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Hacking specializations

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Stainless Steel Devil Rat

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« Reply #15 on: <09-26-19/1459:34> »
Of course, the headache I'm anticipating is Cracking (Hacking) at a SRM table.
RPG mechanics exist to give structure and consistency to the game world, true, but at the end of the day, you’re fighting dragons with algebra and random number generators.

ZeroSum

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« Reply #16 on: <09-26-19/1502:19> »
As the writer of the matrix chapter but not the skills chapter... I would endorse ZeroSum's version
High praise. Thank you! And thank you for writing the Matrix portion, I much prefer the 6th Edition version to the 5th Edition one (though I do still have a penchant for 4th, warts and all).

If I'm a player and I have to take a specialization in the CRB, it's Hacking and Computer every time.  Because if I'm using the Cracking skill, I'm probably hacking something.  If I'm a Decker or Technomancer using the Electronics skill, Computer probably covers most of what I'm going to do.

Not to be dismissive or combative, but if the GM is going to arbitrarily assign specific Matrix actions to this or that specialization, I'm not sure why the GM wouldn't be willing to simply use a different, more accurate, name for the Specialization.  YMMV.

The important thing is that the GM and the Player are in general agreement though.  If you're having that conversation, you're probably in good shape.
That is a fair position to take, thank you for sharing.

A follow-up question if I may; would you expect your specialization in Cracking (Hacking) to apply to almost all Matrix actions you're taking? Any notable exceptions?
« Last Edit: <09-26-19/1505:42> by ZeroSum »

CigarSmoker

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« Reply #17 on: <09-26-19/1503:37> »
Of course, the headache I'm anticipating is Cracking (Hacking) at a SRM table.

I agree for a such a table i like the here suggested Target Persona, Device or Host Specialisations. And they are definitly encouraged by the RAW. (missing Specialisations etc :) )

from my point of view Device would be very good then but at least it would be much more clear. You could even think about the Specialisation "Persona" protecting your own Persona as well.

Hobbes

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« Reply #18 on: <09-26-19/1543:27> »
Of course, the headache I'm anticipating is Cracking (Hacking) at a SRM table.

Either embrace it, or Missions FAQ spells out the allowable Specializations.

Stainless Steel Devil Rat

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« Reply #19 on: <09-26-19/1550:17> »
Well if I embrace Cracking (Hacking) and I say "No, Hacking can't cover the entirety of the Cracking skill" the player isn't going to have a good time. Nor am I, if the player digs in and argues that yes it should.
RPG mechanics exist to give structure and consistency to the game world, true, but at the end of the day, you’re fighting dragons with algebra and random number generators.

Xenon

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« Reply #20 on: <09-26-19/1630:59> »
Isn't the "Cybercombat" specialization attack-like offensive and damaging illegal matrix actions (such as Brute Force, Crack File, Crash Program and Data Spike)

And the "Hacking" specialization are sleaze-like sneaky and deceptive illegal hacking matrix actions (such as Backdoor Entry, Probe and Spoof Command)

And the "Electronic Warfare" specialization are illegal matrix actions related to signals or controlling (such as Check OS, Hide, Jam Signals and Snoop)

Actually didn't even reflect that it could be read in another way before I saw this topic....

Noble Drake

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« Reply #21 on: <09-26-19/1728:32> »
You are right Xenon, and most folks that have a prior edition of Shadowrun knowledge to fall back on will probably rule the same.

But someone just coming into the game and seeing the word "Hacking" without additional context might think the term is being used the way it gets tossed around in TV and movies, which would mean it'd apply to basically every use of a bit of tech that isn't the standard consumer-friendly intended usage. It's a vocabulary issue arising from the changes to skills... which probably could have been fixed/avoided by switching the positions of "Cracking" and "Hacking" but likely wasn't thought of as an issue because the writers have the context of what Hacking means within Shadowrun already in their heads, and figure that most players will too.