THE ICE BOX

>>>>>[I originally posted a rather extended version of this to the 
CyberRPG mailing list. This was before I got a hold of VR and 
realized that a lot of what I had posted was covered in VR. So I 
changed this a fair bit...]<<<<<<
- Barron <08:14:30/05-11-92>

>>>[Here are two new bits of ice to look out for. They keep on 
trying to stop us from grabbing their data. Heh.]<<<
-- Micromara [09:14:27/05-12-52]


PURGE IC
This White IC is similar to Scramble, but it will instead erase 
the entire file. This IC was introduced because in the past, 
deckers have been able to download and analyze the Scramble code 
and reverse the process.

Purge IC takes two actions to erase a file, and if it's stopped 
during the first action (Slowed, destroyed, etc) the file could 
conceivably be recovered, with the help of certain YexpensiveY 
utilities or maybe a real good NPC decker.

Load Rating: 1/2 Rating (round down)


DEMOLISHER IC
This is another White IC based on Scramble. It is placed in a 
datastore and covers all the files in the node. When any of the 
files is read by unauthorized individuals, it scrambles the entire 
contents of the node. If any files are down loaded with the IC 
still in place, it works similarly to Scramble, except that if the 
IC is set off while within the deck, the IC, well, let's just say 
it thinks of the deck as one big node, and all those files within 
that node... It starts with the largest file and works its way 
down. To destroy a file, roll the IC's Rating with a target number 
equal to the MPCP Rating of the deck. A success indicates that the 
file or program was scrambled. This is done with each file, 
stopping only when the program fails a test. It goes without 
saying that utilities hit cannot be run. It's possible to use a 
Rebuild utility on stuff hit by Demolisher (unless, of course, 
your Rebuild was scrambled...) Demolisher has a construct similar 
to Scramble (a light coating of something) except that it covers 
the entire node.

Load Rating: Rating x 1.5


>>>[Here are some nice little utilities to help you out. I got 
mine from a friend in Seattle. Check the bulletin boards for 
purveyors if you're interested, but look out for narcs.]<<<
-- Micromara [09:17:02/05-12-52]

M-2097 MINE DETECTOR
Scooped from an obscure military database by an anonymous decker, 
this one will be a sure friend to the discriminating (and 
cautious) This is a heavily modified Browse used to detect files 
or programs that the you really doesn't want to look at. Examples 
of these would be ones which cause systems alerts, activate IC, 
attempt traces, infect your deck with a virus, and so on. The 
target number is up to the GM, and depends on the sophistication 
of the trap (take a modern virus, for instance. It can range from 
the really obvious, to self-encrypting and mutating.)

Most versions of this program appear as a crew of military 
engineers who scrutinize every file with what you'll recognize as 
mine detection methods. Low rating programs involve some guy 
crawling around poking a knife into the node in a pattern around 
him, while more advanced versions consist of a couple guys with a 
shovel and metal detection rig. (We've also seen a hacked Rating 1 
version where some Merc, fingers in ears and eyes shut, stomps 
ahead with one foot. A detection is real cute...)

Options: One-Shot, Link Rating: 1 through 10 (we got the whole 
     series...)
Size: Rating^2 Price: same as Sleaze
Designer: UCAS Military


REBUILD
Something hacked together by the Ice Bunny after having One Of 
Those Days. This program can be used to rebuild a scrambled file. 
The program is large, slow, and unpredictable. Fortunately, the 
good decker shouldn't need it much, and the bad decker, well, he 
isn't reading this. That's why most of you'll want the One-Shot 
version (aside from the size of the thing, that is) We understand 
that the Bunny is working on something to take care of Purged 
files, based on this thing.

When the program is running, roll the Rating of the utility, with 
a target number equal to twice the rating of the Scramble IC that 
hit the file. At least one success is necessary to even pull out 
usable data. Increased successes increase the amount of usable 
stuff that can be extracted (normally starts at about 50-75%). As 
well, the program requires a number of rounds equal to the Rating 
of the Scramble. The success test is made on the last round.

This program manifests as a bunch of cyber-gnomes who surround the 
file in question, tear it into tiny bits, and start sorting it 
into bits before rebuilding it. The whole process is reminiscent 
of a couple hyperactive kids putting together a puzzle.

Options: One-Shot Rating: 1 through 10
Size: Rating^2 x 4 Mp Price: Same as Evasion
Designer: Ice Bunny