                                 NEUROMANCY



   * DataScreen: The Turing develops a kind of Heads Up Display upon
   which data can be displayed from Online Storage as if on a computer
   monitor.

   ** Databurst: The character becomes able to transfer information to
   and from Online Storage, either from her memory, or from a nearby
   eletronic system. To perform the latter, the player must make a
   Perception + Computer roll with a standard difficulty of 6. If there
   is a lot of interference or distraction, this may get more difficult.
   Note that only data can be transferred - programs are a slightly
   different matter, since they are 'platform dependant'.

   *** Interface: It becomes possible for the character to operate an
   electronic device just by concentrating on it. If used with Databurst
   above, it could, for example, allow a character to control a remote
   camera, record the output into Online Storage, allowing her to replay
   it on her DataScreen later. To make the connection requires an
   Intelligence + Computer roll. The more 'intelligent' the device, the
   harder it becomes. To give a rough idea, the remote camera would be
   around a 6, while a top-of-the-line workstation would probably warrant
   an 8 or 9, depending on it's software.

   **** Upload: At this point the Turing become able to investigate the
   electronic realm known as the Digital Web (At this point, the Digital
   Web sourcebook for Mage becomes essential). All Disciplines,
   Attributes and Abilities remain unchanged by the transition, and
   function as normal. To make the transition requires an Intelligence +
   Computer roll against a difficulty of 9, with three successes being
   required to enter the Web. Most of the rules of the Web apply, with a
   few differences detailed later on. To leave the Web requires another
   roll, this time for 'Download'

   ***** Telecode: The Turing can 'write' a program into Online Storage,
   and transfer it to an electronic device for execution. This can also
   be used to write software 'on the fly' in the Web, where it resembles
   spellcasting (of the vulgar type, but Paradox is not a problem -
   vampires are unaffected). To write the code requires an Intelligence +
   Computer roll, where the difficulty depends on what the program has to
   do, and to transfer it requires at least one success on a Wits +
   Computer roll against a difficulty of 9. Note that the Neuromancer
   does not actually write the program, but visualises what it needs to
   do. Also, the rogram must terminate (either naturally, or be crashed
   by another user) before another program can be run. The Turing can
   crash a program he has run at any time, and anothers program on a
   successful Telecode usage (The Turing essentially writes a program
   designed to crash the required program).

   ****** Icon Mask: Similar to Soul Mask, this ability allows the
   Neuromancer to present a false 'icon' to any program. More
   specifically, it allows a character to beat an electronic security
   system. A roll of Wits + Security is required, with the target being
   an indication of how easy it is to fool the system.

   ****** Multitask: While normally it is only possible for a Neuromancer
   to have one telecoded program running at any one time, and it must
   finish or crash before a new program can be executed. Upon gaining
   Multitask, though, the character can run as many programs as she has
   points in Wits.

   ******* Digitizing: Normally, it is impossible to take real objects
   into the Web, and while certain objects can be simulated using
   telecoding (for example, it is possible to create a pistol on the
   fly), sometimes it is necessary to duplicate an exact object, for
   whatever reason. This ability allows for that. The object to be
   digitized must be studied before Upload, and an Intelligence +
   Computer roll must be made. The target will depend upon how complex
   the object is. Upon Upload, the object will transfer with the
   character. When leaving the Web, the item will download also. Any
   special magickal properties held by the object will not be affected by
   it being digitized.

   ******* Format: At this level of ability, the Turing becomes able to
   alter the structure of the Web around her, allowing her to create
   sectors which conform to her own paradigm. To begin the formatting
   process, the Turing must spend a point of Willpower, and make a roll
   of Intelligence + Computer against a target of 6, plus 1 for every
   format parameter already on the sector (see Digital Web for an
   explanation of these terms). If the character wishes to place extra
   parameters on the sector, she must expend another point of Willpower,
   and make another Intelligence + Computer roll against a difficulty of
   6, this time adding 1 for every parameter wanted, with a maximum of
   10, of course, in both this and the previous case. Note that making a
   sector Restricted requires at least one parameter, more if it is a
   complex protection scheme.

   ******** Bitstream: This gives the Turing the ability to convert raw
   data in the Web to 'virtual' Blood Points. While these points are the
   same as Blood Points, they do not survive Download, so it is important
   to note which Blood Points are real and which are virtual. Also, it is
   impossible to have more virtual points than Blood Points, they cannot
   be used for Thaumaturgical rituals, and it is impossible to Blood Bond
   another vampire with them. Note that virtual points will be spent
   before real ones, should a conflict arise.
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