(EDIT: This is referring to all things Shadowrun 4th Edition!)
Salutations, runners and chummers of Dumpshock!
I am Coldstone, and to summarize the basic intent of this thread: I'm looking for information regarding a bit of Matrix hocus pocus. There is even a couple bonus questions at the end!
So, here's the deal...
I've been compiling the Matrix section (including stuff from Unwired) to try and make it a bit easier to work out and 'go through quickly'. Yes, there are a few other versions that going around - I plan to condense other parts of the book too as a sort of quick reference, but the matrix is the biggest pickle out of all the sections s far (and I'm playing at technomancer at the moment in a game, so it's the most useful to me).
Which leads to the question: I got into a brief moment of panic when I was hacking into a black van (pretty big van, in fact) that had roughly two well armored/armed Triad goons and one 'decker' inside. I managed to hack into the car itself, but that half pinged the decker, who was then jacking in to go investigate.
At this point, I could see the decker's commlink (yes, I know i said decker, the GM likes the term) and I hacked into it while he was busy investigating the van's system. At this point, neither the van or the decker's comm's have beaten my stealth as I was hacking on the fly...which leads to our situation.
Given I basically ambushed him in his home node, but he was busy in another, he doesn't technically get to defend against an attack (I black hammered him hard, and he rolled crap for resist). The GM and I were a bit fuzzy about if he 'noticed me regardless of stealth because he is the only person normally on his commlink' or if he was completely oblivious thanks to the stealth program.
We continued on from there for sake of the game flow, but it did lead to a few questions...
* Surprise attacks in the matrix: The implication of the Stealth program is it helps cover your tracks and obscure your presence on the Matrix. While you can technically set up a network to 'ping' you when something unexpected happens, wouldn't the program, by it's nature, deliberately counter that, unless the node succeeds at its matrix perception check or something (or this is one of those cases where paranoia has an edge, but the decker would still have to 'find me' even as his commlink tells him there's a new user)?
* Assuming he did notice me, the fact he hasn't actually succeeded in breaking my stealth program means he would still need to 'find me' before he can attack, right? Or else he risks shooting his own icons?
* If he had survived my initial attack, would the shot 'tell him' where I am, so he doesn't have to perceive me if he just wants to strike back? he is currently jammed online because of blackhammer, keep in mind! He could try to force his way out, but that isn't the intent of the question.
The reasons for these questions is because I have found -nothing- in the SR4A or the Unwired book that suggestion what Stealth does to combat if you follow this route. Some implications make it seem like stealth gets a dangerous power advantage that wouldn't be good to promote, but I wanted to see if anyone knew of a reference or official demonstration that shows the answer to this.
Bonus questions!
* SIN's and verification: I have to double check, but it looks like such a verification is usually only used to 'login' to a node: Would this apply even on a public acount for a place like stuffer shack? Technically you need a sin for most conveniences like the bus stop and such, but what about the ordering of food: does it happen when you 'login' or when you order and have to pay? I already figured out I can potentially fool automated sites into accepting my fake sign with a payment if I hack into admit and 'set u the account directly' then discreetly cover tracks, but it's a bit trickier to do that when a live person is waiting is waiting for you to pay up for a one time thing. (fluffwise, I know the stuffer shack scenario is small beans, but on a higher level it's a tad more relevant. Suggestions on this, if not answers?
* I...could have sworn i had another bonus question, but I forgot it. Oops. >.< maybe later!