Is it just me or does the computer hack DC seem a tad high? Maybe im not familiar enough with the rules but it just seems like these DCs scale too fast. According to Chapter 7 on computers: The base DC to hack a computer is 13 + 4*tier
This means without any modules or counter measures a tier 1 computer is DC 17. This doesn't seem so bad. If computers is a class skill and you have 14 int then you have a 50% chance of beating the DC so it's reasonable. But since it goes up by DC +4 per tier a tier 10 computer has a base DC of 53. Add on a security IV and fake shell and this goes up to DC 62.
A 20th level character who has computers as a class skill will have at most 20 + 3 (class skill) + int mod in there (excluding feats, magic, and items). Even if they have 40 int with a mod of +15, they still wouldn't be able to beat the DC. I couldnt find any equipment that seemed to remedy this problem. I admittedly have not given feats or magic and in depth search to see if they reveal anything to aid in this regard though. Am I missing something obvious here or is something wrong?
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20 ranks +3 class +14 Int =37
+3 Skill Focus +10 for having a password and security key = 50
A tier 10 computer is also massive, 100 Bulk is something approaching 1,000 pounds. Like the description of tier says, a tier 10 computer is going to be running a space station or interplanetary database, not something you'll be hacking regularly, even at level 20. When you need to hack one, it should be more than just rolling a d20. Find a key card, hack some dude's email to get his password, etc.
The best datajack (cyberware augmentation) gives you a +2. Note that while it might be a mistake, the Identify spell as written provides a way to get passwords and use those for the +5 bonus to hacking.
Operative (Hacker), Mechanics, and Technomancers all get scaling insight bonuses up to +6 to their computers skill. Operatives can take 10 after level 7, Technomancers have a level 3 spell that allows a reroll.
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Is it just me or does the computer hack DC seem a tad high? Maybe im not familiar enough with the rules but it just seems like these DCs scale too fast. According to Chapter 7 on computers: The base DC to hack a computer is 13 + 4*tier
You probably know this, but just in case remember that computers (for some bizarre reason) tier differently than everything else in the game. Ie, Tier 10 is as hard as it gets.
So, this is totally comparable to the 2xTier starship skills. Which, admittedly, are both problematic and "will be fixed"
20 ranks +3 class +14 Int =37
+3 Skill Focus +10 for having a password and security key = 50
A tier 10 computer is also massive, 100 Bulk is something approaching 1,000 pounds. Like the description of tier says, a tier 10 computer is going to be running a space station or interplanetary database, not something you'll be hacking regularly, even at level 20. When you need to hack one, it should be more than just rolling a d20. Find a key card, hack some dude's email to get his password, etc.
This makes a lot more sense to me actually. So a tier 10 computer should be treated as a major encounter where the party would have to try to gain as much information as possible to secure their means of successs when attempting to hack. I can already think of a lot of really cool ways to use these computers now that you put it like that. Thanks!
An 18th level mechanic can have 26 Int (16 at 1st, 18 at 5th, 19 at 10th, 20 at 15th; +6 from a Personal Upgrade Mk 3). With maximum ranks in Computers and the +5 from Bypass, the base skill check is +34. Add an Accelerated Datajack for +36. Using an exocortex to also hack the system (either a dedicated exocortex or the 5th level version with Control Net) brings it to +38 through Coordinated Assault. Aid another from three other party members* gets it to +44. Taking 10** gets a 54... done for the base Tier 10 Computer.
The one with Security IV and a Fake Shell may not be meant to be something the PCs can handle on their own, even at 20th level.
*- At this level, everyone should have some ranks in Computers; they're getting increases in four ability scores every five levels, so at least one should probably bump Int (even for the vesk Blitz soldier).
**- The only limitation on the hack system portion of the Computers skill (pg. 139) is "If you take 20 on a Computers check to hack a system with countermeasures without first disabling or destroying them, the countermeasures are automatically activated."
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Bear in mind that the Fake Shell just delays you. That +5 goes away rapidly as you get cumulative bonuses to overcome it, and it doesn't screw you over when you fail to spot it, just takes up time.
The extra security makes for a 57 anyway, but even sans Aid Another, a 20th level Mechanic can have 23 (Ranks and Class Skill) +9 (Int) +6 (Mechanic) +2 (Datajack) for a +40 base, and can as noted get a fair bit more from Aid Another and possibly up to +10 from having a keycard and a password.