comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

Matrix phenoMena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
168
Programs: Analyze (R), Attack (R – 1), Browse (R), Command
(R), Edit (R), Exploit (R), Homeground (R), Stealth (R)
Qualities: Code Flux, Corruptor, Real World Naivete, Rootkit
Predators: For many years, predator AIs were a digital urban
legend. More recently, however, their existence has been confirmed.
It is speculated that some predators evolved from offensive
software and IC programs, whereas others developed their codedevouring
abilities as a way of sustaining themselves. Whatever the
case, predator AIs have been blamed for a number of attacks on
persona and software in the Matrix—some of them lethal.
CHA INT LOG WIL EDG Matrix INIT IP
R – 1 R + 1 R R R + 1 INT + Response + 2 3
Skills: Computer (R), Cybercombat (R + 2), Hacking (R)
Programs: Analyze (R), Armor (R), Attack (R + 1), Blackout or
Black Hammer (R), Cascading (1), Exploit (R), Stealth (R), Track
(R)
Qualities: Codivore, Real World Naivete, Redundancy, Snooper
xenosapient ais
The rarest and most
alien of the AIs, the personal
agendas of
xenosapients differ
extremely from
any metahuman
way of thinking.
In most cases, their
former programming is
no longer recognizable.
These species show
a high level of intelligence,
but they are
often incapable of communicating
with other
Matrix users due to their
alien way of thinking.
Archivists: Archivists are
collectors, hoarders, and scavengers—
they have an insatiable appetite for
data. Some seek to copy and collect data
of all sorts, where others are only interested
in information applying to a very specific interest. Rumors exist of
huge hidden data archives created by these AIs. Some corps have established
high bounties for captured archivist AIs, while others seek
to employ them. Archivists are rarely interested in interacting with
other users in the Matrix, beyond the fact that they might be carrying
useful data.
CHA INT LOG WIL EDG Matrix INIT IP
R – 2 R + 1 R + 2 R R INT + Response 3
Skills: Computer (R), Data Search (R + 2), Hacking (R)
Programs: Analyze (R), Browse (R + 2), Decrypt (R + 2), Defuse
(R), Edit (R), Encrypt (R), Exploit (R), Homeground (R), Purge
(R), Stealth (R)
Qualities: Code Flux, Real World Naivete, Redundancy,
Rootkit
Assemblers: Likely born from programming suites, software
compilers, operating system kernels, and boot programs, assemblers
seem only to be interested in starting and maintaining other
software. Even more than other xenosapients, assembler AIs are
oblivious to most Matrix user activity, though their interest in
other programs ranges from obsessive to flighty.
CHA INT LOG WIL EDG Matrix INIT IP
R – 2 R – 2 R + 3 R + 1 R + 1 INT + Response 3
Skills: Cracking skill group (R), Electronics skill group (R +1)
Programs: Analyze (R), Browse (R), Command (R), Edit (R),
Expert Defense (2), Exploit (R – 1), Homeground (R + 2), Medic
(R + 2), Purge (R), Spoof (R), Stealth (R)
Qualities: Authority, Emulate, Real World Naivete, Spawn
Sculptors: Sculptors are interested in one thing: designing
and remodeling the virtual world. They program or rewrite the
iconography of chosen nodes into abstract metaphors that only
make sense to them, sometimes becoming more efficient, sometimes
not.
CHA INT LOG WIL EDG Matrix INIT IP
R + 1 R + 2 R R + 1 R INT + Response 3
Skills: Computer (R), Hacking (R), Software (R + 1)
Programs: Analyze (R + 1), Browse (R), Command (R), Edit (R
+ 2), Exploit (R), Homeground (R), Medic (R), Reality Filter (R),
Stealth (R)
Qualities: Code Flux, Designer, Improved Realignment, Real
World Naivete
poSitive ai QUaLitieS
These are just a sampling of the qualities that some AIs are
known to have; gamemasters are encouraged to create their own.
authority
The AI is adept at convincing programs and devices that its
orders are coming from a trusted and privileged source. It receives
a +2 modifier on Spoof Command Tests (p. 224, SR4) and the
modifier for hacking security or admin accounts is reduced by 2
(so +1 for security and +4 for admin).
code flux
Like agents and other autonomous programs, AIs have a
built-in access ID (see p. 110). The access code of an AI with this
quality, however, fluctuates on a semi-random basis when it moves
between nodes. This can make the AI exceptionally difficult to
track, as its datatrail will only lead up to the point where its access
ID fluxed into a new one.
codivore
The AI can “devour” the code of defeated agents, personas,
IC, and even other AIs, by ripping these other programs apart,
cannibalizing useful subroutines, and incorporating them into its
own source code. After defeating its opponent in cybercombat,
the AI makes a Rating x 2 (opponent’s Pilot or System, 1 Initiative
Pass) Extended Test. Once successful, the AI receives a dice pool
modifier equal to half of the defeated icon’s Pilot/System (whichever
is higher) for its next Medic or Healing Test.
designer
Some AIs are masters of restructuring nodes to achieve maximum
hardware efficiency. Their self-designed home node (see My
Home is My Castle, p. 166) grants them an additional +2 modifier
to the Response and Signal attributes.
Unwired
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9