Slicing Equipment

Sources: Star Wars Adventure Journal (May, 1996); Cracken's Rebel Field Guide

The ability to modify equipment to suit our needs has been a great asset to the Alliance. Some of the most commonly-modified or jury-rigged items are computer and droid components. This field guide entry provides a number of items that are often used in missions involving droids, computer security and slicing. Some, such as the altered transmission core, must remain in its original housing after modification in order to perform its desired function. Others, such as the Intellex IV and other similar systems, can often be used independently.

As I have stressed so many times, our ability to manipulate and modify many standard items of technology aids greatly in our battle against the Empire. Read this carefully, and may the Force be with you.

A number of Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game supplements provide detailed information on additional items that can be used in such applications as those listed here. Fantastic Technology and Cracken's Rebel Field Guide can be the most helpful. Other specific sources include pages 84 and 85 of Galaxy Guide 11: Criminal Organizations for more information on anti-security apparatus and pages 121 and 122 of The Last Command Sourcebook for items often used by Alliance Intelligence.

For upgraded rules on jury-rigging equipment, see pages 3-6 of Fantastic Technology: These rules replace the first edition rules originally presented in Cracken's Rebel Field Guide.

The UniTech "Patch" is a small device that, when applied to a computer system or network, reroutes any security or similar programming so that a break cannot be detected. This device is commonly used by tech teams and some Imperial technicians during emergency repairs when a breached or damaged subsystem is seriously affecting the operations of the whole. The "patch" emulates the signals and responses of the damaged system, effectively tricking the master computer core into thinking that the subsystem is unaffected.

The patch consists of a master, or base unit, and eight slave units that the user places at the junction points between the subsystem to be bypassed and the outside system. Some of these "patches," now in the hands of the Alliance, have proven extremely useful in the acquisition of classified Imperial documents: they allow a user to enter and utilize a specific part of a system and remain relatively undetected.

UniTech "Patch"
Model: UniTech Diagnostic Systems Diverter
Type: Interfacing System Bridge
Skill: Computer Programming/Repair
Cost: 5,200 credits
Availability: 2, R (restricted to governments)
Game Notes: The patch requires a Moderate computer programming/repair roll to apply, and adds 1D+2 to the character's security or relevant skill.

The TerexComm DataSearch 9C is a valuable administrative tool for any being needing to search through thousands of data screen units (DSUs) in as little time as possible. The device is made even more valuable to the Alliance through a discovery by a field agent on Dix'thaar – when coupled with a simple power condenser, the 9C is capable of locating lower-level encrypted files. The drawback to this is that the additional power to the 9C will virtually destroy any programs it searches.

TerexComm DataSearch 9C
Model: TerexComm Deluxe (DataSearch Engine 9C)
Type: Administrative datasearch device
Skill: Computer programming/repair
Cost: 600 credits
Availability: 2
Game Notes: An Easy computer programming/repair roll is required to connect the unit. When connected, it adds 1D+2 to the character's computer programming/repair skill and 2D to the character's security skill when used to search for Information. A Moderate computer programming/repair roll is needed to modify the 9C with the power condenser as described above.

[Transcriber’s Note: The first line in this paragraph is illegible…] ... extremely so. The main thing to remember when using a modified TerexComm 9C is that you need to have your escape craft ready and waiting. When the 9C starts searching, it starts tearing the programs and scandocs it searches into little tiny electronic bits. It won't take them long to figure something is wrong... unless you happen to have laid a patch across the system you are searching...

The TerexComm DataSearch 12C-A searches a system for information related to search specifications. A general query, such as "stormtrooper," will yield a large amount of useless information. A more specific clue, such as "stormtrooper garrisons in the Yartexx quarter" will yield much more useful data.

The TerexComm DataSearch 12C-A is similar to the 9C, but with two major differences. The 12C-A does not function with the power condenser modification. It often shorts out if it is modified. The second is a matter of speed. The 12C-A is capable of searching through thousands of DSUs in less than three seconds.

TerexComm DataSearch 12C-A
Model: TerexComm Executive (Data Search Engine 12C-A)
Type: Administrative datasearch device
Skill: Computer programming/repair
Cost: 850 credits
Availability: 2
Game Notes: Using the 12C-A require an Easy computer programming/repair roll. The 12C-A adds 2D to the character’s computer programming/repair skill when searching for information.

The 12C-A can search through more information faster than most any other search engine available, and it won't destroy the information. All the agent needs to do is gain access to a secure terminal, hook up the 12C-A and give it some search specifications. Within a matter of seconds, it will have found anything pertaining to the search specifications it was provided with. Quite a handy piece of electronics.

Modified and upgraded by the Alliance Cryptology division, the AccuTronics Encryption Package is another item intended for civilian use, but with the proper modifications has proven a useful tool for the encryption of some lesser-security datafiles.

AccuTronics Encryption Package
Model: AccuTronics Encryption Package 1a.44.87
Type: Datafile encryption device
Skill: Computer programming/repair
Cost: 500 credits
Game Notes: Any datafile encypted [...illegible...] +5 modifier to its difficulty number to be found, and requires a Moderate computer programming/repair roll to crack the encrypt code if the password is unknown.

Analysis/encoding computers, or a/e units, are an important link in the Empire's intelligence network. One of the primary functions a/e units perform as part of the "crew" of a Plexus Droid Vessel (PDV) is to code and recode Imperial Intelligence messages (see page 33 of the Imperial Sourcebook, Second Edition). A/E units are designed to take a file, open the encryption, analyze the information, and recode the file. Because of the security and secrecy around these units, a few theories about possible uses within the Alliance for them have risen. Since no one has yet managed to capture a complete working unit, these theories remain untested.

Analysis/Encoding Computer
Model: Analysis/Encoding DocuServer
Type: Analysis/encoding computer
Skill: Computer programming/repair
Cost: Not for sale
Availability: 2, R (Restricted to Imperial use)
Game Notes: A Moderate computer programming/repair roll enables a character to connect the a/e unit to another system. Once connected, a Moderate computer programming/repair roll activates the unit. Reduce the difficulty level of encryption on Imperial scandocs or files that have been transferred to the system with the a/e unit by one level (from Difficult to Moderate, etc.).

The Alliance has developed a modification of the common translation module of most protocol/translation droids to also deliver coded messages to Alliance operatives. Rebel technicians have constructed and installed approximately a dozen of these new units into various espionage droids throughout the Empire.

The modified unit uses pre-specified keywords in a specific language understood by the receiving agent (usually an organic), so that any translator droid or opposed agent monitoring communications takes the exchange as a simple conversation. An integral portion of the modified unit's function is that the host droid is "influenced" to utilize particular words in any given dialogue in designated intervals. These specific words (and in some cases phrases) each have a specific definition assigned to them by Intell when used in a specific order (each droid is given a different encoding). One of the primary reasons this method of transmission has been adopted in some areas is because of the Empire's recent developments in intercepting and decoding the tight-beam transmission most espionage droids utilize.

The modification of the TranLang module is a secondary program, and is directly routed to the portion of the droid's CPU that aids in the droid's choosing of specific words, so the droid does not question why it chose any particularly obscure word. Unfortunately, the unit's being linked to such a major component makes it relatively easy to detect (a Moderate droid programming roll, and the individual making the roll must be looking specifically for secondary programming). For this reason droids containing the unit tend to have shorter terms of existence.

Modified Tranlang III Module
Model: Tranlang III communicatior module (modified)
Type: Modified droid and systems organic and electronic translation module
Cost: 1,500 credits (market version)
Availability: 2 (market version), modified Alliance Intell version is strictly illegal
Game Notes: The modification of a standard unit to the specifications above requires a Difficult droid programming roll, followed by a Moderate droid repair roll to install the unit without damaging the droid. Planting the droid in the desired locale afterwards is another matter...

The modified communication modules have proven very valuable in several key areas where we have planted espionage droids. The module with which Lieutenant Zeneta confers has provided his unit with some very valuable information. With the data, we have been successful in capturing two command frigates along the Sisar Run. The unfortunate side is that this modification is not as easy to conceal as most - our droid recently captured in the Ghorn system has probably been melted down by now...

The subspace transmission core is one of the integral portions of an espionage unit's secondary programming, for it relays the information to its planter. Upon receipt of a prearranged high-frequency signal, the droid downloads the information via the tight beam to the signal's source.

The espionage unit's secondary programming consists of a number of hard chips of which the host droid has no knowledge. These chips are quite difficult to detect during routine maintenance. They can be programmed for passive recording, or with some newer, sophisticated flag programming, the droid can even be subconsciously programmed to record particular events or information.

The tight-beam core assures relatively secure transmission of the information recorded by the droid, as the narrowness of the beam makes it able to evade nearly all sensor types. The one type the transmission can not evade are the dedicated energy receptors (DERs) which when in scan mode may just happen upon the transmission (see pages 9 and 10 of the Star Wars Sourcebook, Second Edition). Once detected, it is relatively easy to triangulate and discover the source of the transmission.

The most common droid the transmission core and its complement programming are installed in are protocol droids, though astromechs and even medical droids are often used for this purpose. For more information on espionage droids, see pages 118-120 of the Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition. Also see the boxes on pages 29 and 30 01 the Imperial Sourcebook, Second Edition for more information on the drawbacks of espionage droids.

Subspace Tight-Beam Transmission Core
Model: MerenData 45-T InfoCore
Type: Subspace tight-beam transmission core
Cost: 900 credits
Availability: 2, R
Game Notes: It takes a Very Difficult droid programming roll to detect an espionage droid, and the programmer must specifically state that he or she is searching for the secondary programming. Once the secondary programming is detected, it requires a Moderate droid programming roll to remove the chips without damaging the droid. The chips must be physically removed, as the espionage programming will withstand a normal memory wipe.

Though we make use of espionage droids, particularly in the Core Worlds, the Empire also uses them against us. More than once we have had a base location compromised or a convoy ambushed because of such a droid. I recently headed an investigation into the droid that compromised our security at the Sinjan Outpost. While extremely helpful in undermining Imperial security, we must also be careful they do not threaten our own.

The Intellex IV is the internal computer and analysis program package found in a number of the better astromech units, among them the Industrial Automaton R2 units and the V1-series pilot droids. Extremely popular with consumers, the Intellex IV is capable of a wide variety of functions. When part of its intended droid package, the Intellex IV is particularly valued for its ability to scan technical files to pinpoint potential problems, find data patterns or debug computer codes - performing over 10,000 MPF operations a second. The Intellex IV also supports sophisticated analysis programs, such as lifeform identification subroutines (LFIs) and many low-level scanner tasks.

When removed from its astromech droid, an independent Intellex IV can be used to enter restricted-access files and slice through a number of security systems. This can also be done with other Intellex series computers (such as the V or VI), but with greater difficulty.

Intellex IV
Model: Industrial Automaton lntellex IV internal computer
Type: Astromech droid internal computer
Cost: 800 credits
Availability: 2
Game Notes: As the Intellex IV's primary function is to scan technical files and find data patterns, it is very useful to characters who have improved Technical skills and a need to retrieve restricted files and information. A character can use an independent Intellex IV unit as a tool when trying to enter restricted systems or files: computer programming/repair difficulty numbers should be determined by the gamemaster.

If the Intellex IV is part of a non-cooperative astromech droid, a Moderate droid repair roll must be made to remove the unit without damage. This procedure usually takes about half an hour to complete. Allied astromech droids, however, are often willing to execute such operations upon their owner's request. If attempting to do this with an Intellex V or VI, raise each difficulty one level.

The fact many astromech droids carry the Intellex IV certainly was a great asset to Alliance operations in the Periphery some time ago: our agent Shaparo was able to take the unit from his companion, R2-Q8, and analyze the prisoner files at the Dnalvec garrison on Sriluur. Had it not been for Shaparo's quick thinking and R2's equipment, we never would have been able to rescue our captured companions.

The TaggeCo TC-40 Padlink is a unit very popular with those executives and other civilian systems users who have little desire to spend their time mulling about a terminal. It enables any authorized user to access and work from a conveniently-sized datapad, while still keeping the user hooked into the primary system. The unit is commonly used by executives who keep systems in their business suites. While the comm attachment is installed to the master system, the mobile unit connects to the datapad through the pad's two minor coupler ports, still allowing for a constant power source to be routed through the primary port.

In recent months Rebel technicians have begun to utilize the datapads with the link system to enter restricted systems. If successful. the hacker is able to download the preferred files in a matter of moments, and do so with minimal risk. To be effective, the comm unit must be installed on the master system. Because of this, one can only break into systems for which the owner (or the operative) has already installed the pad link device.

For a detailed technical guide of a datapad, see page 106 of the Heir to the Empire Sourcebook.

Datapad Remote Link Unit
Model: TaggeCo TC-40 Pad link
Type: Remote two-piece datapad/system interface unit
Cost: 1,000 credits
Availability: 2
Game Notes: The padlink has a range of 100 meters. An easy computer programming/repair roll must be made to use the device in its intended fashion; a +5 modifier in addition to the assigned difficulty number is applied when characters determine their computer programming/repair roll when slicing into the target system. Installation of the comm unit onto a master terminal requires an Easy computer programming/repair roll.

I had the opportunity to use the TC-40 during a recent operation on Arsteni. With a little bit of help from one of the techs, we were able to download crucial troop reports from the constable's personal system, and never even enter the building! The ability to conduct such espionage a good distance from the target system is invaluable to agents in the field.

Portable computers, or portables, are a significant advancement over pocket computers. They allow the user to prepare and write programs to use against other computers. Although Droids can often serve the function of portables, they're often not available for the task. A portable can fit into a backpack.

There are many portables on the market; one of the most popular is the MicroThrust line. These machines are specifically designed for computer intrusions and are equipped with a vast array of interface ports so the user doesn't have to carry around a dozen cable adaptors.

The power ratings range from 0D to 5D. A Rebel using a portable adds the machine’s power to his computer programming roll. Power cannot be upgraded – a new computer has to be bought for more power.

0D Power           5,000 Credits
1D Power           10,000 Credits
2D Power           25,000 Credits
3D Power           35,000 Credits
4D Power           45,000 Credits
5D Power           55,000 Credits

A portable comes equipped with 5D of memory. Each additional 1D costs 500 credits. Memory can be upgraded by paying the cost of the additional memory. Maximum memory is 20D.

To calculate the price of a portable add the cost of the power to the cost of the memory.

But that’s just my opinion. Others disagree with me and see portables as an archaic money drain.

MicroThrust's computer spikes are computer programs designed to help a person gain access to computer data or computer-controlled systems. Imperial computers operate with Rapid Repetition Defense Measures (RRDM). The RRDM constantly scans the computer looking for program patterns alien to the computer's standard programs. To avoid the RRDM, a computer spike alters its primary coding sequences, quickly rewriting portions of itself. This means that as soon as a spike begins running it is deteriorating, slowly becoming less and less effective as it performs its task. By the time it has finished worming its way through the computer, it is completely useless.

Specifications
Items: MicroThrust Computer Spikes
Skill Code: Computer Programming/Repair
Availability: X

Name	Power	Cost
Piercer II	2D	3,000 Credits
Intruder	3D	4,500 Credits
Piercer IV	4D	6,000 Credits
Spear V	5D	7,500 Credits
Lancer	6D	9,000 Credits
Impalement Forward	7D	10,500 Credits
Riddle Eight	8D	12,000 Credits
Honey Comb IX	9D	13,500 Credits
Tunneler	10D	15,000 Credits

Rebel must make an Easy computer programming/repair roll to prepare the spike.

If roll succeeds. the program can then be slotted into the computer system to be raided. If the roll fails, the spike is ruined.

The player then rolls the spike's die code against the difficulty number of the information. Use the computer programming guidelines on page 44 of Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game to determine the difficulty.