If a character can buy high-rating agents and programs for less than it costs them to buy skills and the same programs, whats the point of playing a hacker at all?
An agent is just a tool in a character’s arsenal, whether that character identifies themselves as a hacker or anything else. While they are versatile and powerful tools (especially if you’re willing to pay top nuyen), agents can’t do everything. This is a point addressed in several places, especially To Mook Or Not To Mook (p.101, Unwired). A hacker is still defined by their skill and familiarity with how the Matrix works, and it is that knowledge and ability that separates them from the script kiddy that buys themselves a tricked-out commlink and a dozen high-end agents. Just for reference, here’s a quick reminder of the limitations inherent on agents: • Off-the-shelf agents won’t perform any action that requires the Hacking Skill, even if loaded with the correct program (p.101, Unwired). • Agents do not have a Software Skill (p.234, SR4A). • Once running, an agent’s access ID may not be changed (p.110, Unwired). • Copies of an agent will have the original’s access ID; a copy cannot a
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- If a character can buy high-rating agents and programs for less than it costs them to buy skills and the same programs, whats the point of playing a hacker at all?
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