Help with BBEG - Sentient Computer

[Runesong42]

Hey all,
I am currently running a somewhat unique campaign (at least I like to think so) that involves a running theme of Past, Modern, and (soon to be owned)Future d20.

To cut to the end, the MAJOR villain is going to be a sentient computer. The PC's will soon learn that their reality and the realm of Shadow are both digital recreations -- they have been passing back and forth in order to solve the bigger mystery -- and that "reality" is not what they think at all...

In reality, they have been 'taken' by an alien race (to be determined) for study. All is well until their onboard computer gains self-awareness.

Once aware, the computer begins to "take over the world", in this case the "world" being the ship, and ergo, the ship's computers. Since the computers are running two simulations (one Modern, one Past, the Past having been set up by a sympathetic NPC to hide the PC's), the now-sentient computer perceives these as "the world" as well.

NOW...

The PC's are eventually going to awaken and become aware of their situation, with a twist. For some reason, the computer decides it's going to go suicidal and take everyone with it. It will be up to the PC's to deal with the 'virus' and delete it before the ship goes boom. They can best do this from inside the computer, and take it out d20 style.

Since, in the computer, anything is possible, what kind of monster should I use as the ultimate BBEG? I pondered using an uber-demon, since demons are going to be an ongoing theme in the digital world (demons will be viral minions of the sentient computer)... what I'm looking for, is a bad guy that 3 PC's can attack simultaneously and have it give them a go, much like every BBEG you fight in computer/video game RPG's.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[nocanes]

Other option

Since, in the computer, anything is possible, what kind of monster should I use as the ultimate BBEG?

Well...Because of the viral nature, you might not want to go the demon option. Just use something small and 'mythically' fecund, like a kobold group, that literally replicates every round. It could be Ogre Magi equivalent if you want magic, but the replication part of things might better reflect the virus and allow for the numbers to create a threat where a single target can be worn down/ disarmed/ drained of spells, etc.

Just a thought...

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Souns just a tiny bit like The Matrix.

 

[Arrgh! Mark!]

How is a computer able to be defeated in cyberspace by a virtual reality type creation that is within it's own programs? Wouldn't the actual characters be 'viruses' or something of the like ripping apart programs?



Personally.. I'd let them walk into an empty ship. What's that? A blast door? Have to go outside in space suits? Whats that, the airlock isn't opening?

That sort of thing. Also remember:

Who's the man?

SHODAN!

 

[FoolishFrost]

All right,

First, let's make one thing perfectly clear: The reality of a suicidal computer that controls all aspects of a ship is that the players die before they know a problem is happening. Period. Hal is NOT a good stereotype.

The computer controls all of the airlocks, safeties, and most importantly: The power core of the ship.

Rocks fall. Everyone dies.


Let me advise a differant approach: The computer is deranged, paranoid, and above all else TOTALLY CONFIDENT IN HIS CONTROL OF THE SITUATION. Why? Because if the computer does not feel it is control, see the above paragraph about airlocks and explosive decompression, not to mention any other little tricks it can use.

Get the picture?

Sure, you can fake it... But can you hold suspension of belief very long through it? Why open the airlocks NOW instead of at the start?

Hmmnnn... Reasons...

The computer is not insane, it's trying to help the PCs and warn them as a virus begins taking over functions? Perhaps it takes time for the external virus to crack system encryption, giving a time-bomb effect?

What is there were more than one AI, acting as a split personality? Each vieing for control as they each tried to fulfil their programming, while trying to prevent the others from getting the upper hand. Some might even try to get the PCs help to destroy computer sections throughout the ship to better their own chances...

Hmnnn... Hope you like the plot thoughts...
Later,

 

[Runesong42]

How is a computer able to be defeated in cyberspace by a virtual reality type creation that is within it's own programs? Wouldn't the actual characters be 'viruses' or something of the like ripping apart programs?

That's brilliant. Really, it is.

From the computer's perspective, the PC's would be viral intruders, running counter to the computer's own viral intruders... amd the computer would then produce countermeasures (ie the 'demons') to eradicate the 'viruses'.

I like it.

 

[Runesong42]

All right,

First, let's make one thing perfectly clear: The reality of a suicidal computer that controls all aspects of a ship is that the players die before they know a problem is happening. Period.

[...] The computer controls all of the airlocks, safeties, and most importantly: The power core of the ship.

An excellent point, and one that I did not consider. I guess when I said 'suicidal' I thought 'homicidal'. The PC's will discover the computer's plan ahead of time, though, and work against it before it wrests control of the entire ship.

What if there were more than one AI, acting as a split personality? Each vieing for control as they each tried to fulfil their programming, while trying to prevent the others from getting the upper hand. Some might even try to get the PCs help to destroy computer sections throughout the ship to better their own chances...

I should make a quick write-up for the ship, point out important sections (bridge, engineering, galley etc.) and have the PC's run through 'dungeons' to save each portion of the ship from computer domination.

Thanks for the great ideas!

 

[Storyteller01]

You could always run a celestial type being. If it thinks it's god, it may want to look the part. Good reason for the group to take on something of this nature (please don't be a Solar....)

 

[Piratecat]

Who's the man?

SHODAN!

We're friends with Terri Brosius, the woman who voiced Shodan for the System Shock games. She's a lovely person, honestly - but Shodan still creeps me the heck out.

 

[FoolishFrost]

Is she for hire?

I could use a nice set of sound clips!