[KraakenDazs]

Can it be viable? I'm looking into creating either an adept, magician or juicer type decker that doesn't rely (heavily) on cyberware, but I'm a bit confused as to if it's even possible in 6e

1-Can/How can one deck without a cyberjack? What are the workarounds? Can you use an RCC to get Data Processing/Firewall? or even though they have the same attributes, they're different items and cant be substituted? Are there external cyberjack available? (I don't have the Matrix book at hand right now)

2-Can a decker be efficient even if only using AR? Aside from having to use a Major Action for Matrix Perception, and not getting VR/ jumped-in Initiative bonus dice (that would probably come from using Cram or adept powers instead), what would be the drawbacks here

3-Anything else I'm not thinking of?

Thank you!

[FastJack]

Can it be viable? I'm looking into creating either an adept, magician or juicer type decker that doesn't rely (heavily) on cyberware, but I'm a bit confused as to if it's even possible in 6e

1-Can/How can one deck without a cyberjack? What are the workarounds? Can you use an RCC to get Data Processing/Firewall? or even though they have the same attributes, they're different items and cant be substituted? Are there external cyberjack available? (I don't have the Matrix book at hand right now)

2-Can a decker be efficient even if only using AR? Aside from having to use a Major Action for Matrix Perception, and not getting VR/ jumped-in Initiative bonus dice (that would probably come from using Cram or adept powers instead), what would be the drawbacks here

3-Anything else I'm not thinking of?

Thank you!

1) So... the Cyberjack gives you the Data Processing and Firewall for your hacking (starting at 4/3 and going to 9/8), your Cyberdeck gives your your Attack and Sleaze. You can access the matrix and hack two other ways:
     a) Just use your commlink to connect up. Now, the very best, highest-end model Transys Avalon has a Data Processing of 3 and a Firewall of 1. This means you're very vulnerable to other cyberattacks (your DR is Data Processing plus Firewall, which is 4). You aren't prevented from going VR, you just would need to use Trodes and a Sim Module. You can swap the ratings, so if you're using a Fairlight Excalibur (A/S 9/8), you can swap your Sleaze and Firewall, changing the base A/S/D/F from 9/8/3/1 to 9/1/3/8.
     b) Cyberhacks (Hack and Slash, p. 33) can up your stats, but you still have to have a datajack. You don't gain much from Data Processing (max attribute of 3, same as a commlink), but you can get the Firewall up to 6. This does limit all Biofeedback damage to Stun only, but you're still not as quick as someone with a Cyberjack.

2) You listed the only real drawbacks. However, when you're going into cybercombat with a Decker with a R6 Cyberjack (Intuition + 9 + 4d6 Init) against your Reaction + Intuition (no dice), you might get lapped.

3) Not anything I can think of, but others may have some more input.

[KraakenDazs]

Much appreciated FastJack!

For 2) If using Increased Reflexes (either the adept power or Spell), would those not offset that drawback? or would that initiative increase not apply at all to decking? Basically a character near-literally "Typing up a storm" on their deck vs someone who's instead in hot VR?

[Beta]

So, you want to deck, without implanting your body with a load of 'ware .... almost like you want to be a technomancer?  (you may have good reasons that you don't want to do that, but have you considered it?  They seem to be in an OK-ish place in 6e (depends a lot on how your GM sets host ratings, of course, and it helps to have Hack and Slash)

[KraakenDazs]

Honestly? Mathematical curiosity and to give a character flavor. Wondering if it can be done, and done well. But would mostly be happy with adequate.

A little snowflakey, for sure. But the intellectual exercise of making it work also amuses me.

[KraakenDazs]

And i did consider a technomancer, it would be probably a close 2nd option for the character concept, but i really like the idea of an urban themed mage. I really like the idea of having Shape Concrete, and toxin-(and toxicity)-cleansing spell on the character, and have some control over meatspace in a way technomancy can do in limited fashion.

Buuuut technomancy IS an option. And while they're in a good place... i still think they feel second fiddle to deckers power-wise even in 6e. I fail to see their significant advantage over a standard decker build, while the decker has both nuyen and karma options to "better" themselves or diversify their skills with different 'ware :/

[FastJack]

Much appreciated FastJack!

For 2) If using Increased Reflexes (either the adept power or Spell), would those not offset that drawback? or would that initiative increase not apply at all to decking? Basically a character near-literally "Typing up a storm" on their deck vs someone who's instead in hot VR?

They should. Just remember, there's a 5D6 max to initiative dice.

[Aria]

I have tried a couple of snowflaky options myself... had a pixie hacker in 4E and sort of in 5E that I enjoyed playing... but in the end I just decided to diversify into AR command control of drones and left the hacking to more able sorts.  In 6E points get spread very thin if you try and do two (in theory) incompatible things and SR tends to reward the specialist rather than the generalist.  But AR hacking with Improved Reflexes is the way to go, and you don't end up slumped in a corner for your teamates to drag your body around!  Using Banshee's matrix FAQ they suggested commlinks should have better stats which makes a difference, but you lose out on the cool edge stuff that way...