[taukarrie]

I know the cyberjack acts as a supercharged datajack, but it also sort of seems like it acts as a commlink but I cant find anything in the book that definitively states that one way or another. I know you can hack with a cyberjack/cyberdeck combo, which doesnt include a commlink, so it certainly seems like the case. and the cyberjack seems to have all of the same stats as a commlink.  So could I just get a cyberjack only and walk around browsing the matrix and making vid calls and stuff (with image linked cybereyes)? or do I need an actual commlink or cyberdeck to pair with the cyberjack for matrix access? If I do need a commlink which D/F stats am I using when things happen?

If the cyberjack IS independent of a commlink.. what if I didnt have the essence for a high grade cyberjack but I had the cash for a top grade commlink. So whenever I need a high device rating over higher D/F values can I just use the cyberjack as a normal datajack and go online with my commlink instead?

I feel like I just need to choose which devices to create a persona with choosing some combination of datajack, cyberjack, commlink, cyberdeck, and RCC and whichever ASDF stats and device rating i get from the combo determines what actions i can take in the matrix, given the required skills, and how many devices I can link to my network. But the cyberjack/commlink relationship is confusing.

Is there any benefit to having multiple cyberjacks or combination of datajacks and cyberjacks?

[Plan_B]

The cyberjack does not share functions with the commlink except for also providing (superior) Data Processing and Firewall Matrix attributes. It is more like an extremely advanced data jack. Originally, the cyberdeck contained all of the Matrix attributes used by a decker. Even with this change in Matrix attribute allocation, the cyberdeck still provides the same functionality of a commlink as well as allowing the decker to hack the Matrix. It just no longer provides the Data Processing and Firewall attributes.

Additionally, do not need a cyberjack to hack the Matrix. You can use a commlink and a cyberdeck to do that. However, the cyberjack allows you to do it better, faster, and I believe it also allows you to take Matrix specific Edge actions that using a commlink would not.


There would also be no need to take a cyberjack and a datajack as the cyberjack also provides the functionality of the datajack. Given that a cyberdeck is technically illegal, it's not a bad idea to have a low cost commlink to appear to use when in public so you can hide your cyberdeck. Arguably, the benefit of a high end commlink would be that you can load up additional programs beyond the capacity of your cyberdeck's maximum but this is something you'd want to clear with your GM first. Rules as written neither confirm nor exclude this option.

[taukarrie]

The cyberjack does not share functions with the commlink except for also providing (superior) Data Processing and Firewall Matrix attributes. It is more like an extremely advanced data jack. Originally, the cyberdeck contained all of the Matrix attributes used by a decker. Even with this change in Matrix attribute allocation, the cyberdeck still provides the same functionality of a commlink as well as allowing the decker to hack the Matrix. It just no longer provides the Data Processing and Firewall attributes.

Additionally, do not need a cyberjack to hack the Matrix. You can use a commlink and a cyberdeck to do that. However, the cyberjack allows you to do it better, faster, and I believe it also allows you to take Matrix specific Edge actions that using a commlink would not.


There would also be no need to take a cyberjack and a datajack as the cyberjack also provides the functionality of the datajack. Given that a cyberdeck is technically illegal, it's not a bad idea to have a low cost commlink to appear to use when in public so you can hide your cyberdeck. Arguably, the benefit of a high end commlink would be that you can load up additional programs beyond the capacity of your cyberdeck's maximum but this is something you'd want to clear with your GM first. Rules as written neither confirm nor exclude this option.

Ok so how does a RCC fit in?  By the rules it looks like you get ASDF with a RCC/cyberdeck combo. But i read elsewhere that this is prohibited, and that feels like an arbitrary restriction just to prevent people from decking and rigging at the same time because it otherwise doesnt seem to follow the pattern the other device combos do for matrix access.

and can you use an RCC alone with a cyberjack/datajack to access the matrix the same as you can with a cyberdeck alone?

[Banshee]

The cyberjack does not share functions with the commlink except for also providing (superior) Data Processing and Firewall Matrix attributes. It is more like an extremely advanced data jack. Originally, the cyberdeck contained all of the Matrix attributes used by a decker. Even with this change in Matrix attribute allocation, the cyberdeck still provides the same functionality of a commlink as well as allowing the decker to hack the Matrix. It just no longer provides the Data Processing and Firewall attributes.

Additionally, do not need a cyberjack to hack the Matrix. You can use a commlink and a cyberdeck to do that. However, the cyberjack allows you to do it better, faster, and I believe it also allows you to take Matrix specific Edge actions that using a commlink would not.


There would also be no need to take a cyberjack and a datajack as the cyberjack also provides the functionality of the datajack. Given that a cyberdeck is technically illegal, it's not a bad idea to have a low cost commlink to appear to use when in public so you can hide your cyberdeck. Arguably, the benefit of a high end commlink would be that you can load up additional programs beyond the capacity of your cyberdeck's maximum but this is something you'd want to clear with your GM first. Rules as written neither confirm nor exclude this option.

Ok so how does a RCC fit in?  By the rules it looks like you get ASDF with a RCC/cyberdeck combo. But i read elsewhere that this is prohibited, and that feels like an arbitrary restriction just to prevent people from decking and rigging at the same time because it otherwise doesnt seem to follow the pattern the other device combos do for matrix access.

and can you use an RCC alone with a cyberjack/datajack to access the matrix the same as you can with a cyberdeck alone?

Sort of ... yes you can use a RCC with a cyberjack or data Jack to access the matrix and run matrix overwatch/defense but a RCC can be used for hacking

In game reason for this is because RCC have a different operating system that does not allow the proper interface that's required... but behind the scenes yes it is a game balance issue. We want riggers to be able to do things with the matrix but we don't want them replacing deckers or vice versa

[skalchemist]

Sort of ... yes you can use a RCC with a cyberjack or data Jack to access the matrix and run matrix overwatch/defense but a RCC can be used for hacking

Did you mean "CAN'T be used for hacking"?  I think that's what you meant.

[Banshee]

Sort of ... yes you can use a RCC with a cyberjack or data Jack to access the matrix and run matrix overwatch/defense but a RCC can be used for hacking

Did you mean "CAN'T be used for hacking"?  I think that's what you meant.

Yep ... typing on phone ... it sucks 😉

[Michael Chandra]

I swipe instead. More reliable.

[Xenon]

It is my understanding that you may only use one out of: commlink, RCC or cyberdeck. Just like previous editions it seem as if you are not allowed to use two of them at the same time. Which mean you can't for example both enjoy an attack and sleaze rating (by using a cyberdeck) while you at command multiple drones at the same time (by using a RCC).

Cyberjack is basically just a datajack (but with the added benefit that it comes with data processing and firewall ratings of its own and also that it allow you to take matrix edge actions). You can combine your commlink, RCC or cyberdeck with a cyberjack, if you have one, but you don't have to.

Cyberdeck-users (Deckers) will obviously get most mileage out of a cyberjack since cyberdecks don't come with its own data processing or firewall rating and most of the matrix specific edge actions require that you use a cyberdeck (or a living persona), but commlink and RCC users (or perhaps more common - a decker that temporarily switch to a commlink or RCC instead of his or her cyberdeck) might benefit from having a cyberjack in that the cyberjack enable you to temporarily increase data processing or firewall by 1 per edge spend for one test and it could also provide you with excellent data processing and firewall ratings even if you are using a low end commlink (or RCC).

RCC-users (Riggers) would probably rather get a control rig than a cyberjack or datajack. The control rig is what let a Rigger jump into devices that have a rigger interface (but just like a cyberjack it also act as as a datajack).

Most commlink-users (pretty much anyone that is not a technology specialist) would probably just get a datajack rather than a cyberjack or control rig.

[Banshee]

It is my understanding that you may only use one out of: commlink, RCC or cyberdeck. Just like previous editions it seem as if you are not allowed to use two of them at the same time. Which mean you can't for example both enjoy an attack and sleaze rating (by using a cyberdeck) while you at command multiple drones at the same time (by using a RCC).

Cyberjack is basically just a datajack (but with the added benefit that it comes with data processing and firewall ratings of its own and also that it allow you to take matrix edge actions). You can combine your commlink, RCC or cyberdeck with a cyberjack, if you have one, but you don't have to.

Cyberdeck-users (Deckers) will obviously get most mileage out of a cyberjack since cyberdecks don't come with its own data processing or firewall rating and most of the matrix specific edge actions require that you use a cyberdeck (or a living persona), but commlink and RCC users (or perhaps more common - a decker that temporarily switch to a commlink or RCC instead of his or her cyberdeck) might benefit from having a cyberjack in that the cyberjack enable you to temporarily increase data processing or firewall by 1 per edge spend for one test and it could also provide you with excellent data processing and firewall ratings even if you are using a low end commlink (or RCC).

RCC-users (Riggers) would probably rather get a control rig than a cyberjack or datajack. The control rig is what let a Rigger jump into devices that have a rigger interface (but just like a cyberjack it also act as as a datajack).

Most commlink-users (pretty much anyone that is not a technology specialist) would probably just get a datajack rather than a cyberjack or control rig.

Yep ... that's what I intended anyway. There are some editorial changes that make that fuzzy. Such as the ability to swap attributes across multiple devices and it doesn't say what to do about zero rank attributes.

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

It is my understanding that you may only use one out of: commlink, RCC or cyberdeck. Just like previous editions it seem as if you are not allowed to use two of them at the same time. Which mean you can't for example both enjoy an attack and sleaze rating (by using a cyberdeck) while you at command multiple drones at the same time (by using a RCC).

Cyberjack is basically just a datajack (but with the added benefit that it comes with data processing and firewall ratings of its own and also that it allow you to take matrix edge actions). You can combine your commlink, RCC or cyberdeck with a cyberjack, if you have one, but you don't have to.

Cyberdeck-users (Deckers) will obviously get most mileage out of a cyberjack since cyberdecks don't come with its own data processing or firewall rating and most of the matrix specific edge actions require that you use a cyberdeck (or a living persona), but commlink and RCC users (or perhaps more common - a decker that temporarily switch to a commlink or RCC instead of his or her cyberdeck) might benefit from having a cyberjack in that the cyberjack enable you to temporarily increase data processing or firewall by 1 per edge spend for one test and it could also provide you with excellent data processing and firewall ratings even if you are using a low end commlink (or RCC).

RCC-users (Riggers) would probably rather get a control rig than a cyberjack or datajack. The control rig is what let a Rigger jump into devices that have a rigger interface (but just like a cyberjack it also act as as a datajack).

Most commlink-users (pretty much anyone that is not a technology specialist) would probably just get a datajack rather than a cyberjack or control rig.

Yep ... that's what I intended anyway. There are some editorial changes that make that fuzzy. Such as the ability to swap attributes across multiple devices and it doesn't say what to do about zero rank attributes.

Yeah, was going to ask about that.  Even if a RCC and Cyberdeck can't combine to generate a persona, what about a RCC+Cyberjack? Even if the RCC isn't allowed to turn its D/F into A/S, the Cyberjack is...

[taukarrie]

The cyberjack does not share functions with the commlink except for also providing (superior) Data Processing and Firewall Matrix attributes. It is more like an extremely advanced data jack. Originally, the cyberdeck contained all of the Matrix attributes used by a decker. Even with this change in Matrix attribute allocation, the cyberdeck still provides the same functionality of a commlink as well as allowing the decker to hack the Matrix. It just no longer provides the Data Processing and Firewall attributes.

Additionally, do not need a cyberjack to hack the Matrix. You can use a commlink and a cyberdeck to do that. However, the cyberjack allows you to do it better, faster, and I believe it also allows you to take Matrix specific Edge actions that using a commlink would not.


There would also be no need to take a cyberjack and a datajack as the cyberjack also provides the functionality of the datajack. Given that a cyberdeck is technically illegal, it's not a bad idea to have a low cost commlink to appear to use when in public so you can hide your cyberdeck. Arguably, the benefit of a high end commlink would be that you can load up additional programs beyond the capacity of your cyberdeck's maximum but this is something you'd want to clear with your GM first. Rules as written neither confirm nor exclude this option.

Ok so how does a RCC fit in?  By the rules it looks like you get ASDF with a RCC/cyberdeck combo. But i read elsewhere that this is prohibited, and that feels like an arbitrary restriction just to prevent people from decking and rigging at the same time because it otherwise doesnt seem to follow the pattern the other device combos do for matrix access.

and can you use an RCC alone with a cyberjack/datajack to access the matrix the same as you can with a cyberdeck alone?

Sort of ... yes you can use a RCC with a cyberjack or data Jack to access the matrix and run matrix overwatch/defense but a RCC can be used for hacking

In game reason for this is because RCC have a different operating system that does not allow the proper interface that's required... but behind the scenes yes it is a game balance issue. We want riggers to be able to do things with the matrix but we don't want them replacing deckers or vice versa

Ok, I think I understand things properly now. One last question;

Physically, what I am I looking at with an RCC. I know commlinks are, more or less, cell phones, cyberdecks are gauntlets, and the rest is headware. The RCC sounds like a fancy chair. Is it actually that big or are they meant to be more manageable. right now I envision a chair similar to the cradles they lay on in the Matrix movies, maybe with a couple monitors or something. And Id also imagine these can be custom made to replace the driver seat of a vehicle. I would just like to hear a slightly more detailed description than "console"

[Michael Chandra]

5e described it as a deck-like thing that's the size of a briefcase. The 'captain's chair' thing is probably metaphorical.

[Banshee]

I personally have always imagined a RCC as being more like a remote control ... like you see on BattleBots ... but maybe a bit bigger and more bells and whistles

[taukarrie]

I personally have always imagined a RCC as being more like a remote control ... like you see on BattleBots ... but maybe a bit bigger and more bells and whistles

Interesting. If its intended to be that small I wouldve expected an option to install one in a cyberarm like you can a cyberdeck. That fact that it isn't available contributed to my assumption that it was pretty big.

[Plan_B]

I once saw some SR inspired art that really gave me a great idea about what it could be like. It was a military rigger who's RCC was more like a harness  around her torso, hips, upper arms, and lower legs. It still allowed for total range of movement but was clearly meant to be the "remote control" you'd expect to see on modern RC cars. I really liked that idea because it freed the character up to also be a combatant while really showing how a good rigger is a serious force multiplier.

That said, some other great art I saw presented a civilian RCC as a large, thin tablet device much like the description of a cyberdeck in 5e. I think both of these are probably good ideas as the "distributed" RCC on a harness makes a lot of sense for a military rigger but the tablet form factor makes sense as a baseline. It would even allow for visual relay from the drone's onboard sensor systems. Meanwhile, older art very much has the RCC as a larger than modern RC device with an antenna and analogue joysticks. Goes to show that there's a lot of room for form factors and, really, your imagination is the limit. Why not have an advanced VCR/RCC combo be an actual seat that you wire into? Why not give a combat rigger a distributed harness? Let a reporter rigger use a tablet form factor to control recording equipment!