[Sichr]

Thermographic vision doesn't see heat, it sees infra-red radiation. A thermosense organ uses pits, which are similar to ear drums. But they use a differential in heat pressure to detect hot and cold at a distance.

Correct. I missed "thermosense organs"... Well even if it beats invisibility, those are less usefull for combat purposes since no matter if you detect the enemy, you still have -6 for blind fire

[Mirikon]

Thermographic vision doesn't see heat, it sees infra-red radiation. A thermosense organ uses pits, which are similar to ear drums. But they use a differential in heat pressure to detect hot and cold at a distance.

Correct. I missed "thermosense organs"... Well even if it beats invisibility, those are less usefull for combat purposes since no matter if you detect the enemy, you still have -6 for blind fire

Which means nothing when you have Fireball (or grenades in enclosed spaces).

[Sichr]

for such case good hearing would be enought. And I dont think you want to use fireballs or grenades on 10 range distance.

[Sichr]

But whatever. Not my character, not my problem. I got Steam almost converted, well he is no combat monster etc. Simple investigator or shadowrunner. Not Bogota type....

[RHat]

Though, unless you're a hacker, or just want an agent to do browsing for you, they are unreasonably expensive for most runners who wouldn't have much of a need for them.

I must disagree with you here.  A rating 4 Agent replaces 4 rating 4 skills, two of which are relevant for everyone; and with the right autosofts does even more - all characters could have need of the Analyze Icon/Node, Observe In Detail (Matrix version), Control Device, Data Search, Detect Hidden Node, and Trace User actions.  An agent, though less effective than an actual person with the actual skills, can substitute for buying those skills for far less than the cost of them.

I'm still reconfiguring Nitro some to get the exact feel that I want, by the way.

[mtfeeney = Baron]

An agent needs autosofts? Damn it... I thought I just had to buy him and he would use the software I purchased. What autosofts so I need?

Mirikon, can you get 2 or 3 of those nodeshiko drones and jump back and forth between them, essentially paying as your own squad of killer bots?

[RHat]

They come with Computer, Cybercombat, Data Search, and Hacking skills at their rating.  Autosofts expand that, such as Electronic Warfare, Adaptability, Maneuvering, and Targeting.

[mtfeeney = Baron]

Is there a limit to how many autosofts am agent can run? Is it just your processor limit?

[Aryeonos]

I'm not disputing that agents are useful, it can just be costly to budget them into your gear depending on the build you're going for. I usually do a jack of some trades build so it's not as hard, but when you're going for high end cyber or bio or foci and whatnots it's not always practical when you know your team matrix specialist already has that base covered.

The agent will use the node its on for the processor limit on programs, and the agent itself counts as a program. This is where things like Ergonomic come in handy, and optimized.

[RHat]

The problem is the notion of relying on the specialist for basic function, though.  An agent is the cheapest way to get general functionality.

[All4BigGuns]

Is there a limit to how many autosofts am agent can run? Is it just your processor limit?

The Agent's rating limits its programs it can have loaded, and the Agent and its payload all count toward processor limit.

[Mirikon]

Mirikon, can you get 2 or 3 of those nodeshiko drones and jump back and forth between them, essentially paying as your own squad of killer bots?

I could, but considering I spent over 100K on the first one... Now, if I manage to steal another one or two, and get them modded up, then yes. But really, I could do the same thing with any drones. The only reason my Nadeshiko is so good is because it is my AI's home node, which increases the specs. If I were going to get additional killbots, I'd go with a Steel Lynx or two and a Reaper. Because four hard points on a legal drone is a lovely thing.

[RHat]

Now if only I could afford more kill-bots...

[Mirikon]

Let's see. If I was going to kit out a Reaper for some Pink Mohawk fun, I'd have a LMG, a quad-rack (EuroWar Antiques) with Dagger missiles, a quad-rack with incendiary bombs, and the FA grenade launcher from EuroWar Antiques. Because a belt-fed grenade launcher spells all kinds of fun. Throw on some camo coating, improved economy, and armor, and let it fly above the target area until you're ready for it. Combined with close support from other, cheaper drones, like a Steel Lynx or Rotodrone, and you can make someone believe that war has broken out in their backyard.

[Aryeonos]

My husband seems to include GM-Nissan Dobermans with every build he makes, I start forgetting there are other drones out  there. My personal favourite is the Unicorn, which my hacker has one of, modified with chameleon coating and improved takeoff and lnding 2, y'know... incase.