Does Holographic Interface let you hack?


Rules Questions


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You conjure a holographic interface you can use to communicate with the target computer. The interface allows you to operate an unfamiliar computer or one that lacks an interface as though you did have an interface, but it doesn't change your level of access.

Argument yes: "as though you had an interface" equals let the hacking begin! I mean what else do adventurers do with unfamiliar computers? Getting hacked is what happens to every computer the with a keyboard the technomancer can touch.

Argument no: It doesn't change your level of access. This blows remote hack out of the water as far as computers goes. The spell just replaces your hacking kit.


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From the Computers skill: "If you don't have physical access to a computer system's user interface, you must use a hacking kit..." The hacking use of the Computers skill does not itself reference or require use of a hacking kit. The hacking kit equipment entry says it's required "for most Computer checks" but then refernces the above rules in the skills section. So the assumption of the kit is that most computers do not have an interface (like a local door controller, which might have a keypad and badge reader but not a fullblown interface to the underlying software functions, I guess?).

Ergo if you do have physical access to the user interface (the touch screen, keyboard, haptic controls, whatever), you don't need a hacking kit. Hacking kits are for directly tying in to a server or something like a desktop CPU without keyboard and monitor. If they have those, you hack by typing on them or using voice commands or whatever the interface requires.

Holographic Interface: "The interface allows you to operate...as though you did have an interface." So yes, you don't need a hacking kit and can remotely hack/operate a computer for 1 hour per casting from a distance of close range spell range, but they'll still see you cast the spell, so it's not a solution to subtle hacking under observation. And you're still touching a holographic interface floating in front of you, people may ask questions (or look over at the floating interface to read the screen and plainly see what you're doing).

Remote Hack eventually does scale to slightly longer range than the cantrip, although it starts out slightly shorter. Most importantly, using the ability itself cannot be seen (you don't look like you're doing anything, apparently), only a successful perception/sense motive by someone who is your target (sentient computer? hackable construct if we get one of those?) or who is observing it (watchin the computer, not you) can detect the attempt.

So Remote Hack still wins going away on subtlety. Holographic Interface just replaces the kit and for situation where you need the range (barred cell door keeping you away from computer controlling the door? or potential shock grid around the computer) gives it to you as long as observation by security forces who might intervene isn't a concern.

Generally a technomancer is still going to want a specialty tool kit that gives a bonus even if an interface or this cantrip is available. A 7th level mechanic gets this specialty kit for free on his custom rig and can get the bonus while doing Remote Hack - the Technomancer can't. (7th level is also the level where the custom rig auto disables a non-firewall countermeasure on a succesful hack, another benefit over someone using the cantrip).

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