[emsquared]

Hey forum peeps,

So what follows is the PC I am planning on using for our next SR campaign (not that we have any plans of stopping our current campaign - but hey, never too early to start planning, right?). I've never played a Hacker (neither SR2, nor 4A) before so I am greatly looking forward to your input (like is 'Exploit' a good choice for Codeslinger, what about his gear/programs?). I'm planning on Fugue being an Augmented Reality-only Combat Hacker, so he's gonna be in the thick of things with teammates and also does a little Infiltration/B&E stuff (including Demo ). Also, still have a chunk of change yet to spend and to choose Contacts for which I've allotted 13 BP.

Cheers!

== Info ==
Street Name: Fugue
Movement: 10/25, Swim: 5
Karma: 0
Street Cred: 0
Notoriety: 0
Public Awareness: 0
Metahumanity: Human
Composure: 5
Judge Intentions: 7
Lift/Carry: 6 (45 kg/30 kg)
Memory: 7
Nuyen: 18,090

== Attributes == (200 BP)
BOD: 3
AGI: 5 (7)
REA: 5 (9)
STR: 1 (3)
CHA: 2
INT: 5
LOG: 4
WIL: 3
EDG: 2

== Derived Attributes ==
Essence:                   1.35
Initiative:                10 (14)
IP:                        1 (3)
Matrix Initiative:         5
Matrix IP:                 1
Physical Damage Track:     10
Stun Damage Track:         10

== Active Skills == (116 BP)
Automatics                  : 4         Pool: 11
Computer                   : 4          Pool: 12
Data Search               : 4          Pool: 12
Demolitions                : 1          Pool: 9
Electronic Warfare     : 1          Pool: 9
First Aid                     : 1          Pool: 9
Gymnastics                : 4          Pool: 11
Hacking                      : 6         Pool: 14
Hardware                   : 4          Pool: 12
Infiltration                   : 4          Pool: 11
Palming                      : 1         Pool: 8
Perception                 : 3          Pool: 8
Software                    : 4          Pool: 12
Unarmed Combat       : 4         Pool: 11

== Qualities ==
Posi: (20 BP)
Aptitude (Hacking)
Codeslinger (Hack on the Fly)

Neg: (+35 BP)
Albinism
Media Junkie (Mild)
Prejudiced (Common, Outspoken) (Corporate Personnel)
Reality Impaired

== Contacts == (13 BP)

== Cyberware == (46 BP on Y = 230K Y)
Cybereyes Basic System (Rating 4)
 - Image Link
 - Eye Recording Unit
 - Flare Compensation
 - Low-Light Vision
 - Smartlink
 - Thermo Vision
 - Vision Enhancement (Rating 3)
 - Vision Magnification
Datajack
Protective Covers
Reaction Enhancers (Rating 2)
Wired Reflexes (Rating 2)

== Bioware ==
Enhanced Protein - PuSHeD
Muscle Aug (Rating 2)
Muscle Toner (Rating 2)

== Lifestyle ==
1,700Y/mo.

== Armor ==
FFFBA                                                  7/3
 - Nonconductivity 6
 - Chem Protection 6
 - Fire Resistance 6
 - Gel Packs
Securetech PPP (Ensemble)                2/4
dressCODE CYBERPIRATE Trousers  1/1

== Weapons ==
Shock Glove - Pool 11
Onotari Equalizer - Pool 13
 - Sound Suppressor
 - Folding Stock
 - Laser Sight
 - Gas Vent 3
 - Electronic Firing
 - Smartgun System
 - Extended Clip
Colt M23 - Pool 13
 - Sound Supressor
 - Bipod/Foregrip
 - Flash-light (Low-Light)
 - Gas Vent 3
 - Electronic Firing
 - Smartgun System

== Gear ==
Neural Amplifiers, Neocortical (Rating 3)
Transys Avalon / Novatech Navi (System 6 Upgrade)
 - AR Gloves
 - Biometric Reader
 - Subvocal Microphone
 - Nonstandard Wireless Link (Rating 6)
 - Hardening (Rating 6)
 - Optimization (Exploit)
Programs
 - Analyze 6
 - Browse 6
 - Command 6
 - Corrupt 3
 - Decrypt 6
 - Defuse 6
 - Disarm 6
 - ECCM 6
 - Edit 6
 - Encrypt 6
 - Exploit 6
 - Scan 6
 - Sniffer 6
 - Stealth 6
 - Spoof 6
 - Track 3
Earbuds (Rating 3)
 - Audio Enhancement (Rating 3)
 - Select Sound Filter
 - Empty Slot
 - Skinlink

Repeater Drone (Minidrone)

[RHat]

A few notes:

- Codeslinger applies to a Matrix Action, not a program; Exploit is not a valid choice for this quality.
- Just because you're in AR doesn't mean you can get away with ignoring Cybercombat.  Crashing your icon is a really easy way to mess up a combat hacker.
- The effective rating of your programs is limited by System and thus Response, and thus you cannot make full use of those Rating 6 programs.
- Aptitude (Hacking) is a lot of BP for not a lot of gain, you probably have better places to spend those points.
- Stealth should always be at the best rating you can run it at.  Spoofing is far too useful (especially for a combat hacker) to only have rating 2.  Get Encrypt, because you'll be expected to handle the team's ECM and ECCM - encrypting communications is important.  Things like Sniffer can be handy, but given that a mundane hacker is limited by the programs he's carrying, "might be handy" means you get it.
- Cybercombat programs.  You can still be attacked from AR, it's just biofeedback that you don't have to worry about.
- Get some microdrones you can use to establish a signal to low-signal devices in combat.  Can be very helpful to you, and their sensors will become important later once you get a tacnet up and running.

[UmaroVI]

I hope you are going human for the ROLE-play and not the ROLL-play because you'd really be much better off as an Ork.

You cannot Codeslinger Exploit. Exploit isn't an action. You need to codeslinger something like "Hack on the Fly," which is an OK option.

Cybereyes Basic System (Rating 4)
 - Image Link
 - Eye Recording Unit
 - Flare Compensation
 - Low-Light Vision
 - Smartlink
 - Thermo Vision
 - Vision Enhancement (Rating 3)
 - Vision Magnification
Datajack
Protective Covers

are all cakeware but I assume you know that.

I don't think either of those guns are particularly good. What are you looking for in guns?

Don't take rating 2 or 4 programs. 3 or 6 is where to go.

You have an activesoft and no skillwire.

[emsquared]

Thanks for the input, guys! A bit more info in a couple areas might be good though:

- Just because you're in AR doesn't mean you can get away with ignoring Cybercombat.  Crashing your icon is a really easy way to mess up a combat hacker.

It seemed like there is a general attitude towards Cybercombat of "If you have to engage in Cybercombat you've already failed." Not to mention, the difficulty of actually winning. I'd like more input on this...

- The effective rating of your programs is limited by System and thus Response, and thus you cannot make full use of those Rating 6 programs.

Why buy a program twice? When I upgrade my System/Response (which I may yet do in Chargen), I'll already be good to go.

- Stealth should always be at the best rating you can run it at.  Spoofing is far too useful (especially for a combat hacker) to only have rating 2.  Get Encrypt, because you'll be expected to handle the team's ECM and ECCM - encrypting communications is important.  Things like Sniffer can be handy, but given that a mundane hacker is limited by the programs he's carrying, "might be handy" means you get it.

Yeah, will have to balance out some of this stuff with my remaining Y. Thanks for the insight!

- Get some microdrones you can use to establish a signal to low-signal devices in combat.  Can be very helpful to you, and their sensors will become important later once you get a tacnet up and running.

I know less about rigging and drones than I do Hacking. Any specifics in mind?

I hope you are going human for the ROLE-play and not the ROLL-play because you'd really be much better off as an Ork.

Cybereyes Basic System (Rating 4)
 - Image Link
 - Eye Recording Unit
 - Flare Compensation
 - Low-Light Vision
 - Smartlink
 - Thermo Vision
 - Vision Enhancement (Rating 3)
 - Vision Magnification
Datajack
Protective Covers

are all cakeware but I assume you know that.

Yep, all flavor choices. I picture him being an "OG"-otaku, hence the datajack. And if I was into transhumanism (before I was into professional-crime), pretty sure one of the first things I'd do is get some wiz eyez. The protective covers are essentially shades because of his Albinism.

I don't think either of those guns are particularly good. What are you looking for in guns?

I put together this build awhile ago and I'm not sure why I chose those guns either, but I think it was because I imagined him choosing guns based on looks - yeah, even though he has an Automatics 4 skill and should probably know better.

Don't take rating 2 or 4 programs. 3 or 6 is where to go.

I believe you, but I'd be interested in knowing the mathematical reasoning too.

You have an activesoft and no skillwire.

Hmmm, I think I must've thought the social skill would be like a Knowsoft. Dropped.

Again thanks for the input!

[UmaroVI]

It's not a bad idea to eventually own programs for cybercombat, but yeah, it's not generally very helpful. If you want to be capable of winning cyberslapfights, agents with Cascading is how you do it. But it isn't generally that helpful.

Program selection:
You should have all the Basic programs at 6 because they are cheap.

Stealth, Exploit, and Disarm are programs that it is a really terrible idea not to have at max.

Decrypt, ECCM, Sniffer, Spoof, and Track are all a good idea to have at max, but not the same level of critical importance.

Data Bomb, Corrupt, and the various cybercombat options are not outright worthless but are not really worth your money until you're sitting on a pile of it, IMO.

Medic is worthless.

The reason to have Rank 3 or 6 is the breakpoints for how the cost is calculated. It spikes at 4, so you really don't want 4. It is 1500 for a rating 3 program, or 4000 for a rating 4 program; you're paying nearly 3 times the price for only 1/3 more rating.

If you want a cheap drone to help you make signal connections, get a Repeater Drone (Unwired).

Guns: depends what you want. B&P MP-9 (best all-around machine pistol), Ares Executive Protector (murder briefcase), Ingram SuperMach (overall best SMG for SnS), Praetorian (overall best SMG if you aren't using SnS), Ares Alpha (overall best AR), Ares HVBR (overall best BR) is the shortlist of good Automatics. The Ingram X, Onatori Arms Punisher,  and the Ultimax 68 have niches of usefulness if you really care about having Restricted rather than Forbidden weapons with certain features. There's probably a few others that are good in specific niches, but generally I would advise picking from that list.

[RHat]

It's not a bad idea to eventually own programs for cybercombat, but yeah, it's not generally very helpful. If you want to be capable of winning cyberslapfights, agents with Cascading is how you do it. But it isn't generally that helpful.

For a combat hacker, the calculation is very different - being forcibly disconnected from the Matrix in a combat situation could get people killed.  You don't want to start Cybercombat, but you damn sure better be able to hold your own; loading up on Armour and such while letting an agent or two handle the fighting is a valid option, though.

[Gorean]

A kinda left field suggestion for a combat hacker would be to switch out automatics for heavy weapons. That'll allow you to drop your commlink and guns for the OgreHammer assault cannon since it has an integrated commlink 6/6/6/6

You give up all pretense of subtlety but hey everything can be improved by adding more HE :-)

[emsquared]

Okay, original post updated.

What about Commlink options/modules, etc.? Cryptosense? Non-standard Wireless link seems pretty pimp, worth putting at 6? What about Optimization, what are good options for this (presently I took Exploit)? What other nifty gadgets should a Hacker have (Jammer)? Does anyone use Datasofts for anything? Should I be putting any Autosofts on my Repeater Drone?

[RHat]

If you expect Exploit to be your go-to, that's a good choice.  But don't forget about the program option of the same name to help you get some higher rating stuff in - a Rating 6 Exploit or Spoof could turn out to be well worth Restricted Gear, especially if you add in the Mute option in the case of Exploit.

I'd caution, again, that you shouldn't ignore cybercombat - you don't want to get into it, but especially as a combat hacker (who has to trade being careful and stealthy for getting things done RFN because, you know, bullets) you probably won't have a choice; someone else is liable to load up Attack and come after you.

Spoof may turn out to be your bread and butter, by the way - it's more limited than Exploit, but it's a hell of a lot faster and really quite flexible all the same.

As for the drone, my suggestions would be Clearsight and Maneuver.  Perhaps Targeting for the laser transciever and directional antenna, depending on how the GM would handle those.

Also, get Trodes so that you have a DNI instead of having to physically interact with AR.  Makes more sense than having to take a hand off your gun.

[Gorean]

Okay, original post updated.

What about Commlink options/modules, etc.? Cryptosense? Non-standard Wireless link seems pretty pimp, worth putting at 6? What about Optimization, what are good options for this (presently I took Exploit)? What other nifty gadgets should a Hacker have (Jammer)? Does anyone use Datasofts for anything? Should I be putting any Autosofts on my Repeater Drone?

Cryptosense is later game once you have biodrones.
Non standard wireless  is better at rating 3/4. The reason is the rating is the signal strength, not the threshold bonus. Due to the mutual signal range part of the rules you just don't need the high signal, but it is cheap enough that it doesn't really matter.
Optimization, either exploit or stealth is the way to go. I lean towards stealth since not being seen is worth far more than speed, especially as you're an AR hacker which means you have extended intervals already.
Datasofts have there uses but probably better to pick up in game so that they're  specific to your run needs.

As to matrix combat. You're an on site hacker so ignore cyber combat its worthless to you. You're on site and connecting directly to the target nodes, which means as soon as you're seen you'll be tracked and then connection terminated. The security guys will then drop elevators and lock doors on you all the while telling the security goons exactly were you are.

[RHat]

As to matrix combat. You're an on site hacker so ignore cyber combat its worthless to you. You're on site and connecting directly to the target nodes, which means as soon as you're seen you'll be tracked and then connection terminated. The security guys will then drop elevators and lock doors on you all the while telling the security goons exactly were you are.

Maybe I'm interpreting "Combat Hacker" to mean something different from what everyone else is.  Way I see it, this suggests someone who's focused in some part on hacking as an element of combat, like messing with the enemy rigger and trying to wrest control of his drones from him or messing with the other team's 'ware.  You really think that people won't turn around and come at him in cybercombat as a response to that kind of thing?

[emsquared]

I may be using it wrong Mostly I just mean I intend to be there in the meat with my party wherever they go, and being capable of holding up in a fire-fight. I suppose if hacking drones or ware is the most efficient way to deal with a given threat I'd do it. But generally just shooting people/things seems to be the most efficient... With the exception of heavily armored drones possibly.