I activate my tripod. It deploys as a Complex Action.
I turn on the tripod's Matrix connection, then activate it. It now deploys as a free action.
I ask again, how exactly does a largely mechanical device somehow operate faster just because it's hooked to the internet?
-k
Because whining Hacker players want you to be forced to ignore security so that they don't have to buy more skills.
"Drop the personal attack."
I wouldn't take it too personally. A4BG will find reason to dislike anything that makes hackers more viable in anything other than matrix actions. Even if they make sense. Anyone that agrees with those rules frustrate him.
Several of us agree that some of the wireless bonuses don't make as much sense as others, so I can see some of the arguments, but I'd like to hear more creative solutions to what we see as problems.
The Tripod example is pretty clear. I agree that no matter whether your tripod is connected to the matrix or not, it should deploy at the same rate. I believe a better solution would be the action involved by the character, for example:
- When the character is able to access the tripod through DNI (whether wireless or wired) they should be able to command it to deploy as a free action, and it deploys itself as any other robotic device would.
- When the character is not able to access the tripod through DNI, they are required to deploy the tripod manually as a complex action.
Matrix connection has no part in it, and the dm should not penalize the character if there is no interference (noise) between the characters DNI and the device.
These rules aren't perfect, and that is ok. The wireless bonuses are the thing that we have the most problem with, so let's all think of ways to make them better instead of continuing to be butthurt. The mods are listening, I was able to meet a lot of the developers, they love their players and they love their game. I know they want to hear what we think so they can improve their product.