Types of Matrix devices and their stats

Device types

Every device active on the Matrix falls into one of a small number of types:

• Commlink
• Cyberdeck / dronedeck
• Host
• Standalone device - any device that has a Matrix connection and isn’t one of the above.

Standalone devices connected directly to the Matrix are considered unattended. Unattended devices are very vulnerable to deckers. To protect them, they are often connected to a network that is controlled by a commlink, a cyberdeck, or a host. Networked devices cannot be directly hacked; the decker has to hack the network controller first, then the device second.

Matrix stats

All matrix devices are defined by a small number of stats:

• System Rating: a single die (d4–d12) representing how powerful the system is. Used to oppose some attempted manipulations and by ICE hosted on the system when attacking deckers.
• Hardening (also called System Toughness in Sprawlrunners): how resistant the system is to outside manipulations. Used as the target number for sleaze hacking rolls, and as the toughness target in damage rolls.
• Firewall (called Cyberspace Parry in Sprawlrunners): the device’s capability to block incoming hostile datastreams. Used as the target number for cybercombat hacking rolls.

For all devices except cyberdecks, Hardening is derived from System Rating in a similar manner to Toughness in normal SWADE; half the die type, plus a bonus. The bonus is 0/+1/+2 depending on the device type. Firewall is 2 if the device lacks any active intrusion scanning. If it has such protection, then it is equal to Hardening.

Stats

Statlines below are listed as ([System Rating]) [Hardening] / [Firewall].