The Rifts RPG book allows for a character to be an expert in computers. This is done by selecting the City Rat O.C.C. and then choosing skills dealing with computers. The character is then known as a “Hacker”. This is fine and well, but I think he needs to be a little more detailed. Presented here is an option that fine tunes the character and makes him more unique by adding to and specifying his talents and abilities.

O.C.C. Skills
In addition to the 7 O.C.C. skills (listed on page 74 of the Rifts RPG), add the following:

Math: Advanced (+10)
Computer Operation (+20)
Computer Programming (+15)
Computer Hacking (+15)
Cryptography (+10)
Language: Techno-can (+15%)
Literacy (+10%)
Writing (+15%)

Note: The Computer Programming skill allows the Hacker to attempt to create and use a computer virus. Viruses can cause a complete system to shut down or a specific system to malfunction as desired. A simple virus, which can be detected and deleted within 5 to 10 minutes, takes approximately 30 minutes to write. A complex virus that is difficult to detect and harder to delete can take 1 to 2 hours to write. Upload and download time usually takes only seconds.

O.C.C. Related Skills
Reduce selection from 15 to 8. Everything else in this section remains as described.

Secondary Skills
Reduce selection from 10 to 4. Everything else in this section remains as described.

Standard Equipment
In addition to the items listed on page 74 of the Rifts RPG book, the Hacker will also have; a pen light, a digital watch, one or two small calculators, 5 to 8 blank disks (for the digital disk player), 10 to 20 floppy disks, a few small screwdrivers, audio head phones, and an assortment of plug adapters such as RCA jack, coaxial, telephone, and multi-pin serial and parallel port adapters and short pieces of different types of computer cable.

New Skills

Technical:

Holograms: A specific computer skill that includes the knowledge of how to write programs that can project and give motion to 3D images. Sound must be produced using a separate audio system. Base Skill: 25% + 5% per level of experience.

Computer Imaging: This is a specific computer skill that deals with scanning images and then editing, altering and enhancing them to the programmer’s whim, making soldiers more heroic, monsters more fierce, etc. It Can also be used to parody and blackmail as well. The CS Department of Propaganda Ministries deals harshly with anyone using this ability against the CS, even in jest. Base Skill: 25% + 4% per level of experience.

Language: Computer

Note: All computer skills are based upon a Universal – Basic language. However, the Hacker can use a skill slot to specialize in one or more specific languages. When a specific language is selected, a 20% bonus is added to all computer related attempts (die rolls) when dealing with that type of computer system. A language may be selected twice, doubling the bonus to 40%, but no further.

GM Note: Feel free to create other languages relative to your campaign.

Language: Computer: Coalition Robot / Vehicle Systems /Power armor Systems
Language: Computer: Coalition Security Codes
Language: Computer: Coalition Weapon Systems
Language: Computer: Northern Gun Robot Vehicle Systems / Power Armor
Language: Computer: Northern Gun Security Codes

New Equipment:

Magnetic Swipe card decoder. Very few Hackers ever get their hands on one of these rare devices, but it is possible to make one. It has a thick card which fits into most swipe card slots and a thin card which is used on devices where entire cards are put in a slot (like a real life ATM). The card is attached via a ribbon cable to a hand held computer. The computer can then code or decode, scramble or unscramble, or lock or unlock any system that uses magnetic strip cards. (think Terminator II, “easy money”). The Hacker must make a successful Computer Hacking roll to use this item proficiently.

Return to When Worlds Collide"

Return to the Main RIFTS page