I've been kicking around this idea for a while now but have not formalized how I want to do it.

Feel free to make suggestions

Thinking about how to make a Matrix like adventure where the PCs jack into the computer net.

So some basic thoughts:

1.) Savage Monkey jacks into a computer net he has an Avatar. the avatar has stats and abilities chosen by Savage based on LOG/10 + computer skill level= total number of points for the player to spend on his PC's avatar when in the net. these avatar abilities or stats allow the player to affect the landscape in the computer net. Question: Should a PC be able to change his avatar choices each time he jacks in? Much like Keanu Reeves did getting new programming from the operatior everytime they went in?

2.) the computer net of a city will have map locations, example: Port Loren will have a map of linked portals with one portal being the Port Loren Public Library which when you enter the portal it looks like the Great Library of Alexandria, where as PGC has a portal that looks like something else (something consistent with the company image) but lest say a classic steam punk Metropolis (the classic sci-fi movie) and so on; another might be Wild West, another could be pre-historic infinite settings are possible as per the decisions of the computer net architect. the programer could even be a presence in the setting though he is dead or elsewhere. If you have access to the public net you have access to the public areas of all the portals connected to the public net. although many of these portals will have a fire wall or security wall fencing off the protected areas of the computer net. as well as guards which could be programs or programers that you battle within the setting. A security program will have better stats for fighting etc; may only attack you if you try to enter a certain doorway in the security wall.

some computer local are not part of the city/planetary net like a crime lord might not connect his computer net directly to the local net out of security concerns so it can only be accessed by direct contact with his computers.

3.) whole parties of characters can enter the net although those with computer skill will have better stats. Also a character with computer skill learns to write a computer program with each level, learning to write certain programs confers speical abilities or bonuses to certain activities. Like computer security program might confer some combat skill bonus while in the net.

4.) a level 5 or 6 robotic brain connected to that net will be amongst the most powerful and dangerous opponents you could face in such a net. be like the wizard of oz minus the timid guy behind the net.

5.) this is largely concieved as an 'encounter' where the PCs pause to do this thing while they get the "data" they need

6.) other hazards: a group: Megacorp, criminal, Star Law may employ a blood hound program to track the PCs back to their jack in location in the real world which then lets that group send police/mercenaries/security types to that location to apprehend the PCs

7.) two types of damage possible when battling jacked in: energy loss to avatar and pyschic damage to the PC ie a blow to the PCs LOG or INT scores or even STA- nose bleeds and ringing in the ears that must be healed normally. LOG points recover at the same rate as STA points do through normal healing. which begs the question of is there biocort for the brain?

8. the computer net for a star ship might look exactly like a deck plan for that ship. space travel though will appear to be instantaneous though- PC reaches the command deck and directs the "ship" to travel to location X- a light show effect happens and the ship is suddenly there.