From: DICRESCE_PEJ@CCSUA.CTSTATEU.EDU
Newsgroups: rec.games.cyber
Subject: <sigh> (was: Questions about 2.0.2.0. from a new user)
Date: 6 Oct 92 16:52:49 GMT
Organization: VERITAS Software
X-Vmsmail-To: CYBERRPG
Content-Type: text
Archive-Name: rgc725
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Bummer.. He's on Nyx.

'Kay, Chris --

C> Something called "braindance" is mentioned, but I'm not sure if it's
C> ever described.  What exactly is it--is it like BTL chips in Shadowrun?

A Braindance is a chip with a coded sequence of sensory impulses that overlays 
your own senses, much like the way the CREATOR firmware in a cybermodem 
sends your brain the sensory stimulation to simulate the environment of the Net.
Just like a BTL chip.  You can't know what the person who acted as the 'camera' 
for the Braindance (if it was live, and not merely computer-drafted) was 
thinking, only what they saw/felt/heard/smelled/tasted, with accompanying 
bodily sensations like adrenaline surges.  You can even get a Braindance from a 
Netrunner who just got hit by a Brainwipe, and play for people who bother you.
S'fun.

C> (Oops, I used the dreaded "S" word...)

Blasphemer. (shrug)

A> Artificial Intelligences are mentioned, but nothing is said about HUMAN
A> artificial intelligences.  I assume that if programs like Soulkiller (from
A> "Never Fade Away") can tear a person's psyche out of his body, others   
A> can make copies of human minds.  There must be experimentation going on
A> with this, or something.  I like the "Ghost in the Machine" idea, and
A> would like to bring the netghost of Alt, Johnny Silverhand's girlfriend,
A> into a future campaign as an AI.  I'd like to know what changes should
A> be made to the standard AI rules, and what kind of stats I should 
A> give...
 
Although I seriously disagree with the whole idea of the brain coming OUT 
through the cyberdeck (I can see stimulating the brain to facilitate 'images' 
and 'sensations' coming IN via the CREATOR algorithms.  I could see those same 
electrical stimulations being used to fry your brain, wipe your memory, implant 
suggestions, give you a heart attack, whatever.  But to have your 'deck READ 
YOUR MIND and re-create your consciousness in the Net?  Not here, man.  Try
Dark Conspiracy), you could theorize that a Net Ghost would have the same Net 
stats as it did in life (initiative, intelligence, Interface stat, programming 
skills), but would have to sneak into other systems to use THEIR resources.  
Blackprograms would have a problem hitting you (frankly, you're already dead;
no meat or grey matter to beat up on), but programs designed to attack other 
programs or systems might hurt a lot more.  Or not at all.  You might not be 
able to 'physically' interact with anything in the Net.  [This is why I don't 
like allowing Net Ghosts to happen.  Way too much philosophy and paranormal 
babbling involved.  This is Cyberpunk.] 

C> What CPU rating does that cellular decking suit in CHROME start out
C> with?  I assume it starts with a rating of one...What exactly do the 
C> biomonitor chips in that suit do?

All cyberdecks have one CPU.  The biomonitor chips (to the best of my knowledge 
-- don't have my books with me) do exactly what they do in the CP 2020 book.  
They monitor heart rate, blood sugar, adrenaline level, etc.

C> Thanks!    

						Ayup.

							Caliban