Full Version: Reality Filters
Then why don't people just get the best of both worlds and set up an RF that simply makes a dialog balloon hover around all icon's heads/tops reading "I'm Black IC!" "I'm a whatever." Et cetera. Or something of the sort.
You could do that if you wanted...it just doesn't look very cool. That's what 50-75% of SR is anyways, looking cool. Besides unless you've been in the host before or have inside info, you're still going to have to ID everything.
There is a guard icon in the corner, is it IC? Is it a security decker? Or maybe the boss who wants to watch what his employees due when he isn't around.
There is a guard icon in the corner, is it IC? Is it a security decker? Or maybe the boss who wants to watch what his employees due when he isn't around.
| QUOTE (A Clockwork Lime) |
| Do you need much more of a reason than that mechanically? It's like asking "okay, so what's the point of Wired Reflexes beyond an initiative boost?" |
That's oversimplified, becuase Wired reflexes don't cause your other stats or anything else to be reduced (aside from essence).
Yes, matrix reaction is good. But, when it cuts down your ratings, (I forget if it was -1 to all persona bits, or -1 to MPCP - I think the latter?), then a reality filter becomes something to consider the pros and cons of.
Does a reality filter make non-combat Matrix action easier, from a game mechanics standpoint? I can see how it might give a bonus for analyze or other such functions, basd on the portable metaphor argument -- I totally agree with that being the intent behind a Reality Filter. The Coolness aspect of having your own is also something most deckers love, I'm sure -- after all, look at all the themes and skins and such that Linux geeks (hey, I'm one, don't flame me
) use!Combat initiative seems to be ... a strange effect. I'd almost rather see a bonus to utility and other use, or a -1 TN bonus to all tests, instead of the increased initiative. While being able to identify, predict, and react to other icons' actions would be a reasonable benefit from a Reality Filter, the general awareness of the underlying system's icons' form/function might be an even better benefit. (Ideally there'd be both, but then who wouldn't use an RF?)
BTW, Kagetenshi - I like the UMS defaults idea, hehe ...
Well, I think it would be good if they DID encourage everyone to have a Reality Filter. Sort of helps with the role-playing. Don't get me wrong, I'm usually not one to force anything on anyone when it comes to character development and whatnot, but simply giving them a few bonuses if they create a unique reality filter seems a good way to go. In my group, we use VR 1 (don't hurt me, I know it's crappy compared to the others, but first of all, we play a 2nd ed. game, and second, we just plain don't have VR 2 or any of the other matrix books. And once you've read an entire matrix book cover to cover, like you HAVE to with VR1, you really lose the gumption to do it with another book that renders the first 6 hours of your life obsolete). In VR1, I don't believe reality filters conferred any penalties. I could be wrong, but if I am, then my rant about not having the other books is so stupid, I'll have to hurt myself out of shame, so please be gentle when you tell me.
a reality filter reduces your MPCP by 1, which means you'll need to recalculate your persona programs. depending on how you deck, it may or may not be worth it.
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