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D20 Modern vs. Spycraft: Tell me which one you like better
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<blockquote data-quote="solkan_uk" data-source="post: 2983257" data-attributes="member: 15753"><p>Since hacking is governed by the Computers skill, the only thing you need to be a hacker is to take ranks in the skill, and with origins & feats, everyone can have Computer Use as a class skill - though if you're willing to pay double you can max out just as much as anyone even without said options. Spycraft characters don't lack for options.</p><p></p><p>The below are what I came up with without using any multi-classing, some are Expert Classes (similar to Advanced classes - they can all be reached as your 5th level) but I've made no assumptions as to prior class. With Back to Basics, you essentially get the d20 modern core classes which expand options even more. Multiclassing etc can bring in other abilities to make things more diverse.</p><p></p><p>1) The Straight Hacker - Hacker class all the way. L337 stops you failing those routine hacks, though merely makes you less likely to fail completely on 'special' hacks. Master key gives you a bit of a boost too. Most of the other abilities are on the periphery of hacking, useful to get prepared rather than on the actual hack. Up until the 14th level ability...</p><p></p><p>2) "The Computer Scientist" - Scientist all the way, the Scientist class can actually outdo the hacker on straight hacking (though doesn't have as much related backup). At level 2 they get Ph.D. which lets them increase the maximum rank up to lvl+8! Other abilities, in particular: Bright Idea (roll int based skill check twice - keep best), No Worries (-2 error with electronic gear), Skill Mastery (-2 error with 1 skill) & 10 Second Solution (auto 20 on int skill check 1/session) all add to the goodness.</p><p></p><p>3) "The Overseer" - Pointman, not as good at the actual hack, but in a team of hackers he can give a boost to everyone else in the team, and can be made competent via selectable abilities, feats and skill options.</p><p></p><p>4) "Intelligence Gatherer" - The Snoop is the master of electonic surveilance, while not directly computer based with the ability Intercept Communication - which allows you to "clandestinely intercept the next telephone call, email, or other communication to or from the target without making a skill check" it can't be ignored as it can make hacking irrelevant in some cases. They have some other abilities which can help out - but nothing major.</p><p></p><p>5) "The hardware guy" - The Inventor (Expert Class) is another support character, improving the gear of himself and others making it more powerful, reliable and being able to throw something together with whatever's available, should your hacker team suddenly find themselves without a computer or other piece of vital equipment (& doesn't have a load of abilities to do with robots which really annoyed me about the d20 modern techie).</p><p></p><p>6) "The Schemer" (Expert Class)- not to be overlooked as a potential hacker, the schemer's 'Calculating' ability makes your special hacks better (AD result = Int bonus if rolled less), Mental Leap grants a boost to intelligence (or dex/wis), most of their other abilities can be used in hacking.</p><p></p><p>7) "The Expert" - The Virtuoso (Expert Class), makes you really good and really respected with 1 skill - I don't really like this class, but it can't be denied for sheer power in the computer skill you can't go wrong.</p><p></p><p><strong>Vigilance</strong> I didn't realise anything I said was offensive, though I've got a new baby daughter who's trying her hardest to deny me sleep, so please take anything I say in that light. </p><p>I'm not saying d20 modern is a bad system, and a few years ago I would have been promoting that, however at least for me and my group Spycraft has proven superior. It may not do for everyone. All I'm trying to do is get people to give Spycraft a chance, if my rampant fanboism is actually putting people off, I'll be only too happy to shut up.</p><p>And Spycraft isn't the only modern game I play - when I want more low-key 'real-people' adventures I tend to play Storyteller (just in a different setting) though have played quite a few different systems.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="solkan_uk, post: 2983257, member: 15753"] Since hacking is governed by the Computers skill, the only thing you need to be a hacker is to take ranks in the skill, and with origins & feats, everyone can have Computer Use as a class skill - though if you're willing to pay double you can max out just as much as anyone even without said options. Spycraft characters don't lack for options. The below are what I came up with without using any multi-classing, some are Expert Classes (similar to Advanced classes - they can all be reached as your 5th level) but I've made no assumptions as to prior class. With Back to Basics, you essentially get the d20 modern core classes which expand options even more. Multiclassing etc can bring in other abilities to make things more diverse. 1) The Straight Hacker - Hacker class all the way. L337 stops you failing those routine hacks, though merely makes you less likely to fail completely on 'special' hacks. Master key gives you a bit of a boost too. Most of the other abilities are on the periphery of hacking, useful to get prepared rather than on the actual hack. Up until the 14th level ability... 2) "The Computer Scientist" - Scientist all the way, the Scientist class can actually outdo the hacker on straight hacking (though doesn't have as much related backup). At level 2 they get Ph.D. which lets them increase the maximum rank up to lvl+8! Other abilities, in particular: Bright Idea (roll int based skill check twice - keep best), No Worries (-2 error with electronic gear), Skill Mastery (-2 error with 1 skill) & 10 Second Solution (auto 20 on int skill check 1/session) all add to the goodness. 3) "The Overseer" - Pointman, not as good at the actual hack, but in a team of hackers he can give a boost to everyone else in the team, and can be made competent via selectable abilities, feats and skill options. 4) "Intelligence Gatherer" - The Snoop is the master of electonic surveilance, while not directly computer based with the ability Intercept Communication - which allows you to "clandestinely intercept the next telephone call, email, or other communication to or from the target without making a skill check" it can't be ignored as it can make hacking irrelevant in some cases. They have some other abilities which can help out - but nothing major. 5) "The hardware guy" - The Inventor (Expert Class) is another support character, improving the gear of himself and others making it more powerful, reliable and being able to throw something together with whatever's available, should your hacker team suddenly find themselves without a computer or other piece of vital equipment (& doesn't have a load of abilities to do with robots which really annoyed me about the d20 modern techie). 6) "The Schemer" (Expert Class)- not to be overlooked as a potential hacker, the schemer's 'Calculating' ability makes your special hacks better (AD result = Int bonus if rolled less), Mental Leap grants a boost to intelligence (or dex/wis), most of their other abilities can be used in hacking. 7) "The Expert" - The Virtuoso (Expert Class), makes you really good and really respected with 1 skill - I don't really like this class, but it can't be denied for sheer power in the computer skill you can't go wrong. [b]Vigilance[/b] I didn't realise anything I said was offensive, though I've got a new baby daughter who's trying her hardest to deny me sleep, so please take anything I say in that light. I'm not saying d20 modern is a bad system, and a few years ago I would have been promoting that, however at least for me and my group Spycraft has proven superior. It may not do for everyone. All I'm trying to do is get people to give Spycraft a chance, if my rampant fanboism is actually putting people off, I'll be only too happy to shut up. And Spycraft isn't the only modern game I play - when I want more low-key 'real-people' adventures I tend to play Storyteller (just in a different setting) though have played quite a few different systems. [/QUOTE]
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