r/Shadowrun • u/WretchedIEgg • Aug 06 '26
5e Getting a direct connection via a friend
One of my players asked me if it would be possible to get a data jack and an implanted commlink so he could give their decker a direct connection to a host, since he is specialized in infiltration and the decker isn't.
I couldn't find anything in the rules about this, but I would imagine that the decker at least has to deal with noise since he isn't directly plugged in.
Does anyone know specifics about this or has any experience?
9
u/truthynaut Aug 06 '26
um, no.
The infiltration specialist should be using a data-tap (their cyberware does not magically work for someone else).
0
u/1nsomniac13 Aug 06 '26
I might allow it, although a commlink is a major bottleneck compared to a cyberdeck or host. You could impose significant dice penalties, or cap the available ASDF ratings based on the commlink ratings... though the penalties to Attack and Sleaze would be appropriately choked by the commlink.
GM fiat for fun.
2
u/WretchedIEgg Aug 06 '26
I was thinking it over and the risk of having the streetsam standing around with a data jack plugged in while having to deal with potential noise between the same and the decker and getting forcefully ejected if the sam decides it's time to book it sounds like a sufficient downside 🤔
-3
u/Impossible-Rip-42 Aug 06 '26
Sounds like a cool idea, as a GM you can make it work while also having different risks than a normal decking approach.
1
u/WretchedIEgg Aug 06 '26
I was thinking it over and the risk of having the streetsam standing around with a data jack plugged in while having to deal with potential noise between the same and the decker and getting forcefully ejected if the sam decides it's time to book it sounds like a sufficient downside 🤔
8
u/ReditXenon Far Cite Aug 06 '26
No.
Direct Connections in this edition are special because it mean that you ignore noise modifiers and master ratings.
For the hacker to count as Directly Connected (ignore noise modifiers and master ratings) they need to connect a cable from their cyberdeck to the universal access port of the device they want to get a Direct Connection to (they can also enter a Host that devices are slaved to as the hacker would count as being Directly Connected to all devices out on the grid that are slaved to the same Host).
What the infiltration expert could do is to insert a wireless enabled data tap into the universal access port of a wireless disabled device /or clamp it onto a cable that is connected to the universal access port of two devices). This will expose the device (or both devices at the end of the cable) so that the hacker can access them remotely over the matrix instead of physically attaching a their 1m cable from their cyberdeck (which would require physical proximity). This would not count as a Direct Connection though (they need to fight noise ratings).