[Finstersang]

Time to stray a bit from the Technomancer content This one has been boiling under my fingers for quite some times before Kill Code: I think the modification rules for Decks (and also Commlinks and RCCs) could be a little more "radical" when it comes to accomodating different playstyles - and clichés - for Matrix (ab)users. The SR5 standard vision of a Decker is a highly mobile, versatile and always connected figure, but what if I want a to have a chraracter (PC or NPC) that´s closer to the classical "Tech ops in the van" of a spy thriller or someone who completely relies on direct connections or a certain interface mode? Also, what about classical "Desktop style" Data Terminals? Thus, the idea for Perk removal as a more fundamental way to adapt Matrix equipment was conceived, which will take the lions share of this thread. As usual, feedback and critique is appreciated 

Removing Perks:
A more fundamental way to modify Decks, RCCs and Commlinks is to remove certain of their usual functions and/or amenities to cut costs, reduce their size or to make room for other functions. This allows Hackers, Riggers and even some civil Matrix users to accommodate their gear to their preferred modus operandi at the cost of the flexibility most users are accustomed to. Decks, Commlinks or RCCs can either be directly bought with the reduced functionality as a kind of specialty version of the standard device, or modified later on via standard Matrix Modifikation rules. For each Perk removed, you can choose one of the following benefits:

• Reduce costs by 10%, up to a max. of 40% (only when buying gear)
• Reduce the Visibility of the device by 1, up to a maximum of an additional -4 Modifier (and a total maximum of -10)
• Make room for one additional Modifikation (as by the rules outlined in Data Trails), up to a maximum of 4 additional modifications

The following list contains the different perks that can be removed in this fashion, as well as the type of devices that can be modified this way:

• AR/Standard Controls (all 3): The device doesn´t support any kind of AR usage and can only be controlled by VR. This also renders any kind of onboard physical controls (Buttons, Joysticks, Touchscreens) useless, if the device had any in the first place.
• VR Module (Decks, RCCs): The device doesn´t support any kind of VR usage and can only be controlled via AR or onboard Controls.
• Running a Persona (all 3): Removes the ability to form and run any Persona on the modified device altogether. This means it can´t run Agents as well, but it can still be used as the Master device in a PAN and, in the case of an RCC, employ its Sharing and Noise Reduction abilities. This Modifikation results in a very severe functionality reduction and thus, grants the benefits of three removed perks. It can´t be combined with (since it already encompasses) the removal of AR and VR controls, minus the removal of onboard physical controls.
• PAN/WAN functions (Kommlinks, RCCs): The device can´t be part of a WAN or PAN, neither as a Master nor as a Slave.
• ASDF Reconfiguration (Decks): The deck has its ASDF Array frozen in a certain configuration, essentially turning it into a specialty deck. Of course, you can only use this on decks that can have their ASDF array reconfigured in the first place.
• Direct Connections (all 3): The Device runs wireless only and can´t form a direct physical connection to another device. Virtual direct connections established by being in a Host are not affected, though.
• Wireless Connections (all 3):  A device with this modification can only interact with other Icons via direct connections. All Matrix Actions, including Data Searches and File manipulation, are limited to the device(s) or the physical network you are connected to. Most of the purely digital Hosts up in the Clouds of the Matrix are off-limits for you, unless you can use a slaved device as a physical entry point. In this case, you have to stay connected to the slaved device (and the device has to stay in the WAN) or you will be kicked out of the host immediately. Note that this is not a two-way-street: While connected to a wireless-enabled device, you are still connected and visible to the Matrix as whole, and if you draw attention, you might face attacks from other hackers that you can´t see or interact with yourself! This modification grants the benefits of two removed Perks.
• Silent Mode (all 3): A device with this modification can´t run silently anymore. This extends to all of the slaves in its PAN.
• Autosoft Sharing (RCCs): RCCs with this modification can´t share Autosofts.
• Noise Reduction (RCCs): In contrast, RCCs with this modification can´t use their inherent Noise reduction feature. (Note: Yes, you can combine both. But why would you? )
• Bigger Housing (all 3): By renouncing the ubiquitous call for Miniaturization, you can make room for additional Hardware components and even cost cuts, as the additional material costs for the bigger housing and screens for a classical (or, as some would say: outdated) Laptop or Desktop setup are outweighed by the easier Maintenance and cheaper Materials. This modification comes at two Ratings. At rating 1, counting as 1 removed perk, the device is (re-)designed at the size of a sizeable Laptop and counts as a toolbox for mobility issues (think of the huge old-school Cyberdecks you see in older SR artwork). At rating 2, counting as 2 removed perks, the device has the size of a Desktop Tower PC, complete with a screen and a keyboard, and counts as a Workbench for mobility issues, meaning that you will usually need the back of a Van or a friendly Troll to carry the damn thing into action. For obvious reasons, this modification cannot be used to reduce the visibility of the whole setup, and it cannot have its visibility reduced by other modifications as well. Even more obvious, a Matrix device modified or constructed in this fashion can not be taken as an implant. However, it is possible to modify the setup with a GM-approved form factor (Data Trails) to disguise it as more mundane equipment and/or furniture of the same size. If a Cyberdeck is modified with a bigger housing, you may choose to give it one additional Slot for Cyberdeck Plugins instead of an additional internal modification.

[Finstersang]

Additional Cyberdeck Modules
Following up, a list of additional Modules that can be added to Cyberdecks as Plugins or internal Modules. Unless noted otherwise, they can also be added to RCCs and Kommlinks as internal Modules.

RCC Emulator
Costs: 24.000 Nuyen, Availability: 10R, Cyberdeck-only.
The RCC Emulator is a must-have for Decker/Rigger Hybrids who are tired of having to switch between devices. At the cost of an additional Module Slot, this module allows you to tap in on your Cyberdeck´s unused Ressources to employ the Autosoft Sharing and Noise Reduction functions of a standard RCC: For each unused Program Slot, the Deck can share one Autosoft with it´s slaved Drones or offer 1 Point of RCC noise reduction (which also offers bonus dice for the Rigger Actions detailed in Rigger 5.0). The Module is fairly large in size, though: It can only be added as an external Cyberdeck Plugin, and it increases the visibility modifier of the deck by +2 when added.

Overseer Module
Costs: 3.000 Nuyen, Availability: 6
Treat the device rating of the modified Deck, Commlink or RCC as one point higher for determining the number of possible slaves it can have. Multiple Overseer Modules can stack up to 3 times.

Detection Range Expander
Costs: 5.000 Nuyen, Availability: 8
Increases the 100 Meter distance (the Detection Range) in which you can automatically spot devices on the Grid by 50 Meters. Multiple Detection Range Expanders can stack up to 3 times, for an enhanced range of up to 250 Meters.

Nanorepair Module
Costs: 12.000 Nuyen, Availability: 10R
This module consists of a small Nanohive, containing a specialized form of Hard Nanites that are able to repair Matrix damage of the fitted device at a rate of one Box of Matrix damage per hour. The Nanites can repair up to 20 boxes of Matrix damage in this fashion, after which the module´s Ressources need to be replenished at a cost of 1000 Nuyen (Availability: 10R).

Triangulation Coprocessor
Costs: 8.000 Nuyen, Availability: 12R
This Module uses advanced GPS tracking algorithms for easier tracking and pinpointing of devices. It allows you to perform the Trace Icon Matrix Actions on targets for which you have only one Mark. However, you will only get the direction in which the target is located in relation to your own position in this case. If you the Target is located withing a triangle formed by you and two of your slaved devices, you will also get its precise location, like you do when performing Trace Icon with two Marks on the target.

Shodan Box
Costs: 6.000 Nuyen, Availability: 10R
Used by Hackers as well as Matrix Security Consultants, the Shodan Box highlights all Devices on the Grid in your Detection Range (see above) that are not protected by a WAN or PAN, allowing you to easily pinpoint weaknesses in the Infrastructure. The highlighting can also be reverted with a Simple Action, so that only protected Devices are higlighted.

Data Vault
Costs: 8.000 Nuyen, Availability: 8
A Data Vault module serves as a safe storage for Files, similar to the Data Lock Implant. A Persona running on a Device outfitted with a Data Vault can deposit Files from the Clouds of the Matrix into the Vault, where they can only be accessed by its owner, by personas with a Mark on the Module or by someone with a direct connection to it. Furthermore, the Module´s Matrix Attributes are used as a Defense Pool for attempts to mark or manipulate the File, as if the File is deposited in a Host with these Attributes. The Module is seen as a separate Icon in the Matrix that is attached to the Persona using it. It has a Device Rating of 6 and Firewall and Data Processing Rating of 10 to defend against Hacking attempts.

Onboard Jammer
Costs: Rating*500 Nuyen, Availability: [Rating]*3 F
The Onboard Jammer Module works just like a regular Area Jammer, with the added benefit that the Jammer doesn´t have to run wirelessly to exempt the outfitted device and its slaves from Jamming.

Powerbank
Costs: 2000 Nuyen, Availability: 4
The Powerbank Module doubles the operating time of the outfitted device. It also features a set of Sonar Panels that are efficient enough to mitigate the energy consumption from standard, non-excessive usage while exposed to moderate Sunglight. A fully charged Powerbank Module can also be used to replenish up to 10 high-Energy Charges, like those used in Laser or Shock Weapons, by connecting the device in question to the Powerbank. Charging time stays the same, with each charge reducing the Operating time of the Powerbank by 10% (Note: I know that Energy consumption is hardly mentioned in the RAW. As a guideline, I propose a 8+[Device Rating] hour standard running time for Decks, RCCs and Commlinks, with a total "Zero-to-Hundred" recharging time of 20% of the same period.)

Work in Progress:

Helping Hand
Primitive autonomous Cyberarm that can help with Hardware Tests and hold your Soykaf mug.

Sensor Module
Can host a Sensor of any kind.

Gas cartridge
1 dose of gas, has to be bought seperately. Usually employed as a security measure.