[D20 Modern, Shadowrun] How to Handle...

[Andrew D. Gable]

I'm doing a D20 Modern conversion of Shadowrun. How should I handle otaku (guys who can access the Matrix without a datajack)? I'm leaning towards template.

BTW, fellow Shadowrun-philes...as I don't have the Matrix book, is there anything else about otaku? Other ways they work?

 

[Neowolf]

I voted "template", but afterwards decided that a prestige class would probably better simulate what you're describing. I'm not familiar with Shadowrun myself, so I couldn't really help you more than that. Good luck!

 

[danzig138]

Template

Primarily, I say template. That's how I was going with my SR conversion. Later reflection says template initially, maybe with an accompanying PrC. The template providing the raw basics of the DR, but the PrC representing the streamling and such. I'll dig out my copy of Matrix later and see what all it says about them.

 

[VorpalBunny]

I'd suggest sticking with the d6 Shadowrun system. IMO, the stuff you'll have to change or do away with in a conversion could cause more problems than you had with the original.

For d20 otaku, I'm with danzig - a "template" with maybe an appropriate PrC. If you're looking for more information on the otaku, besides Matrix, I'd suggest the Brainscan campaign, and the Renraku Arcology: Shutdown adventure.

 

[Mordane76]

If all Otaku can do is access the Matrix without a datajack, then I would say treat them like individuals with Spellfire and make a feat, then a PrC for becoming more advanced with the ability. Otherwise -- stick with Shadowrun; they made it, and if it works there fine, then play it there. It might get broken in the translation.

 

[danzig138]

Otherwise -- stick with Shadowrun; they made it, and if it works there fine, then play it there. It might get broken in the translation.

Therein lies the problem: it doesn't work fine there. Although running the Trix is easier in 3rd edition than in previous editions, alot of the die-hard "I'll never convert my D6 to anything else, let alone d20" players still agree that the decking rules are kind of whack, so converting the Otaku probably won't lose much if anything in the translation. My question is, has Mr. Gable already converted the rules for decking, or designed new ones? If not, then it's probably too early to convert the Otaku. For my conversion, I tried to just convert the rules as they were, with only minor changes for d20 (I did this before d20 Modern, so I need to revisit my conversion).

 

[Andrew D. Gable]

My question is, has Mr. Gable already converted the rules for decking, or designed new ones? If not, then it's probably too early to convert the Otaku.

My Matrix rules aren't hard and fast yet. I'm trying to integrate elements of Cyberpunk 2020 (well, the programs anyway), but mostly the system is shaping up to be an expanded version of the D20 Modern hacking system. I really want to try to avoid the intrusiveness of SR decking rules (face it, if the decker did a big run, the other 'runners had little to do and it quickly became a one-player session). If I get to run the conversion, it'll be with Shadowrun newbies, so I don't have to sweat the particulars too much. So maybe I shouldn't sweat the otaku yet, I dunno.

 

[Ravellion]

Perhaps an initial feat, only to be taken at 1st level...?

Rav

 

[Mordane76]

The last time I played Shadowrun, I don't think they had Otaku, and then I was more shaman than decker...

I agree with Rav -- I think things like this are best handled like Spellfire and Spellcasting Prodigy. I'm assuming that one must be born Otaku, just like one must be born a prodigy or a SF wielder. So I think a level-one-only feat is prolly the best idea.

 

[CypherSmith]

I agree that a template with PrCs would be the proper way to do otaku. On a side note, otaku don't enter the matrix without datajacks, they run the matrix without a deck. The ability for anyone to do this was in second edition shadowrun, but limited to otaku in third edition (with the exception of Dodger, but he was special).

CypherSmith