The following is a slightly revised version of the Otaku rules I developed for my Matrix submission. It was not part of my final submission so I've changed the rules to follow existing SR3/VR2 mechanics as much as possible. Comments are of course welcome. Text in brackets [] denotes text changed from the original manuscript.
OTAKU
The following rules take
precedence over the rules presented in Virtual Realities 2.0 and
Renraku Arcology: Shutdown.
PLAYING AN OTAKU
Most otaku come from dysfunctional families or
worse - abandoned on the street or orphaned at a young age. The years before he
was rescued by his otaku tribe were filled with an endless gnawing hunger and
desperation, with the occasional flash of danger when the hunters of the Sprawl
were on the move. Many otaku children were more animals then humans before being
brought in, survivors to the core.
After being rescued by the otaku tribe the new recruit was given shelter, an education, and sense of community - probably the new otaku's first taste of stability or even friendship. For this reason otaku tend to be fanatically loyal to their tribe, almost to the point of desperation. They also tend to be very distrustful of others outside the tribe or other otaku.
New otaku are given an education (often strongly Matrix-oriented), often being put in front of a computer their first day in the tribe. Once he is judged ready by the older otaku he is taken to have his datajack implanted. This step usually marks the differentiation between an initiate and a full member of the tribe. The member then takes a sort of spirit journey into the Matrix, often for days at a time while other tribemembers keep his body from wasting away. During this time most otaku experience the strange Deep Resonance that alters them forever. Those that do not usually leave the tribe, using their incredible computer skills gained in the tribe to become programmers or deckers. They usually do not speak of his time as an otaku and will never intentionally meet his old tribe again.
Surprisingly enough, most otaku are quite stable mentally. The otaku candidates' mental stability is very important, without it he could very well go insane when experiencing the Resonance. Just don't expect them to be normal, the depravations of their childhood and the tribal culture of the otaku tend to produce members that are highly dysfunctional in normal society. Most lack any sort of compassion for non-otaku, or even otaku not of their tribe. To an otaku life revolves around two things: the Matrix and his tribe.
Everything revolves around the Matrix in otaku culture; bizarre social
customs and interactions are the norm for otaku, especially when dealing with
non-otaku. The Matrix IS the world to otaku, and most could care less about the
"meatworld" except how it affects their personal well being or others of the
tribe. They tend to be incredibly arrogant when it comes to
their abilities
on the Matrix, even to the point of foolhardiness in some. Even the older otaku
tend to be childish, petty, and cold-blooded.
TRIBES
Most otaku are members of "tribes". Although these usually
bear little resemblence to such organizations in the NAN and elsewhere. Instead
they are more loose organizations for self-protection and showing those with the
talent how to connect to the Deep Resonance. They typically bear more
resemblence to street gangs then a "tribe", many are actually just as vicious as
the most depraved go-gang - using their unique abilities to cause as much damage
as they can.
THE DEEP RESONANCE
The Deep Resonance is the poorly understood
phenomena that most otaku go through at some point in their early teens. The
exact experience varies, but many otaku describe it in terms reminiscent of the
totemic experience that shaman's experience. Others claim no special milestone,
they claim to simply wake up one day with a profound understanding of the
Matrix, suddenly perceiving the flow of information and data as patterns and
symbols, much as a mage.
Whatever the mystical or physical reality of the Deep Resonance the effects are quite remarkable. The otakus neurological structure alters itself to allow direct neural interface with the Matrix, enabling the otaku to "deck" without a computer. In essence he becomes a living computer.
CHARACTER CREATION
Either the priority system (p. 54, SR3) or the
points-based system (p. xx, Shadowrun Companion (SRComp)) may be used to
generate decker characters.
PRIORITY SYSTEM
If an otaku character is created using the priority
system then the following restrictions apply:
1. Otaku must assign Priority A
to Magic and E to Resources. They do not get spell points or magical abilities.
This represents their "adept" abilities in the Matrix.
2. Otaku characters
start play with a datajack and ASIST converter. This cyberware does not cost the
otaku money.
POINTS-BASED SYSTEM
It costs 30 points to play an otaku.
PATH
Otaku fall into two broad groupings: the cyberadepts and the
technoshamans. Both groups exhibit largely identical abilities, but have very
different views on the Matrix and the Deep Resonance. Players are required to
choose a path for their otaku character upon character generation.
CYBERADEPTS
Cyberadepts tend to be the rationalists of the
two paths, they see the Resonance as a natural evolution of humanity blending
with their technology and see themselves as another step in mankind's eventual
ascension into a new kind of being. They gain an almost prescience feel for the
Matrix when they experience the Resonance, they see everything in terms of
organized data and patterns.
Game Effects
Cyberadepts gain a +1 bonus to the effective rating of
any complex forms they create. This represents their skill at organizing
patterns and deep knowledge of the Matrix's workings.
TECHNOSHAMANS
The technoshamans take a more holistic
approach, often viewing the Matrix as a living being. In this respect they view
themselves as avatars of the Matrix's will, and see the Resonance as proof. Many
technoshamans claim that spirits of the Matrix are also active, aiding the otaku
and their plans.
Game Effects
Technoshamans increase the effective rating of their
Pattern skills by 1. This represents their approach to 'blending' with the
Matrix as a unified whole.
ATTRIBUTES
SPECIAL RULES
The Racial Modified Limits (p. 245, SR3) for
otaku Mental Attributes are raised by 1, and lowered by 1 for Physical
Attributes. This may affect their Attribute Maximums as well.
ALLOCATING ATTRIBUTES
The Mental Attributes are even more important
for otaku then they are for deckers, for they are the basis of their Living
Persona. In particular, Intelligence and Willpower are the most important
attributes for otaku. It is not uncommon for otaku to be physically disabled,
coupled with extremely high intelligence and determination
Charisma matters even less for otaku then deckers, with most otaku having subzero Charisma. Many otaku appear very strange and many people will react negatively to their presence. They are not like normal people, and it shows through.
Physical skills are largely unimportant to an otaku, and it is the rare otaku who could be called strong for his metahuman type. Many otaku are almost crippled by infirmity in fact. The only physical attribute of any value is Body, which is used when resisting the effects of grey or black IC.
SKILLS
Computer
All otaku characters must start play with a
Computer Skill of at least 6. The normal skill limit for characters (p. 43, SR3)
does not apply for otaku in regards to the Computer Skill. Otaku may possess a
Computer Skill as high as 8 during character generation.
Hardware Specialization
Otaku have little need for any knowledge of
hardware. They themselves do not use computers once they experience the Deep
Resonance. Thus this specialization is rarely found in any otaku.
Decking Specialization
Most otaku specialize in this aspect of
Computer Use. It represents the otaku's intimate understanding of the Matrix and
how to manipulate it. Most otaku, even at a very young age, have the skills and
experience that only the most veteran deckers can match.
Programming Specialization
Most otaku possess some level of
programming skill from their period of mentorship. But once they experience the
Deep Resonance they have little need to further explore the field. Some otaku do
take an interest in it though, using their skills to support the tribe.
Cybernetics Specialization
Almost no otaku specializes in this
facet of the Computer Skill.
Etiquette
Otaku characters must specialize in either Street or
Decker when choosing Etiquette skills. They may learn other Etiquette skills
during the course of play.
Otaku Skills
In addition to normal skills, otaku also possess
special skills unique to them. In particular pattern, channel, and complex form
skills. See below for details.
THE LIVING PERSONA
The Deep Resonance turns the otaku's brain into
an organic processor core, a biological cyberdeck if you will. The statistics
and ratings for this 'system' are based on the otaku's own Mental
Attributes.
THE CORE FORM
Operating System
The otaku's effective [MPCP]Rating is equal to the
average of his Intelligence and Willpower Attribute.
Initiative
Otaku have a number of Initiative dice equal to their
Intelligence in the Matrix. They have as many Initiative Dice as their Resonance
Pool.
I/O
If using the optional bandwidth rules (p. xx) otaku have an
effective I/O Rating equal to their Intelligence x 100.
Enhanced Attributes
The altered neurological structure of the otaku
is not compatible with any external improvements. In fact, modifications to the
otakus natural Intelligence and Willpower are detrimental in regards to the Deep
Resonance. For this reason, improvements to the otakus Intelligence or Willpower
by ANY means other then through spending Karma Points will reduce their
Attribute for purposes of calculating their Living Persona values and
skills.
For example, and otaku with Intelligence-4 who receives an Cerebral Booster-2 would have an effective Intelligence of 6 for standard tasks, but only 2 for purposes of calculating his Living Persona values.
OTAKU SKILLS
Each otaku understands the Matrix in subtle ways far
beyond that of even the most experienced decker. This understanding translates
into special skills that only otaku possess.
Enhanced Attributes
As stated above the Deep Resonance has profound
affects on an otaku's neurochemistry. These changes are not necessarily
compatible with bioware and cyberware that enhance mental attributes.
Cyberware and bioware that affect skill tasks (Encephalon, Cerebral Booster, Mnemonic Enhancer) have no effect on Otaku Skills. Task Pools may not be used with Otaku Skills. In addition, for purposes of calculating the cost to raise skills use the otaku subtracts any artificial Attribute bonuses from the base stat for purposes of calculating costs, even if the enhancements are treated as "natural".
For example, an otaku with Cerebral Booster-2 has an additional 2 Intelligence for most tasks, and a Task Pool of 1. This Task Pool may not be used for any tests made with Otaku Skills, and for purposes of calculating the cost to increase his Intelligence-linked skills his effective Intelligence is actually reduced by 2.
PATTERNS
Otaku learn four skills that determine the capabilities of
their living personas connection to the Matrix. These are the Pattern Skills.
There are four pattern skills, each named for one of the persona programs: Bod,
Evasion, Masking and Sensors. They represent the level of development and
understanding the otaku possesses of the Matrix. They operate in all other ways
as a normal users persona program.
Specialization
There are no specializations for pattern skills.
Starting Skill
There is no limit to the level of skill an otaku may
possess in his pattern skills. Otaku start with an amount of skill points equal
to their Intelligence x 2 that they may distribute among their pattern skills.
These points must be spent on pattern skills and cannot be saved.
Skill Development
Pattern skills are linked to Intelligence and are
considered to be Active. Regular skill points and Karma may be used to increase
his pattern ratings.
Suspending Persona Operations
If using the optional Bandwidth rules
(p. xx), otaku may not suspend their persona operations.
CHANNELS
Otaku to not possess, or require, operational utilities to
help them access information services on the Matrix. Instead, they learn five
special skills called channels that act in their place. Each of the five
channels is named for one of the five Matrix subsystem ratings: Access, Control,
Index, Files, and Slave. Whenever an otaku is required to make a Subsystem Test
during a system operation he uses the appropriate channel skill to lower the
target number. For example, an Analyze Security operation requires a Control
Test. A normal decker would use an Analyze utility to lower the target number.
An otaku would use his Control Channel Rating instead.
Specialization
The basic channels are general skills. The otaku may
specialize in certain actions that mimic the functions of specific utility
programs as well.
For example, Control Channel (Analyze) would mean the otaku would have an effective rating 1 higher for performing operations that would use that utility, such as Analyze Host; but be at -1 for any others such as Redirect Datatrail.
Starting Skill
The otaku may not possess any channel skills higher
then Rating 6 during character generation. Otaku start with a number of skill
points equal to their Intelligence and Willpower Attributes x 2 (rounded down)
that they may distribute among their channel skills. Each channel must be
assigned at least one point from this pool.
Skill Development
Channel skills are Knowledge Skills and linked to
the otaku's Willpower. Regular skill points and Karma may be used to increase
channel ratings.
COMPLEX FORMS
In addition to their patterns and channels, otaku can
learn to create constructs that operate in much the same manner as conventional
utilities. In effect these are 'stable' simple forms that the otaku has improved
upon and memorized. Complex forms are not 'programs' in the conventional sense.
The otaku directly manipulates his Living Persona on the Matrix to produce the
desired effects.
Starting Skill
Otaku begin with their Intelligence x 10 points that
they may assign to Complex Forms. These points are allocated towards the
programs programming complexity on a 1 for 1 basis.
For example, a starting otaku character with an Intelligence of 5 has 50 points to allocate to complex forms. He buys Attack-5S (costs 5 x 4= 20 points), Sleaze-5 (for 4x3=1 points), and Armor- (5x5=25).
Creating a Complex Form
Each complex form is a skill, and is linked
to the otaku's Intelligence. No complex form may exceed the average of the
otaku's Willpower and Intelligence multiplied by 1.5. Complex forms are counted
as Language skills for purposes of increasing their ratings. There are no
concentrations or defaulting for complex form skills. Each complex form is a
separate base skill, even for forms that mimic differing staging of the same
program.
For example, a complex form that mimics the Attack-5S program is a separate skill from one that mimics the same skill but with a Medium staging.
Restrictions
Complex forms may not be used to create agent or
frames, otaku use sprites in their place. Programming options may not be applied
to compelx forms.
Improving a Complex Form
When determining the cost to improve
complex forms add the Multiplier of the program that the form mimics.
For example, Phillip has the skill of Complex Form (Attack-5S). Phillips Intelligence is a 6. Raising the Skill to 6 would require ([6 x 1] + 4) 10 Good Karma.
Complex Forms and Bandwidth
If using the optional Bandwidth rules
(p. xx) then each Complex Form the otaku possesses, add its Rating to his
persona bandwidth, even if they are not utilized.
SIMPLE FORMS
Otaku may also create 'programs' on the fly. These
temporary forms are fairly short lived and are usually used as "stopgap"
measures by otaku trying to accomplish specific tasks.
To create a simple form the otaku essentially makes an "instant" programming test with a TN equal to the Complexity of the program he wishes to emulate. This requires a Simple Action on the part of the otaku. If successful, the program lasts for one use. If not used immediately the simple form only lasts until the end of the Combat Turn it was created in.
Limitations
Simple forms may only emulate offensive, defense and
special utilities. They cannot create frames or agents.
Simple forms may not use any programming options.
SPRITES
Sprites are the otaku version of frames and agents. All
sprites are individual, and often display complex personalities - usually
aspects of the otaku who created them. In a way they are independent fragments
of the otaku's own personality.
Each sprite is unique to the otaku that created it. It represents a significant investment in time and Karma by the otaku to create it, and are often viewed as spirits from the Matrix by technoshamans. The actual method used to create a sprite varies from otaku to otaku, usually taking form in a very personal experience on the Matrix relating to their original exposure to the Deep Resonance.
Creating a Sprite
[Use the rules in VR2]
EDGES AND FLAWS
Edges and Flaws are an additional option for
character generation given in the SRComp (p. xx). Some additional notes on the
Edges and Flaws from that manual are noted below.
Computer Illiterate, Bio-Rejection, Jack Itch
Otaku may not take
these Flaws.
College Education, Technical School Education
Otaku may not possess
these education Edges.
Illiterate
Illiterate otaku have no difficulty in using the Matrix
with their Living Persona. If using the Matrix through another computer system
they suffer the relevant penalties.
This is a very common Flaw among otaku, especially technoshamans.
Uneducated
The skill learning penalties do not apply to Otaku
Skills. Uneducated otaku still receive only Intelligence x 3 Knowledge Skill
points at character generation.
This Flaw could be applicable to otaku who did not complete their entire training in the tribe.
Uncouth
This is almost a stereotypical Flaw of otaku, who are quite
famous for their rude and churlish behavior.
Magic Resistance and Poor Link
A higher then average number of
otaku seem to possess an odd degree of resistance to magical effects.
OTAKU AND THE SOTA
Due to the effects of the Deep Resonance otaku
are always in tune with the latest developments on the Matrix. Thus they are not
affected by the SOTA rules.
OTAKU AND DAMAGE
Although the otaku's innate skill in using the
Matrix is remarkable, their Living Persona makes them more vulnerable to harm
then a decker. For one thing they are always considered to be running the Matrix
"hot". They may not operate in any other capacity.
Otaku do not use an Online Condition Monitor, any damage they sustain to their online icon is translated as Stun damage on their Mental Condition Monitor. Black IC affect the otakus Physical Condition Monitor just as it does normal deckers.
On the plus side, the otakus channels and complex forms are not programs in the conventional sense, and they may not be affected by programs such as tar baby. Programs such as tar baby will not even react in the presence of a otaku's channels.
Otaku are also unaffected by virus code such as dataworms.
DICE POOLS
Otaku do not possess a Hacking Pool. In its place they
have a Resonance Pool. Items that add to or subtract from a Hacking Pool have no
effect on a Resonance Pool.
RESONANCE POOL
To determine an otaku's Resonance Pool, add the
otaku's Intelligence Rating and his Willpower and divide by 3, round down.
Using the Pool
The Resonance Pool may be used for any task the
otaku performs on the Matrix, including enhancing his channels or when making
tests using his patterns.
Enhancements and the Pool
Modifiers to the otaku's Intelligence or
Willpower Rating do not affect the Resonance Pool, whether it is from magical,
cybernetic, or bionetic sources.
OTAKU AND CYBERTERMINALS
Otaku are perfectly capable of accessing
the Matrix through conventional systems or even cyberdecks. However, if they do
so they lose the ability to use any of their special Otaku Skills as well as the
abilities of the Living Persona. They still keep their Reaction and Initiative
ratings and may substitute the Resonance Pool for the Hacking Pool.
CYBERWARE
All otaku possess some level of cyberware in that they
all have datajacks.
Some go under the knife as soon as they can handle the
surgery in fact.
DATAJACKS
ALL otaku have a datajack. It is the one distinguishing
characteristic they have. This datajack always has an ASIST converter built into
it as well. The otaku starts play with this piece of cyberware, he does not need
to pay for it.
Enhanced Capabilities
The changes to the otaku's brain also affect
his link to the datajack. To this end all otaku datajacks display the
capabilities of a DNI link and transducer (p. 19 and p. 38 of Man and Machine
respectively). These abilities are byproducts of their Living Persona and are
not cybernetics, thus the otaku pays no Essence for these capabilities.
HEADWARE MEMORY
Otaku cannot store information in their brains.
They must use either headware memory or external storage devices connected
through a datajack as storage in order to upload or download data from the
Matrix.
RESONANCE AURA
An otakus aura will radically shift once they enter
the Matrix with their Living Persona. Anyone assenssing an otaku as he
interfaces will notice that the otaku's aura dims, then seems to sparkle with
strange lights. Anyone familiar with otaku will immediately recognize it. The
otaku cannot masked or hide this efffect on their aura - even if they are aware
of it.
MYSTERY OF THE OTAKU
Noone is quite sure what to make of the otaku.
There are numerous theories of course, ranging from the plausible to the truly
bizarre. However, a few things are well known about the otaku at present.
No known physiological or genetic abnormalities have ever been documented in otaku. Even after they experience the Deep Resonance there are no noticeable physiological changes either in their bodies or neurochemistry. Only detailed CAT scans can identify an otaku, and even then only if they are using their abilities. So although it is known their brains capabilities have been significantly altered to make them directly compatible with the technologies of the Matrix there is no understanding of the process involved.
One popular theory is that otaku have always been present. Only the fairly recent developments of direct neural interfaces has allowed their capabilities to manifest to the level that it does. The Deep Resonance, they conclude, is actually representative to an overcoming of psychic blocks to their ability. They cite numerous examples from magical research that tends to support this assertion. Just as mages are naturally attuned to astral energies, otaku are naturally attuned to the complex flow of information.
Other theories abound of course. Many take Deus's claims of creating the otaku seriously, and in many locations campaigns have begun to locate and destroy otaku. After all, if Deus created them then obviously they are acting as spies and agents for the AI. The fact that many otaku strenuously deny this link only reinforces the view that they are in fact hidden agents. As more information on the White agents of Deus escapes the Arcology it is only a matter of time before otaku become hated agents of Deus - true or not.
Luckily for otaku, unless they obviously display their abilities there is no way to identify them as such. There are no tests or scans that can be conducted on them to identify them as an otaku, and most are perfectly capable of using cyberdecks in order to accomplish their goals.
Stranger theories such as otaku are created from spirits in the Matrix or are hybrid children from space aliens have also been spread. The fact that no two otaku display quite the same capabilities or sees the Deep Resonance the same has made categorizing them very difficult.
One interesting fact that has come to light is that each otaku sees the Matrix in a very personal way. When an otaku accesses the Matrix they enter their own private world, essentially a reality filter of immense detail. They do not seem to be affected by system sculpting, or any other iconography tricks. Much like a decker-modified interface, their "internal" interface works without the usual cues that determine an objects appearance on the Matrix. The programs that otaku use, their channels and forms, are also little understood. Even close analysis of the actual program code loaded into hosts shows that no two otaku have quite the same way of performing tasks. The code itself seems somehow tied to the otaku himself. Efforts to isolate code fragments to duplicate the otaku's abilities have so far met with utter failure. The actual operating code that the otaku send to the host does not seem to conform to any known programming type or structure.
However, there has been limited success in analyzing an otaku's code in order to "fingerprint" the otaku. Since each otaku has a unique "signature" that he uses with his abilities there is the possibility that certain otaku activity can be tracked and logged. So far this has met with limited success. Otaku who learn they are being tracked in this manner have displayed the ability to subtly alter their signatures.