Alternate Matrix Host Rules
The Alternate Matrix Host rules dictated below are OPTIONAL for use on your table. Please note on your run post if you are planning on using these rules for your run.
These rules may not be appropriate for all games. They're best used in matrix focused runs, to add a layer of depth to matrix host dives without requiring Foundation entry.
Please note this is playtest content. Give feedback after use.
Alternate Matrix Host Rules
Rule 1
- Visibility is affected by sculpting and impacts Matrix actions.
Each opaque element between you and the target impacts a stacking -2 modifier on Matrix actions on said target. Each translucent element imparts a -1 modifier. Both of these stack. A solid brick wall in the host sculpting is opaque, a cloud of steam is likely translucent and imparts only a -1. In other words, you want to see your target before you hit them. Matrix Perception lets you see any icons within your line of sight, but once detected, you can keep track of icons even after they leave your view by performing a Matrix Perception action on them every Combat Turn. If you fail, you lose track of what data is theirs and which is the host's and will need to find them again to target them with a Matrix action.
Rule 2
- MARKs grant you wallhacks.
Each MARK you have on a target allows you to pinpoint their location with increasing levels of accuracy. With one MARK, you can tell an icon’s direction within the host or if it’s no longer in the host altogether. Two MARKs allow you to see their outline even through host sculpting, but three MARKs allow you to perform Matrix actions on them without penalties.
Rule 3
- Host sculpting is interactable.
If there’s a security door within the host, you can’t just go through it. Getting a mark on the door’s icon will allow you to open it, two allows you to toggle whether the door is enabled or disabled, and three allows you to jam it into one position until it’s fixed through the Foundation.
Alternatively, you can simply smash through the door. Unlike real matter, all host sculpting resists change equally. By doing Matrix Damage equal to the Host Rating, you can punch a hole in practically any of the sculpting. It resists this damage with the host’s own attributes. Missing a Data Spike or Resonance Spike may, at GM discretion, start doing damage to the surrounding environment and open new passages as your personas do their best DBZ beam struggle impersonation.
Finally, there’s a way to go around; Edit File can be performed on the host sculpting to slowly but quietly go around more closely observed obstacles. A single Edit File action allows you to open a visible hole into a wall, two lets you go through it. Damaging or editing the sculpting is, however, rather impermanent and will be repaired by the Foundation’s sculpting within a single Combat Turn. Permanent changes require visiting the relevant node in the Foundation.
Rule 4
- The owner sets these limits.
Scaffolding Node in the Foundation can alter things like gravity in the host with the Edit Sculpt node action. As such, this may affect some of these rules at the GM’s discretion.