comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

temporary degradation can be restored by reloading the program
into the persona (see p. 227, SR4).
Shredder
Program Types: Hacking (Attack programs only)
The Shredder option enables the Attack program to more
effectively subvert code that stabilizes a program or OS. Apply a
+2 dice pool modifier for all Crash Tests.
targeting
Program Types: Hacking (Combat programs only)
The Targeting option enables an offensive cybercombat program
to zero in on a target and pinpoint its weaknesses, providing
a +2 dice pool bonus on Matrix Attack Tests.
SiMSenSe optionS
These options may only be applied to simsense programs.
adaptive Scale
Program Types: Simsense (Skillsoft mainly)
The Adaptive Scale program option enables the user to change
the rating of the program by command. It allows higher-rated skillsofts
to be used on lesser skillwire systems (by running them at the
lower rating). It also hands the user a certain kind of adaptability,
scaling down a less important or currently not used skillsoft to free
up space on a skillwire system for other skills, without swapping the
programs in an out. Decreasing or increasing the rating of a skillsoft
within the program’s rating limits is considered a Free Action.
addictive (rating 1–2)
Program Types: Simsense (BTLs)
Dealers often sell special BTL programs to first-time customers
that contain dangerous BTL signals that are more addictive
than usual. In game terms, this option raises the threshold for
Addiction Tests by its rating.
diMap
Program Types: Simsense (Skillsoft)
The Direct Interpretive Memory Augmentation Programming
(DIMAP) option allows the user to better interpret the skillsoft’s
programming and more easily incorporate that information with
the user’s own memories. Since this brings the skillsoft skill closer
to a real skill learned over time, this option exceptionally allows
players to use Edge to reroll a failed test when using that skillsoft.
Unwired
Lifeline
Program Types: Simsense (Knowsoft- and Linguasoft only)
This option for Knowsofts and Linguasofts links the skillsoft to
Horizon’s Lifeline online database and search engine, as long as the
user of the skillsoft has some sort of active link to the Matrix. This option
increases the effectiveness of the skillsoft as the software can run
a very rapid, specialized data search on the connected database when
the software hits something it cannot answer or translate. In game
terms, the user gains a +2 dice pool modifier for each (Extended) Test
undertaken with the Lifeline-equipped skillsoft as long as the user has
the time (and a Matrix connection) to access the database.
Lifeline-equipped skillsoft must have a Registration program
option to be functional.
overdrive (rating 1–3)
Program Types: Simsense (Active Soft)
Partially based on BTL technology and programming, overdrive
subroutines can overclock the skillwire’s firmware allowing
the user to perform beyond the normal skillwire rating limits. A
program with the Overdrive option adds its Overdrive rating to
the dice pool rolled for tests made with the skillsoft. In effect the
skillsoft runs at the “overdriven” rating and can exceed the skillwire’s
rating limits.
Overdriving skillwires, however, bears several side-effects:
Distraction: The Overdrive option makes it difficult to
focus on other tasks, imposing a negative dice pool modifier equal
to the Overdrive rating on all other tests performed that don’t
include the overdriven skillsoft. Users also often find it difficult to
deactivate the program, requiring a successful Willpower + Logic
(Overdrive Rating) Test to disable the program.
Cyberware Damage: Overdriven activesofts can cause skillwires
to break down by frying their firmware. Each time the user
activates an overdriven skillsoft, make an Edge (Overdrive Rating)
Test. Failure means that the overclocked soft damaged the cyberware
system permanently, causing it to misinterpret neural commands or
skillsoft programming. Treat any further use of the skillwire system
as an automatic critical glitch. Skillwires damaged this way must
be repaired with corrective maintenance or surgery (see Installing/
Repairing Cyberware or Bioware, p. 126, Augmentation).
personalized
Program Types: Simsense
The Personalized option offers greater reliability by reducing
reflex action/skillwire overlay clashes. Each Personalized skillsoft
Program Option Type Availability (per option) Cost (per option)
General* +1 +(Rating x 100¥)†
Biofeedback +12R +(Rating x 500¥)
Psychotropic +16R +(Rating x 1,000¥)
Hacking +2R +(Rating x 750¥)†
Simsense +2 +(Rating x 1,000¥)†
Addictive x2 +(Rating x 1,000¥)
* Registration and Copy Protection are included by default in all legal software (at no extra Availability/Cost).
† Options without a rating are considered Rating 3 for cost purposes.
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9
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