Neuromancy
by Stephen Ironside (5 May 94)


[1] DataScreen: The Turing develops a kind of Heads Up Display upon which data can be displayed from Online Storage as if
on a computer monitor.

[2] Databurst: The character becomes able to transfer information to and from Online Storage, either from her memory, or
from a nearby eletronic system. To perform the latter, the player must make a Perception + Computer roll with a standard
difficulty of 6. If there is a lot of interference or distraction, this may get more difficult. Note that only data can be transferred -
programs are a slightly different matter, since they are 'platform dependant'.

[3] Interface: It becomes possible for the character to operate an electronic device just by concentrating on it. If used with
Databurst above, it could, for example, allow a character to control a remote camera, record the output into Online Storage,
allowing her to replay it on her DataScreen later. To make the connection requires an Intelligence + Computer roll. The more
'intelligent' the device, the harder it becomes. To give a rough idea, the remote camera would be around a 6, while a
top-of-the-line workstation would probably warrant an 8 or 9, depending on it's software.

[4] Upload: At this point the Turing become able to investigate the electronic realm known as the Digital Web (At this point,
the Digital Web sourcebook for Mage becomes essential). All Disciplines, Attributes and Abilities remain unchanged by the
transition, and function as normal. To make the transition requires an Intelligence + Computer roll against a difficulty of 9, with
three successes being required to enter the Web. Most of the rules of the Web apply, with a few differences detailed later on.
To leave the Web requires another roll, this time for 'Download'

[5] Telecode: The Turing can 'write' a program into Online Storage, and transfer it to an electronic device for execution. This
can also be used to write software 'on the fly' in the Web, where it resembles spellcasting (of the vulgar type, but Paradox is not
a problem - vampires are unaffected). To write the code requires an Intelligence + Computer roll, where the difficulty depends
on what the program has to do, and to transfer it requires at least one success on a Wits + Computer roll against a difficulty of
9. Note that the Neuromancer does not actually write the program, but visualises what it needs to do. Also, the rogram must
terminate (either naturally, or be crashed by another user) before another program can be run. The Turing can crash a program
he has run at any time, and anothers program on a successful Telecode usage (The Turing essentially writes a program designed
to crash the required program).

[6] Icon Mask: Similar to Soul Mask, this ability allows the Neuromancer to present a false 'icon' to any program. More
specifically, it allows a character to beat an electronic security system. A roll of Wits + Security is required, with the target being
an indication of how easy it is to fool the system.


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