Anatomy of a Datafortress

You're connected to a datafortress, searching for the financial archives of a small corporation hoping to find something to extort them for. But there's nothing here, only terminal, door and camera links. "Whats wrong?" you ask yourself as you patrol the virtual space within the fortress.

A new data wall rises in front of you, it's security clearance higher than before. As you crack it, the virtual sound of an alarm resounds in your ears. "My program didn't trigger it, I'm sure" you wonder as you hurry to pass the wall an reach the other side.

"One LDL?" is the only think you're have time to think while you jump into it, you don't have time to wonder while the bloodhounds run toward you.

The basics

The typical thing a netrunner do is stealing data from a datafortress, but which kind of data and how do they find it?

Information is stored on databases, folders and files in the system. Those are typically represented as memory blocks which represent local data. But some data is saved on the "cloud", basically an external system usually maintained by another corp.

To access external data you have to enter a protected LDL icon (with a standard Code Gate opener), which will send you to another datafortress with new security measures. Take into account that cloud services boast about their security measures, so expect extreme brute force if they detect your illicit access to their system.

What's in a typical Cloud Memory Unit (CMU)? Boring stuff mainly. Work databases, operations documentation, personal info, provider/client databases, personnel calendars, etc.

What's in a local memory Unit (MU)? The same stuff as a CMU (if the datafortress doesn't use cloud services) and meaningless stuff like power point presentations, internal messages, local info or images ... and the good stuff, the one that's so black that you wouldn't entrust external corporations to manage it.

Bigger is better

The previous schematic is for a single shard server. The one you would find on small enterprises, lone buildings or similar.

Single shard? You must be asking yourself. Well ... when things grow up, a single server isn't enough to control everything. Nor is it even desirable. If your factory machines aren't working as expected, you don't want to reboot security cameras, doors or international operations.

So you connect multiple servers (called shards) and divide the workload between them. Now, if your factory is having problems with the machinery, you don't need to unplug the security systems.

And now every shard has it's own defenses.

Yes, that's more work for you. Aren't you happy?

What does this mean? It basically means that now you have to defeat various data walls to reach the destination you want. You first break into the login/net server which only contains minimal operational MUs and then search for a shard index and try to breach it's security.

You want access to cameras and doors? That's a shard.
You want access to machinery? That's another shard.
You want access to terminals and accounting MUs? Guess it. Yes, another shard.

Every one of them has it's own data walls, code gates and probably, a sysop.

Additionally, some shard are only accessible once you have connected to a specific shard. For example, if you want access to the black ops file, you will need to hack into the initial login shard, then the management shard and then to the internal security shard.

Who runs it?

A lot of datafortress have enough CPU to be managed by AI.

But you won't find a lot of them managing sites anyway. Why? Because AI are predictable, reprogrammable and exploitable. They do not learn or react as a humans (you don't really want an AGI wandering freely) and they do not spawn spontaneously ... which mean you must pay someone to create them.

And when someone find a way to exploit one, the news spread fast between the netrunners hubs.

It's easier, cheaper and more reliable to use human sysops to monitor the system. True, those can be bargained, extorted or even bribed ... but don't expect it. And if the sysop is fried, you don't have to pay his salary.

If a sysop is working locally, they will use the mainframe as their terminal to administrate the datafortress. Which means multiple actions and amazingly fast programs. Also, it means you know exactly where they are on the building and someone can "unplug" them in the real world.

If not, they will use their own cyberdecks and work as a netrunner would.

And that's all.

Try not to die the next time you assault a multiple shard datafortress with multiple cloud services and a mix of black ice ;)

Netrunning small revision

While my initial intention was to use the rules as they come in the basic manual for my latest forum games. I've finally decided to make some small adjustments and clarifications for my players to better suit my preferences.

Step 1: Preparing for the run

The first thing you need is a cyberterminal and some programs. If you miss one or both, you will not reach very far.

When you turn on the terminal and prepare to surf the net, the first thing you'll find is a virtual room off your own terminal. Here you can run your programs locally and specify the name/appearance you'll have once you're inside the net.

Step 2: Traveling on the global network

If you are already connected directly to the target network, you can skip this step.

To travel around the world you have to go through a number of main nodes/proxies. Those are usually in major cities and are often in freely available public lists. However, each node keeps track of your path through the network to inform any tracking program where you come from.

If you want to avoid leaving a trace around the net (that correspond with your real world position, remember I-G algorithms) you have to bypass their security protocols. It's not a very difficult thing to do, but as you reroute signals and stack fake IDs, it slows down your connection.

Each node has a value of "trace" and one of "security" (as always). The former adds to the difficulty of tracking you, the sum of the second divided by two is a penalty of your initiative rolls.

Ex .: If you pass by Night City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Panama City and City of Bogotá, you'll have a trace value of 13 and a -4 penalty to initiative (7 divided by 2).

-List of Nodes/Proxies-

Step 3: Infiltration

Once you've reached your goal, you must get into the data fortress and execute your malware ... of which there are plenty.

While you're out of it inoffensively, the system will ignore you. But the moment you start an attack, the system will defend against you (or will send the sysop a notice of your presence). It will be time to throw initiatives and move by turns ... you'll better have Stealth programs to hide or you will understand why runners fear black ice.

-List of Programs-

Typical checks on the net are:

Initiative: REF + speed + 1d10 terminal.
Stealth and evasion: 1d10 + prog. STR	Difficulty: 6 + Detection prog. STR.
Anti-system attacks: 1d10 + prog. STR	Difficulty: 6 + Data Wall or Code Gate STR.
Anti-personnel attacks: 1d10 + prog. STR + INT + Interface.	Difficulty: 6 + prog. STR + INT + Interface.
Anti-software attacks: 1d10 + prog. STR + INT + Interface.	Difficulty: 6 + prog. STR + INT + Interface.
Drivers and utilities: 1d10 + prog. STR	Difficulty: 6 + Data Wall STR.

The STR refers to the strength of the attacking or defending program. If for example you want to hide, you'll need to use programs to mask your signal or hide your ID and beat the system detection programs (like the Dog series).

If the opponent (either an AI or sysop) is aware of your presence, it can attack you freely. If not it will have to locate you first even if your are running mayhem in their system ... or in a desperate act, they can cut external communications or reboot the system.

To be able to FIND, READ, EDIT, COPY and DELETE data from a data fortress, you first have to overcome their defenses (Data Walls or Code Gates) with appropriate anti-system programs (such as Drill). If you leave the fort and the administrator becomes aware of the security breach, they will be restored.


Step 4: Exit

Once you've finished with your work, you just have to leave to other areas of the net or disconnect (with a roll of 8 or more with a d10).


Notes:

If you have broken through a data fortress Data Walls or Code Gates, you do not need a test to control remote computer (but you still need the program!).

Without programs you cannot manipulate the net, but you can still browse it, manually interact with Code Gates and access unprotected memory blocks. If you know someone you my try to acquire programs from them or reach Netrunner hubs in the search of a kind soul.

Also, keep in mind that most of Datafortress have public zones where it is not necessary to make a raid to access it. In them you can typically find all kinds of contact information, products or organize meetings.

Following the current trend in futuristic military gadgets, I've been wondering on the adaptation of a lighter, cheaper alternative to ACPA ... or more precisely, the Linear Frames (or Exo suits).


Sigma Linear Frame : STR 12, Dam. Mod. +4, Lift 600, Carry 180, Weight 125, Cost 5000eb
Reflex/Control systems: Advanced (Max Ref 10), No Mart. Arts
Armored cover for the system: CP 20, Cost 500eb
Trooper size: 114kg (Standard issue)
SIB: +2
SDP: 12
----
Final cost: 4950eb

What we have here is a cheap linear frame that boost soldier competence, speed and movement. Even more a Linear frame is slightly more comfortable than enclosing oneself inside a chassis for long hours.

Remember tho, that when someone shoots a Sigma user, 20% of bullets will impact the suit. When the suit reaches half its SDP there is a 40% chance of breakdown. Plus +10% for every new hit after that.

Also, the control system requires interface plugs with the Vehicle link.

-------

If you are wondering why a soldier would want to use something that relatively fragile and weak compared to a low tier ACPA, the answer is simple. He doesn't choose to.

Militech Commando costs 108.306eb
Arasaka Standard B costs 89.050eb

You can equip 20 soldiers with exo suits for the cost of a simple Militech Commando. Even more ... with a quarter it's weight, they can outflank their opponents more easily and take better positions. Also, they're easier to transport and maintain.

And less intimidating to the average corp. citizen.

Well ... I have begun a website to try to recap my house rules so it's easier for me to reference them later (as a lot of my games are done on play-by-post forums).

Let's hope I manage to do something with the tiny spare time I have.

dimuscul.clon01.net

This one is about netrunning and long distance links.

While it wasn't apparent years ago when the rules were created, the thing is that travelling around the net in the search of info and social media isn't more costly than keeping on your local area. After all we aren't exactly using modems of old calling to specific numbers around the world.

So we can simply ditch the LDL rules about costing money ... but we still need tracing values.

My take on the issue (which I've been mumbling about for a while) is the following.

Each Node (or LDL) is considered a Proxy who transmits data to the rest of the world. Proxies can limit incoming data so countries can ban certain sites/zones (like social media during revolts, or other political sensible content).

The problem is that proxies tend to log every visit ... and usually, netrunners don't want to be traced.

Each times a netrunner pass through a proxy without being logged on, he adds half the security value as a penalizer to his Initiative. So if he goes through:

• Night City (T2 S2)
• Los Angeles (T2 S2)
• Mexico City (T2 S1)
• Panama City (T3 S1)
• Bogota City (T4 S1)

He would accumulate a trace value of 13 and a security value of 7 (-3 to Initiative).

Of course, you can buy a prepaid SIM card (10 to 30 credits) for your cyberdeck and throw it after the run making sure no one knows who you are. Just remember, if someone trace you - thanks to I-G algorithms - they know where you are in the Real Space.

So ... try to hack from a secure/anonymous place, will you?.

We have started playing the Land of the Free module for Cyberpunk with my game group. It all begun as a forum game but quickly developed to real world sessions as we finished our Edge of the Empire introductory module.

The first part, Adriana extraction, was smooth ... maybe to smooth (thanks to the Netrunner). After the game I thought of a dozen ways to spice up that session but, alas, it was too late. I been out of "real space" DMing for quite a long time and I find myself a bit rusty doing it.

But anyways, I've returned to directing Cyberpunk 2020 and that's what matters.

At the same time, Watch Dogs have been released and I have been having some fun with it ... one of the main tools the protagonist (Aiden Pearce) uses is a mobile phone which he uses to hack remote operated machines.

I been thinking if it was possible to do the same in Cyberpunk ... yes, it can be done. 

Let's take a look into it, but take into account that those rules are not mine, most of them comes from Rache Bartmoss Guide to the Net.

First, you need to program a new interface since you won't use normal I-G algorithms (Very difficult task on Programming skill or Difficult task on Expert:Complex Computer Language). Or modify standard modem routines to handle cyberdeck programs (Difficult or Average task, same skills).

Alternatively, someone else can do it for you for a 150-200 credits fee.

As we don't plan to netrun with a little pocket PC, we don't need to make further change to it's programs or interface. Which means we are ready to go and wreak some havoc.

Heres a completely illegal piece of hardware already rigged for remote controlling:

• Zetatech "E-Book" Microcomp (1CPU, 1INT, 12 MU with a 15.4cmx7.6cmx1.3cm size) 100cr
• Cellular upgrade (similar to the Cybermodem Interface) +500cr
• Custom netrunning interface +200cr

• Crystal ball (4STR, 1MU) 140cr
• Dee-2 (3STR, 1MU) 130cr
• Genie (5STR, 1MU) 150cr
• Hotwire (3STR, 1MU) 130cr
• News at 8 (4STR, 1MU) 140cr
• Soundmachine (4STR, 1MU) 140cr
• Terminator (4STR, 2MU) 260cr
• Phone Home (2/5STR, 1UM)150cr

Which amounts to 2040cr ... but remember, its illegal, so the price should be more like 4000cr

And voila! Ready to hack some remotes.

It's debatable if PDA and Microcomps  should already have cellular SIMs and ports. When Cyberpunk was created the FAX was the tool of the future ... but they have become little more than a gimmick while most people simply send e-mail/documentation from his portable smartphone or paper thin tabletops with more processing power than old mainframes and access to cloud databases that extend far and beyond.

Even the pay per time travelled on the net and it's LDC seem obsolete in the face of the networks and competing corps trying to offer the best and cheapest way to connect around the world.

So our generic Zetatech clone smartphone (1CPU, 1INT, 10MU) should cost around 200 or 300 credits, while the top of the line models (1CPU, 2INT, 20MU) should be around 500 or 600 cr.

Also, we need to put a bit of attention to Remotes and its accessibility ... should any hacker wannabe walk nearby to an Arasaka building and take a sneak peek over its camera system? 

When letting players (and NPC) use his remote hacking tools make yourself a question ... is that remote inside a datafortress?

• Is a robotaxi behind a datawall? Most probably, not.
• Is a Dataterm behind a datawall? Surely not.
• Is an Arasaka camera behind a datawall? Yes, you can bet about it.
• Are public traffic cams behind datawalls? Nope.

To control a remote behind a datafortress you will need to gain access to it. You can wreak it's datawalls previously (but they will repair them in a small amount of time) or you can brute hack the Codegate to attain the password (but most datafortress change it's passwords periodically).

The better way to do it, is to assault a datafortress, get inside, access to the users database, and add a new user for you and leave before somebody notices you and could suspect something. Until someone supect that account is compromised, your safe to go.

Once you have a way around the datawalls you can use the remote tools freely.

Well, it's been a while ... like ... more than a year? Really? Well, it seems real life can get quite busy isn't it?

Anyway, I been playing games anyway. I had to go back on Spider processors and almost free wi-fi attacks, they gave to much power to Netrunners as they could control literally anything.

So I have stepped back and returned to standard hacking rules for implants. Netrunners can still make fun of solos and all that, it is just harder and more limited.

Spiders had gone the way of Dodo, and I have modified some implants. Interface plugs now are wi-fi hotspots and can pair with anything the user desires. You can still use them to plug yourself physically, and in fact it has better performance (all cable connections are treated as low impedance cables instead) and cannot be hacked wirelessly.

Other implants include lowering camera gadgets space in implants (like Cyberoptics) and displays (Times Square). Cheapen cellular implants and convert them to small agendas/computers on it's own.

I also incorporated domestic humanoid robots, AI are to large to be put in a simple humanoid, but I use ideas from the movie I Robot and the RPG Game Neurospasta. Basically robots are only vessels and they are remotely controlled by company AI who manage multiple robots on real time.

Which by itself can led to a lot of adventures.

Also, cheaper full cyborgs. I know I created a previsoulsy one more cheaper but I have added other variations based on actual cyberimplants found on books. You know, using Enable Cyberlimbs to build an obsolete model has it's charm.

Also, Soviet ones.

In a summary, they are quite cheaper, but also a piece of junk that tends to fail more often than not. Take a look at the PDF of it's components.

Maybe another day (month or year) I will post the domestic robot statistics. I why not, my actual house rules.