Device Question

[blackieb]

When building a computer, 6E2 183 indicates that you have to add normal sight and hearing to the device for it to have those capabilities, since they don't get senses for free. Would that be at a cost of 35 points for sight and 25 points for hearing?

 

How would this work for building something similar to a cellphone? It has the ability to see and hear (at the command of the user), record video and sound, and transmit that data. But it doesn't use any external connections for its senses.

 

Also, are there rules somewhere for how much DEF and BODY a computer device has? They don't have a BODY characteristic.

[Steve Long]

1. Yes. 6E2 183 specifically cross-references 6E1 209 where those costs are listed as a helpful pointer.

 

2. The ability to take pictures, videos, and audio is typically bought as a Limited form of Eidetic Memory. The devices you’re talking about aren’t independently sensing anything; they’re just “remembering” sensory impressions they have no understanding of. To transmit the data you’d need Radio Perception/Transmission, HRRP, or some other appropriate Sense with the Transmit Adder.

 

3. No — since most Computers are built into Bases, Vehicles, suits of powered armor, zombie brains, and whatnot (in other words they’re often just “software”), those issues rarely (if ever) arise. That’s the sort of detail I’d’ve gone into if we’d ever had the chance to create and publish The Ultimate Gadgeteer. Until we get to do that, the best solution if you need to know that information is to rely on the Breaking Things rules on 6E2 170 to determine PD, ED, and BODY for a Computer.