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"Resonancer" Thought Piece

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FST_Gemstar

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« on: <02-09-16/1854:27> »
 

I'm trying to make a technomancer that can function as a team Matrix specialist, but uses almost exclusively resonance abilities as opposed to mundane cracking/electronics skills to do so. The main problem I am finding is that there are certain things that just require marks (usually necessitating hacking and cybercombat skills), mainly getting inside a host. I am trying to work my way around it, but it seems that using Puppeteer to Invite a Mark is the only way to do this. I know that this is not clarified, but it's really the only way I believe this concept could work. I can see how puppeteering a host itself would not be legal, but how about a slaved device? Puppeteering test would still be against host attributes, but if you can get a slaved device to offer to place marks, the marks are also on the host. It also would assume that there is a resonance way to get around protected files without the need to crack them. Either the Editor CF ignores file protection as file protection only protects from matrix actions, or Editor can be used a few times to copy a file without its protection attached to it, and then having more manipulations done to that copied file. If this is not legal, a sprite can perhaps do that cracking work, but it kind of takes the specificity out of this concept. 

So, against non-host or host-protected targets/devices, strategies are pretty straight forward. The character keeps a bunch of registered sprites. High edge will help compile and register sprites at different levels, a few low level ones to sustain complex forms, and a few higher level ones to do "regular" hacking if needed as well as add dice to threading tests. An example: to take a file from someone's commlink. A sprite would spot the device the file is on for the technomancer with a matrix perception test(s) if it is running silent or far away. If a file is protected by a tough device or PAN, the character can cast a Diffusion of Data Processing on it. A sprite can then sustain this CF. Character would then thread Editor, potentially aided by another sprite, and copying the file and deleting the original with the net hits. For less straightforward but more common matrix actions that can be useful over time that require marks (Snoop, Trace Icon),  a sprite can get the job done, with the technomancer and a sprite first lowering Firewall (if necessary) and the technomancer sustaining static veil on the sprite doing the hack to keep overwatch from growing. The technomancer can pass off this sustaining if needed sometimes too.  Sprites can do basic matrix searches for the technomancer as well.

Hosts are a more complicated issue. There are just some jobs where you have to get inside a host (as I believe even with complex forms, you can't "directly" interact with icons inside a host if you are not inside a host). While a resonancer doesn't have to worry about noise (resonance actions aren't affected by noise) they have no way to direct connect to get around host defenses nor an easy way to get a mark on a host. Having a device slaved to a host invite a mark with Puppeteer is the only way I see this happening (if folks have other ideas that would be great!). This device can be found either with matrix searches of schematics and such and then matrix perception tests to locate the item, or  by being onsite or a team being on site to find a slaved device and relay that info to the Resonancer. So Puppeteer Software + Resonance Test (Level) [2] vs Host Rating + Firewall is needed for this to happen, meaning the test needs two net hits for the simple action of inviting a mark. If successfully threaded it is a lot of  Fade coming the technomancer's way so probably edge would be needed to resist. Of course a Diffusion of Firewall will probably be needed first, aided by and sustained by a sprite before Puppeteer is attempted. I am unsure of this part, but I am assuming a host would know if it invited a mark against its wishes, putting it on alert. Am I correct in this? The technomancer would then run silent in the host, as they don't have to worry about -2 to matrix actions because they don't use them. From here, a technomancer can use Editor/Puppeteer to get what they need. If they need specific matrix actions  or ongoing ones that editor/puppeteer will have a hard time with, within the host, they can compile a sprite inside the host to do that work. Perhaps even overcompiling for a very high level sprite if needed.  The sprite would have to mark the host on its own though, or another invite marks puppeteer test to give marks to a sprite. 

So currently designed, a character like this basically needs high Software (Complex Form tests), high Compiling/Registering (For sprites with lots of services to sustain spells and for high level sprites with enough services to get a hack job done if needed), High Resonance (CFs/sprites/Fade Resistance), high Willpower (Fade Resistance/addiction tests), enough Logic (for sprite capacity/addiction tests), and high Edge (particularly to help with registering and resisting Fade). Plain Dwarves, gnomes, and ogres make good candidates for metatypes, but a Human/Elf/Troll could also maybe get the job done. Humans/elves may also start with more skills, but I'm not sure in concept they are necessary.

A dwarf, gnome, and ogre can probably get away with taking Meta A, Attribute B, and Resonance B. This would allow for higher edge with enough karma left over to buy up Complex forms. Orks/Elves/Humans will probably need Meta B and Resonance A. Trolls may need both Meta and Resonance A with Attributes C.

I mocked up both a dwarf and ogre version for concept. The dwarf version is below. I can post the ogre too as it is pretty similar if people want to see. Dwarf went Meta A, Attributes B, Resonance B.

Skillwise, Compiling, Registering, and Software are all maxed with specializations. I am not sure what to do with the remaining 4 skill points. I put them in perception and hardware for now, perception because perception and hardware because there is no resonance way to jack out if link-locked. Perhaps electronic warfare can be used to hide. Static Bomb CF might be more fitting for this kind of character.

The character has high enough willpower and logic to safely use zen for a willpower boost, as it could help with all of the Fade rolls this character takes. Psyche can be used to increase Logic/Sleaze to avoid detection when running silently and a little VR initiative.

This type of character starts pretty unhelpful in the meatworld, but as a resonance focused "hacker" Noise/direct connections are irrelevant. They really can hack from anywhere, so they really could do their jobs safely in VR from home or a van. With some piloting/gunnery skills and access to a van, they could be getaway drivers too.  Perhaps a techno-rigger if built carefully could eventually double as a Resonancer, as investing in complex forms is karma cheaper than investing in hacking skills for a high resonance technomancer.  To be more a straightforward Resonancer, the character would probably submerge for Overclocker and the Pain Editor echo to ignore the would modifiers caused by fade. In the meantime, stim patches will do.


I don't think i've seen a technomancer character like this on the boards. It is a little time intensive to play, but is it playable?

Karma Expenses: 24 positive qualities, 6 nuyen, 20 complex forms, -25 on Negative Qualities = 0 Remaining.

== Info ==
Name: Unnamed Character           Alias: Work-Around
Dwarf                             Movement: 6/12
                                  Composure: 10
Street Cred: 0                    Judge Intentions: 8
Notoriety: 0                      Lift/Carry: 6 (45 kg/30 kg)
Public Awareness: 0               Memory: 12
Karma: 0                          Nuyen: 18000
Age:                              Skin:
Eyes:                             Hair:

== Priorities ==
Metatype: A(4) - Any metatype
Attributes: B(3) - 20 Attributes
Special: B(3) - Adept, Magician, or Technomancer
Skills: E(0) - 18 Skills/0 Skill Groups
Resources: E(0) - 6,000¥
Bonus Skill: Compiling
Bonus Skill: Registering

== Attributes ==
BOD: 3                            CHA: 3
AGI: 3                            INT: 5
REA: 4                            LOG: 5
STR: 3                            WIL: 7
EDG: 5                            RES: 7

== Derived Attributes ==
Essence: 6                        Initiative:           9 + 1d6
Physical Damage Track: 10         Rigger Init:          9 + 1d6
Stun Damage Track: 12             Astral Init:         
Physical: 5                       Matrix AR Init:       9 + 1d6
Mental: 8                         Matrix VR Cold Init:  5 + DP + 3d6
Social: 7                         Matrix VR Hot Init:   5 + DP + 4d6
Astral: 8

== Active Skills ==
Compiling (Crack)                 Base: 6  + Karma: 0  = 6   Pool: 13 (15)
Hardware (Jacking Out)            Base: 1  + Karma: 0  = 1   Pool: 6 (8)
Perception (Visual)               Base: 2  + Karma: 0  = 2   Pool: 7 (9)
Registering (Crack)               Base: 6  + Karma: 0  = 6   Pool: 13 (15)
Software (Puppeteer)              Base: 6  + Karma: 0  = 6   Pool: 11 (13)

== Knowledge Skills ==
English                           N                     
Matrix Security (AIs)             Base: 4  + Karma: 0  = 4   Pool: 8 (10)
News (Technology)                 Base: 4  + Karma: 0  = 4   Pool: 9 (11)
Sprawl Life (Street Docs)         Base: 3  + Karma: 0  = 3   Pool: 8 (10)
Street Drugs                      Base: 4  + Karma: 0  = 4   Pool: 9

== Contacts ==
(Techno-hermit) (CON: 1, LOY: 2)
(Drug Dealer ) (CON: 5, LOY: 1)

== Qualities ==
Asthma
Exceptional Attribute (RES)
Impassive
Otaku to Technomancer
Resistance to Pathogens/Toxins
Technomancer
Thermographic Vision
Weak Immune System

== Weapons ==
Unarmed Attack
   Pool: 2        Accuracy: 5     DV: 3S       AP: -     RC: 2

==Complex Forms==
Diffusion of Attack
Diffusion of Data Processing
Diffusion of FIrewall
Editor
Puppeteer
Resonance Veil
Static Veil

== Lifestyles ==
S (Squatter)  1 months

== Armor ==
Armor Vest                          9

== Weapons ==
Survival Knife
   Pool: 2        Accuracy: 5     DV: 5P       AP: -1    RC: 2
Unarmed Attack
   Pool: 2        Accuracy: 5     DV: 3S       AP: -     RC: 2

== Commlink ==
Hermes Ikon (ATT: 0, SLZ: 0, DP: 5, FWL: 5)
   +Fake SIN (UCAS) Rating 4
Living Persona (ATT: 3, SLZ: 5, DP: 5, FWL: 7)
    Fade Resistance Pool: 16

== Gear ==
Medkit Rating 6
Psyche x6
Slap Patch, Stim Patch Rating 6 x6
Survival Kit
Zen x12



I'll add to my technomancer wishlist a Complex Form that lets you transfer a mark a sprite gets to its technomancer.


« Last Edit: <02-10-16/2225:04> by FST_Gemstar »

firebug

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« Reply #1 on: <02-09-16/2033:40> »
A minor note--  I believe one of the writers said that you need to have a datajack installed to make use of "Otaku to Technomancer".  Because that's what Otakus had to do in order to use their abilities back when they existed.
I'm Madpath Moth on reddit (and other sites).  Feel free to PM me errata questions!
Jeeze.  It would almost sound stupid until you realize we're talking about an immortal elf clown sword fighting a dragon ghost in a mall.

FST_Gemstar

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« Reply #2 on: <02-09-16/2052:35> »
I remember reading that discussion some time, though I thought it was more of an afterthought discussion than an RAI explanation. I guess it makes historic sense, that really decreases the bonus to an effective +1 to fade resistance, which seems less worth it to me, especially if you take a hit to Resonance. I'll take the rules as RAW on this one and bemoan the over-mixed fluff/crunch in Data Trails and the confusion over what little technomancer stuff that was included. (IMO Deep Runs and AI characters should be for splatbooks, while technomancer info should be in a core expansion).  Do technomancers really need more hurdles to thread CFs?

Though if needed...

A priority:
Meta: A, Dwarf
Attributes: C
Resonance: B
Skills: E
Resources: D

...could drop physical stats and pick up Narco and a datajack. with some cash/karma to spare. I don't prefer it though.
« Last Edit: <02-10-16/1338:23> by FST_Gemstar »

firebug

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« Reply #3 on: <02-09-16/2116:40> »
I agree that priorities were mixed when it came to AIs and TMs.  Dunno who thought that was reasonable...  I've seen no logical argument for it that can't be countered in a single paragraph or less.

I'd consider it though; think of what you can do with a point of Essence in terms of augmentation.  Genetic Optomization (WIL), maybe?  If you really just want as much Fading Resist dice as possible...  Though since the fading is so high regardless, the Pain Editor or the equivalent Echo is required, just so you don't knock yourself out.
I'm Madpath Moth on reddit (and other sites).  Feel free to PM me errata questions!
Jeeze.  It would almost sound stupid until you realize we're talking about an immortal elf clown sword fighting a dragon ghost in a mall.

FST_Gemstar

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« Reply #4 on: <02-09-16/2131:50> »
A point of essence can get a lot and I'm usually all for 'waring up technomancers, but I'd rather just drop otaku to technomancer if it needed a datajack.

Less about Fade, but "Resonancer" Needs high resonance to set safe, high Force limits on CFs and Sprite tests. This character just rolls too many complex forms and sprites before resting to be taking physical Fade unless it is for a very good cause.

FST_Gemstar

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« Reply #5 on: <02-17-16/1335:11> »
Firebug: It looks like the datajack is a requirement for Otaku to Technomancer in Missions. This does seem extreme and unnecessarily cruel for technomancers and for a quality that already costs 10 karma.
« Last Edit: <02-17-16/2008:45> by FST_Gemstar »

Novocrane

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« Reply #6 on: <02-17-16/1655:24> »
A minor note--  I believe one of the writers said that you need to have a datajack installed to make use of "Otaku to Technomancer".  Because that's what Otakus had to do in order to use their abilities back when they existed.
Include a background note along the lines of, "I had it removed and took gene treatment for the essence loss."

If anyone pushes for it, I'd suggest using pre-errata TM essence loss during character generation.

FST_Gemstar

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« Reply #7 on: <02-17-16/2015:47> »
A minor note--  I believe one of the writers said that you need to have a datajack installed to make use of "Otaku to Technomancer".  Because that's what Otakus had to do in order to use their abilities back when they existed.
Include a background note along the lines of, "I had it removed and took gene treatment for the essence loss."

If anyone pushes for it, I'd suggest using pre-errata TM essence loss during character generation.

That would be nice, but that seems like it wouldn't fly if it is going to be a de facto rule. Especially if revitalization is availability 14 and costs 110k.

I'd rather just not have it then for essentially one extra fade die (2 dice if the character gets Narco and uses Zen) but lower Resonance... It does give the room for the character to definitely take Quick Healer and Jack of All Trades and Ninja Vanish (for emergencies).

adzling

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« Reply #8 on: <02-17-16/2207:18> »
Duuuude spend that point of essence.
Get a datajack and the Renraku Tradejack suite.
Then jam a machine sprite in those skillwires.
Boom effective skill of @8 dice for anything you slot in those wires.
Turns that Technomancer into a JoAT for the party.

FST_Gemstar

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« Reply #9 on: <02-18-16/1617:00> »
I'm trying to work out a concept of a matrix specialist more than a Jack of all Trades. I can see going the Jack route as the character progresses, but I think being a purely resonance-based hacker wouldn't fly if the character starts skillwired. I could see a datajack and narco at start, with room for some skilljack/wires for the future though.

Hibiki54

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« Reply #10 on: <02-19-16/1056:42> »
A minor note--  I believe one of the writers said that you need to have a datajack installed to make use of "Otaku to Technomancer".  Because that's what Otakus had to do in order to use their abilities back when they existed.

That is ONLY a Shadowrun Missions rule.

It is entirely up to a GM to enforce that requirement.