Program Write-Ups

[Labrat]

Having just entered the sample Vehicles and Bases from Star Hero into HD I found myself wondering about these 1-pt Programs (also outlined in H5E).

Can a Program exist without a specific skill to back it up?

Some programs have skills to justify them ('Scan' goes with Speed Reading) and some don't. Is a 1:1 Program:Skill pair necessary or is it over-complicating a simple thing?

For example, there are write-ups for Tactical Computers for the 'Locate Target' and 'Attack Target' programs, but there's no skill assigned for "Survey System X" (X = Communications, Security Systems, etc.). Would a computer need the appropriate 'TF: Host Vehicle or Base' for some of these programs to work. Sometimes a roll for such a system check seems appropriate.

I'm bracing for the obvious answer that I'm sure I've overseen. Thanks!

[Aroooo]

Despite all the vehicle/computer write-ups I've done in the past, its a question that I honestly never gave much consideraton to. Gets too granular for my taste. I've generally treated skills as 'systems,' such as the skill Security Systems = counter-theft mechanism. Programs allow the computer to do specific functions, and the INT score represents how 'smart' the operating system is.

Aroooo

[JohnTaber]

Hi Labrat: This is a good question that should probably be added to the skills threads if you have not already done so. I agree that the book is not super clear in this regard.

In my Star Hero game I have a PC that actually has a biological computer imbedded in his head. You can actually read about the details on the Star Aria part of my site. The PC is named Stooz. The link is in my notes.

With this PC the issue came up a lot. My ruling in my campaign was the following. This has worked great for us.

If the act does not normally require a skill then having the program alone is enough.
There has to be a program AND a skill if the thing the program was attempting to do normally requires a skill for the PC to accomplish.
To utilize a Talent OR Power a program must be present.For example, aiming a weapon does not take a skill so only a program is required. Plotting coordinates to another planet takes a program PLUS a skill. That could be Navigation (Space) or maybe a knowledge skill (i.e. AK: Terran Space). Applying the power Invisibility (i.e. Cloaking device) takes a program.

This is not super clear...hopefully you get the idea...

[Labrat]

Thanks guys. It's good to know that it just isn't me.

Aroooo: you've pretty much hit the nail on the head for my point of contention.

John: I'll definately bring it up in the TUSk board. Thanks!

[Captain Obvious]

If the act does not normally require a skill then having the program alone is enough.
There has to be a program AND a skill if the thing the program was attempting to do normally requires a skill for the PC to accomplish.
To utilize a Talent OR Power a program must be present.

Programs aren't required, IIRC. You can still make the computer turn on the cloaking device without a specific program set up to do that, but you'll have to make a Computer Programming roll to do it. With a program, you just push a button. It makes it all nice and user friendly.

[Labrat]

Programs aren't required, IIRC. You can still make the computer turn on the cloaking device without a specific program set up to do that, but you'll have to make a Computer Programming roll to do it. With a program, you just push a button. It makes it all nice and user friendly.

However, wouldn't the 1-Pt Program be an ultra-cheap short-cut to the more expensive Skill roll? Sure the Program wording has to be far more specific, but still something like 'Attack Target' isn't as easy as just pushing a button.

Maybe I'm just using the wrong button???!

[Captain Obvious]

However, wouldn't the 1-Pt Program be an ultra-cheap short-cut to the more expensive Skill roll? Sure the Program wording has to be far more specific, but still something like 'Attack Target' isn't as easy as just pushing a button.

Maybe I'm just using the wrong button???!

Well, I'm sure many applications are more involved than pushing a button, but still, clicking-and-dragging to draw a line (for example) is easier than typing in all the characteristics of the line in a programming language.

If you have a computer that attacks on its own, it shouldn't be much more difficult to send it on its way than highlighting an enemy target and selecting "Go" from the drop-down menu. If it requires constant human monitoring, it's just a regular weapons system, even if a computer is involved as an interface.