I'm running the Dead Suns adventure path, and a Player Character wanted to use his Computers skill to control an android NPC. Provided the PC uses a datajack to plug directly into the android, is this a valid attempt? If so, what are the implications? Can androids get mods and countermeasures just like a regular computer?
Or, should I treat it like a Diplomacy check and leave it alone?
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It's not possible.
It's not possible.
Could you explain why? Is there something about androids that sets them apart from computers in a way that makes them 100% immune to hackers?
They have a soul.
It's not possible.Could you explain why? Is there something about androids that sets them apart from computers in a way that makes them 100% immune to hackers?
Computers are equipment that have a computer tier. Hacking them gets you a user account.
Androids are sentient creatures that are not programmed, do not have a computer tier, and do not have a user account that tells them what to do.
Hacking only involves computer systems or devices controlled by them, and an Android is not a computer system. They are Humanoids : living, thinking beings.
Some creatures that are classified as 'Constructs with the Technological Subtype' can sometimes be hacked (Security Robots, the Engineer's Drone and the like), but Androids are 'Humanoids with the Android Subtype'. Not the same.
Hmmm, interesting...
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I'll turn your question on it's head - where does it say androids *can* be hacked? Because that'd be a pretty significant thing, and if it were possible, it would be mentioned. Also, as mentioned, computer hacking checks are based on the tier. Androids have no tier so if it were possible the mechanic would have be spelled out because it can't be applied as is.
Then there's the law and consequences. If the PC uses a data jack and plugs directly into the android (something not possible unless the android has a data jack mod installed - it's not default), it's the same as taking a human and doing surgery on them without permission - in other words a hideous assault on their person.
In a more lore sense, it's going back to treating them like property rather than a person, and the PC could probably expect some rather unpleasant visits from the Android Abolitionist Front as well as law enforcement.