Why doesn't matrix damage impede usage of the devices?
Seems odd that by messing with the devices functionality, you aren't doing any damage until it is bricked.
Posted Jul 27, 2014, 5:47 PM UTC
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As an alternative, you could take a page from Spy Games, and use a Failure Pool. SG used this for camouflaged, experimental, or hi-tech spy equipment, but translating it to damaged gear works, too.
In 5e, it would mean rolling the number of matrix condition boxes remaining when using damaged gear. Any hits means a successful use, a failure allows you to try again next turn, while a critical glitch means you need to repair it first. Regular glitches are up to the GM.
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That is an excellent question. And I could easily see a house rule imposing the same Wound penalties our toons suffer. Every 3 DV, is a -1 penalty.
It does make life difficult, when you're staring down the barrel of a gun, and your Data Spike managed 9 damage, but that 1 point left still leaves the gun completely functional and able to kill you.
I agree, you could fluff it as the corruption/data spikes/viruses whatever causing lag.
They do describe the device bricking, as an explosion of sparks and smoke. It's hard to believe that the device isn't suffering some wear before then though. Does it really go from 100% function, to a smoldering mess, with that last point of damage?