rating x 2, 1 Combat Turn). When the threshold is reached the target program crashes.

Disarm Data Bomb
- Make an opposed Logic + Hacking test using the Defuse program.
- Target rolls Rating x 2 using the Data Bomb program.

Reboot
- The system shuts down in (10 – Response) combat turns.
- Technomancers may reboot after (10 – Willpower) combat turns.

Transfer Data
- The GM may call for a Logic + Hacking test using the Edit program.



Combat

Initiative
Matrix Initiative = Intuition x 2.
To roll initiative: Roll Intuition x 2 using your Response rating as a cap on the number of hits.

Matrix icons have Initiative = Rating x 2, and with a cap on the number of hits equal to their Response rating.

Augmented Reality Initiative and IP
- In AR you may only utilize 1 IP per combat turn on matrix actions (additional IP may be used for non-matrix related actions).
- Initiative is determined as normal for physical actions.

Attack
- To attack another icon roll Logic + Cybercombat using your appropriate attack program rating.
- The defending icon rolls Intuition using their Stealth program.
- A defending icon using full defense rolls Intuition + Cybercombat using their Stealth program.

Damage
- Attack programs inflict a base DV equal to their rating.
- Damage is resisted by rolling Willpower (or Rating) dice.
- If the attack is from an Attack program the target uses their Armor program.
- If the attack is from Black IC the target uses Biofeedback Filter program.

Matrix Condition Monitor
The matrix condition monitor consists of 8 boxes + Willpower/2 round down, or 8 boxes + Rating/2 round down for agents and IC.

Repair Icon
- Logic + Hacking using Medic program. Each hit heals one box of matrix damage.

Jacking out after Black IC attacks
- To jack out after being hit by Black IC roll an opposed Willpower test using your Biofeedback Filter program. The IC rolls its Rating using its Response as a cap on the number of hits.

Dumpshock
- Resist dumpshock damage with Willpower using your Biofeedback filter rating.

not a bad idea but in real life the "skill" of the program saves the computer user alot of time and effort. I think personaly if you wanted something like this I would use Attribute+Program where your Computer Skill is your limiting factor. Reasoning being You could have the best port scanner in the world and if you don't understand the data comming at you, your success would be limited. On the flip side the best network security admin using poor tools will understand everything he gets but will have to spend way more time ajusting his/her tools to find the problem. This could be shown with an extended test where the computer skill (or x2) is the maximum amount of successes you could achive.

I actualy rather like it that way good idea!

Maybe have the rating of the program modify thresholds the way they did target number in earlier editions.

Yeah explaining it may be a bit rough, especialy to non-techies. For me it would be as easy as lauching up an ethereal session and asking my players how much of that junk do you understand. The program is obviously telling us alot about network traffic but how many people can understand it. The program got the successes but it was limited by your skill when it comes to being useful. Now with time you may be able to decipher more but thats increasing your understanding ie skill. The program is still getting the same number of successes.

This puts an intresting twist in cracking. As a company not spending money on skilled people or good programs will be easier to crack. Not because its less secure (though it could be that to) but because it takes them longer to track whats going on. Which is true to life because if you find out you've been cracked two days later its already too late.

i dont like it because, unlike spells, you buy them at a rating * cost, where as spells are used on a chosen force basic. I can't buy "attack" and say when i want it at ratin 3 vs rating 10

But you dont get drain, too. I fleshed it out a little in this thread:
http://forums.dumpshock.com/index.php?showtopic=11921

What i think the problem is, is that someone flubbed up on the coding times. Hackers are supposed to be using their own code, but thats completely un-doable RAW unless the GM lets you pre-code. True hackers "wouldnt use someone else's code, or atleast, let anyone find out" So what i take that to mean, and i'm not big on the "forensics" side of the game, is that systems know how certain code works, so if you buy that Novatech Flamethrower Rating 6 attack program, sysops are gonna know that thats what it is. it might not be much help, but its something over having nothing at all.

True, but i think a hacker has a longer list of "need" programs, that any one archetype of mage will have.

@ tete

I was think if you have a skill of 6 and a program of say 3 could you not say the the program is limiting what the user is able to do with the program. Basicly you know what you want the program to do but it is not able to do it.

I understand that hackers have an intense list of programs needed and it does put a crimp on things that the hacking skill doesnt have default rules but in a way it kinda makes sense, im mean can you read these forums without a web browser?

That is true Spoon, but i think, in any discussion of whats balanced, it has to be considered. sure, on an individual level, a mage needs 3BP for a spell, vs. 1 BP for a program, but when you look at the list of programs you NEED to have, vs the list of spells for any one archetype, i dont think theres a big variation in cost.

For instance, the archetypes in the book spend an average of 17.25 BP (round to 18) on spells. conversely, i have 21 "must have" programs. which at rating 5, would be 21 BP

I'm not sure it is a good way to make a comparison Aku, but remember that the magician does then spend a lot of Build Points to raise up their Magic. It is the Magic attribute that defines the Force of the spells. Also I would class all 21 programs at a rating of 5 somewhere short of a need.

true perhaps, , but then, a hacker can't just get away with one skill for hacking, like a magician can with spellcasting.

I am using the matrix rules as written in my campaign with only this stipulation:
·A Hacker’s abilities during an extended test when using programs instead of a skill is limited to half the dice pool being used (round down) plus their Logic.'
·If you cannot succeed at completing the extended test during that timeframe of rolls, you may never complete that task unless your modifiers change and you start over.

What it does is make it harder for people who are not hacker to be hackers. Because they have to buy logic+skill+programs. You also know what to default to. And if limits are a problem raise program levels above 6. Certain corps can have them.

If you wanted to go nutso on the cost for programs, say RatingxRatingx200 for 'R' programs, then you might also want to look at trying to make Programing feasible and you'll also want to interpret the Crack & Copy rules on page 228 as Extended Software Test allowing you to make 1 copy only of a given program. Which I like as the interpretation anyway.

As an added feature you could then give something like a +1 or +2 die bonus to a decker that is using a program they wrote themselves. This would help make it easier to keep the Program creation rules feasible for PCs to build the programs, but still make sense why they would build them and still run instead of just building programs for a living.

Today I sat down and decided to rewrite the entire technomancer section. Currently it will work perfectly as is with my matrix house rules, but I still felt like it could be made more consistent with the rest of the magic rules. I don't know if I've succeeded, but it does seem ok.

Once again, any and all comments are welcome. If you see anything that seems wrong or unbalanced please point it out.


The Horror


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Modification to OP on Matrix House Rules

Changed use of Stealth program when defending from attacks to use of Firewall rating according to the latest errata.


Technomancers

System = Logic
Signal = Resonance/2 round up.
Firewall = Willpower
Response = Intuition


Threading and using Complex Forms

Note:
- For the purposes of these house rules, the definition of threading has changed. Threading is now defined as ‘loading’ or ‘casting’ complex forms.
- All complex forms must now be threaded on the fly.
- Biofeedback filter is now a complex form.

Complex Forms now function similarly to spells. They each cost 3 BP, and can be used at a variable Force. Given that according to the hacking house rules programs are a cap on the number of successes, the Force allocated to a complex form is the cap on the number of successes. Using a complex form incurs stun fading that is resisted with Intuition and Willpower. ‘Overcasting’, or using a complex form at a Force greater than the Resonance attribute, inflicts physical fading.

Once a complex form is threaded, it will remain active at the selected force until the Technomancer chooses to unthread it (ie. Unload it). A Technomancer may have a number of active complex forms equal to their Response rating (Intuition attribute). Additional complex forms beyond the Response rating of a technomancer must be sustained. Sustaining a complex form incurs a –2 dice penalty to all actions.

Unthreading a complex form is a free action. Threading a complex form does not take an action, and is automatically performed as part of another matrix action.


Example of how to use complex forms

Jameson
- Resonance 5, Logic 5, Willpower 4, Intuition 3
- Cybercombat 5, Matrix Perception 4
- Learned complex forms Analyse, Command, Edit, Scan, Armor, Attack, Biofeedback Filter, Defuse, Exploit, Stealth, Track
- Threaded complex forms: Exploit 4, Stealth 6

IC
- Rating 4
- Analyse 4, Armor 2, Stealth 2, Blackhammer 3


note: I have added hot sim dice to attack and defense rolls, not to Fading resistance or to damage soaking.

Jameson attacks the IC. Jameson rolls Logic + Cybercombat (10 dice) using his Attack complex form. He sets the Force to 5 and rolls 12 dice (10 + 2 for hot sim), obtaining 4 successes (which was not capped since the Force of the complex form was 5). The IC rolls Intuition (replaced by its Rating) using its Firewall rating as a cap on the successes. Rolling 4 dice, it scores 2 successes. Overall, Jameson scores 2 net hits. His Attack inflicts 5 damage (Force of Attack complex form) + 2 net successes. The IC attempts to resist by rolling its Willpower (replaced by its Rating) using its Armor program. Rolling 4 dice, the IC rolls 2 successes (matching its cap of 2 on the roll). Overall the IC takes 5 damage. Now Jameson must resist Fading of 2 (Force/2 round down). Rolling 7 dice (Willpower + Intuition), Jameson scores 2 successes resisting the Fading completely.

Jameson is now considered to have a threaded Attack complex form at his disposal, of Force = 5. During the next IP, Jameson will not have to thread the complex form again. His Attack Complex form will remain threaded until he chooses to remove it from his list as a free action.

The IC now attacks Jameson. The IC rolls Rating x 2 dice (8 dice) using its Blackhammer program. Rolling the dice, the IC scores 4 successes, which are capped to 3 due to its program rating. Jameson rolls Intuition to defend, using his Firewall as a cap on the number of successes. Jameson rolls his Intuition (3 dice) + 2 dice for hot sim and scores 1 hit. The IC scores one net success, dealing 5 damage (rating 3 Blackhammer + two net successes).

Jameson must now resist this damage by rolling Willpower (4 dice) and using his Biofeedback Filter complex form. Since Jameson has not previously threaded Biofeedback filter, he must thread this complex form right now. Selecting a Force of 3, Jameson resists the damage by rolling Willpower (4 dice) and capping his successes at 3. He scores 2 successes, and takes 3 physical damage from the black IC. Jameson must now also resist Fading of 1 (F/2 round down) because he threaded a complex form. To resist Fading Jameson would roll 7 dice (Willpower + Intuition), so he just buys his success and takes zero Fading.

Now Jameson has another problem. He currently has 4 complex forms threaded (Exploit 4, Stealth 6, Attack 5, Biofeedback Filter 3). To keep all of these complex forms threaded Jameson will have to incur a –2 sustaining penalty to all further actions. Alternatively, during the next IP Jameson may use a free action to unthread one of the complex forms that are currently threaded. Another alternative in turn would be for Jameson to utilize the services of a registered Sprite and have it sustain the complex form for him.


Summary of Complex Forms
Cost: 3 BP
Fading: F/2
Duration: S

Optional Rule: Technomancers may thread a complex form they have not yet learned, but to do so they put their very lives at risk. The Fading for threading unlearned complex forms is much higher (F/2 + 5).


List of Complex Forms

Analyse
Command
Edit
Encrypt
Scan
Armor
Attack
Biofeedback Filter
Black Hammer
Blackout
Data Bomb
Decrypt
Defuse
ECCM
Exploit
Medic
Sniffer
Spoof
Stealth
Track

Browse and Reality Filter have been removed from all of my posted matrix house rules. Browse was removed because I removed the Data Search matrix action. Reality Filter was removed for no good reason (didn’t remember to type it up).


Compiling
Compiling a Sprite is a complex action. Roll Resonance + Compiling in an opposed test against the selected Rating for the Sprite. Net hits determine the number of services the Sprite owes. The services of a summoned Sprite remain only for a period of 8 hours after being compiled, unless the Sprite is registered to the Technomancer. The fading value suffered by the technomancer is equal to 2x the number of hits (not net hits) scored by the Sprite. If the Sprites Rating is higher than the technomancers Resonance, the fading is physical instead of stun.

Unregistered Sprite Services
A Sprite can be commanded to perform any one task, or to perform a continual use of a specific Complex Form. Eg. A Sprite ordered to destroy an icon will continue to do so until the icon is destroyed, at which point a service will be used up. A Sprite ordered to Track an icon will continue to do so until the icon is traced or until it fails in its task, at which point a service will be used up.


Registering

To Register a Sprite roll an opposed Resonance + Registering test against the Sprites Rating x 2. Additional net hits beyond the first add to the number of services owed by the Sprite.

A Technomancer may have a number of registered sprites equal to his Charisma attribute.

Registering a Sprite takes one combat turn. The Sprite-Technomancer link is automatically reestablished the moment a Technomancer reenters the Matrix.


Registered Sprite Services
- Extended Services: a registered Sprite will not automatically decompile after 8 hours, but will remain registered to the technomancer until all services are utilized.
- Loaned Services: a registered Sprite may be ordered to obey another hackers or technomancers commands. It still remains bound to the technomancer that compiled it however.
- Hacking Services: a registered Sprite may be used to sustain a complex form for a period of time equal to the Sprites Rating in Combat Turns, utilizing one service.
- Aid Study: a registered Sprite may add its Rating in dice to the extended complex form learning test.

Sprites may be re-registered. Roll to register the Sprite as normal. Each net hit adds to the number of services the Sprite owes the technomancer.


Decompiling

To decompile a Sprite, roll an opposed Resonance + Decompiling test against the Sprite’s Rating (+ Resonance if registered). Each net hit reduces the number of owed services by one. Fading is 2x the number of hits rolled by the Sprite.

It also destroys consistency with the rest of the system. That's why I plan to stick to attribute + skill myself.