comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
114
adaptability (1–3)
Same as the agent autosoft on p. 113.
chaser
This program enables the drone to shadow someone without
being noticed, using sensor-based targeting and evasion patterns. The
drone will also analyze mapsofts and other information to predict possible
routes the targeted individual is likely to take. The drone rolls
Chaser + Pilot while following someone (Shadowing Tests).
covert ops
This program enables the drone to adapt to the present environment
to evade detection, go unnoticed, or actively sneak past
guards. A drone equipped with a Covert Ops autosoft can make
Infiltration Tests using Covert Ops + Pilot to avoid being spotted
or pass electronic sensors.
[profession]
Profession autosofts are the equivalent of a single Technical
or Knowledge skill. It allows a drone with the proper equipment
and specs (tools or working arms) to perform the task, rolling Pilot
+ [Profession] for the test.
trailblazer
This autosoft is often employed by border patrol drones. It
provides the drone with the necessary information to pursue and
track down metahuman targets in the wilderness by detecting and
following trails and calculating paths based on probability functions,
environmental sensor scans, and mapsofts. In game terms, it enables
the drone to make Tracking Tests rolling Trailblazer + Pilot.
prograM optionS
Program options are modifications to a program that alter its
basic operation. In the 70s, computer programs feature modular
designs that allow their functions to be easily enhanced (or limited)
by add-ons, subroutine plug-ins, or patches. Options, however,
dramatically increase the complexity of the software rules. The interaction
of options and programs can become quite intricate, so
gamemasters and players should become thoroughly familiar with
the standard rules before introducing options into their games.
Gamemasters may, of course, choose to only introduce specific
options into their games.
Only Common Use (p. 226, SR4), Hacking (p. 226, SR4),
Autosoft (p. 240, SR4, and p. 112), and Simsense programs (including
BTLs and skillsofts) may be equipped with program options.
Each program can be maximally equipped with a number of
options equal to half its rating (round down). If a program does
not possess a rating (like BTLs), it can carry only 1 program option
unless the gamemaster decides otherwise. Note that Copy
Protection and Registration do not count towards this limit.
Technomancers can implement program options into complex
forms as described on p. 136 and p. 148.
Some program options have a rating; unless otherwise noted,
the range for this rating is 1–6.
generaL prograM optionS
These options are available to several different program types,
as individually noted.
Biofeedback (rating Stun or physical)
Program Types: Hacking (Data Bomb only), Simsense
Programs can be equipped with a Black IC biofeedback subprogram
that inflicts damage on a user. This option is commonly
used for both Black IC Data Bombs (so called Black Pits) and
Black Death or Black Night chips (BTL programs designed to
kill or torture a user). In game terms, these programs inflict (rating)
Stun or Physical damage directly to the user every time the
subroutine is triggered by the program, resisted with Willpower +
Biofeedback Filter. In case of Data Bombs, this damage is in addition
to the normal Matrix damage inflicted by the bomb itself.
copy protection (rating)
Program Types: Common, Hacking, Autosoft, Simsense
Copy Protection prohibits the program from being copied
(see Legal vs. Pirated Software, p. 108).
crashguard
Program Types: Common, Hacking, Autosoft, Simsense
Programs with the Crashguard option are harder to crash.
Raise the threshold of the Crash action (see p. 223, SR4) by 4.
ergonomic
Program Types: Common, Hacking
Programs equipped with the Ergonomic option do not count
towards a node’s processor limit (see p. 48) or an agent’s payload
(p. 228, SR4). Note, however, that there is a limit on how many
ergonomic programs you can have loaded equal to the processor
limit or payload.
Limitation
Program Types: Common, Hacking, Autosoft, Simsense
A program with the Limitation option has some sort of restriction
parameter that prohibits the software from being used in
certain ways and under specific circumstances (for instance when
a pre-determined trigger situation is met).
Common/Hacking: The Limitation option restricts the
program to a single type of target, such as personas, agents, sprites,
or AIs (it is useless against any other type of target) or prohibits
its use against a persona/agent/sprite/AI carrying a certain passkey
code. Some corps are known to include the latter variant of
the Limitation option on attack programs they sell so that the
programs cannot be used against their own spiders or IC. In addition,
programs that are released as shareware typically feature a
Limitation option that prohibits the use of parts of the programs
or prevents it from being run above a certain rating until the software
has been purchased and registered.
Simsense: The Limitation option manifests as a mental block
that prohibits the use of a skillsoft against certain targets (a Lone-
Star cop, corporate grunts carrying a certain logo) or restricts the
use of a combat skill to certain brands of weapons. Mental block
Limitations can be tied to any particular trigger condition the user
is able to experience.
Autosoft: The Limitation imposes a restriction on what
drone brands the autosoft program can be used or prohibits the
use against certain targets it has identified by sensor or which carry
a certain electronic signature that the drone can recognize.
Unwired
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9