MTH:Cyberkinesis
Contents
Cyberkinesis[edit]
MASSIVE ALTERATION (* to *****)[edit]
Prerequisites: Cyberkinesis, Computers 1
Effect: After taking control of a computer system with Cyberkinesis the character is able to manipulate a computer at inhuman levels of speed and precision. Assume that the time for the task for any computer-related action is divided by the rating in this merit +1. Any penalties to the roll for accuracy of transcribed data the character has access to or derived from information the character has access to are reduced by the rating in this merit. Any rolls to conceal forgery in data also have their penalties reduced by the rating in this merit. This allows for the creation of false data in numerical and language form only, not images, sounds and other input-dependent information. Assume this merit can create/remove/alter only as can be done with a keyboard, just much much faster and at range.
SHADOW USER (*)[edit]
Prerequisites: Massive Alteration **+
Effect: When using Cyberkinesis on a computerized system, the system no longer needs to be on. This give the added bonus of not letting on that the system is being manipulated to any watching parties, and this partially includes security software. Any attempt to evade or disable security software has a +3 bonus. Any security software not disabled or evaded will not raise any kind of alarm until the system is powered on.
DISTANT SIGNAL (*)[edit]
Prerequisites: Cyberkinesis
Effect: This merit extends the range of Cyberkinesis, changing the 5 yard increment to 100 yards.
FOOL (* or **)[edit]
Prerequisite: Shadow User
Effect: While manipulating a device, the character can plant complex false images and readings in surveillance equipment or communications devices. In order to use this technique, the character must succeed on an activation roll, with a negative modifier based on the complexity and reliability of the device in question: a typical security camera would probably not impose any modifier, while a multi-spectrum surveillance system and motion tracker powered by its own AI might impose a penalty of –4 or –5. Success on this roll allows the character to control the information recorded or transmitted by the device. For example, a security camera might be made to transmit a false image, a tape recorder could record a conversation that never happened, or either of these machines could be made to record nothing but static. Another character examining such altered information may attempt to see through this illusion; to do so, the opposing character must roll Wits + Resolve and score more successes on the roll than the cyberkinetic scored on the activation roll.
Interactive real-time deceptions, such as having a telephone conversation using someone else's voice, or using someone else's face while using Skype, require the second dot in this merit. The ST may want to impose penalties for complex deceptions. Skype with someone else's face and voice might impose a -1 penalty for instance. Adding a crowd in the background might lead to a total -2 penalty. Additional penalties are levied the longer the charade goes on; assume these penalties are cumulative each minute. Assume failure means the dupe get's wise. A dramatic failure will let the mark know who they are really talking to, at least.
OVERLOAD (*)[edit]
Prerequisites: Cyberkinesis
Effect: The character is able to shut down mechanical and electronic devices. On a successful activation roll of Cyberkinesis or if already controlling the device, the target is rendered inoperable for the duration of the scene; on an exceptional success, the device breaks permanently and will not work until it is repaired. Well-made or highly reliable devices may impose a penalty on the activation roll, at the Storyteller’s discretion.
INTUITIVE PROGRAMMER (*)[edit]
Prerequisites: Cyberkinesis
Effect: The character may (re)program software in a device they currently are manipulating using Cyberkinesis without actually knowing the programming language required (or any programming language). The Cyberkineticist won't even know what programming language was used unless they care to check. This ability carries with it a strange side benefit; The character may communicate with artificial intelligences as if they had Telepathy. For purposes of mechanics treat the character's rating in Cyberkinesis as a rating in Telepathy.
WEBRIDER (*)[edit]
Prerequisites: Distant Signal, Intuitive Programer
Effect: The character essentially has a Wifi brain. Anywhere there is an internet signal, she can connect to it as if she was using an entirely lag-free device. This connection can be turned on and off at will, and online users may notice her as wireless network connection while it is on. She may choose to project a network name or allow her brain to be represented by a meaningless strand of letters and numbers. She may choose to allow access to her mind as a hotspot for anyone with a capable device.
The character's mind cannot be hacked, except under abnormal means, such as by someone with the Intuitive Programmer merit. Use the rules for forcing telepathic contact under Telepathy.
