My table group just started playing Shadowrun again, using 3rd Edition rules. I am running a long campaign and want to include the matrix, which we've usually simplified into a couple decking test rolls.

I understand the majority of the tests/counter-tests, but I cant remember all the rules for creating a system. It was probably 2nd Ed that had the different types of nodes and what they do, and how to create your own system. I may just not be able to find it in the 3rd Ed., but I just read the whole section and may have missed it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

SR3 p205 for assigning security value and subsystem ratings, you have to choose the security code yourself, and generating a security sheaf is on page 211.

~J

Got that... what I am looking for is how to create the system as in placing the nodes. I think it was the second edition that had the different type of nodes and there functions. For example: The access node was a triangle, data file node I think was a square, and a slave node was a circle. It also listed the functions of these nodes, and I think there were a total of five or six. Where do I locate this information?

Yeah, they don't do that anymore. You have hosts, which connect to each other however you want, and each host is created as per the rules I mentioned. Inside a host, everything is accessible through standard tests.

~J

Ok, thanks. So Im not retarded or blind. I guess my maps will just be rather small. =]

we early on decided to have deckers as NPC's but any time we had to ride along, we used the old 2nd ed stuff.

Decker NPC's are a cop out.... and really take away from a great element in the game.
Use the matrix host generator.
http://elsewhere.cattail.nu/cgi-bin/matrix.cgi

Being a huge decking fan, I do recommend going with VR2/Matrix rules. 2rd edition is a slightly expanded version of VR2. It is really simplified, and it can add alot of drama. I would pretty much recommend that everytime, the decker gets on site so that they cut down tn's security tally, and lag.

Instead of nodes, there is 1 system, and the system will find the datafiles, transfer them to you and allow you to interface with devices when you successfully hack by running instructions against systems operations list. There is an "Idiot's guide to decking" which is good but you have to spend some time reading.

I do recommend some changes to decking rules.
1. change initiative so that you don't cap reaction at 10.
2. make it so that all actions happen in order of initiative, instead of separating matrix, astral and mundane actions.
3. encephalon can perform a number of exclusive actions equal to it's rating, so that you don't have to just sit there and no nothing while you download/decrypt. (It is a subprocessor that does stuff like that for you)
4. security tally's do not add across systems, only "sub systems" other computers buried inside the same network.
5. I personally just got ride of the masking I thought it was really stupid. (but this is not a recommendation for everyone)

I am trying to look it up ... I came across it somewhere, and it really put me off the init change system. I thought I saw it in matrix somewhere.

Thanks!

He's suggesting a houserule. That rule exists nowhere in canon.

~J

That's totally different—it's simultaneous actions, meaning that initiative ties across "worlds" are autobroken. A Rigger with init 29 still goes before a Decker with init 28 who goes before a projecting Mage with init 27.

~J

Ahhh ... sorry about that fellas. I was still playing things the proper way, I had just misread that, and wrote off that rule.

And yes, the encephalon rule is a house rule. I was playing the suggested rules as house rules. None are canon.

Forgiven... but only cause I like the rule.