Basement

**!!WARNING!!**
This is a WIP document.

As of 2021-05-24 in our time and sometime in June 2237 in Shadowrun world, Aiden has added a new layer to the Matrix somewhere between Hot-Sim and the Foundation, herein dubbed "Basement mode". It is a way for people not proficient with the Matrix to interface with the Matrix as if it was the real world.

A user in Basement mode can roll normal, physical actions against Matrix targets. For instance, an IC looking like a guard can just be *shot.* With a *gun.* And an icon hiding from detection in the Matrix can just be found with normal Perception instead of Matrix Perception if the user doing the percepting is in Basement mode.

If a target is in Basement mode, they are always still a valid target for non-Basement attackers (and vice versa)

## Resolving actions

The rules for resolving actions are as such:

* if the target is in Basement mode, they *always* use the physical Defense rolls, no exception
* if the attacker is in Basement mode, they can use either Matrix actions or physical actions
* if the target is a device, a host, or IC, it is always considered to be in the same mode (Basement or not) as the attacker
* if a device, host, or IC is considered to be in Basement mode, its stats are drawn from its Matrix stats; it is of yet unclear how

## Defense tests

For Matrix defense rolls against physical actions (or vice versa), the "closest" action is chosen. This is mostly GM fiat, but a few obvious ones are:

* if the *target* is in Basement mode, they can defend against a Data Spike with a normal Dodge roll
* if the *attacker* is in Basement mode, the target can defend against a normal stab with INT + Firewall (defense against Data Spike)
* if the *target* is in Basement mode, they can defend against Matrix Perception with normal Stealth
* if the *attacker* is in Basement mode, the target can defend against Perception with LOG + Sleaze (defense against Matrix Perception)

It would make sense for a couple of physical defense tests against Matrix actions (such as Reboot Device) to function closer to defense against magic, though that remains to be decided.

## Basement combat

As previously stated, both the target and the attacker are considered to be *sort of* in the Matrix, *sort of* in the physical world. This has a few implications.

* the Initiative in Basement mode is physical or Hot-Sim, whichever is higher
* all gear by a Basement user carries over; yes, this includes armor
* a Basement user soaks damage as if they were in meatspace
* Data Spike has armor piercing equal to -(Device Rating)
* Basement mode is "deeper" than Hot-Sim; as such, Biofeedback damage is taken as Physical damage
* Matrix damage is still taken as Matrix damage to the device (though this is still being discussed)

## Custom worlds

Any user with Basement access can create their own worlds. They function sort of like mini-hosts, with their own icon in the world. Rules pending.

* unlike normal hosts, custom worlds are *strictly* Basement-access only
* you can still use Matrix actions in custom worlds

## Edit World

"Edit World" is a new Matrix action that can only be used while the user is in the Basement. It allows you to shape the world of the Basement to your whims. If you want to create a huge column of stone to function as cover against attacks, you can do that.

* the roll to use it is LOG + Computer
* the defense roll in hosts or custom worlds is INT + Firewall
* the world outside hosts and custom worlds is *entirely open* to edits (meaning it rolls no defense?)
* certain edits may require additional skills
* if you are the owner of a custom world, editing it doesn't require a roll

## Miscellaneous rules

Other fun things

* hosts in Basement mode look just like they look in VR, with all the bells and whistles host owners like to add
* by default, the world outside hosts and custom worlds looks just like the real world; though given the ease of edits, that will be extremely temporary