New Skills: Computer, Coding & Programming and Hacking

Over the years, I felt the game needed more skills, and what's one skill that seems to be missing from the game as time has evolved? An Information technology skill, such as Computers should be in the game.

When this game was first written in the mid '80s, computers were not much of a thing, and most families could not afford to purchase a computer like we would today. The internet was not really a thing at all so there was no real connecting of data until we got closer to the '90s. I'm sure my time frame is a little off, but who cares the point is here that once the internet age came out with information being stored in cloud, the need for computers in game was lacking.

Some have said, just use the Advantage called Scholar (Computers), but that's not enough for most of us in the modern world. With that said I introduce you to three new skills, Computer, Coding & Programming and Hacking.

I am sure you are asking yourself, why aren't they all just a sub skill of Computers?

Answer: Logically, just because you know computers does not mean you understand hacking, coding or programming.

                        Computers

Link: Int
Range: Self               Type: Dice
Base Cost: 5             Factor Cost: 7

Computers enables a character the ability to understand the average computer when sitting in front of it. The ability to navigate the operating system, read, write and copy files from the hard drive; download from the cloud/internet and onto a USB like device. This also gives the character the ability to install & configure software on a computer regardless of operating system. In addition to all of the above this ability will grant the character the ability to understand, build and repair hardware on computers.

                       Coding & Programming
Link: Int
Range: Self               Type: Dice
Base Cost: 10           Factor Cost: 7

Coding & Programming enables the character translate natural language into machine commands through coding language and develop fully functioning software to achieve their goals. Using this skill could be as simple as designing up software to search certain databases automatically and return results when its flagged, or the character has the ability to search through lines of code to figure out the digital finger print of the original programmer. When designing up a program or code, the player must use the C&P as their action value, and opposing value will be the strength of the program the player wants his character to program, such as 7 or 8.

      Example: Batman has an 8 in this skill, and wants to code a program that is automated and always searches all the public databases in Gotham for a red flag on the Joker's secret bank account he recently discovered. Batman decides that he would want to design something that would be effective in searching as the Joker might not use it as often as Batman would like. He knows its a long shot, so this search needs to be constant, while Batman patrols the city. So he decides that he wants to make it a 10. When rolling the AV would 8, the OV would be 10 and if Batman succeeds, the program will be made and would be at the level of 10 (AV/EV), should he fail, Batman fails to create the code he wishes to do and must start over.

                       Hacking
Link: Int
Range: Self               Type: Dice
Base Cost: 15           Factor Cost: 7

Hacking is the ability to compromise digital device, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and even entire networks. Hacking is not always used for malicious purposes, but nowadays is most references to hacking, and hackers, characterize it/them as unlawful activity by cybercriminals motivated by financial gain, protest, information gathering (spying), and even just for the "fun" of the challenge.