[Mantis]

So the vehicle and gun mod tables list the tools to do a listed mod (kit, shop or facility) and the skill section on pg 138 of SR4A lists the modifiers for such skills. What I want to know is, can I use a shop for example, to do a mod that calls for a facility and take the -2 Inadequate Tools modifier or are those tools listed assumed to be the minimum needed? Thoughts?

[Michael Chandra]

To reference SR4a 332: The GM decides when you need a kit, a shop or a facility and thus whether or not to apply the inadequate/unavailable tools penalty (SR4a 138). The other way around, if you use a Facility to do a Kit mod, you get a bonus from superior tools.

However, the GM might rule that the specific tools needed for this mod aren't Available and then they can decide it's a -4 or not allowed.

[Mantis]

I think you may be misunderstanding my question. The tables in Arsenal quite specifically say the tool size needed for a mod. My question is can I use a lower tool size and take the -2 for Inadequate tools.

[Michael Chandra]

I did, hence my quote of SR4a 332, which roughly translates to "normally yes, unless the GM decides that this specific operation isn't just inadequate but unavailable." Sure Arsenal overrides judgement from the GM on what mod needs what size of tool, but it states Inadequate applies when you're using too small a tool.

[Shaidar]

Arsenal (pg. 124-125) specifically reinforces SR4 (pg. 125, 302-303, 322-323) general B/R rules.  GM caveat, Inadequate, Unavailable, or Can't be done.