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[SR6 Matrix] The Mechanics of Sprite Power Phantom

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Mepsipax

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« on: <11-01-20/0240:05> »
Quote
The sprite can conceal a persona or device
in such a way as to make it invisible to Matrix
searches. Concealed personas or devices can only
be found with a Matrix Perception test that is spe-
cifically looking for the hidden icon; even then
sprite can make an Electronics + Resonance test,
with net hits becoming the threshold for the Ma-
trix Perception test.

I'm wondering how to interpret this exactly. I see these options :

- It only applies to the action Matrix search. Seems like a corner case and not really a good power imo.
- It only applies to Matrix perception check. It works similar to running silently, but it requires the persona doing the check to have an inkling that something's there to look for. I'm struggling to correctly interpret "specifically look for the hidden icon". When would someboy be able to do that? Also, it could be combined with silent running for an extra layer of stealth.
- It applies to both. A great power.

Which one is it? If the 2nd or 3rd point applies, can somebody elaborate how detection of a Phantom works? Thanks!


Xenon

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« Reply #1 on: <11-01-20/0355:23> »
In this edition matrix perception work similar to regular perception.



If there are two ninjas hiding in the shadows you take a regular perception test and depending on how many hits you got (and depending on how well they are hidden) you might notice both of them, just one of them or none none of them.

If there are two hidden hackers in a host the spider take a matrix perception test and depending on how many hits he got (and depending on how well the hackers are hidden) he might notice both of them, just one of them or none none of them.

If one of the ninjas is under the influence of Concealment then he would not been spotted in this case.

If one of the hackers is under the influence of Phantom then he would not been spotted in this case.



If a hidden sniper take a shot at you then you are now "aware" of the sniper and you can take a regular perception test to spot this specific sniper.

If a hidden hacker is attacking you with a data spike you are now "aware" of the hacker and you can take a matrix perception test to spot the specific hacker.

If the sniper is under the influence of Concealment critter power then you still have a chance to spot the sniper, but your perception test still need to overcome the Concealment power.

If the hacker is under the influence of Phantom sprite power then you will still have a chance to spot the hacker, but your perception test still need to overcome the Phantom power.



If you spot a guard you typically also spot that he is wielding an weapon.

If you spot a silent running PAN then you also spot all the devices that are part of the PAN.

If the guards weapon is under the influence of the Concealment power then you will typically not see it.

If the target's weapon is under the influence of Phantom then you will typically not see it's device icon.

If you specifically look for the weapon then you are allowed to take a Perception test, but your perception test still need to overcome the Concealment power.

If specifically look for the weapon's device icon (perhaps you or someone in the team see that the guard have a weapon) then you are allowed to take a Matrix Perception test, but your matrix perception test will need to overcome the Phantom power (and if you fail you might probably think that it was just wireless disabled to begin with).
« Last Edit: <11-01-20/0359:55> by Xenon »

Mepsipax

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« Reply #2 on: <11-01-20/0527:04> »
If a Persona is running silently und has phantom power on it, would you say that a successful matrix perception vs silent running provides a "feeling" that there's something more to look for specifically, so that an additional action could then be taken to discover the hidden Persona? Or would the Persona definitely have to give itself away first in some way?

Xenon

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« Reply #3 on: <11-01-20/0539:18> »
I read it as if the observer need to be aware of it in some way in order to be allowed to spend an action looking for this icon in specific;
  • Attack linked actions are always obvious and the target network will know it under attack regardless of whether the action is successful or not.
  • Sleaze linked actions are very subtle and hard to detect, a target will only know it is being targeted when the action results in a glitch (unless the action says otherwise)
  • Most other actions will be noticed whenever the action attempt fails, exceptions to this are actions that are completely passive or actions that result in obvious results.
  • Passive actions are actions that have zero effect on a target and therefore give no reason for the target to notice them. These would include such actions as Check OS, Matrix Perception, Matrix Search, Reconfigure, Send Message, and Switch Mode.
  • Some actions could be noticed even when they are successful just because they create an effect that is obvious. These would include such actions as Control Device, Crash Program, and Reboot Device.
  • Complex Forms are much like spells and generally very subtle and go unnoticed until the effect is obvious (but in some cases they create an effect that is obvious)