Replicate (Rating)
Replicate is a malware autosoft usually integrated into worms
so that they can multiply themselves and spawn to other devices and
nodes (see Node Movement and Accounts p. 110). In game terms, a
worm-like agent equipped with this autosoft draws on the system’s
resources to reproduce itself onto another node to which it has access,
including all the programs it has loaded, as long as these can be
copied (i.e. they don’t carry the Copy Protection program option,
p. 114). The worm makes a Pilot + Replicate (Pilot x 4, 1 Combat
Turn) Extended Test to determine how long replication takes.

Metasapients may also purchase programs with nuyen. These
programs follow the normal rules for programs. The AI may load
them into itself, carrying them as would an agent. Loaded programs
must be run before they can be used, and take up processor
space as normal. AIs may only load and directly use Common Use,
Hacking, Knowsoft, and Agent Autosoft programs.

So, reading those two excerpts, it seems like an AI could rule the Matrix in a matter of hours through numbers alone... Is this combination really that powerful?

How do you figure?

How do you figure?

I don't see the problem? O.o

Agent Smith works with Agents already . .
Probably with sprites too, not sure though.

They're autonomous. No one is commanding them and giving instructions to follow. You're only replicating, you're not inserting code that requires them to follow the commands of the original AI.

But they're you, so they act as you would. You don't spawn a completely fresh AI persona.

But they're you, so they act as you would. You don't spawn a completely fresh AI persona.

Would be funnier if they were NOT aware they are a copy and get into an arguement on who is the original and who should have to follow the other's commands.


-k

Agent Smith works with Agents already . .
Probably with sprites too, not sure though.

Would be funnier if they were NOT aware they are a copy and get into an arguement on who is the original and who should have to follow the other's commands.


-k

Look at Eclipse Phase if you want a great way of playing with this concept. (Yes, it's not SR) Forking and Merging can get really hairy, and there are social stigmas attached to it.

It specifically points out that due to the complex nature of the AI they cannot be copied, so by RAW...no it would not work, but sure, Houseules, why not

Especially when they start trying to erase the rebellious "copy".

Better yet, when they start trying to build a consensus.

In game terms, a worm-like agent equipped with this autosoft draws on the system’s
resources to reproduce itself onto another node to which it has access

I as a GM would COMPLETELY allow it. I love it when players don't think of the bad consequences when making plans

...So I thought you were going to link to something about Horizon, and then...

Well, tl;dr in my games everyone from Horizon now sounds like a Quarian.

Like replicating themselves into multiple nodes and getting:

A: Attacked in all nodes at once
B: Suffer all negative modifiers from multiple nodes at once
C: Suffer negative modifiers trying to keep track on everything at once.
D: Each copy gains individual sentience and starts arguing with the player
E: They get trapped in different nodes and cannot get out
F: All of the above with extra anchovies.

Keelah se'lai chummer.



Are they going to get the potential positive consequences as well? If you're going to allow an AI to replicate, and you're going to hit them with the potential negatives, you ought to give them the benefits as well. At least, that's my .02

Like replicating themselves into multiple nodes and getting: