[PiXeL01]

Simple, possibly even a stupid question but say some runners are trying to locate someone. They have been given the comm code of the target, so in order to mark and trace it they need to locate the icon in the digital sea of the matrix, they need to see whether the unit is still running.

Would that be a Matrix Perception or Matrix Search action?.

[Lodestar]

Perception if its running silent.

Search if its in the wide open sea of the Matrix to be found.

But I'm not quite sure.

[Darzil]

Matrix Perception, as it's for finding icons.

However, if it's switched off, or wireless off, you may be able to use Matrix Search to find places it has been recently used, though it'd be tough.

[Reaver]

Honestly?

If they have the commcode, no check at all, as long as its not in silent mode.

The commcode when used puts you directly into contact with that comlink. After all a commcode is just a telephone number

Use the commcode and call him up, he answers, boom direct connection to his icon. Now mark away as you talk

(Unlesd you don't want to talk to him... IE: he's the subject of a Run. Then your back to your question.)

[Xenon]

You automatically Spot an Icon in the same host or out on the grids if its physical location is less than 100 metres (unless it's trying to hide).

You take a simple Matrix Perception test with a threshold of 1 hit to Spot an Icon out on the grids that have a physical location more than 100 metres away from you (unless it's trying to hide).

You take an opposed Matrix Perception test to Spot an Icon that is trying to hide in the same host or out on the grids.

[Xenon]

Honestly?

If they have the commcode, no check at all, as long as its not in silent mode.

There are millions and millions icons out there. Icons are very easy to find, but they are only obvious if they are in the same host or within 100 metres. Beyond this you need a single hit from a Matrix Perception test to Spot the icon (it is as obvious to spot as a running crowd, neon sign or gun fight - so not very hard to spot.... But it still require a test and that you actually spend the time to look for it).

Note that you don't need to Spot the recipient in order to Send Message to it. All you need is its commcode.

But if you wish to hack it, then you first need to door Spot it....

[Reaver]

Honestly?

If they have the commcode, no check at all, as long as its not in silent mode.

There are millions and millions icons out there. Icons are very easy to find, but they are only obvious if they are in the same host or within 100 metres. Beyond this you need a single hit from a Matrix Perception test to Spot the icon (it is as obvious to spot as a running crowd, neon sign or gun fight - so not very hard to spot.... But it still require a test and that you actually spend the time to look for it).

Note that you don't need to Spot the recipient in order to Send Message to it. All you need is its commcode.

But if you need to hack it, then you first need to door it....

Hmmm.

My understanding of that is different. Time for me to go do some reading (again)

[Facemage]

By rules it is possible to run silent with your commlink (on page 235). If I run my commlink in silent mode and someone want to find me, is it Computer + Intuition [Data processing] v. Logic? No sleaze. This should be very easy for a competent Decker.

[Darzil]

Yes, unless you use some of the tricks from Data Trails, such as adding a Sleaze Dongle.

[Xenon]

Buy a throwaway commlink, a sleaze dongle and a temporary commcode. Connect the sleaze dongle, form your avatar on the throwaway commlink, switch to the temporary commcode and make the call. Reboot your persona after you made the call and then change back to your regular avatar on your regular commlink. Switch back to your regular commcode. Save the sleaze dongle, throw away the throwaway commlink and don't use the temporary commcode ever again.

("Temporary commcodes" or "switching commcode" is not RAW).