Ok here the basics for an extreme version of Hacker using a majority of the Augmentation rules

Name: Jacob Bellows
Street Name: Bleu Boy
Race: Human

Body 2
Agility 3
Reaction 2
Strength 2
Charisma 2
Intuition 6
Logic 7(9)
Willpower 3
Edge 2

Initiative 9
Initiative Pass 1
Essence 3.68

Qualities
Exceptional Attribute (Logic)
Genecrafted
Genetic Heritage

-35 points of negative qualities

Cyberware/Bioware/Genetech/Nanoware
Genetic Optimization (Logic)
Genetic Optimization (Intuition)
EPE PuSHeD
EPE Dynomitran
EPE Qualia
Datajack
Math CPU
Cerebral Booster 2
Mnemonic Enhancer 2
Nanohive 2
Neural Amplifier Neocortical 3
Neural Amplifier Limbic 3

Skills
Cracking (Group) 4
Electronics (Group) 4
Dodge 3
Perception 3
Automatics 2
Pistols 2
Etiquette 2(Matrix)
Pilot Ground Craft 1

Knowledge
SW:Data Havens 4(6)
SW:Matrix Gangs 4(6)
SW:Matrix Topography 4(6)
SW:Virtual Meeting Spots 4(6)
AK:Seattle Matrix 4(6)
BK:Electronics 4(6)
SW:Artificial Intelligence 4(6)
BK:Computer 4(6)
IN:Conspiracy Theories 4(6)
SW:Satellite Networks 3(5)

English (Native)

He gets an additional 5 dice to his dice pool for Intuition based skill tests, and 4 additional dice to his Logic based skill tests.

So an Intuition linked skill test he would roll 11 dice, and Logic-linked skill test he would roll 13 dice. Both of these examples are not counting the actual skill being tested so this is the minimum amount of dice being cast.

Yes he is not a balanced character, but again he is an extreme example of what Augmentation can do for a hacker.

Fire away sirs.

WMS

Edited Knowledge skills to be correct due to spreadsheet calculating incorrectly, ie I played with too many of the formulas.

how often do those two stats come into play on a hacker again?

isnt the complaint that for hackers, the stats take a back seat to the programs?

<Locks and loads>
The most significant problem I see is that your nanotech skill boosters only apply when you're fully focused and not distracted, not reliable in such a high stress occupation. Further, your Dynomitran makes you more likely to be so distracted. Finally, your missing an encephalon (which functions no matter the stress level).

Fix this, make him an adept, then we'll talk.

@Hobgoblin
Matrix Combat is Opposed Test of Attackers Cybercombat(Logic)+ program rating versus defenders Response+Firewall

Computer(Logic) for Edit, Repair Icon, track, transfer data
Datasearch(Logic)
Hacking(Logic)
Electronic Warfare(Logic)

VR Matrix Initiative is Response + Intuition plus an extra initiative pass
VR Matrix Hot Sim Initiative is Response + Intuition +1 and two extra initiative passes
Matrix Full Defense is Hacking(Logic) + Response + Firewall

WMS

no simsense booster?

Plus I think most GMs uses either the Skill + Logic (hits limited by Program rating) or Skill + Program rating (hits limited by Logic) house rules.

Question: do the Intuition enhancing wares increase your initiative? I thought those only increased Intuition based skill rolls, not initiative rolls.

@Kyrn
Encephalon is over rated, PuSHeD provides the same bonus at less essence and nuyen. If this was a 500 BP build yes the encephalon might be considered.

Yes the use to those two items have some drawbacks, Neocortical only when hacking an ultrasecure system, raging firefight etc, Limbic the user just has to stay focused, there are not rolls listed for this.

As for Dynomitran he rolls Will 3 plus Logic 9 plus additional 4 dice that is 16 dice to get only 3 successes, I believe he will make that one very easily.

WMS

well, I do care about money max at chargen. But Augmentation has made the roof a lot higher for hackers and I do like that. I can't wait for Unwired really can't.

Conversely, that's one book I do not want rushed, I think a lot -addressing the critics, making hackers funnier, etc. - depends on getting that book just right.

Cheers,

Max

@jklst4
1.Can you direct me to where it states that you can not use Logic in such tests?

2.That is the domain of each GM, but RAW states otherwise.

3.No if you look no gear is listed.

4. Since he has 35 points of Positive Qualities, getting any more would be against what RAW states.

5. For a 500 bp build those two pieces of cyberware are an option. But ones does not want to be essence of near zero either.

WMS

I think this is what jklst4 meant:

@Buster and jkls14
I can see why some GM's have come up with that "House Rule". So in this case if the skill was a 4 and logic was a 9, the max number of successes the program rating lets say a 5.

So with 4+9 and then the logic-linked skill ware would add 4 so total dice would be 17 dice with a max of 5 successes?

WMS

...for a "Hack from Home" Matrix Specialist he works. For one that goes into the field a lot, without initiative enhancement life will be very difficult. I at finally broke down and took the -2 essence hit to give my M.S. Violet (#5 & counting) Wired Reflexes 1 so she can survive going out with the rest of the team.

@Buster
Well what you have said is a fact, the lack of the use of Logic in any Matrix test is...less than desirable to say the least. Which by RAW makes even the encephalon useless. *shakes head in wonder*

@KK
On that I disagree, I have two characters in games right now, that only have one IP, and they are not dead yet. Being slow one must plan better and use better tactics than the quick jerk and shoot types. But it also depends upon the team of characters you are working with and the GM.

In one game I am in, Mega Troll just got taken down by a Unarmed Combat Monster in one action, then the Unarmed Combat Monster rolled an Initiative of 27. No even with your 2 IP's using a wired reflexes of 1, you would be playing second fiddle, so time to think, plan and tactics, it helps that two other characters are between my character and the Unarmed Combat Monster. Again planning and tactics, it did not just happen where my character is placed, with two other characters leading the way.

WMS

@Buster
So by that "House Rule", you just have to have the program and not worry about its rating. Interesting in light of what RAW says.

WMS

@tyweise
"a rating 1 encephalon applies a +1 dice pool modifier to all Active Skill tests using skills linked to Logic(the bonuses do not apply to Logic-linked Knowledge skills). This bonus applies to Matrix tests when using these skills as well....."

It seems Augmentation contradicts what RAW has said about Logic and use in Matrix.

I prefer the "House Rule".

WMS

There is no contradiction. Skills are linked to specific Attributes, even if they are not always used in conjunction with those Attributes.

Magus - To my reading, it's not an additional +2, just a total of +2 from the Encephalon - and only then when using Cracking and Electronics groups in AR or VR. Even a Level 2 Encephalon gets only +1 to the rest of the Logic based skills.

My reading of the Encephalon is this
Rating 1 +1 to Logic tests and skills/tests related to Logic Attribute
Rating 2 +1 to Logic tests and skills/tests related to Logic Attribute, AND +1 dice modifier to skill tests using skills from the Cracking and Electronics groups when using AR or VR.

Since I am a user/GM of the "House Rule", the Genetech 'ware is much more cost effective and essence friendly than the Encephalon.

WMS