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SR6 CRB 3rd print: Cyberdecks and RCCs

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MercilessMing:
One of the clarifications I was expecting in the 3rd printing was around what devices can be combined with a cyberdeck to form a persona, but I didn't find it.  Is it in there, or was it not included?

Stainless Steel Devil Rat:
We saved that for the upcoming FAQ.  Suffice to say: yes the RAI is RCCs don't work with cyberdecks in the same persona.  You can combine PANs now, so it takes an extra layer of explanation to discuss how the rigger's RCC functions inside a whole-team PAN run by a decker with a cyberdeck.  (Short answer: it still works, but same persona cant combine them)

Finstersang:
Itīs certainly a good thing to put the kibosh on RCC/Cyberdeck networks. Else, RCCs would be mechanically superiour sources for DF Attributes, program slots and general utility (although Cyberjacks also got a nice boost by officially granting Initiative DICE now).

However, Iīm not a big fan of completely disabling Cyberdeck usage for Riggers and further decoupling Hacking from Rigging. First, some players like to play "tech-hybrids", and Rigging is a neat backup tactic for Hackers in environments without good hacking targets. But more importantly, some hacking feats are very crucial for Riggers. Most importantly, the option to get a Sleaze attribute to better avoid detection in the Matrix. Itīs quite easy to beat hidden Riggers in an opposed test when they can only roll with their logic. A cheap Deck on the side can also serve as a digital "sidearm" to defend against Hackers. 

Just an idea here: I found that it makes for good houserule (and visual storytelling approach) to establish the Network of an RCC as more visually and mechanically distinct from standard Personal Networks. So instead of a typical metahuman-sized "Persona" (be it an actual Metahuman, a Teddy Bear or a Pink Squid), the RCC Networks looks more like a bigger "vehicle" (think Chariots, Steampunk zeppelins, UFOs...) with the Riggerīs persona in it, serving as a mobile command beacon for all the slaved devices. Mechanically and visuall, this would place the RCC Network in a spot somewhere between a single Persona and a Host, which also can be entered by a persona. With that visual metaphor in mind, I allow Hybrid Networks at my tables, but in a limited fashion:


* Slaved Cyberdecks can serve as an add-on to an RCC network and "lend" their Attack and Sleaze Attribute to it.
* However, while Slaved to the RCC, the usage of the Cyberdeck Attributes and functionality is limited to Defensive Rolls (i.e. Sleaze against Detection and Tracking) and to Hacking actions against targets inside your network (i.e. naughty enemy hackers, although you can probably also abuse this in a sort of security scam).
To do some actual outside hacking, Rigger-Decker-Hybrid characters would first have to decouple the Deck from the RCC (which will then lose the AS Attributes), integrate it in a new "Hacking" persona (hopefully with Cyberjack or at least with a Commlink for DF Attributes), and "step out" of the protective bubble of the RCC Network. The visual metaphor: Hacking - yes, even Brute Force Hacking - is about infiltration other peoples digital homesteads, and the RCC is such a (albeit mobile) homestead itself. You donīt infiltrate another house by driving your camper into it.

(Usually. Iīm sure there are Runners out there who would still consider this approach as "Infiltration" ::))     

Xenon:
Perhaps we will get some electronic warfare and hacking-esc actions in the rigger supplement. It already seem to be intended that you can spoof commands to enemy drones from your RCC (its not an action that is linked to sleaze or attack so you perhaps technically don't need a cyberdeck here) at least as long as you also have the cracking skill (as you can't default to cracking). Maybe we will get more of that.

Stainless Steel Devil Rat:

--- Quote from: Finstersang on ---Itīs certainly a good thing to put the kibosh on RCC/Cyberdeck networks. Else, RCCs would be mechanically superiour sources for DF Attributes, program slots and general utility (although Cyberjacks also got a nice boost by officially granting Initiative DICE now).
--- End quote ---

Yeah, the bonus dice for VR init ought to really cause cyberjacks to look more attractive.


--- Quote ---However, Iīm not a big fan of completely disabling Cyberdeck usage for Riggers and further decoupling Hacking from Rigging. First, some players like to play "tech-hybrids", and Rigging is a neat backup tactic for Hackers in environments without good hacking targets. But more importantly, some hacking feats are very crucial for Riggers. Most importantly, the option to get a Sleaze attribute to better avoid detection in the Matrix. Itīs quite easy to beat hidden Riggers in an opposed test when they can only roll with their logic. A cheap Deck on the side can also serve as a digital "sidearm" to defend against Hackers. 
--- End quote ---

If the Rigger's PAN is subordinated to the Hacker's PAN, then the rigger's persona and drones are protected by the hacker's sleaze!  Also, riggers have the option to run their drones wireless-off while under autopilot control, or while connected via data cable tether.  That automatically trumps any remote hacking/detection without needing a sleaze attribute...
   

--- Quote from: Xenon on ---Perhaps we will get some electronic warfare and hacking-esc actions in the rigger supplement. It already seem to be intended that you can spoof commands to enemy drones from your RCC (its not an action that is linked to sleaze or attack so you perhaps technically don't need a cyberdeck here) at least as long as you also have the cracking skill (as you can't default to cracking). Maybe we will get more of that.

--- End quote ---

Indeed you will.  There's a new mechanic for riggers to do some rigger-appropriate hacking without needing A/S stats.  Flipping traffic lights, stealing control of drones, that kind of stuff.  But it still won't let them steal a hacker's thunder and hack a host.


--- Quote from: Finstersang on ---To do some actual outside hacking, Rigger-Decker-Hybrid characters would first have to decouple the Deck from the RCC (which will then lose the AS Attributes), integrate it in a new "Hacking" persona (hopefully with Cyberjack or at least with a Commlink for DF Attributes), and "step out" of the protective bubble of the RCC Network.

--- End quote ---

Mechanically, that's pretty much how it is now.  Nothing's stopping you from owning both an RCC and a cyberdeck.  You just can't use them both at the same time in the same persona.  Rigging? Run your RCC.  Time to hack? Reboot, come back online with cyberdeck+some other D/F device.

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