Adventurous Occupations: Computer Expert
for GURPS
by Paul Stefko
Since the creation of telecommunications networks, a secret war has been raging across phone lines, broadband cables, and now the ether of wireless communication. The soldiers on this new battlefield are experts at manipulating the security of computer systems, whether for good or ill.
This conflict has entered the public consciousness through movies like WarGames and Hackers. Even the otherwise over-the-top Matrix series included elements of real-life cyber-intrusion. Today's computer experts form the basis for the entire cyberpunk genre, with its glittering neon realms of virtual crime.
Below, we present several templates for creating characters that are at home in the glow of a display. These characters provide critical service to an adventuring group, stealing (or protecting) valuable data. At 75-100 points, these templates leave room for a great deal of personalization when creating PCs and NPCs.
New Talent
The following talent is useful for computer experts on both sides of the line.
Computer Genius: Computer Hacking (if allowed in the campaign), Computer Operation, Computer Programming, Electronics Operations, Electronics Repair (Computers), Expert Skill (Computer Security).
Reaction bonus: computer professionals, hackers. 5 points/level.Lenses
The following lens may be added to any of the templates below, but it is only appropriate in highly weird and highly conspiratorial . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: June 8, 2007
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