The very reason this Fan-made expansion has been born was the result of

utter frustration. Why, you may ask? Because Cuberpunk and what we came to
love within this genre always was grounded in some reality, easy to understand
and operate its core concepts via tropes which corresponded to the imagined
expectations, but also knowledge of whats modern and what we perceive as
futuristic. Its not a jab at fantasy bits of this Setting, far from it, cause even the
fantasy of Shadowrun operates on familiar pop-cultural icons, so that wrapping
our heads around them isnt something odd, especially for those who already
dabbled to some extent into fantasy RPGs.
It has been a completely different story with technology, one aspect which
becomes outdated quite quickly, causing the growing gap between our
expectations and mechanical capacities of electronics presented in game,
transform the issue into a disconnecting factor. Cyberpunk was always smooth
on the imagination, we could roll with Gibsons stories because, despite the lack
of actual technical acumen or coding skill, readers could take what they saw in
contemporary world and imagine how the same devices could work in far future
where the efficiency of said devices increases exponentially. Computers were
computers, but smaller, faster, fancier. TVs were still TVs, just bigger, flatter,
sometimes adding new dimension to the experience, but still, the general
principle was: Its more of what we know. It was easy to imagine a mobile
telephone: get a regular one and add radio-connection to a wide grid of
receivers. Playing Shadowrun back in the 90s was still the same thing, doing
something that felt natural for the futuristic times, but something familiar,
something grounded in norms we knew, just expanded in efficiency.
That said, as we stepped into a new Millennium we witnessed a giant,
groundbreaking shift in philosophy of technological design. This shift is
responsible for the disconnect in most Cyberpunk works, games, stories,
whatever you can think of we can trail all the problems to this one event. A
simple change in approach, but stark in actual impact.
Before 2000s the most dominant idea was:
There is Hardware. Hardware is designed to do a Thing. Hardware does the
Thing really, really well. The more advanced the Hardware, it does the Thing
better and better. You want the Hardware to do a different Thing? Then you need
to get different Hardware.
The path of technological progression for electronics went the other way
however, and whereas tools and vehicles still remain vastly specialized, we no
longer have a need of on-desk dedicated calculators, or MP3 players, small
technological devices devoted to one task alone.
Nowdays there is Hardware. Hardware runs Software to do a Thing. This
Software does the Thing really, really well. You want the Hardware to do a
different Thing? Then change the Software.
And sure, in days of old we also had some form of soft doing the work on the
circuits, but it was bound by the philosophy, it was bound to serve the hardware,
was custom made, designed with this old idea of doing one thing.
The key to this prelude is We came to expect the latter philosophy. We pick
up a communication device in a Shadowrun game and we want to swipe the

1
screen, check our e-mail, play some music, yet we cant. We need a different
device for that!
The very reason 4th and 5th Editions of Shadowrun came to be was to make
this long overdue technological upgrade, along with other changes of course. And
you know what? It worked! For nearly two years I stuck with 5th Edition for that
exact reason, despite not really enjoying any other change they did to the game.
I just couldnt get back into 3rd no matter how hard I tried. I could not look at
the cyberware with straight face and equip my Shadowrunner with 30 MegaPulse
storage implant to go along cybernetic eyes, allowing him to take only 30
pictures, whereas I had my old Samsung mobile phone laying there on the desk
with 4 Gigabytes SSD. Whenever I browsed the electronics section of Street Gear
I cringed so hard I had to put the book down. This is the frustrating disconnect
between expectations and the technology. When you install an FPS game on your
PC, your hands instinctively go towards WASD keys, cause thats how it is, its
obvious, its the bare minimum. The same I came to expect from electronics in
games about Cyberpunk, the least they can do is: to-not-lag-behind. Cyberpunk
means technology becoming part of ones life, its intricate part in culture and
use, the one thing it shouldnt be to a player is being alien and unintuitive.
Thats the reason why I write this Upgrade, to offer some solutions and
perhaps finally be able to return to my favorite edition of Shadowrun. Think of it
as reverse-engineering the changes and all the good work devs of 4th and 5th
edition put into their games and trying to adapt it back, more as a set of
concepts put together, then actual mechanical changes. I shall use all three
editions of the game as a general framework to make something coherent out of
it, still trying to keep its elements familiar to the players of both old and new
editions, should they decide to switch and give the good old Shadowrun a go.
That said, its not an Update on weapons or vehicels, they are fine and dont
need our attention. Those are items for physical interactions with physical world.
Were looking here at cybernetic/electronic interactions with esoteric cyberspace
and all things virtual.

2
 Basics of Redesign, in terms of all things Electronic, will be quite simple. First,
our task is to ask ourselves a question how many of the devices can be replaced
by Software running on other, multi-purpose devices? Some will encapsulate the
functionality of obsolete tech, absorbing it, if you will. Whats worth noting is that
whole lists of tech for Shadowrun 3rd Edition were conceptualized in times where
there was clear division between analogue and digital technologies. We have
computers controlling surveillance cameras via digitalized commands, but the
said cameras send audio-visual signals which have to be processed by separate
devices (Vidlink Transmitters) to make any use of the recording. That alone is
ridiculous concept by our current standards, but thats still the remnant of the
old design philosophy I mentioned before. To make some sense of it, lets
discuss three means of Updating the Tech:
We shall drop the whole pretense of there being any form
of analogue signals still in use. Forget the BNC connectors and concentric
cables, we are going digital. Whether its copper of optic fibers, it doesnt
matter, the packets are rolling in form of ones and zeroes whether its a
secure file, sound, image or text, its all segregated and orderly. That means
one more thing, every device capable of sending digital data is a computer. It
may be small, primitive or extremely simple, but as long as it has some sort of
processing unit, memory and ability to follow and interpret commands of
operating software, it is a computer. This is merely a reminder, as I hope itll
cast some light on what were dealing here with. Our own, modern world is full
of computers, left and right we are surrounded by them. Our smartphones are
perfect examples, but also digital cameras are exactly that. Take a picture and
a small CPU will analyze the perceived image, process it into stream of digital
data according to its own software running in the background, on a tiny
memory, to finally save it as a file on an internal mass storage chip of some
sort. We are surrounded by the world of Computers, some tiny, some huge
and kept in deep dark. Production of such miniature computers to govern
specific hardware has become so cheap and common we got them in our wash
machines and microwaves, as its actually easier to mass manufacture some
controlling circuit for a home-device and then write a plethora of Firmware
programs, then to craft whole set of convoluted mechanical solutions We can
only assume they should become even more common in the future. And that
said, where one device is connected to a computer, or even a computer is
connected to another computer, remember, that theres no need for highly
specialized data processing equipment where the devices can communicate
with each other with common tongue of unified code, performing many tasks
simultaneously. This is significant as digitalization allows a powerful computer
to literary impersonate a set of devices, using them as if those were just
puppets. That however works both ways, as smaller devices are potential
access points to whatever unit runs the show.

3
 A process in which well try to merge devices into ones that
simply make more sense. The greatest example of all? Commlinks.
A process of changing hardware into software which from
now on will perform the same functions as the original device before.
The nominal cost for all devices or software will remain as written in the Core
Rulebook for Shadowrun 3rd Edition, unless its change was justified.

are now universal communication devices, akin to modern

day smartphones. Basically miniature computers, with own storage, processing
capacity, ability to run multitude of applications, with a WiFi connection, doubling
as telephones if need be. They are used by everyone all the time for playing
music, videos, browsing the web and serving most basic AR functionality,
provided one has a proper Sim Module implant or special glasses to display the
Augumented Reality adverts and information. A regular Commlink has a shape of
a pad with a touch-screen, high-resolution digital video and still image cameras,
image/text and RFID tag scanners, built-in GPS guidance system, chip players,
credstick readers, retractable earbuds, voice-access dialing, text-to-speech and
speech-to-text technologies, and a shock and water resistant case. All of this is
relatively unexpensive package of services, essentially a personal computer
carried along the user.
This commlink upgrade gives the user a simsense experience,
translating streams of code and computer data into neural signals that allow the
user to directly experience simsense programs and augmented reality,
interpreting the input and output in user-device interactions. A sim module must
be accessed via a direct neural interface (trode, datajack, or implanted commlink
implanted commlink come in stock with Sim Module as a standard user-device
interface). Sim modules are a must-have for virtual reality of sorts, including VR
clubs, VR games, simsense and darker virtual pleasures. Sim modules can be
modified for hot-sim, which opens up the full (and dangerous) range of VR
experiences.

Model Name Device Rating Avail/Street Cost

Index
Meta Link 1 Always .75 100
Sony Emperor 2 Always 1 700
Renraku Sensei 3 Always 1 1.000
Erika Elite 4 Always 1 2.500
Hermes Ikon 5 5/3days 1.5 3.000
Transys Avalon 6 6/4days 1.5 5.000
Fairlight Caliban 7 6/5days 2 8.000
Sim module --- --- +100
w/hot-sim --- 8/10days 1.5 +250

4
 Quantifying current technology into minuscule lists of memory cells, storage
capacities, is already pointless, given how huge the storage devices have become
in terms of their capacities and efficiency. Whereas Mega-Pulses are an abstract
and considerable unit for Software run by Cyberdecks, which complexity and
sheer control power over the cyberspace rivals what we perceive as artificial
intelligence, simpler and mundane aspects of the Commlinks functionality need
not be so bothersome. Hence the general Raiting (taken right out of SR5, one
thing this system did really well) this rating is more of an indication for a GM, a
general guideline for the power of those personal portable computers which
Commlinks are in essence. In modern smartphone the storage space is enough
for thousands of clips, image and video files, raging into Gigabytes of pure
storage. More than enough to make hundreds of screenshots, record multiple
sounds/conversations, store maps, files, all the info needed for properly
coordinated run in the shadows, or just simple mundane office work.
The is and consider it a standard, respectively 3
being the slightly lower standard, and 4 getting the better end of the stick, but a
standard non-the-less. Enough processing power to fluently run few applications
simultaneously: have a map opened, browse social media while receiving a call
from a friend, texting a message to another you know, the typical youd expect
to see in hands of a spoiled kid of some better paid wage-slave. One can store
up to few movies, few games and thousands of songs on such device, not to
mention text files but if you want some Crunch? Think the Rating corresponds
to: x of ; while having x of
(RAM) to operate it, and x of as
an expression of how quick the device is/capable of running multiple processes.
A particular Commlink can run simultaneously: Number of =
x of / . Any application running on beyond capacity by
maximum of will cause lag to the entire device.
Ill mention it again though, all of the above is just an indication for you, either
player or GM, to help you visualize a personal device of the future with
something to compare it with our modern day standards, hence the terminology,
but feel free to replace it with Shadowrun equivalent jargon.
Those of Lower Rating are obviously a cheaper, budget versions. Not
necessarily useless, just more specific. After all a construction worker who needs
to double-check his work with building plans, make some notes, or contact his
superiors about delivering replacement parts, doesnt need the extra processing
power, hes just fine with device rating of 2. Theres still plenty of commercial
and business use for low grade Commlinks, like office work, but we should be
also honest, that The Sixth World isnt some all fancy paradise, there are gang-
infested hellholes, Sprawls of no-mans land where those less fortunate must
make a living somehow, and to them, a low grade Commlink is way more
affordable alternative.
High Rating Commlinks are obviously faster, cutting edge, more storage, more
RAM, more cores, more security. Its safe to assume, that if your Rank 4 device
can perform to certain degree, the Rank 6 device will perform about 50% better.

In mechanics Commlinks replace most of the following devices. It

doesnt mean the devices listed below cant be purchased, after all, obsolete
technology is still out there, but it should be noted it wont come with standard
capabilities of Commlinks and neither should be easy to find.

5
 Transceivers (Old Tech/Specialized Tech/Peripheral) available as either
hand held devices, portable, belt-worn radios with headsets and
programmable frequencies, though widely replaced by light Commlink
equivalents. Transceivers also can be used as computer Peripherals,
providing wireless Access Points.
Scanners (Obsolete) those devices once served to scan frequencies in
search for specific signals. This technology in form of dedicated device is
absolutely useless, now that any palm-size computer with wireless
connectivity can perform such task with one application running in the
background. Every device with wireless interface has this functionality as
the most basic standard.
Vidlink Transmitters (Obsolete) another obsolete piece of technology
replaced by just any normal computer with proper software. Vidlink
Transmitters were dedicated devices specializing in sending or receiving
video, trideo and sound signals, with ability to record them. For instance, a
Vidlink Transmitter would be considered a device attached to a security
camera, broadcasting the observed scenes to the similar, receiving device.
The reason why this piece of technology is obsolete is the fact that
currently cameras are their own miniature computers connected with other
devices with simple wires or wireless connections. Their output is digital,
the packets of data are no different from those that can be processed and
encoded by any other computer with proper software installed.
Dedicated Simrigs and Simlinks (Old Tech) made nearly obsolete by
Sim modules of every Commlink, by the year 2060 perhaps cool collectors
items much like retro-consoles nowdays. Commlinks provide same service
and Personal Computers replaced them in every sense, doing both.
Pagers (Obsolete) Really?
Pocket Secretaries (Obsolete) Commlinks became exactly that and
more.

and (Devices/Attachments) those

are two devices with surprisingly quite reasonable application. In far future
where not only jammers are an issue, but also wireless connections become
more and more widespread, there is an obvious problem of clutter and noise.
Those devices are specific hardware designed to enhance the signal by making it
physically louder in the ether a good addition to any wireless device which
needs to connect with a grid where the access to one is too obscured with static
of jammers or unruly WiFi users Try running a mission on a college campus for
once.
Repeaters and Amplifiers can work as a plug-in devices for smaller ones with
Wireless connectivity, or, depending on the device size and rating, can be a lock-
on attachment coming at extra cost of x of additional cost to the
base price of the repeater or amplifier.

(Software) as a default every communication device, be it Commlink

or Transceiver, come with the bare basic Electronic Counter-Counter Measure
functionality with Rating of 1. If it can receive wireless transmissions, it can be
subjected to jam attempts. ECCM software is a set of algorithms which can be
quite taxing and sophisticated, as it tries to analyze the scrambled data and
piece it together, thus countering the effects. Every device comes free with ECCM

6
Rating of 1 and it does not tax the device, considered to be running always as
long as wireless connection is opened. Every Rating beyond the standard 1 takes
slot of per of . (For more details consult SR3
rulebook, p. 289 and p. 138)

(Software) prime example of

yet another Softened concept. Every device able to read incoming data or send
it out further down the line, like Commlinks and Computers, can be furnished
with proper Encryption and Decryption software. Its not to say that the usual
transferred data isnt safe to some extent, every Communication device has
some way of encryption for its wireless broadcasts, however this specific
software is here to make it Extra secure. The only additional cost is Taxation of
the device. Encryption/Decryption Software takes slot of
per of . (For more details consult
SR3 rulebook, p. 289)

(Software) once a dedicated device which entire

purpose was to well, break code, much like deckers Decrypt utility. The
dedicated hardware versions were made obsolete as they were pretty much
standard powerful miniature-computers with one task of braking the security
encryptions. Replaced by straight up Software to be run on any machine
powerful enough to make use of it. The high cost of Codebreakers lies within its
automation, as it has been designed for those less capable to simply pop in a
chip or cable, provide input and some time later, expect results without the
costly involvement of a nosy decker. Each of Software takes
slots of .

and (Devices/Peripherals)
Although in many ways those devices were integrated in most Commlinks, there
is still a use for remote/wireless/wired variants of those small gadgets. Be it a
need to expand a personal computer for a conference, each participant getting a
dedicated camera and microphone neatly interwoven within structure of the
table, or something more sophisticated, used for surveillance or outright spy-
work. Although the Core Rulebook version of Recorders and Camcorders
considers them mostly devices designed for purposeful concealment, its hard not
to see the potential commercial applications of miniaturized cameras and
microphones, which could be considered legal, as long as the recorded person is
aware of their usage and presence.

(Software) The device version has been made

obsolete by the widespread of personal computers and Commlinks. Any hardware
running that program can counter the effect of Voice Masking device according to
the rules in SR3 (p. 291). The device needs to have a microphone connected to
use this software and analyze the voice. Each of takes
slot of .

7
 (Obsolete Devices/Devices) Various models still exist,
though are much harder to find since Commlinks became so common. There is
still a commercial use for them in case of miniature wrist-communicators, a good
alternative for security and law enforcement, but also those who wish to stay in
contact but cant risk to take the full heavy data-rich commlink along for a
dangerous ride or just a stroll through Redmond. The bigger versions though
has been replaced by Commlinks. Cell Phones include the functionality of old
Pagers, having capacity to receive text messages and emails, but are still just a
temporary replacements or substitutes for Commlinks.

Conceal. Weight Avail/Street Cost Soft. Tax

Index

Wrist-Model 8 --- Always .75 100 ---

Cellphone

Handset Unit 10 --- Always 1 75 ---

Cellphone

Transceiver 8 .5 Always 1 Rating x ---

400

Signal --- Rating Ratingx2/48 Rating x ---

Repeater x1.5 hrs 3 750

Amplifier 3 Rating Rating/(Rating Rating x ---

x 12) hrs 1.5 200

Micro- 9 --- 6/48 hrs 2 500 x ---

Recorder Rating

Micro- 8 --- 6/48 hrs 2 2.500 ---

Camcroder

ECCM --- --- Rating/24 hrs 1.000 x 0.5 x Rating

1 x Rating Rating

Data --- --- Rating/8 days 7.500 x 2 x Rating

Codebraker 1.5 Rating

Voice --- --- Rating/72 hrs 1.500 x 1 x Rating

Identifier 2 Rating

Broadcast --- --- --- --- ---

Encryption

8
Rating 1-4 --- --- Rating/48 hrs Rating x 2 x Rating
1 1.000

Rating 5-7 --- --- Rating/48 hrs Rating x 2 x Rating

1 2.000

Rating 8-9 --- --- Rating/48 hrs Rating x 2 x Rating

1.5 4.000

Rating 10 --- --- Rating/48 hrs Rating x 2 x Rating

2 5.000

Broadcast --- --- --- --- ---

Decryption

Rating 1-4 --- --- Rating/48 hrs Rating x 2 x Rating

1 2.000

Rating 5-7 --- --- Rating/48 hrs Rating x 2 x Rating

1 4.000

Rating 8 --- --- Rating/48 hrs 40.000 2 x Rating

1.5

9
 Communication was crucial, after all the information on the drive wont help if
its not send out to the chummer who needs it. And this is exactly why we
tackled the basic communication devices first since those items above are what
your Shadowrunners will carry around and use the most. Now, lets get into
things that do all the magic and are a bit more stationary. Let me just say that
this section needed a MAJOR overhaul for a long time and it shows the moment
we open the Rulebook. So much junk doing what other devices can do just fine,
or even better.
In this section well clarify and make use of some concepts introduced
previously that you might have noticed. Namely the Device Rating and its
capacity to run multitude of Software. Instead of panicking think of it that way
Imagine one, unified model well use. Something very convenient for designing
networks, making the Cyber-part of Cyberpunk more technical, but at the same
time intuitive, structured in a good way. Instead of remembering of dozens of
devices from before and what they did, you got A BOX and this Box has some
functionality of the Software of your choosing. In fact, you can just as well make
all the old Shadowrun devices with this system! Buy a bunch of cheap
computers, install a software to do a Thing, and voila! But thats not the point.
The point is to give you, both player and GM, toolbox to design your own
architecture of electronics. Imagine your Shadowrunner hideout where the crazy
Decker was doing the shopping. On the left you have a Giant Server machine,
Encrypting and Decrypting all the traffic, keeping it safe, while a powerful
computer attached to it runs the VR Simmulation, with yet another being a host
to a cyber-meeting the decker takes part in. The wires between them a sign of a
unique design; his design. The idea was to make the computers also a bit more
involving, personalized, but also to give The Computer back into peoples hands.
What I mean by that? According to Shadowrun rules only deckers really need a
Computer skill, whereas the rest rarely even touch the bloody keyboard they
had a plethora of devices specifically constructed to do what was necessary, but
somehow no one ever took even a single point in Computers unless the said
person was technical in the first place. Which is kind of strange if you think about
car mechanics of our times using Computers constantly to diagnose even the
cheapest junk, whereas a Street Samurai of the future barely knows what to do
with a public terminal.
Lets give people the reason to go digital, to familiarize themselves with world
full of electronics, which according to Cyberpunks oldest theme, should be the
integral part of their life.

they are the core of any modern electronic setup. In the

murky network of cables and peripherals, theres always some central unit
governing them all. Computers come in different sizes and capacities, and
whereas Commlinks are the personal secretaries, mini-portable versions for

10
mundane work and social media interactions, there are three additional Tiers of
Computers designed for more taxing tasks, or to perform multiple, very taxing
tasks. There is one thing that binds them however and differentiates from
Commlinks power consumption. Even the most portable versions to perform
their tasks for extended periods of time need to be plugged into power grid or
have dedicated external battery, be it an attachment to the case, or box with a
grip and a wire. All computers will be Rated according to already known formula,
but only one factor really matters mechanically, whereas the rest is just an
indication, a guideline for GM and players to have a rough understanding of the
Computers relative abilities:
Gigabytes or Terabytes of Memory. Each Computer has the
capacity to expand its basic Storage Space by the cost of 1/10 its price, as if
adding additional Rate just for Storage Calculation.
Gigabytes of Random-Access Memory define how much space the
computer has for storage of data ready to be processed by the CPU at any
given time. This includes programs which can be initialized on the spot, but
still, is just a rough indication for the GM and players.
An abstract jab at CPUs, true but an intuitive one. The amount of
Cores express how many simultaneous processes can be supported by the
computer at any given time without a drop in efficiency (Lag).
Tied to Cores, this factor informs us how many slots of
Taxing Software can be taken by various programs and applications. It is
assumed that at current technology level all the CPUs have just enough
capacity to run the software efficiently, as intended, without hiccups, as long
as the Capacity is not exceeded.
Every program exceeding the capacity causes Lag, Lag in turn has a chance to
shut down a computer unless is monitored by a technician. The system has to be
maintained every half an hour, and a Computer Skill check made to see if the
computer shuts down for safety reasons or kills the most taxing process.
is + per each .
If the test is successful, nothing happens, although the programs run a bit
slower (add appropriate modifiers to timed tasks)
If the test is failed roll a :
Most taxing process(app) is killed/turned off.
Computer turns itself off for safety reasons.

Computers alone are just big boxes that

process data and run software. They can become anything you want by installing
proper peripherals. For instance, every computer has a build in network adapter,
but only the portable versions come with wireless modules built-in for
convenience. Others need an expansion card or peripheral to be attached in
order to have same sort of functionality. Most Peripherals, like screens and Sim
systems, are either included already, or need to be bought, but in most cases
computers are prepared to support particular peripherals at no additional taxing
costs. However, any peripheral beyond the original, like additional high-rez
screens can exceed the intended design norms, as the Computer needs to divert

11
more power to render and display additional batch of fancy graphics. In such
case, Taxing Cost will be noted next to a Peripheral.

Examples below are subjects to same idea presented before: Device Rating 3
and 4 are considered a Standard.

Notebooks, laptops, handhelds, but still bigger and more

power-hungry then Commlinks. Portables come with all the fancy gadgets you
can think of, including Screens, keyboards, all sort of connectivity both wired and
wireless. Some come with a camera and built-in microphone. The usual operating
software suite included as a standard. Very limited expansion options for
peripherals.
= Rating x 500 Gigabytes
= Rating x 1.5 Gigabyte
= Rating x 1.5 (round down)
= Cores x 1.5
Model Device Avail/Street Cost
Rating Index
Lucid Artificial 1 Always 1 700
Meta Crossfire 2 Always 1 1.000
Renraku Competitor 3 Always 1 2.500
Hermes e-Light 4 Always 1 3.000
Erika Etheral 5 Always 1 4.500
Novatech Go 6 Always 1 7.000
Shaiwase Ultimate 7 5/7 days 1.5 9.000

Your average desktops, rigs, what have you, a medium sized

box full of high grade goodies. They usually dont have anything besides
disk/chip readers/recorders, come with software suite of your choosing, but have
the best capacity for peripherals.
= Rating x 2 Terabytes
= Rating x 4 Gigabytes
= Rating x 2
= Cores x 2
Model Device Avail/Street Cost
Rating Index
Optimus Silesian Dream 1 Always .75 700
Sony Edgelord 2 Always .75 1.250
Erika Invention 3 Always .75 3.000
Renraku Akimbo 4 Always .75 5.000
Hermes Skytouch 5 Always .75 7.000
Fairlight Black Adder 6 Always .75 9.500
Alienware Battle Station 7 5/7 days 1 12.000

12
 The big and bulky wardrobe-looking mega-cases
intimidating every non-IT oriented person with noise and messy hairdo of colorful
cables, mainframes are at the heart of every server-room. They ARE The Server.
Their task is to process Fast! And a lot! No fancy graphics to be had, just
connect, give commands, go away and let the big chap do its thing. When you
really need this code broken, when you really need this transmission encrypted
in an instant, you need this monster to run the show full speed.
= Rating x 10 Terabytes
= Rating x 8 Gigabytes
= Rating x 4
= Cores x 2.5
Model Device Avail/Street Cost
Rating Index
CISCO Still-in-game 1 Always 1.5 4.000
Shaiwase Centronix 2 Always 1.5 8.500
Transys Unlimited 3 Always 1.5 17.000
Renraku Yamato 4 Always 1.5 20.500
Fairlight White Cliff 5 5/7 days 1.5 41.000
Hermes Olympus 6 6/7 days 1.5 62.000
Novatech Exemplar 7 7/14 days 2 84.000

it is possible for computers to run some software in

tandem, sharing their workloads and Software Taxation. To do this you must
connect two computers and run the program, declaring you wish to give them a
Shared Workload function for the time being. The workload is always shared
equally! That means a software with 4 slots of Software Taxation, takes 2 slots
off the first machine and 2 slots off the second. Sharing Workloads is ONLY
possible between computers of same Standards and Up, meaning machines of
Device Rating below 3 (1 and 2) can only work with each other, but not with
more modern machines. They can still communicate with them normally, but not
share their workloads. Remember, Ratings 3 and 4 are current standard, every
Rating higher than that still has backwards compatibility with the set standard,
but Rating 1 and 2 are simply considered too-last-gen to perform equally good.
Either because they are too slow or have outdated protocols, they just cant keep
up, meaning sharing workloads would be pointless.
Whenever the workload is shared and one machine Lags, it spreads lag to both
machines, even despite the other not running on its full capacity.

(Obsolete Device/Peripheral) Once a dedicated device doubling

as tridphone, was an entertainment center of every home. Playing movies,
games, allowing individuals to communicate via set of cameras, scanners and
projectors. In essence it was a computer with a strong focus to provide particular
set of functions. Such devices are pointless in the age of modern multi-purpose
digitized electronics. As a Peripheral, Telecom is a small device with same set of
sensors and projectors, and a cord to be plugged into the nearest home
Stationary computer. Every telecom comes with a software suite for the said
computer to run and provide Telecom functionality.
:

13
 (Peripherals) One does not need
a full Telecom if one does not wish. A simple flat screen or a Trideo projector is
more than enough for those who want to just work on their Computers, reading
boring files and type something on occasion without all whistles and bells of the
Telecom set. Display Screens render flat 2-D images, whereas Trideo projectors
provide 3 Dimensions of visuals.
for every extra screen or for every projector
beyond 1st device running.

(Device/Peripheral) If you really wish to connect to

Matrix where there is no place to plug in this accessory is a must have. This
directional transceiver aims itself at one of multiple satellites on the low orbit,
providing you direct access to the Matrix where there is none to be had via optic
cables. You may wish to invest in some encryption though, the broadcasts tend
to be loud. Satellite Links are self-contained devices and impose no Taxation on
the Computers they service.

(Peripherals) Yup, theyre still here.

(Peripherals) Just like Telecoms Simrigs

used to be dedicated devices/computers performing particular tasks. Now they
are merely an attachment to an actual Work Station or even Mainframe running
their Simmulation Software Suite. Simrigs have specialized sensors and
equipment for proper Simm experience, including a port entry for an optional
Trode set. The role of Simrig or Simsense deck is to receive the complex patterns
of neural signals, analyze them and process this raw data into organized stream
of digitized packets. Those highly sophisticated machines also translate the
feedback to the user and provide simultaneous exchange of data in real time,
which is no easy ordeal! This is why Simsense software is also extremely Taxing
in comparison, as its not some pixels on a flat screen, its a big, complex world
of senses and experiences, refreshed hundred times every millisecond, with
ability to interpret gestures of users icons virtual limbs as commands and
interactions.

: most basic form of Simsense interaction,

perception, hearing, touch. Used for running Simsense chips.
: X-panded Receiver mode, encompasses
various supplementary experiences, including emotions and multiple Points of
View during Simulation.
: - mode of interaction with the Matrix via
Simrig. Although it was not its original use, producers of Simrigs and
Simsense decks quickly expanded their services allowing the users to interact
with the Virtual world, since their machines were already fitted with everything
necessary. Operator mode corresponds to Commlinks Sim module in its
functionality, although ones supported by higher grade computers are able to
provide even more intense experiences.
: - fancy name for an expanded Operator
mode, but quite evocative. This is full hot-sim functionality allowing for most
intense and real pleasures/interactions... Including those harmful.

14
 (Peripherals) this headband packed with electrode and ultrasound
sensors is an attachment for Simrigs designed for anyone whos afraid of a brain-
implants... or kids. The communication with the brain is similar but slower and
much less efficient. Trodes can operate only in Receiver mode no matter whats
the actual mode set by the operating software. It takes great effort to
communicate with the hardware via Trodes, making Operator mode possible, but
clumsy and frustrating, much like early XXI Century VR technologies. At least
you are keeping your brain safe.

Availability Street Index Cost

Telecom Always 1 350
Display Screens Always .75 150
Trid Projector Always 1 200
Satelite Link 5/5 days 1 500
Printer Always .75 100
Simrigs Always 1 1.000
Trodes Always 1 70

Now that we covered Computers and changes to basic Peripherals its time to
tackle the things which transform the Computers into whatever we want them
to be! Some Softwares have been mentioned before, those were the old devices
which were transformed into new concepts, but lets get into something more
general.
Programs are building blocks of the actual system. All listed below contribute
to your own, personalized Host, namely its and
. Keep in mind that Value for is and
for is , despite the stacking bonuses, those
values cant be exceeded.

(Software) most operating systems have

been standardized for ease of use and information exchange after the first
network Crash. Although producers are many, and distributions vary in style, all
share unified communication and command protocols, allowing them easily to
support any software as long as the machine has the capacity for it. Operating
systems run silently in the background and the average user has no need to
bother himself with its Taxation. The simple Home/Office Editions come stock
with any Computer. Those Systems have Rating of 1, provide the computer with
bare-bone basic security measures, firewalls and scanners.
The Host Running such OS would have:
Minimum = OS +
Minimum = OS +
Minimum = OS +
Minimum = OS +
Minimum = OS +
Minimum = OS +
Any OS Edition beyond Basic (Rating 2+) takes x
slots.

15
 Its worth noting that in world run by few corporations, higher graded OS is
rather pricy for very simple reason: its in Corporations best interest for the
common folk to have weakly secured computers while their own, licenced
machines, remain properly protected.

(Software) Additional safety calls for dedicated programs.

Highly priced and valued, those pieces of code provide the Computer with a set
of counter-intrusion services, tighter login checkups, etc. Similarly to OS, the
better the Software, the harder it is to get, unless by corporate license.
Every of Secure-Soft translates into to Hosts and
. Security program takes of slots per
point of .

(Software) some say this is what makes The Server.

The Domain Service is a broad term to describe a variety of functions governing
a network of smaller hosts connected to one machine (Domain Controller). For
them the Domain Controller can be a database, a server of file exchange, it
stores the most important group and user information, assigning control
privileges and work regulations to every Work Station in its Local Area Network.
For a Shadowrunner? This is the big Mainframe in the office building where most
other computers are connected. For a Decker? This is your Gateway into the
private grid, the big fortress full of treasures. Domain Controller is often most
secure and complex. It also allows Host machines to share Workloads as if those
were connected with each other (as long as they are of same standard, of
course). That means the computers dont need to be physically connected with
each other, its enough to be the part of same Domain.
Domain Service keeps strict watch over logged Users and used Hosts,
sometimes dividing them into smaller work groups, meaning that two Hosts may
be plugged to the same Server, yet not be able to see each other, due to Domain
restrictions (example: Logistics and Marketing departments in same company
may use one Server as Domain Controller, yet see only other Computers in
Logistics or Marketing groups.)
Domain Service software adds the following to the Hosts subsystems:
(rounded down)
(rounded down)

(rounded down)
takes slot of per point of .
takes slots of per
connected .

(Software) this software

controls other remote devices connected to the Hosts platform. Remote Manager
can be used to direct a network of surveillance cameras, or be used to command
factory robots. This is what turns a computer and its attached
machine/peripheral into whatever you want it to be.
Remote Device Manager can control and manage a certain number of devices
depending on their complexity. It is up to GM to decide how complex the said
devices are, how many servo-motors it takes to move them properly, or what
sort of data they send as feedback.
x : Cameras, Automated Doors

16
 x : Smart-Devices (Household, Office)
x : Factory Robots, Vehicles, Drones
Additionally RDM adds to (rounded down) of
Hosts subsystem.
RDM takes slot of per point of .

(Software) this software

suite is a good addition to any platform with multiple connections from multiple
users at the same time. In essence its role is to observe the connections and
assign task priorities according to hierarchy of rights and administrative
privileges of the logged users. It is also a good and cheaper alternative to
Domain Service for Computers which werent meant to be a Server.
AFS software adds the following to the Hosts subsystems:
(rounded down)
(rounded down)
(rounded down)
(rounded down)
ASF takes slot of per point of .

(Software) last, but not least,

of the security enhancement / efficiency improvement programs. This is an
essential part of every datacenter. Mass Storage Sequencers govern the File
access and allocation processes in large networks or computers tasked with
processing significant amounts of data. To Read and Write both efficiently and
quick, especially with dozens of users constantly sending some data to store on a
drive, while asking for other files to be accessed, one needs MSS program. Worse
yet, with current demands for safety, every Read or Write event must be
proceeded or followed by respectively complex encryption or decryption.
MSS allows x to simultaneously Read/Write files on
Drive. Which might be important for a decker who wishes to access a file on a
drive with heavy workload, forcing him to kick some users perhaps? Or make all
sorts of mess.
MSS software adds the following to the Hosts subsystems:

(rounded down)
MSS takes slot of per point of .

(Software) beside those mentioned above,

providing general network architecture to your set of hardware, there are
Commercial Programs with different Grades of Complexity expressed by their
ratings. Those can be your graphic/image editors, games, moviemakers,
planners, mappers, audio mixers and whatever you can think of. Commercial
Programs provide benefits to any skills you are Testing that might involve use of
said computer. Designing a website? You might want a web designer. Creating
an impressive logo for your team? Perhaps some raster graphic editor could do
the trick. The list, of course, goes on. Commercial Programs lend the user a
small Dice Pool to augment his Computer skill per day. The Dice Pool is Equal to
the programs Rating x2 but for one test only the amount equal to programs
Rating can be taken.
x =
=

17
General Software Rating Avail/Street Cost
Index
Operating Systems --- --- ---
Home/Basic 1 Always .75 ---/50
Business 2 Always 1 250
Premium 3 Always 1 1.000
Professional 4 5/4 days 1 3.000
Ultimate 5 7/12 days 1.5 6.000

Secure-Soft --- --- ---

Starter 1 Always 1 300
Enhanced 2 Always 1 1.200
Premium 3 Always 1 3.000
Professional 4 5/4 days 1 6.000
Enterprise 5 7/12 days 1.5 12.000

Domain Service --- --- ---

Lite 1 Always 1 1.000
Standard 2 Always 1 3.000
Star Variant 3 Always 1 5.500
Cluster Variant 4 5/4 days 1 12.000
Galaxy Variant 5 7/12 days 1.5 24.000

RDM --- --- ---

Basic 1 Always .75 1.000
Business 2 Always 1 2.000
Expanded 3 Always 1 4.000
Heavy Duty 4 Always 1 10.000
Industrial Grade 5 6/10 days 1.5 20.000

AFS --- --- ---

Lite 1 Always .75 750
Standard 2 Always 1 2.000
Cell Variant 3 Always 1 4.000
Chamber Variant 4 Always 1 8.000
Citadel Variant 5 6/10 days 1.5 16.000

MSS --- --- ---

Personal 1 Always .75 500
Business 2 Always 1 1.500
Premium 3 Always 1 4.000
Professional 4 Always 1 7.500
Datacenter 5 7/14 days 2 15.000

Commercial Programs --- --- ---

Trial/Starter 1 Always .75 ---/20
Basic 2 Always .75 160
Enhanced 3 Always .75 500
Professional 4 Always 1 1.500
Ultimate 5 Always 1 4.000

18
 This has always been my personal gripe with 4th and 5th Edition Shadowrun,
the strange depiction of Wireless, completely disconnected from reality. Yes, it is
a world full of fantasy elements, but it shouldnt be an automatic green-light to
overhauls which in the end take away the Matrix unique cybernetic flavor. In new
editions of Shadowrun, Wireless is almost like a parallel dimension of cyberspace,
where Icons and Technomancers happily frolic, much like spirits in realms visited
by Mages and Shamans. Matrix is this space of WiFi-miasma and, in essence,
feels like Astral 2.0, another dimension full of fantastic beings where every
magic prefix has been replaced with cyber. As much as I can understand those
who like the change, Matrix became bit more easy to get, but it came at the cost
that robbed it of what it once was. Deckers even got their own set of buffs and
debuffs they can grant during combat encounters, wielding their decks like magic
wands, destroying weapons and equipment or augmenting performances of his
or her team mates. But that raises a question: why not just play the mage?
All that aside, the Wireless, the way it was depicted in new editions, just
doesnt make a single bit of sense, because it misses the point of what Wireless
is. Its just a connection to the nearest point of access thats it. No more, no
less. There are two machines and they both have antennas, antennas that
replace the cables for convenience, but should you plug the antenna out and
span a concentric cable between the two, youd have them both wired. When we
turn our WiFis on, communication and data does not go to cybernetic fairy-land,
but is simply caught by the nearest device with an antenna calibrated to receive
those packets, and send them down the network of high-speed cables. Wireless
is the faade of soft connection with actual Hard Wired Matrix beneath it, with all
the architecture it entails.
If a decker actually entered Matrix via Wireless, he wouldnt float in soup of
radio-waves, hed rather appear in the memory of the nearest public/opened
Router with an antenna (or wireless module whatever name strikes your
fancy). Hed then have to make way through a standard setup of hosts, going
deeper and deeper into the Grid, with additional hustle of his initial connection
being immensely unreliable. For some reason people think Wireless is the future
of the internet, not realizing it has nothing to do with the actual networks
structure. As I said before, it is just a connection. Its convenient to walk into an
office, pull out a laptop, set it on your desk and have it connect to the small
wireless access point box on the shelf, three meters away, then to draw a UTP
cable. And for that its exactly fine and sufficient! Office work, sending small files,
browsing web, reading e-mails in a small room with couple other individuals
The noise and clutter of hundreds of transceivers spamming same channels with
endless cacophony of broadcasts and requests, this whole interference is just a
minor issue. You might get disconnected for a moment, perhaps the traffic slows
things down a bit, but for the boring every day office work, its still no big deal.
But the moment theres a need to send a big file, or have a secure and stable
connection, one thing you want to stay away from is Wireless. This is an issue
today and despite the technological progression the problems constantly add up
because of simple physical limitations. We can have faster connections, we can
take new standards and ramp up the speed to hundreds of Gigabits per second,
but we still cant overcome the fact that radio receiver device has to sort through
heaps of trash to fish out one packet addressed to it.
This is getting lengthy, eh? Right, but its important for you, as a GM or
player, to understand what were trying to tackle here, to give your narrative

19
depictions of Matrix actual form that would seem to your decker as something
tangible, something a cyber-maniac can feel familiar with. I always thought that
despite all its simplifications and abstract concepts Shadowrun 3rd edition had
the unique feel to its cybernetic Grids. If you desired to feel like the net-jockey
this was your realm to learn and navigate. Matrix was this other world like
nothing else, where you jump from one node of advanced electronics to the
other and meander its enigmatic codes. That said, I dont think wireless
connections shouldnt be considered valid, in the far future, its safe to assume
they would be even more popular But we also should remember what they
really are and what are their limitations.
So whats the problem? Imagine you are living in your own pretty home. On
the other side of the street there stands your own personal postman and he
waits for your letter. This postman is your wireless Router (or access point). The
neighbor to your left also hired a personal postman, and the neighbor to your
right as well. Now most people think that when you send out a packet of data,
its like writing a letter and giving it to the postman, right? Hes being a good
chap, takes the letter and runs with it. But what actually happens is You write
thousand copies of same letter and scatter them to all the postmen waiting on
the other side of the street. The neighbor to your right also writes thousand
copies of his letter and scatters them to each and every postman waiting. The
other neighbor does exactly same thing, and soon all your neighbors, each with
intent to send one message via his own personal postman, burry the street in
heaps of letters. You can have the fastest postman in the business, he can win
marathons left and right and travel the world like a comic book hero but first he
needs to sort through a heap of letters and FIND the one from you. Now imagine
this process repeated thousands of times every second. Tons of letters poured
over your poor postman, who needs to check every envelope, read every address
in search of the one that is yours. Only when he does so, he can deliver the
message and the moment later, theres a new mountain of envelopes waiting for
him to go through. This is Wireless.
No matter your bandwidth if the device operating the antenna has to receive
every packet of data to analyze and see if it was addressed to it in the first
place. Thats why despite all the best efforts there are physical limitations to
Wireless technology. Some tried to address this issue and if you look at the most
advanced modern wireless devices they can be quite sophisticated, multi-band,
high frequency, utilizing multiple channels to send a lot of data But all that
comes at a cost of drastically decreased service range. This is another hard
physical limitation, the shorter the wave-length, the quicker the delivery, but the
murkier it gets over the distance. In fact, more advanced and quicker they get,
every wall, every piece of metal, even a person standing in between the
antennas can drastically affect the connections stability. In the far future of
Cyberpunk the amount of connections and wireless noise would be unbearable,
which in turn would mean two things: You either choose high-frequency fast
wireless modules, albeit with limited range, or low-frequency, long range
modules so slow and unreliable due to clutter, you could just as well
communicate with smoke signals. My guess would be that the technological
progress would take us somewhere in the middle, but leaning to the former
solution, with world filled with multiple transceivers and receivers, all with limited
range, but with enough of them spread around to service manageable amount of
devices each and this finally ties into the meat of this section:

20
 Forget the ridiculous concept of wide and
spanning cybernetic overlays But imagine this: You are in the center of your
own small galaxy. Your Commlink is the core of this galaxy and multitude of
small glimmering stars represent the authorized devices in your small bubble of
cybernetic space. You can reach towards them, manipulate them, of course its a
bit slow compared to wired connection, but thats what it feels to be the center of
your little digitized world. Then, at the very edges of this wireless bubble are
intense shining beacons of light in shape of wormholes sizzling with data. Those
are your Access Points, gateways to a different dimensions of mass traffic and
overwhelming structures of robust communication Grids. There the hosts, hubs
and servers catapult your puny persona with the speed of light to other
organized and strict computing units. This is the Matrix as we know it and its
very different from your calm little galaxy where there is peace and tranquility.
Sometimes you can travel through such wormhole and enter another galaxy,
far, far away, seeing its own set of icons. This happens when a Decker connects
to someone elses router or access point, now free to meddle with devices linked
to that Local Area Network.
Sometimes youll leave your apartment, leaving also your Icons behind, as if
your galaxy floated away, temporarily empty. But as you walk down the street
Icons would pop in and out of existence, intercepted by your traveling Galaxy,
offering you a handshake. Those could be the Augmented Reality guides,
advertisements, news panels and other public offers. All that happening in your
small bubble of wireless, enough to gaze few dozen meters down the street and
see it illuminate with AR glitter. As you continue your walk new elements spring
to life, while the street behind you gradually goes silent and dark, as the public
icons leave the range of your connection; the little stars of information depart
the personal galaxy. You continue your walk and encounter a big shining beacon
a public Access Point and suddenly the whole street illuminates! You can see
shops bright with colors in every direction, as their obnoxious AR adds fill your
vision! Local business owners must have some form of contract with the network
provider to use its hub to broadcast the glamorous lively overlay of entire street
to anyone in its range common practice in areas of heavier tourist traffic.
Sometimes the galaxies will collide as scores of people gather round during
some public events, creating a lot of noise in the ether. Thats when your Icons
start flickering and the whirlpool of data in the Access Point Wormhole slows
down, grows darker and jitters.
4th and 5th edition tried to make
Wireless nearly obligatory, so that every wireless device would have its icon
visible in the ether. It could be running silent, meaning the icon would have been
harder to detect, but it would be still prone to cybernetic attacks. The option to
turn the Wireless off became obvious to anyone who looked at the rules with a
spoonful of brain matter in the right place, but those systems still tried to shove
it down our throats, coming up with new ridiculous explanations why the Wireless
must be always on, constantly, and for one simple reason so that deckers have
something to do during combat. The whole Matrix was gimped as an excuse to
mercy-hump poor deckers. Suddenly Shadowrunners and corporate operatives,
security enforcers and military personnel who worked just fine with their usual
equipment for last two or three decades, have to replace their trusty guns with
new tools of trade, with an obvious and easily fixable flaw, that any angsty code-
hipster with barebones cyberdeck can turn into a hunk of metal and fried circuits
in blink of an eye. Its like all the knights, warriors, lords and armor smiths in a
fantasy game setting, agreed to cut giant holes in the chest-plates from now on,

21
so that archers get a fighting chance against the full-plate armored opponents on
the battlefield.
This is obviously one aspect of Wireless we dont want to replicate, as I
respect and like the Shadowrun setting just as much as I enjoy my own sanity
and common sense.
So here are the :
Wireless is just a of to the or .
Wireless is , it can be disabled at any time (Switched as Free Action
if device is controlled via datajack/smartlink or slaved to implanted
Commlink; otherwise its a Simple Action).
People who tell you they can float through waves of wireless connections and
touch the streams of data are called just Lunatics, not Technomancers. Please
notify specialist care-centers.
Every Wireless device pronounces its presence when it broadcasts data. A
device can be set to and not broadcast anything, in which
case its invisible no matter what (not silent Invisible. Period!), the only
exception is: Whoever connects to such device must have learned of its
physical address before it went into (that means actually
recording its broadcasts). You can send data to such device, but cant be sure
if the data has been received, nor can you control such device as it sends no
feedback.
The devices in wireless may share their security rating with the device
controlling the network that they are linked to.
To access a wireless device it has to be in range of your wireless module or
the Access Point you have just connected.
Cables are better. Always.
Wireless comes in two flavors: (AR functionality) and
(normal use). By default the first one is Opened but limited to
, the other one is being and protected by devices
.
Wireless functionality can be and disabled in any
device, as long as one has Electronics skill and proper tools. All it takes is
cutting connection with an antenna or detaching it. The more complex the
device the harder the skill check. Base = + .
To interact, devices must see each other. Every digital connection, wireless or
not, is a function based on feedback. If you can broadcast data to a device,
but its wireless module is not strong enough to send you the feedback, you
cant see each other. Its like saying Hello! and not being able to hear the
other guy respond youre just not aware of his presence you can still yell
all you want, and he might make something out of it, sure, but in the end
youre just hoping someone is listening. Schrdingers WiFi?

To keep things simple we wont create any new abstract mechanics. The
solutions shall remain binary for ease of GM and the players. You either see the
wireless device or not, as stated above. No need for mental gymnastics, as it is
just a mean of connection. It almost seems redundant to have, you may say, and
to that I would respond: Think creatively. So you cant connect and mess up stuff
like with 5th edition, but what can you do? Brake in a Local grid of hosts during a

22
run, find an opened Access Point in a restricted area and have a peak. There are
five commlinks using that Access Point as their Gateway? That tells us there can
be five people currently walking around the zone of interest. Fish out your
Cyberdeck and scan the ether. You managed to pick up two broadcast sources
right behind the wall! Somebody there with some personal device? Be aware that
in order to be connected to your friends during a run you might be transmitting
data, broadcasting loud for anyone to notice. Of course, normally nobody would
care, but should you cross someone who knows what to look for, like some other
decker, who knows what can happen? Think of Wireless as a mode of
communication: suddenly opened Access Points become strategic locations in the
facility. Imagine the Decker manipulate the grid, authorize a portable computer
of his friends who, instead of plugging into a work station in heavily patrolled
area, crawls through a vent with a wireless connection opened and downloads
secured data without anyone noticing! Its a plethora of options that can be used
by Shadowrunners and against them.
= + x meters.
= + x meters.
Subtract meters for every obstructing wall, metal plate, ECM Rating active
or other obstructing factors within reason.

as a peripheral a Transceiver can

be attached to any computer to serve as an Access Point and provide network
support to all wireless devices.
= + x meters.
= .
Subtract meters for every obstructing wall, metal plate, ECM Rating active
or other obstructing factors within reason. Access

Trying to stay connected via wireless is a messy ordeal.

Every Matrix test with a deck or any other device tapped into grid through an
Access Point imposes a penalty per devices able to broadcast
themselves to it. That means the has to be in their
. You dont have to be very specific, its just a guideline during the run to
know whether there are any distracting factors nearby. In most cases the
amount of metal, walls, cables, machines, electronics and people will cut down
the efficiency of Access Points to rooms, halls, hallways, corridors or streets and
alleys. The waves will funnel down the unobstructed paths, so an Access Point
attached to the wall in a spacious office filled with cubicles will most likely be
calibrated to serve that particular room. The calculations above are for the GMs
to design specific gaps and weak points in the facilities the Shadowrunners are
meant to infiltrate. Like: Oh look! Behind those two walls Im getting a faint
signal of an Access Point, we could try disabling the cameras! But because the
entry device is fixed to a wall in a lounge for corporate wageslaves, who just
happen to enjoy their late brake, there is an issue of clutter, thus imposing +1
TN penalty to Matrix tests.

An integral part of Wireless world and one of the best concepts to come from
5th Edition of Shadowrun. AR is exactly the next step of Cyberpunk evolution
described in the prelude. Taking the technology that exists and expanding upon

23
it, yet staying true to the familiar aspects, emphasizing what technology always
ought to be a service to man and a convenient one to boot. We swipe the
screens of our smartphones and click through graphic interfaces to perform
complex tasks with minuscule gestures, whereas once it was demanded to
manually enter long lines of code with proper syntax. Those who designed
modern smart devices were aware that in order to commercially succeed, the use
should be intuitive, and as we know from history, what becomes widespread and
intuitive quickly soaks into our lives, becoming integral part of culture. And that
idea of a human submerged in electronics and cybernetics which are woven into
his nature is one of core themes of Cyberpunk. Nothing embodies this better
then Augmented Reality, because even VR is restricted to the happy few, either
skilled or rich enough. AR is everywhere, merging cybernetics and reality to a
frightening degree, as there is no clear entry point, no plug in and plug out
process making the passage formal like with full Virtual experience Augmented
Reality is just there, cheap like soykaf and literary in hands reach.
Augmented Reality (AR) to put it simply, is a graphical overlay on top of our
world, it is made of multimedia windows and screens interpreted by Commlinks
or any other device capable of communicating with the users brain via sim
module, or displaying them with use of special glasses. Streams of data
constantly pouring towards everyone in range to receive, projecting themselves
as thin sheets of information the receiver can read, browse or even interact with
by swiping his hand over it. The Commlink of course interprets the command and
sends the feedback to the source of Augmented Reality Object (ARO), be it some
wireless device or Access Point, projecting a plethora of overlay data to
whoevers in range. To anyone not connected, youd look rather silly, like an
insane person trying to strike a pesky fly, while in reality, youre browsing goods
of a nearby shop or searching for an e-mail in heaps of spam.
AR makes the world pretty, sometimes to its detriment, masking the reality
under faade of glitter. Step into a foyer of corporate building, and where in
reality there is nothing but plain floors and white walls, you are struck with
phantasmagoric beauty of patterns, works of visual art, you may stand in a
garden surrounded by artificial trees awaiting for simulated companion to show
you the way and be your humble guide.
Some other time you will disable the AR to find the place in ruin and disrepair,
mold on the ceilings, the graffiti stained walls, few panels missing off the floor,
and yet it all looked so nice with AR on.
Imagine driving for a job interview and starting GPS to lead you around the
traffic jam, having green arrows before your eyes compose a corridor of most
optimal path.
With a sim module you need no earplugs to hear the music on your playlist,
running there in the background, as you compose a text message with just a
chain of thoughts. Suddenly a notification from a friend, an icon of a little bell
pops up to existence in the hands reach. You give it a gentle tap and there
opens a link to a funny video of cats he found on social media and just had to
send it further, much to your frustration. Youre done with your shopping and on
the walk home you have a read of semi-transparent newspaper, while
downloading the next episode of some gaming podcast, meanwhile the street is
bursting with colors as you walk pass the restaurant where a ghostly apparition
of a refined chef presents chosen dishes for this day.
You get home, but instead of turning on the Telecom, you tap into personal
Access Point, stretch open a custom window with a favorite comedy show and
throw it at the wall, where itll stay for the time being, while you ready yourself

24
a dinner. Of course its not really there, it plays in your mind and just projects
itself as a screen on the wall, but only to you! Was anyone to barge in, hed see
a person chopping onions near the kitchen sink, while glancing to one side and
chuckling at non-existent acts of insanity. Thats AR.

A good question! A cheap and quick answer would be a

set of AR gloves, AR glasses and a commlink. That is the budget option, for those
who dont want any wetwork done on their precious neurons. But for proper AR
experience youd need a sim module, or better yet, entire commlink implant,
which is the most popular option among people thinking seriously about
cybernetics. Thats really it, theres no rocket science involved, on the users end
of things, its as easy as plug and play.
In the Tech Upgraded Setting of Shadowrun
3rd Edition there are two essential channels of communication between Wireless
machines that we just briefly touched upon in a previous section.
In short its and . is a standard
of communication created with in mind, designed for the devices constantly
broadcasting data to anyone in range. operates on specific,
separated part of circuitry set to receive device s, audio-visual streams and
render coordinates and thats it. serves for safe display of
overlays with no ability to interact with them. The commlink user can easily
switch it off with a single thought. One cannot be seen or hacked through Public
Access, this is specifically meant to just show pictures and play some noise. Any
other form of code imported into the stream would just present itself as jittering
or screeching.
When the user decides to interact with the and its host, his device asks
for and protected handshake is initiated. Two devices exchange
encrypted data on firewall monitored ports. The user provides the feedback to
the and hosting device provides feedback to the user. When that
happens the devices broadcasts are filtered out and new set of
interactive overlays are transmitted peer-to-peer with secure channels. This
means the broadcasts can be still send out in the ether for every
other passerby to enjoy in its default form, while your interactions with the
wont disturb the presentation loop. Sometimes, in fancy joints, expensive
boutiques and corporate facilities, the interactions are woven into general
simulation like schools of exotic fish meandering around the guests in a
seaside resorts restaurant.
My answer is, again, be creative. If a
user is convinced that as long as he doesnt interact with ARO hes safe, cause it
surely must be operating on Public Access channel, you can use that. True
artisans of cybernetic skullduggery would have you convinced you are safe, but
itll take some work. Want a hint? I knew a decker once who designed an
ingenious loop and installed it on a small computer which he dropped in some a
garbage bin. It was a small notification bell, a popular symbol for stock UI
Renraku Commlink. You wouldnt believe how many people tapped it on instinct,
opening a connection and boom! The next thing they know, they have thirty
thousand penis enlargement offers in their inbox.

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 Availability Street Index Cost
AR Glasses Always 1 150
AR Gloves Always 1 100

RFID Tags --- --- ---

Standard Always .75 2
Security Always 1 5
Stealth 6/5 days 1.5 15

(Devices) Radio Frequency Identification tags are small,

cheap objects which to the modern man became what once was a sticky note. A
very convenient one, electronic tag, can be easily programmed and tossed
somewhere, placed on a fridge to remind the children not to touch certain things,
attached to a pets collar. In the Wireless AR world they show themselves as
small icons or outright text floating in the air and in the essence, they are small
Public Access broadcast nodes. With tags alone you can furnish your store with
AR information, having the price tags hang around the goods and so forth.
working on similar principle, Security Tags are tracking
devices which broadcasts themselves to the nearest Access Points allowing
parents or employers to track kids or vital personnel around the restricted
compound. Like an actual ID, but one that is always active and beeps on
someones radar.
Those are curious devices, as they are meant to be stealthy.
Its hard to do with how the wireless actually works. Those tags are passive and
they wait for a broadcast ping from an authorized device. They can be
programmed with a list of physical addresses (every wireless device has one, it is
a unique serial number, which isnt really important beyond this point) and
respond only when in range on Secure Access channel. Its a sort of reverse AR,
but it works on short non-continuous transmissions, thus keeping the broadcasts
to a minimum. To anyone listening, such broadcasts would present themselves
as just some noise. Stealth Tags can be used to mark your targets, entry paths,
they can be used to guide you through a maze of underground service tunnels to
a secret hideout as long as you know what to look for.

Every Tags signature can be erased. Treat the tag as a miniature host with
minimum and of Edit the File to erase the
Tag. Also, regular tags can also be set to broadcast to specific devices only,
making messages more private.

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 And now for something completely different! Whereas previously the issues
were quite stark and the disconnect from our technology standards were cringe-
inducing at times, Cybernetics are still very much an abstract. At least one their
aspect remains optimistically in place the ease of use. The direct neural
interface allowing for precise manipulation to a point where a cybernetic
replacement of a limb feels as real and natural as the organic counterpart. This is
great news, as we dont have much to meddle with.
Its not to say there arent any flaws and it is those flaws well try to fix. The
keyword for this section is redundancy. And, boy oh boy, is there some messy
stuff, but lets start with a simple reminder:
That means: central controlling component and
multitude of software running the show. In this new age the most important
implant of all is your own personal commlink, which to a Shadowrunner should
be the first tech to get unless you are a Mage, I can understand the need to
hug your precious essence. But anyone else? Jack yourself in, get that sim
module at least and wire your head to get all the goodies you might want. Heck!
Have the building plans always open, the map floating up there, with all your
friends marked as little green dots for better situational awareness. Mark the
targets and warn the rest, exchange messages without opening your mouth, or
play some cool music during the shootout all the things you can think of!

(Cybernetics) as mentioned many times already,

Commlinks differ a lot from whatever they were imagined as in old editions of
Shadowrun. Once they were just scanners for radio frequencies, and we still had
to implant whole plethora of separate gadgets to get even the most basic cell
phone functionality out of it.
If you have a commlink installed into your brain, consider the following
obsolete:
Radio Receiver implant
Radio implant
Telephone implant
Memory implant (unless its an expansion)

Nothing emphasizes the amounts of redundant equipment in the rulebooks

listings as the vision enhancements section. The problem is, again, the old
technology design philosophy, demanding separate tech to do a specific thing,
like separate implant to capture static images and separate implant to record
motion yes, two cameras, one for screenshots, other for video clips, cause
remember! Those are two different things, hence the need for two different
augmentations!
To hell with that nonsense. Our vision enhancements will be more align with
the reasonable-tech. And again, a nod towards the people responsible for 5th
edition cybernetics, clearly crafted by folk with a clear vision and love for
Cyberpunk genre.

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 (Cybernetics) Those cybernetic
Replacements of normal eyes offer 20/20 vision as standard, but also, because of
the digital technology involved, have the functionality of Image Link and a
Camera/Opticam at no extra cost. They come with additional capacity for vision
enhancement with no loss of essence, up to + per . Every
additional expansion beyond that essence margin, imposes normal loss of
essence. Ratings of Cybereyes implants are also expressions of their aesthetic
design. The lowest Rated implants look like some bulky mechanical visors, the
mid tiers have the apparition of normal eyes, whereas the highest Rated
implants look like miniature custom works of art, with irises in shapes golden
chrysanths, or whatever screams Im loaded in your book.

Device (Rating) Essence Avail/Street Cost

Index
Commlink Implant 0.2 2/24 hrs .75 2.000 +
Commlink Cost

Cybereyes --- --- ---

Rating 1 .4 2/24 hrs .75 2.000
Rating 2 .3 2/24 hrs 1 4.000
Rating 3 .3 4/48 hrs 1 6.000
Rating 4 .4 5/48 hrs 1 10.000
Rating 5 .4 6/72 hrs 1 14.000
Image Link .2 4/48 hrs 1 1.600

Other vision enhancement implants from the 3rd Edition Rulebook could be
installed separately, for instance, as attachments to optic nerves, and as such
are still viable. You dont have to replace your eyes, although that is the most
reasonable option. Every other thing on the list should be considered fair game
with few eceptions.
Image Link and Display Link with advent of sim technology becoming
widespread and broadly available, production of separate Display Links was
deemed redundant. Consider Display Links obsolete, their functionality fully
supported by Image Links.
Retinal Clocks mostly obsolete, as every Image Link with attached
Commlink, or better yet, an implanted Commlink with a sim module, can display
current hour, date and location like the Retinal Clocks of old. Still, if youre a
sucker for some old tech and would just love to see that date reminder in your
peripheral vision sure, go for it.
If you possess a smartgun and your body is
wired up with Smartlinks in order to actually see the little drawn crosshair, you
need either Image Link on your optic nerves or Cybereyes (as they come with
Image Link included).

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