Dungeons & Dragons 5e Element 133 Class Feature: Hacking II

Your ability to manipulate computer systems criminally has increased. You gain a +2 Circuitry skill bonus when repairing or disabling electronic devices. This is in addition to any bonuses for related skills. Additionally, you may now use the following features as a part of the Hacking ability;

Careful Progress

When you attempt to defeat computer security, the administrator is alerted only if you fail your Circuitry check by 10 or more.

False Trail

When covering your digital tracks through the internet, you may lay in a false trail. With a successful DC 25 Circuitry check, you impose a –5 penalty on any attempt to trace your activity (as described in the Defend Security function of the Hacking I feature). If the trace fails by 10 or more points, the tracker follows your false trail to an innocent internet address. If the trace fails by less than 10 points, the tracker realizes the trail is bogus and gives up.

Install Backdoor

After successfully breaking into a specific computer system, you can install a “backdoor” to the system. A backdoor is a piece of code that makes it easier for you to break into that particular system in the future. Writing and installing the program requires a Circuitry check (see table below), but once successfully installed it automatically defeats that system’s security upon return trips—you no longer need to make checks to enter that system.

It is important to keep backdoors hidden from the system administrator, who will always be on the lookout for such invasions. A backdoor automatically allows your entrance to a particular system, but every time you use it you might have to make an opposed Circuitry check against the administrator. Failure means the backdoor is discovered and will be deleted before the next time you return.

Online Technomancy Resistance

You become harder to hurt by technomancy and spell-like abilities sent through email and electronic devices, including the Technician’s technomancy ability and magical items that use electronic components. You gain Technomancy Resistance equal to 10 + your Tier. This is a supernatural ability.

Improved Degradation

Your attempts to alter and degrade existing programming get more insidious. The degradation is installed as normal (as described in the Degrade Programming function of the Hacking I skill). However, unless the Circuitry check to fix the degraded program exceeds the DC by 5, the degradation returns within 6 hours—this happens automatically, you do not have to make a second check.

Passfirewall

When you attempt to defeat computer security, the administrator is alerted only if you roll a 1 on your Circuitry check.

Walking Database

You gain the ability to recall vast amounts of information gleaned while traveling through cyberspace. You may spend a Cunning Die and then substitute your Circuitry score instead of another Intelligence-based score for one check.