Hot Sim applies +2 to ALL matrix tests. If you take dumpshock, you resist with Willpower + Biofeedback Filter. Would you add +2 for hot sim to that as well? What about cybercombat matrix damage resistance tests? Why?

No because damage resistance is not a matrix test, even though it may sometimes be rolled while one is in the matrix.

Sr4 pg231: "If your persona icon crashes, you are immediately disconnected from the Matrix. If you were operating with a VR interface, you suffer dumpshock." (emphasis mine)

Therefore, hot sim is already disabled when you take dumpshock.

On cybercombat, it's harder to say. Sr4 page 229: "You also receive an exceptional +2 dice pool to all Matrix tests while in hot sim mode, due to your hypersensitized state." (emphasis theirs)

There is a list of Matrix actions in the Wireless World chapter of your hymnal. I don't have it in front of me just now, but I'm going to guess it's on or around page 219. I think you'll find that Damage Resistance Tests of all varieties are absent from that list.

But it doesn't say actions, it says tests. Note that the list (on page 219) also doesn't show Matrix Full Defense (page 231), though that would clearly have the +2 bonus. Additionally note that it says: "Matrix damage to an icon from an Attack program is resisted with a System + Armor program Test." (emphasis mine)

Matrix tests as defined in BBB are tests that replace atttribute with program, so having willpower part of the test would nullify it even it was'nt a resistance test.

Sr4 Page 208. Which means damage resistance is a Matrix test, gaining the +2 hot sim bonus, except with regards to dumpshock and black programs (the things hot sim is most vulnerable too).

There is no indicate that Damage Resistance test are treated differently, other than they specifically do not apply wound modifiers (page 153: "Other bonuses may also apply...")

If you wanted to get that picky, then I'd point out that the definition of a Matrix test specifies that a skill is included in the dice pool, which is not the case in a Damage Resistance Test.

Should have cleared that up Program+Skill for "Matrix Test".

Actually, it calls that a "Matrix skills test" specifically, so I think the case is still open for either interpretation.

I don't have my book in front of me, but isn't the heading of that section "Matrix Tests" specifically?

Er ... by this logic, wouldn't a note that "Falling damage to a character is resisted with a Body + half Impact Armor Test" mean that this is a Falling Test? I'm fairly certain that "Fire damage to a character is resisted with a Body + half Impact Armor Test" doesn't make it a Fire Test. I think you may be reaching, here.

Out of curiosity, are you in a Shadowrun game right now? If so, what are you playing?

I think a matrix test is clearly referencing something you do, as opposed to something that only happens to you.

In matrix combat, I´d give you the +2 for the opposed test, but under no circumstances for damage resistance.

I'll but these agruements.

I GM 4th edition.

Just checking. Sometimes people post stuff on Dumpshock to try to convince their GMs to let them get away with things. I wanted to make sure that you didn't have an angle. =i)

Simple answer - Resistance tests are passive, and not part of anything outside your person. Therefor resisting matrix damage is not a matrix test. Resisting gunfire damage is not a combat test.

Hello All,

I'm the Asst. GM for StarMage21. The GM, myself, and our hacker (Starmage21) discussed this at length. Like a good player StarMage21 was fighting to keep the +2. Neither I nor the GM felt it applied to Damage Resistance Tests. Especially since running Hot Sim makes you more susceptible to that form of damage anyway. So how could it give a bonus to resist it? That's just common sense.

So far as the rules go it doesn't specifically say one way or the other. (( Unwired FTW! ))