Computer Use (Modern)

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 Computer Use (Modern) (05%) 

This skill allows the investigator to program in various computer languages, retrieve and analyze obscure data, break into a secured system, explore a complicated network, and detect or exploit intrusions, back doors, and viruses. Special manipulation of a computer system may require this roll.

The Internet places a wealth of information at the fingertips of an investigator. Use of the Internet to find highly specific or obscure information may require a combined dice roll for Computer Use and Library Use.

This skill is not needed to use computers when surfing the Internet, collecting email, or to run regular commercially available software.

Opposing skill/Difficulty level:


 * Regular difficulty: write, analyze and debug a computer program
 * Hard difficulty: decipher and hack into a secure network without being identified or traced.

Pushing examples: taking longer to develop a program; using another's code as a shortcut; using untested software (e.g. a virus) to exploit a system.

Sample Consequences of failing a Pushed roll: accidentally erasing the sought-after files, or even corrupting the whole system; leaving evidence or alerting others through your actions; infesting your own computer/network with a virus.


 * If an insane investigator fails a pushed roll, they are lost in cyberspace, and it will require physical intervention to get the person to stop using the computer or look away from the screen.