"And what about skills, I know I need Computers between 6 and 8, and then I need to fill in the Channels (Access, Control, Index, Files, and Slave) but what other skills would be useful? "
>>Small unit tactics is a great skill, especially as a gamer geek [I need more DPS on the troll stat! Use indirect fire! REKT!]
>>For other skills, I would look to Etiquette, possibly the specialization Matrix.
>>Matrix geeks are more than just hackers, they are great at legwork and information.
>>Don't forget contacts, including shadowboards like Denver Nexus and Shadowlands.
>>Stealth is useful in avoiding combat. [Hide and seek much?]
"Also, can I use my base skill points to add to the channels or is it only the special pool you get?"
>>You can use Active skill points to add to your channels, but the channels do have starting limits. (pg 167 Matrix 1st printing)
"With knowledge skills, do I need any design skills, or is that more for deckers?"
>>Design skills could be used to write software in your downtime.
>>This could be for other deckers use, but as an otaku it would mostly be for side income.
>>I would consider system familiarity knowledge skills (pg 24-25 Matrix 1st printing)
"That's all the questions I have right now, but if you have any general advice not covered by these questions, feel free to throw them out there, I'm having a hell of a time trying to figure this all out. Thanks for your time."
>>As a starting character, you will want to avoid direct combat.
>>Use cover, smoke, and whatever else you can to keep you self out of line of sight.
>>Use karma to improve your physical stats and stealth skill before working on a combat skill.
>>Your primary assistance to the team is information.
>>What security measures are in place.
>>What is the passcode to open the door.
>>The hunted target just purchased a soykaf at this gas station[address].
>>Besides legwork, you can provide overwatch for the team, in the Matrix while the team goes in physically.
>>Watch the cameras and direct your team away from patrols.
>>Cause false sensor feed disturbances to pull security away from you team's location.
>>Open doors to let your team through.
>>Add a passcode for the team to use.
>>Remove passcodes so Security has trouble passing through a door.
>>Deactivate or edit sensors to get the hidden gun through the security checkpoint.
>>Turn on the sprinklers to confuse the bloodhounds.
>>Know and use the environment to both help your team and hinder the opposition.
>>Don't forget to have fun!
