Console Cowboys and Cyberspace Kung Fu

Hacking in a cyberpunk world isn't just technical, it's a martial art. Digital wizards and console cowboys fit in well in worlds of action. They may have trouble in their exploits, but with the right technology and proper techniques, these netrunners will be able to disable cameras and reprogram drones before the Corps find them out.
This article details a sort of fast-and-loose mechanic to hacking, with clear inspiration from the classic system from Classic: Cyberpunk.
== The Netrunner ==
A good netrunner (hacker, decker, or other term) can use the template"Hacker" template from GURPS Action 1: Heroes, p.10-11 . Netrunners often have criminal backgrounds, but might also have experience working with Corps (security usually) or Governmental (intelligence usually) as a "white hat", a hacker who tests for security flaws. Particularly ambitious deckers will connect to programs with their brain for even faster hacking, using a neural interface implant.
== Computers ==
Computers and computerized gadgets of TL9 are compact! Pocket devices rival TL8 desktops, desktops rival mainframes, and if a netrunner has a whole server stack, they may even be capable of running a volitional AI--simulations and games developed this way could lead to Inception style information heists if the target is tricked into playing them!
== Cyberdecks ==
A cyberdeck is a computer specifically designed for VR interface into the matrix, normally requiring VR equipment or, more commonly, a neural interface implant. Accessing a VR environment takes up more of the computer's regular processing power (having fewer "program slots"), but allows more adventurous and creative solutions in the matrix. All models run for about 20 hours on batteries, or indefinitely on external power.
This segment is collapsible for easier page reading.
Deck 	Description 	Complexity 	Cost
Standard VR Deck 	Includes portable terminal (-1 to skill when using the terminal to hack); 5.5 lbs 	Basic VR (C4)	415
Standard VR Deck 	Includes portable terminal (-1 to skill when using the terminal to hack); 5.5 lbs 	Full VR (C5) 	2,300
Standard VR Deck 	Includes portable terminal (-1 to skill when using the terminal to hack); 5.5 lbs 	Total VR (C6)	28,050
Standard VR Deck 	Includes portable terminal (-1 to skill when using the terminal to hack); 5.5 lbs 	Total VR (C7)	628,080
Ultra-Light Deck 	Includes datapad terminal (-2 to skill when using the terminal to hack). 	Basic VR (C4)	435
Ultra-Light Deck 	Includes datapad terminal (-2 to skill when using the terminal to hack). 	Full VR (C5) 	3,510
Ultra-Light Deck 	Includes datapad terminal (-2 to skill when using the terminal to hack). 	Total VR (C6)	65,510
Wearable or Implant Deck 	Wearable or Implant Deck. Wearable cyberdecks include a sleeve display (equivalent to a datapad) at no extra cost, while implants are always controlled via direct neural interface (and count as a 7-point advantagesee Ultra-Tech, p. 215). 0.05 lbs. (An implant’s weight is negligible.) 	Basic VR (C4)	1,600
Wearable or Implant Deck 	Wearable or Implant Deck. Wearable cyberdecks include a sleeve display (equivalent to a datapad) at no extra cost, while implants are always controlled via direct neural interface (and count as a 7-point advantagesee Ultra-Tech, p. 215). 0.05 lbs. (An implant’s weight is negligible.) 	Full VR (C5) 	32,300
Cherried-Out Cowboy's Deck	Cherried-Out Cowboy’s Deck. Hardened (+3 to resist attacks that target electrical gear, -3 to attempts against it by Damage programs, +3 to decker’s HT to resist or recover from Damage programs; see p. 8); high-capacity (run 50% more programs simultaneously). Includes portable terminal.10.5 lbs.	Basic VR (C4)	540
Cherried-Out Cowboy's Deck	Cherried-Out Cowboy’s Deck. Hardened (+3 to resist attacks that target electrical gear, -3 to attempts against it by Damage programs, +3 to decker’s HT to resist or recover from Damage programs; see p. 8); high-capacity (run 50% more programs simultaneously). Includes portable terminal.10.5 lbs.	Full VR (C5) 	4,800
Cherried-Out Cowboy's Deck	Cherried-Out Cowboy’s Deck. Hardened (+3 to resist attacks that target electrical gear, -3 to attempts against it by Damage programs, +3 to decker’s HT to resist or recover from Damage programs; see p. 8); high-capacity (run 50% more programs simultaneously). Includes portable terminal.10.5 lbs.	Total VR (C6)	76,050
Cherried-Out Cowboy's Deck	Cherried-Out Cowboy’s Deck. Hardened (+3 to resist attacks that target electrical gear, -3 to attempts against it by Damage programs, +3 to decker’s HT to resist or recover from Damage programs; see p. 8); high-capacity (run 50% more programs simultaneously). Includes portable terminal.10.5 lbs.	Total VR (C7)	1,878,050
==Programs==
For prices, see Software Cost Table
Program 	BaseComplexity	Default
Alter (Single-Execution) 	4 	Computer Hacking-3 or Computer Programming-3
Analyze (Continuous or Single-Execution)	3 	Computer Programming-3 or Expert (Computer Security)-2
Breach (Single-Execution) 	3 	Computer Hacking-2
Control (Single-Execution) 	4 	Computer Hacking-2 or Computer Operation-3
Damage (Single-Execution) 	5 	Computer Hacking-3 or Expert (Computer Security)-3
ICE (Continuous) 	3 	Computer Hacking-2 or Expert (Computer Security)
Jam (Continuous) 	2 	Computer Hacking-2
Listen (Continuous) 	2 	Computer Hacking-2 or Expert (Computer Security)
Search (Continuous or Single-Execution) 	3 	Computer Operation-2 or Expert (Computer Security)-1
Spoof (Continuous or Single-Execution) 	4 	Computer Hacking-3
Stealth (Continuous) 	4 	Computer Hacking-3 or Expert (Computer Security)-3
Trigger (Continuous) 	3 	Computer Operation or Expert (Computer Security)
==Gameplay Considerations==
PC team composition will determine if it's a group hack effort or a series of maneuvers, i.e. the Acrobat climbs up to a window, the Hacker opens it remotely, they open the door for the Muscle and they all fight some security robots after the Hacker has removed the drones from the network, severing their camera connections.
==References==
*Pyramid 3/21 Cyberpunk, p.4-12
Category:Pyramid Vol 3 Articles
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