Micro Electronics
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Cellular Cybermodem

A standard hardware package for interfacing with the global computer network via Virtual Reality technology. Although the deck can be plugged directly into Foptic and other hard wired communications it can also reach the net via a cellular link. Decks such as these are produced by dozens of companies all following a similar design (a long briefcase shaped module with carry strap).

Required for use of the Net Running Skill

3 Upgrade Slots

HARD DISK 1

RAM 1

PROCESSOR 1

'NETwise', Disposable Cybermodem.

Using the cheapest components all molded into a brightly coloured brick of polymer Netwise have produced a serviceable C-modem cheap enough to throw away after use. The performance is very low by industry standards. The modem can only be linked to net via cellular link and can only be used with the trodes wired to the case.

The choice of escapist pre-teens and paranoid criminals.

Required for use of the Net Running Skill

0 Upgrade Slots

HARD DISK 1

RAM 1

PROCESSOR 1

-1 to Net running Skill (-1 for use of trodes).

The unit can not be repaired or upgraded, cracking the case destroys the internal components.

'Microcyb Workhorse' Developers Cybermodem.

A typical cybermodem installed in an oversized case (small suitcase) allowing plenty of room for internal upgrades. Microcyb recognised the need for a product aimed at the independent netware developer, something that provided maximum peripheral upgrade in a mobile package. The work horse range is favoured by software programmers and runners who like their add-ons.

Required for use of the Net Running Skill

6 Upgrade Slots

HARD DISK 4

RAM 1

PROCESSOR 1

Stein Co. 'Carapace Biomodem'.

Although cashing in on the trend for bioware variants of conventional technologies among the wealth endowed corporate sector Stein's biomodems are not as revolutionary as their appearance may suggest. The deck it's self looks much like a giant earwig, designed to be worn and used in back pack configuration. The case and internal components are true bioware, but the interface port and upgrade slots are entirely compatible with conventional deck tech. Of particular note is the cellular transmitter. This is the first use of a bioware engineered transmitter in a commercially available deck.

Bioware Rating

6

Required for use of the Net Running Skill

2 Upgrade Slots

+1 Net Running modifier.

HARD DISK 8

RAM 4

PROCESSOR 3

MILnet Optical Technology Defense System: Cybermodem.

The OTD system is the latest military proactive net intrusion hardware. It uses optic technology through out it's design  and as a military spec device does not accept commercially available upgrades. It is designed for use in the field under difficult conditions and so has very few, 'home comforts' to confuse the operator. OTD is issued at the squad level and is designed to replace the role of the radio operator. In addition OTD operators can go on line to supplement operation net cover or provide net response to unexpected activity from local nodes. The OTD is designed along familiar aesthetic military lines, olive drab polymer armoured case, sized to fit in a standard day pack, armoured interface cable and no running lights.

Required for use of the Net Running Skill

2 Upgrade Slots (military upgrades only).

+2 Net Running Skill

+4 Power Specialisation.

+2 Speed Specialisation.

+1 Data Specialisation.

HARD DISK 4 (8)

RAM 4 (5)

PROCESSOR 4 (6)

Armour: 8 Endurance.

Resist Microwave/EMP 10

Hardwired for Black (Anti-User) attack programs +2.

Hardwired for Anti-System Attack programs +2.

Satellite Uplink (no net running penalty).

Microcyb Hostile Environment Z2220

Corporate Deluxe: Cybermodem

The most upgraded deck offered in the Microcyb catalogue. The basic HE Z2220 is designed to function under harsh environmental and combat pressures. The Corporate deluxe upgrade provides a performance package usually only encountered in SYS OP hardwired deck systems.

Required for use of the Net Running Skill

9 Upgrade Slots (4 in use).

+1 Net Running modifier

+2 Power Specialisation

+3 Speed Specialisation

+3  Data Specialisation

HARD DISK 10 (12)

RAM 4 (7)

PROCESSOR 3 (6)

Level 7 EMP shielding on all components.

Level 6 Armour (Endurance 6).

Level 8 Black ICE circuit breaker (see below).

(The deck comes with 3000cr free software of the owners choice (Availability <5, Legality U or C). Free Trauma Team Global cover for 3 months and full help desk support).

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Speed Card

Dedicated VR protocol translation hardware which is plugged directly into a cybermodem to improve the speed of sensory data flow through the modem link.

+1 to Net running: Speed Specialisation.

Uses 1 upgrade slot.

Multiple Speed Card upgrades do not stack in effect.

Power Card

System management hardware designed to provide increased performance in marginal areas, such at high end spec control,

+1 to Net running: Power Specialisation.

Uses 1 upgrade slot.

Multiple Power Card upgrades do not stack in effect.

Data Card

Coprocessor hardware dedicated to in environment number crunching.

+1 to Net running: Data Specialisation.

Uses 1 upgrade slot.

Multiple Data Card upgrades do not stack in effect.

Hard Disk Replacement.

A standard non branded replacement component for a decks hard disk. The higher the cost the greater the memory capacity

1 HARD DISK capacity per 200 credits.

Replaces the decks existing HARD DISK.

RAM Replacement.

A standard non branded replacement component for a decks dynamic memory array. The more you speed the more memory you get.

1 RAM capacity per 300 credits.

Replaces the decks existing RAM.

Hard Disk Virtual RAM cache

Special fast access permanent storage chips installed in parallel with a decks Hard Disk and RAM allowing their potential to be switched between either function.

+2 HARD DISK rating

or  + 2 RAM rating

The 'cache' can be used for either deck function and can be switched between the two (Switching is considered a net action). Any programs stored in or running on the cache when it is switched are lost.

Uses 1 upgrade slot.

Processor Replacement.

A standard non branded replacement component for a decks processor.

1 PROCESSOR rating per 600 credits.

Replaces the decks existing HARD DISK.

Bioware Processor Replacement.

The cutting edge in bio-electric interfacing, a sliver of engineered brain wired to a standard cybermodem port. Only optical processors run faster.

Bioware Rating

5

PROCESSOR 3

Replaces the decks existing HARD DISK.

Optical Processor Replacement.

The best deck tech money can buy, fully integrated optical processors provide parity between the user and the Foptic cable network. Even running over a cellular link the increase in performance is incredible

PROCESSOR 4

Replaces the decks existing HARD DISK.

'Microcyb' Hard Disk Upgrade

A supplemental long term memory storage unit for cybermodems. The bread and butter end of Microcybs extensive range of products.

+4 HARD DISK rating.

Uses 1 upgrade slot.

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Trodes

A head band mounted array of electromagnetic induction transmitters and receivers. Translates signals to and from the brain to allow interface with the net via a cybermodem. The trodes plug straight into any standard deck via fibre optic cable. The quality of signal is sufficient for day to day use of the net. No serious net user would rely on trodes for their interface due to signal lag and degradation.

'NETwise', Disposable Trodes

A very simple set of trodes designed to be thrown away after use.

-1 modifier to Net Running Skill.

The components in the induction transmitters deteriorate rapidly making the Trodes useless after 12hrs of use.

Interface Plugs

A socket, located anywhere on the body that allows direct interface with smartrigged equipment such as weapons, vehicles, computer hardware etc. It is the preferred type of interface for the serious net user.

(Cyberware Rating)

2

Interface plugs are a cyberware device requiring surgery to implant. They also require the user to have a Neural Processor (see Cyberware Appendix).

No Modifiers.

This is a cyberware implant.

Wireless Interface

A high bandwidth EM transmitter (attached to the deck) and a receiver (implanted along side the neural processor replace the optic cable link of the normal interface plug. Although this does away with the need to be wired to your deck the signal integrity is not as good as standard plugs and the signal from the deck to the processor can be disrupted.

(Cyberware Rating)

3

-1 to any net runner specialisation skill use.

This is a cyberware implant.

Neural Processor

The electronic interface between your brain and any cyberware that it must communicate with it on a complex level. The processor is required for most neural cyberware.

Cyberware Rating

5

2 upgrade slots (cyberware only).

This is a cyberware implant. It is required in order for interface plugs to work.

Optical Neural Interface

A specialised cyberware implant used exclusively by net runners who want very edge possible no matter what the cost. The optical interface links a stand interface plug (already using optic technology and wires it into a Neural Processor composed of optical components. The increase in performance is noticeable, but the package can not be cross linked to other neural ware or plugins.

(Cyberware Rating)

7

+1 Net Running Skill

Non compatible with other neuralware.

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Black ICE Circuit Breaker

A specialised component that sits in serial with the users trode or interface plug link to the deck. It continually scans the data transfer from the deck to the user for harmful (Black ICE) signals, immediately svering the connection if any are detected. Although highly efficient the breaker does effect transfer speeds.

Level 10 Resist Black Ice Net Attacks. The resistance is automatic and in addition to any resistance the user makes in the net. Whether successful or not the circuit breaker cuts the link to the net.

Uses 1 Upgrade Slot.

EMP Shielding

The decks case is proofed against high levels of Electromagnetic Radiation, such as EMP grenades and C-SWAT borg stunners.

Resist EMP 8. The effects only apply to the deck in which the shielding has been installed and its internal components (upgrades).

No upgrade slot required.

Armoured Deck Casing

Protect the delicate innards of your deck from accidental or deliberate assault. In addition to rigid armour plating the decks internal cavities are also lined with special shock absorbing polymers to ensure complete protection.

5 Endurance rating to the deck.

Uses up 1 upgrade slot.

Satellite uplink.

A high power microwave transmitter designed to allow a cybermodem access to the net directly via the GPS communication network. The bulky device (approximately the size of a thermos flask) can be fitted to the deck internally or a model can be purchased that plugs into the decks Foptic port. Ideal if a runner finds themselves in cellular dead spots or if they wish to conceal their real world location. The surface to orbit lag does effect performance considerably.

Allows direct access to the net via satellite connection.

-1 Net Running Skill.

If installed internally the uplink uses 2 slots.

Deck Recorder

A recording device that records everything that happens during a net run from the perspective of the user. The recording can be viewed from a variety of angles, speeds etc. and is a valuable assessment tool for finding out exactly what went wrong!

The quality of the recording (with regard to analysing the ratings of the icons and avatars etc. the runner encountered) is limited to the runners Data Specialisation. For Example: If the rating is 6 the recording will only be able to identify ratings of icons etc. up to level 6. If another character was using stealth abilities above level 6 they would not show up on the recording.

The ref may choose to further restrict the information available if you ask to many awkward or specific questions, so your best bet is to keep your enquires restricted to important points!

Uses 2 upgrade slots.

'NETwise' Elite Net Account

A superior quality net account offered for runners who want more than a normal online node, but don't have the funds for there own server. NETwise provide a no questions asked policy on the Elite account, but the small print does remind potential customers that their accounts are subject to police search at any time!

0 / C20

per month

Online net node

HARD DISK 4

General Protection Program for node (from the provider) Level 12

'NETwise' Budget Server

An entry level mainframe providing the basic hardware for a private net node.

HARD DISK 8

RAM 2

PROCESSOR 2

The server has no built in net protection. It must be equipped with and running software in order to protect the information in the node.

Programming

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Broadsword 1.0

The standard attack program

Icon: Glowing Sword. The user can customise the colour and style of the sword icon.

Attack Program:

+1 Power Specialisation attacks

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Icon Hammer 1.1

An attack program specially designed for use against programs

Icon: Matt black sledge hammer.

Attack Program: Anti-Program

+2 Power Specialisation for attacks against programs.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

DecKRASH

Typical Example of an attack program designed to destroy an opposing runners deck.

Icon: A stylised missile which streams towards the target.

Attack Program: Anti-System

+2 Power Specialisation for attacks against hardware.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Saber

One of the best readily available attack programs on the market. Even the best runners regularly carry a copy of Saber on their decks.

Icon: A two dimensional translucent field of force (katana shaped).

Attack Program: All types other than anti-user.

+3 Power Specialisation for attacks.

Saber may also be used as an anti-program attack.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Brain Damage

The most common form of killer attack program. Typical for its type, Brain Damage causes the victims automatic functions to shut down, such as breathing.

Icon: Swarming black tentacles.

Attack Program: Anti-User (Black)

No modifier. A successful attack causes the victim to become mortally wounded.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Burglar

The application is designed to open data gates and other 'locked' net constructs. It is obviously considered an illegal practice, but certain corporate sys ops use this and similar programs to service malfunctioning or defunct nodes.

Icon: Prehensile cables writhe from the users hand towards the target.

Attack Program: Data Gates

+2 Data Specialisation against data gates (and similar).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Shield 2.0

The standard multipurpose protection program.

Icon: A glowing shield (style and colour are customisable). The icon floats in front of the runner and moves of its own accord to intercept attacks.

Protection Program: All types.

+1 Power Specialisation against attacks.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Deckcladder

A very effective system protection program, the best protection to credit ratio for hardware defence on the market.

Icon: A giant iris valve that floats behind the runner.

Protection Program: System

+4 Power Specialisation against anti-system attacks.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

System Surfer

The current best seller in the motion software market.

Icon: The runner rides on a surf board. The colour, as well as preferred shape of the board is customisable by the user.

Movement Program:

+1 Speed Specialisation for movement actions.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Blink

A useful tool for the more cautious runner. Besides providing enhanced speed through the net it also masks the user as they do so.

Icon: The runner appears to pop out of existence, appearing like they have dropped out of the net.

Movement Program:

+2 Speed Specialisation for movement actions.

The movement action is also considered a stealth action automatically at the same modifier. This stealth effect is not effective for passing through data gates and other construct barriers.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Quik Silver 2.3

A popular program and typical of its type. When used correctly by a proficient user attacks seem to slide around the runner.

Icon: The users icon is covered in a mirrored finish.

Evasion Program:

+3 Speed Specialisation for Evasion actions.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Wraith

A relatively common piece of stealth software, despite the best efforts of net law enforcement. There is little in the way of legal activity that this program can be used for. It is essentially designed for sneaking past things you shouldn't.

Icon: The users Avatar and associated icons take on a ghost like appearance.

Stealth Program:

+2 Speed Specialisation for Stealth actions.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Iconshop

This program is technically a utility, but due to the nature of the application technically puts it in the category of counter detection software. It is actually a package that allows the user to change the icons of their other programs. The general appearance of the new icon must be in line with the original nature of the program (attack software still looks like a weapon of some type), the user can customise it in any way. The program is simple to use and an icon can be redesigned and added to a program in a few minutes.

Icon:  N/A

Disguise Program:

+2 Data Specialisation for Disguise.

The extent of the disguise is limited to icons of a similar nature to the original icon.

Icons can only be redesigned using Iconshop whilst not involved in a net encounter.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space (does not need to be installed on a deck to use icons designed with it).

Avatar Artist

Although marketed as an Avatar design utility it allows a new Avatar to be dropped over the runners existing one whilst in the net, making it a cheap and effective disguise program. The only down side is that Artist can only use pre-designed Avatars in this way (a process taking only a few minutes). It can of course be used to design a runners actual Avatar image and is one of the best packages for this on the market.

Icon: N/A

Disguise Program:

+2 Data Specialisation for Disguise.

 If this program must be running in order to use a different (pre-programmed) Avatar.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Four Eyes

A sound general-purpose detection program, versatile enough to be turned to any detection need.

Icon: Several large human like eyes appear around the users head.

Detection Program: General.

+1 Data Specialisation for detection.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Ex-Ray

This program is used to establish the true nature of an icon or Avatar. It assists in seeing through any disguise of stealth programs masking an icon or avatar.

Icon: A mirrored visor appears over the users face.

Detection Program: Programs and Avatars.

+1 Data Specialisation for identifying the true type, name and any modifiers of a program or to see through an avatars disguise or stealth. If used successfully on Constructs it also reveals their levels.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Watcher

A simple and effective application used to detect if a something is using anti-user (or Black) programs or hardware. It was initially developed for law enforcement, but has been marketed at a much-reduced price to the public in an attempt to cut down on the number of net deaths each year.

Icon: A simple black square which appears in front of the users face.

Detection Program:  Anti-User (Black) programs and hardware.

+3 Data Specialisation. Only detects if the target icon, construct, deck etc. is capable of Anti-user attacks.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Spec Thief 1.0

This program is used to establish the hardware specification of another runners deck.

Icon: A usual spyglass style icon, with binary code running across the lens.

Detection Program: System.

A successful attack against (resisted by counter detection programs) will reveal to the runner the ratings for their deck (Hard Disk, Ram, Processor and any upgrade cards (and associated modifiers) or peripherals.).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Virtua Memory 6.2

A handy utility if a runner finds them self in need of more active programs than their deck can manage. It allows the runner to use empty hard disk spaces as ram spaces. There is a notable reduction in performance.

Icon: The Icons of programs that are running with Ram Doubler appear at a lower resolution.

Utility Program:

-1 to all net running skill use.

The character can use empty Hard Disk spaces as if they were Ram spaces (as few or as many as they have available). Virtua Memory needs to be running in a normal Ram space for it to work.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Window 3000

This popular application has been with the net since it's first incarnation in one form or another. It allows the user to access a device in the real world (such as a camera or computer) whilst maintaining their presence in the net. The device must be hooked up to the net (and they must have legitimate access to it). Although a runner can do the same thing by going to the devices node and operating it, Window allows them to do so from a remote net location. Despite the applications long history it is still considered by most serious runners to be bugged and prone to crashing.

Icon: A floating screen hovering next to the user.

Utility Program:

Note: Devices accessed by this program cannot be used during net encounters (fights for example) as the time lag is to high.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Explorer

This application greatly speeds up the time it takes to examine a body of data. Useful for runners who don't want to hang about somewhere to long.

Icon: A spinning 3D letter 'E' hovering beside the runner.

Utility Program:

Allows any single data achieve/file to be searched for specific information in one net action (the runner still needs to make a Data Specialisation check in order to determine the success of the action).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Snap Shot

This program allows the user to effectively take a picture of a moment in the net. Besides providing nice mementos it can be used at a later point to analyse what was in the runners immediate area.

Icon: A camera hovering beside the runner.

Utility Program:

Records all icons, avatars, drones and constructs in the same net area. The amount of information about these icons etc. stored is dependant on the runners Data Specialisation at the time of the snap shot (For Example: the snap shot will not record any stealthed icons if the stealth rating was higher than the runners Data Specialisation).

A snap shot cannot be analysed during a net encounter.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space plus 1 per snap shot taken.

Homunculus

A basic and popular Drone application suitable for simple net tasks. It is ideal for sending into the net whilst the runner is engaged with real world activities. Due to the rather limited coding the Drone may not be able to function in low bandwidth net areas.

Icon: A miniature version of the users Avatar

Drone Program: General

Net Running 1

The Drone must be given instructions by the user in order to function.

This program functions independently of the runner once activated (it does not use up a RAM slot whilst running).

If the Drone picks up a negative net running modifier for any reason it will crash.

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Golem 2.1

The workhorse of the Drone family. Even large corporations use one or more varieties of the Golem series. They are well suited to most net tasks not relating to high complexity. They are not capable of direct Drone to runner conversation, but are capable of passing on messages.

Icon: A Grey featureless humanoid.

Drone Program: General

Net Running 3

The Drone must be given instructions by the user in order to function.

This program functions independently of the runner once activated (it does not use up a RAM slot whilst running).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Brute

The Brute series are common attack Drones. Whilst designed as bodyguards for net runners they are well capable of being sent off independently to wreck havoc. They also have limited ability for other net tasks. Brutes have no language subroutines, but have been programmed to make intelligent use of their attack abilities.

Icon: A heavily muscled ape like figure.

Drone Program:

Net Running 2

Power Specialisation 4

+2 Attack modifier.

The Drone must be given instructions by the user in order to function.

This program functions independently of the runner once activated (it does not use up a RAM slot whilst running).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Delilah

A high quality example of advanced programmable Drones. They are adept at all forms of net activity and are used widely by corporations for external work. Their imitation AI subroutines allow them full language skills and excellent judgement in achieving their ends. The Delilah series can be loaded with other net programs in order to better perform their duties.

Icon: Female figure with distorted shifting features.

Drone Program: General

Net Running 3

Power Specialisation 4

Speed Specialisation 4

Data Specialisation 5

Ram 2 (The Drone can run up to 2 programs loaded into it. The programs can be pre-loaded and active with the Drone or loaded/swapped once the Drone is active).

The Drone must be given instructions by the user in order to function.

This program functions independently of the runner once activated (it does not use up a RAM slot whilst running).

Uses 4 HARD DISK space.

Data Wall

One of the nets basic building blocks with the code stripped down for a runners defensive (and privacy) needs. The wall surrounds the runner and any willing net users the runner specifies. It is immobile and prevents programs passing both ways through it. There is no gate in the wall and the runner must deactivate it in order to get out.

Icon: A glowing wall around the user.

Construct Program: Protection

Level 10 barrier against all programs. Any user inside the wall cannot interact with any user or construct outside the wall (unless they are using programs of a greater strength than the wall).

A data wall may not be run inside a private net space (such as a corporate, or military net  sector).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Data Fortress

Another basic element of net architecture packaged for the private user. The basic data fortress is typically used to protect a server or other private net node. It includes a data gate and the user may move freely in or out of the fortress (as can any one with the codes).

Icon: A glowing castle like structure. The appearance can be customised to suit the users taste.

Construct Program: Protection

Level 10 barrier against all programs

Data Gate Level 8 barriers against all programs.

A data fortress may not be run inside a private net space (such as a corporate, or military net  sector).

Uses 2 HARD DISK spaces.

Data Turret

Another fundamental net construct marketed at the private user. Data turrets can be placed in the open net and set to attack anyone who tries interfering with them, but they are designed to be 'attached' to data walls and fortresses where they attack any thing that attempts to harm the construct or enter without permission. Several turrets can be added to a single wall or fortress each acting separately, the only limit is the capacity of the hardware running them.

Icon: A glowing orb, typically with some form of stylised barrel protruding. The exact look can be selected by the user.

Construct Program: Attack all types (other than anti user).

Level 8 Attack.

The turret must be given instructions as to when and how it attacks by the user.

A data turret may not be run inside a private net space (such as a corporate, or military net  sector).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.

Bill Board

This construct was designed as a means of placing advertising in the net. The user generates an image, message or audio clip and Bill Board places it in the net for them. It can be placed in the open net, continually re-playing the image or as part of a data wall or fortress. It is often used less innocently to plaster slogans on corporate data structures.

Icon: An image or images as specified by the user.

Construct Program: Utility

Level 6 program (for determining attacks against it etc.).

Uses 1 HARD DISK space.