Electronics

 

Commlink

Commlinks are the universal Matrix access device, used by everyone to be online all-the time, control all of their electronics, access their ID and accounts, and enhance their experiences with augmented and virtual reality. A range of stock commlinks and operating systems are provided though variations exist according to different models, the standard commlink contains most of the following fea tures: music player, micro-trid/holo projector/“touch-screen” display, camcorder, microphone, image/text scanner, RFID tag reader, GPS (global positioning system, triangulated from registered local wireless nodes), roll-up Velcro-fastening keyboard, chip player, credstick reader, retractable earbuds, voice-access controls, and a shock and water-resistant case.

Sim Module: The sim module is an ASIST interface that controls the simsense experience. It translates computer signals (simsense data) into neural signals, allowing the user to directly experience simsense programs and virtual reality. A sim module must be accessed via trodes or a direct neural interface (datajack, implanted commlink, etc).

Standard (legal) sim modules only interpret cold sim. It is possible to modify a sim module to allow the user to experience hot sim and BTLs with a Hardware + Logic (10, 1 hour) Extended Test, but this also makes the user more vulnerable to Black IC programs.

As a safety precaution, sim mods override your motor functions while you are fully immersed in VR/simsense, so that you don’t blindly thrash around in the real world and potentially injure yourself or break things. This means that your physical body is limp while you’re online, as if you were sleeping. This reticular activation system (RAS) override can also be disabled with a Hardware + Logic (5, 1 hour) Extended Test, at the user’s own risk.

 

Accessories

AR Gloves: Available in all sizes and shapes, these gloves allow the user to manually interact with the Matrix, by manipulating virtual arrows, accessing a virtual keyboard or display, or remotely controlling a device. They are also equipped with force feedback, allowing for a limited tactile augmented reality experience. These gloves are also able to provide basic information regarding touched or held items, such as weight, temperature, and hardness.

Biometric Reader: For access-control to online accounts or certain devices, the proper biometric scan must be provided. A different reader is required for each type of biometric data.

Nanopaste Trodes: This highly-sensitive high-tech nanite paste can be used to “paint” an electrode net around the head. Popular with the club-going set, nanopaste is often artistically applied in a variety of colors and designs.

Printer: Disposable full-color printers come attached to the paper container.

Satellite Link: This allows the user to uplink to communication satellites in low-Earth orbit, connecting to the Matrix from places where no local wireless networks exist. This link has a Signal rating of 8. Includes a portable satellite dish.

Simrig: An advanced version of the trode net, the simrig records simsense experience data (both physical and emotive) from the wearer. Simrigs incorporate a sim module.

Skinlink: With skinlink, a device is adapted to send and receive data transmitted through the electrical field on the surface of metahuman skin. Though limited to touch, skinlink communication has the advantage of being protected from signal interception or jamming.

Subvocal Microphone: Attached with adhesive to the center of the throat, this hard-to-spot microphone allows the user to communicate via subvocalized speech. A –4 dice pool modifier is applied to audio Perception Tests to overhear what she is saying.

Trodes: This net/headband of electrodes and ultrasound emitters enables the wearer to experience simsense and are used with a sim module. Trodes are often concealed under headbands, hats, or wigs.

 

Misc. Electronics

Electronic Paper: This electronic sheet is roughly the size of a piece of paper and can be folded to fit into a pocket. It digitally displays any input data and can act as a customizable touchscreen controller.

Holo Projector: This device projects a trideo hologram into any open space within 5 meters. Though holos can be quite realistic, a Perception + Intuition (2) Test is usually sufficient to distinguish a hologram from a real object or person.

 

RFID Tags

Security Tags: Security-conscious megacorps often implant security tags in their salarymen and valued citizens (usually in the hand or arm). These tags are used to monitor employees’ workplace activities, grant clearance to authorized devices and areas (and alert security when detected in unauthorized areas), and provide a means of tracking in case of abduction. These same tags are also used on criminals, both in the joint and when released on parole/monitoring conditions. Parents and schools also use them to track students.

Security tags are hardened so that they cannot be erased with a tag eraser. Tags can be easily implanted under the skin at no Essence Cost. Removing them requires a First Aid + Logic (8, 1 minute) Extended Test. Many security systems will trigger an alert if a security tag in their bounds is deactivated.

Sensor Tags: These tags are equipped with a sensor and are programmed to monitor a certain object/person/environment and respond to certain conditions. Sensor tags are used for diagnostic purposes in various devices, vehicle components, and cyberware, as well as to monitor temperature in food shipments, and many similar purposes.

Stealth Tags: Stealth tags are encoded to remain silent and only respond to transmissions with the proper passcodes. They cannot be located with a commlink or bug scanner (unless the codes are known). They typically use special frequencies and other tricks to avoid detection. These tags are also disguised so as not to look like RFID tags (an additional –2 Concealability). Stealth tags are often used as a backup for security tags, and may be implanted in the same way.

 

Communications and Countermeasures

Headjammer: The headjammer is used by security personnel to prevent the use of headware commlinks and communication systems. When the headjammer is attached to a person’s head and activated, it works in the same way as a jammer (see below), but its effects are limited to that person’s head.

Jammer: This device floods the airwaves with electromagnetic jamming signals to block out wireless and radio communication. The jammer automatically jams any device with a Signal rating lower than its Device rating. The area jammer affects a spherical area—its rating is reduced by 1 for every 5 meters from the center (similar to the blast rules for grenades). The directional jammer affects a conical area with a 30-degree spread—its rating is reduced by 1 for every 20 meters from the center. Walls and other obstacles may prevent the jamming signal from spreading or reduce its effect (gamemaster’s discretion).

Micro-Transceiver: This classic short-range communication device is perfect for discreet operations. The micro-transceiver consists of an earbud and adhesive subvocal microphone. The transceiver’s Signal rating is equal to its Device rating.

Tag Eraser: This handheld device creates a strong electromagnetic field that burns out RFID tags. The eraser must be brought within 1 centimeter of the target, but will automatically burn any non-hardened tag out, no test required. The eraser’s electromagnetic field is also capable of erasing/scrambling other non-optical electronic circuit systems at the gamemaster’s discretion. The eraser cannot burn out security RFID chips.

White Noise Generator: This devices creates a field of random noise, masking the sounds within its area. All Perception Tests to overhear a conversation within 10 meters of a white noise generator receive a negative dice pool modifier equal to the generator’s rating. If more than one generator is in use, only count the highest rating.

 

Datachips and Software

Datachip: For those occasions when you want to transfer data by physical means—like bringing those stolen weapon specs to Mr. Johnson, when you wouldn’t trust a Matrix transfer—optical memory chips (OMCs) can hold hundreds of gigapulses of data in a small finger-sized chip, accessible by any electronic device.

Datasoft: Datasofts encompass a wide variety of information files, from databases to textbooks to literature.

Mapsoft: Mapsoft programs feature detailed information on a particular area, from streets to business/residential listings to topographical, census, GPS, and environmental data. An interactive interface allows you to quickly determine the best routes/directions, locate the nearest spot of your choice, or create your own customized maps. The mapsoft automatically updates itself with the latest data and will retrieve correlating online data (GridGuide traffic reports, restaurant menus, etc.) as necessary.

Tutorsofts: These virtual private tutors aid the user in learning a specific skill. The tutorsoft makes Instruction Tests with a dice pool equal to its rating x 2. Tutorsofts are available for all skills except Magic and Resonance skills.

 

Skillsofts

Activesofts: Activesofts replicate skills that require physical activity, including all Combat, Physical, Social, Technical, and Vehicle skills (but not Magic or Resonance skills). Recording and programming physical skills is more difficult, so Activesofts are limited in rating. Activesofts must be accessed with a skillwire system; the rating of the activesoft is limited by the skillwire system’s rating.

Knowsoft: Knowsofts replicate Knowledge skills, actively overwriting the user’s knowledge with their own data. Knowsofts must be accessed with a direct neural link (either a sim module or datajack).

Linguasoft: Linguasofts replicate language skills, allowing the user to speak a foreign language as fluently as her native language. Linguasofts may also be used as real-time translation programs. Linguasofts must be accessed with a direct neural link (either a sim module or datajack).

 

Simsense

Simsense is the pinnacle of modern entertainment. Simsense programs are created when a simrig records a person’s sensory input (all five senses) plus their emotive response. These recordings may then be played back and experienced by another user with a sim module. Simsense has become the predominant medium in the entertainment industry, with “simflicks” raking in billions of nuyen and a range of celebrity simsense stars capturing the publics’ imaginations and desires.

Sim programs range from special-effects laden action blockusters and steamy romances to completely programmed anime specials to porn and underground crime and snuff sims. Some sims have a poly-point-of-view feature, allowing you to switch back and forth to experience the action through different performers.

BTL Recordings: Conventional simsense recordings include signal peak controllers to protect the spectator from physical brain damage, as well as to reduce the addiction qualities of jacked up high-amplitude signals and direct stimulation of the pleasure centers of the brain. Better-than-life programs don’t have these controllers, promising the illusion of a better life to all those who’ve been chewed up and spit out by society.

Continuous exposure to BTL leads to psychological addiction and unpleasant side effects like catatonia, multiple personality disorder, amnesia, flashbacks, mania, synesthesia (sensory crossover), and, in some cases, death due to malnutrition, dehydration, or suicide. BTLs are usually programmed to burn-out or self-erase after one use, sending you back to the dealer for more.

Virtual Reality Gaming: The use of simsense technology has led to a whole new generation of games, linking the player directly into a true first person shooter perspective (Ultra Mario, Dunkelzahn’s Quest XII, Sahara Soldier, Shadowrun MMORPG) or hovering over the action (SimCiv, EuroWar 2032, Final MageCraft). Most games offer both a SinglePlayer and Matrix MultiPlayer option (the latter for a monthly fee). Many of them offer not only a gaming challenge but also a perfect alternative to the dismal existence of most people’s real lives.

 

ARE Software

Virtual Surround Music: This software plays music in a way that mimics an outside source. When the user changes her position and facing, the way in which she perceives the music changes accordingly. Any style and arrangement is possible, from omnipresent background music to the throbbing bassline of surround-sound club-level subwoofers to the front-row of a stadium concert. If you’re particularly inventive, you can try out what your favorite song sounds like when played at 10,000 decibels from 20 kilometers away.

Wall Space: Choose from a massive library of famous paintings to decorate your walls, so that you and your subscribed guests will have the pleasure of enjoying those classics as if they were really there. Photos, posters, video, and trideo can also be uploaded and projected in customizable sizes (including sounds, smells, and tactile perception like warmth and air movement). Size does not matter—you can plaster the walls of skyscrapers with the likeness of your favorite idoru with a snap of your fingers.

Virtual Pet: Simulate your favorite pet without having to feed or otherwise care for it (of course, if you enjoy the experience, you can enable a special option that lets the pet react to the amount of care you spend on it). Virtual pets include limited tactile experience (you can’t grab it, but stroking is possible and you can feel its weight when carrying it on your shoulders), and you can have it with you at all times without worrying that it will run away or get run over by a car. All kinds of animals, critters, and fantastic creatures are possible in any sizes and numbers. You want a swarm of little pink flying elephants? No problem.

Virtual Person: Simulate your favorite person! Whether it’s your ex-boyfriend or your favorite sim starlet, just access or upload their personal data, modify it as you see fit, and project the person into your life just like the real deal. This program only simulates one person at a time, and the realism in behavior depends on the amount of data given as well as the processing power of your commlink—best results are achieved with a growing assortment of downloadable sim-persons (including sim stars like Tracy Monroe and Neko-Katz).

Virtual Weather: Don’t like the weather? Change it! Move the clouds or make them disappear, block out the sun or put it exactly where you want it. Change temperature to suit your needs (at your own risk, as the actual temperature doesn’t change, just your perception of it). Make the rain go away or have it pour down on your miserable self whenever you want it. The program even allows limited alterations of the ambient brightness—you can always turn day into night, but in order to turn night into day, special equipment like low-light vision is required.

Miracle Shooter™: This multiplayer online roleplaying game from Ares Games takes place in reality. When you log in, the features of your chosen character are overlaid on your personal appearance, visible to all the other characters in the game. Shoot monsters to gain experience points plus cash to buy new guns and upgrades, or become the member of a faction in order to challenge players of other factions to battles. This game has already led to a number of freak accidents (for example, one player jumped from a footbridge right in front of a moving train); meanwhile, other software companies are rolling out their competing releases.

 

ID and Credsticks

Certified Credstick: The modern version of cash or bearer bonds, certified credsticks are not registered to any specific person—the electronic funds encoded on it belongs to whomever hold it. Certified cred requires no ID or authorization to transfer or use. These items are popular among those who prefer to leave no papertrail. The maximum amount of funds that can be carried on a credstick is determined by its type.

Credit Account: A credit account is an online banking account that can be accessed at any time via your commlink. Transactions require verification such as a passcode, a correct originating access ID, and/or biometric authorization. All transactions are encrypted (Rating 6+). Each account must be registered to a particular SIN, unless the account is handled via an underworld banking service or anonymous “offshore” bank (each with their own risks), and has a monthly fee (included in a character’s lifestyle costs).

Fake License: For those who don’t want to go through the standard legal channels, a fake license can be obtained for all kinds of restricted items or activities (hunting, concealed carry, spellcasting, etc.)—as appropriate to the jurisdiction—can be obtained through the black market. Each type of item/activity requires a separate license. Though a digitally-signed electronic license can be carried on a commlink, licenses are also stored in (and verified through) various databases online. Each license is assigned to a particular ID/SIN (character’s choice). Use the fake license’s rating in an Opposed Test against the verification system’s rating.

Fake System Identification Number (SIN): The SIN and its equivalents are what makes a mere metahuman being into a real person of the digital age. You get it when you are born and carry it with you until you die. It opens certain doors to you, and leaves others closed forever. Not to have it means to stand outside the system—making you into a non-entity, with restricted or non-existent civil rights. Shadowrunners only have a real SIN if they have the SINner quality. Most runners don’t one, either because they were unfortunate enough to be born poor or because they lost it in the Crash of ’64.

Getting by without a SIN can be a pain, so runners settle for the next best thing—a fake. If it’s high quality, nobody will ever recognize the difference. If it’s low quality, you’d better not use it in high security settings. The rating of the fake SIN is used in Opposed Tests against the ratings of any verification systems trying to discern its authenticity. Just like a real SIN, anytime you use a fake SIN for legitimate activity you will leave a datatrail in your wake. This means that runners often go through SINs like candy, discarding them when they’ve been used for traceable activity or begin to accumulate a profile that could be a detriment. Most runners will in fact have two or more fake SINs available at a time: one for legal activity like paying rent and going shopping, another for less savory activities, and possibly a third to be used only when you need to get out of town fast and undetected.