[Gecko]

First: This is not my native language. So, i humbly apologize for any mistakes.

So, i'd like to ask all of you Decker out there how should i tweak my gear as it is now.

In my game i actually got a Renraku Tsurugi (Vanilla), and since my GM recently read Data Trails (and me too), i'd like to know a good setup.

Consider this, it's not a rule-strict game, and for example, we're using a custom rules for initiative (no Multidimensional processor). The rest is much the same.

And i'd like a setup that focus mainly on Hack On The Fly, Defence, and Spotting things in the matrix and not being spotted.

Any help would be appreciated, if not, well Have a Nice Day in The Matrix.

[Darzil]

Personally I'd buy pretty much all the new programs, as they can always be useful, but Smoke and Mirrors is arguably stupidly powerful.

As you have custom initiative rules, the best module is out of the way, so I'd put another in, probably Hardening, as Overwatch mask seems a little underpowered to me, though you could put in your favourite program instead. Signal Filter isn't great unless you often experience large noise, as you can now have 3 Antennas from Chrome Flesh on top of the traditional noise reductions. Induction Receiver seems to be pretty much a datatap.

I'd then hardwire a second module using device modification, as I think that's better than just adding one matrix attribute.

If you are a mundane decker, I'd also look at the intuition increaser, Cerebellum Booster, from Chrome Flesh, as half the matrix actions and defenses come off intuition. As well as Antennae for noise reduction.

If you haven't got the qualities, I'd recommend Overclocker (+1 to any matrix attribute) and Perfect Time (a bit cheesy, but with two free actions you can switch from Firewall highest to Sleaze highest, do a matrix complex action, and then switch Firewall back to highest). Each costs 10 Karma post character generation.

[Krindi]

Overwatch mask seems a little underpowered to me, though you could put in your favourite program instead.

I'd then hardwire a second module using device modification, as I think that's better than just adding one matrix attribute.

I'm pretty sure the sole purpose of Overwatch Mask is for someone who's taken Wanted by GOD and only has 30 OS before convergence instead of 40, but there might be some edge use when going against high Host values and needing that extra tiny bit.

Increasing a matrix attribute via Device Modification does give you the option of, for example, Increasing Firewall +1 and then also using the Encryption program to give yourself another +1 Firewall.  If you simply hardwire a Program Carrier: Firewall module, well, you're already running the program so you can't run it again.  Another specific-use case.

The quality Quick Config can complement Perfect Time by allowing you to make two changes with each Free Action.  Not usually necessary, but would allow you to, for example, Swap Firewall and Attack scores, swap Encryption to Hammer, Data Spike whatever, then both switch back.  Just adds to your deck micro-management headache by expanding your options noticeably.

[Rooks]

I personally dont think theres enough programs that are able to be running at once, example baby monitor so you can check overwatch score then wrapper to hide your matrix persona/icon to look like something else and then another program and you already hit the 3 program limit sure you can take virtual machine to make it 5 then you take an extra damage when hit

for Stealth you want Smoke and mirrors sneak exploit and stealth programs

for defense you want biofeedback filter guard encryption and armor programs

for attacking not brute forcing you can go hammer decryption and biofeedback if target is a persona fork is a good program too cause then you can hack or attack more than one target

overclocker is a good quality too

[Whiskeyjack]

Matrix fighting is largely pointless and Baby Monitor has very niche uses (you shouldn't ever be on and actively doing illegal stuff for so long that you actually have to worry about it).

[WillAsher]

Been running a decker in Missions for a while.  I also have the Renraku Tsurugi. I don't have my character or books in front of me, but here is what I do/suggest:

First, modify the stat array to 7 5 5 2.  The modification section allows you to modify the array.  You are almost never going to need both Attack and Sleaze high at the same time.  So, set yourself up at Sleaze 7, Firewall 5, Data Processing 5, and Attack 2.  Swap Attack and Firewall when you want to use Attack Actions.

Second, install a Program Carrier modules with Encryption (+1 Firewall).  This gives you Sleaze 7, Firewall 6, Data Processing 5, and Attack 2

Programs:  Sneak (to protect you from Traces and GOD), ?Exploit? (+1 Sleaze Program), Virtual Machine (you are trying to stay quiet, avoid decking combat), Smoke and Mirrors (running at 1, your datajack negates 1 noise), and whatever other program you use to help what you are doing (this tends to change throughout the run more than any other program).  If just sneaking, then Signal Filter and turn your Smoke and Mirrors up to 3.  This leaves you with Sleaze 9-11, Firewall 6, Data Processing 5, and Attack 2. 

Cyberware/Bioware:  Logic Increasing Bioware (can't remember the name), Neocortical Nanos with Soft Nanohive, Limbic Nanos with Soft Nanohive, then Cerebellum Booster.  If you are going to AR hack a lot, then Synaptic Booster 2.  If you are going to do more VR hacking, I would suggest the cheaper bioware in Chrome Flesh (10,000 and 1 Ess for 1d6 init) or the Synaptic Acceleration geneware (78,000? and 0.4 Ess for 1d6+1 init and 1 defense).  The nanos give you 1d and 1 limit to either Logic or Intuition skill checks per level.  That won't help you with hiding, but makes you far more likely to make you skill checks.  They are, unfortunately, an after character creation purchase due to availability.

I recommend Data Anomaly (purchase after character creation for 6 karma), Overclocker, and Perfect Time (remember that you want your Sleaze to be high on everyone else's turn no matter what you are doing so that you are harder to find).  I find this setup works very well, and by being so hard to find I regularly get the job done before the spider/decker/technomancer even finds me.  More than once I have taken down an enemy decker/technomancer without ever getting attacked.  Don't forget to get 3 marks on the spider, Format Device, and then just check your marks once in a while.  If they see that they are marked they will either erase them or reboot to clear them.  If they erase them, or see you, then you just reboot device on them and they are out of the fight.  Worst case, you need to put some more marks on them.