Just to be clear, I feel like the archtypes you have listed here are very close (if not identical) to some "classic" hacker/technomancer archtypes. Tell me if I'm wrong and/or what tweaks would be needed to make your "modern" archtypes be more like their "classic" equivalents; or how the new 5e rules have forced the classic archtypes to be modified into what you have listed here.
Overwatcher - A technomancer who stays away from the action. Low meat space ability. Doesn't do much hacking themselves. Instead, is usually VRed into the matrix for the increase initiative. Uses Leadership through the matrix along with machine sprites to help the team. A real team player technomancer, despite not being one in much danger. Uses lots of feeds from cameras and other sensors they can get.
This sounds very much like a spider. Is this basically a spider-mancer?
Technohunter - A Technomancer with low matrix presence. uses machine sprites and gear that can be boosted by them. Such as goggles with smartlink+vision enhancements and chameleon suit. Typically would use a sniper rifle or other such weapon to hang back away from the action as they still have lower than normal meatspace ability (Compared to adepts/street sam) Kinda functions more as an army of one.
This sounds like a dronomancer, except you describe the sprites as boosting non-drone devices. I like the idea, but I'm curious if this is basically the same thing or not. That is to say, could this character just as easily have their machine sprites jump into a few drones and tear stuff up that way? Or is this somehow fundamentally different from the build you would use as a dronomancer?
Technoface - A Technomancer who focuses on Charisma based skills. Works like an in between of the technohunter/overwatcher, but uses armor like Ace of Coins for a crazy high limit to social abilities.
This sounds like a face + hacker hybrid. Is there anything special about this archtype that doesn't fall into a regular face + hacker character archtype? (other than simply being a TM of course)
Matrix Ninja - A technomancer who focuses on bricking devices and other pests. high matrix ability, low meatspace. Particuarlly enjoys Resonance Spike and Static Bomb. Possibly even Resonance Veil. With this guy, using RV to make it look like you Disconnected, they would have to roll against that. Then roll against you running silent.
So this sounds like the classic straight up hacker technomancer. Is there anything unique here that deviates from just a standard well built hacker style TM?
I don't mean for any of this to sound like I'm flaming or putting down your ideas. I really enjoy this thread and your document, I'm just trying to get a feel for the roles these archtypes would play and how they are different from other characters filling similar roles or from their classic counterparts.
Well the main thing about the archetypes is most of them are pretty mutable, and could be blended together into other kinds.
Technohunter for example initially doesn't use drones, but taking MOM he could go into being a Dronomancer. The main thing here though is he isn't really going around trying to hack everything, and instead functions mostly in the meat world, often with his own body rather than a drones.
Overwatcher - If thats what spiders do, then yes. It really is more of one that assists with the party and could also double as a face.
As for the Matrix Ninja, this guy or the trick over all, exploits a series of events that need to take place, while working not really to hack stuff but simply to brick it all.
Complex forms do not take the penalty for running silent as they are not matrix actions. while running silently, the enemy would need to try to some how find you, first by making a simple perception check followed by a more complex one verses your sleaze.
Now you throw in resonance veil to create a second illusion. You're DCed, and there are hackers sending data spikes at the foe whenever you sense a resonance spike.
So basically, they have to make three perception checks, One to check for hidden icons, one to see past the illusion and one to finally see you.
Meanwhile you suffer no OS at all during all of these attacks, and with a low level high resistance you shouldn't really suffer too much fade really either.
Now of course, as much as I'm very Pro-Technomancer it doesn't mean I don't see the flaws in it.
The CFs are pretty high in their fade value, especially ones like puppeteer and static bomb. Some are too vague and can be super powerful under one GM and useless under another GM. And of course there is the development bottleneck.
