The Laptop of Marky D-SOD
Copyright 1996 by Michael R. Smith (msmith@mfi.com)
     
One of the few remaining artifacts confiscated from the ruins of the 
apartment of the infamous hacker, Marky D-SOD. It was a key component behind 
much of his success as a hacker, enabling him to pull off some of his 
greatest hacks, and many legends have grown up around the late hacker's 
success. It was rumored that his enemies tended to have "accidents", and he 
had an almost clairvoyant knowledge of his target computer systems.
     
There was a reason for this. Marky D-SOD was a wizard. And not just a 
computer wizard. Marky modified the laptop to a great extent, mixing 
technology and magic in an unholy blend. He was able to use the laptop to 
transmit spells through modem lines into the internet, and from there into 
other people's computer systems. The spells could also be left at random 
.ftp sites for download by those unlucky enough to do so. Allowing him to 
create the ultimate, magically active virus programs.
     
The laptop runs off of either a plug in power supply (which converts 
electricity into fatigue to run spells) or from the laptops built in power 
supply (basically a typical laptop battery enchanted into an powerstone).
     
The laptops main power comes from its ability to cast spells "into" the 
net, allowing a mage to cast a spell without any distance penalties. The 
mage must, of course, translate his spells into computer programs, which 
requires both a Thaumaturgy and Computer Programming roll at -4 each. Once 
that's done, watch out websurfers.
     
TL 7 Small Computer
Complexity 2
Extra ROM Slots
"Exclusive" 40-Point Powerstone/internal battery 
Optional adapter enchanted with Draw Power (Electricity) 
Weight 2 lbs
Programs: Datalink, Data Recovery, Encryption, plus 1d-3 of the following 
spell-programs
     
Some software created by Marky D-SOD:
     
DE-BASE
A computer program that, when fed salient data on a target (i.e. email 
addresses, social security numbers, etc.) be it a system or an individual, 
will reveal the target's history and al relevant information about the 
target, including their weaknesses and flaws. This was used by D-SOD to 
gain information on his victims and their computer systems. The level of 
success determines how much the GM reveals to the players.
     
DEMON Compiler
Allows the mage to create demon-software hybrids. These virtual demons can 
then be downloaded into computer systems to wreak whatever havoc they might. 
D-SOD used these creatures both as intelligence gatherers and assassins. The 
use of this program will create a demon randomly. The success or failure of 
the program provides a die modifier to the DEMON creation roll.
     
Spellchekr
The Spellchekr program will test a programmed spell for integrity. Each 
use will allow a mage-programmer to fine tune a spell prior to actually 
using it. Each success adds a bonus to the roll to program the spell in 
question.
     
Software Resurrection
This program allows the mage to restore lost data from a disk or hard-drive 
that has been erased. Even in cases where the disk or hard-drive has been 
physically destroyed. Each success will restore 1 file or program from the 
damaged source.
     
Aethernet Driver
This program will allow the mage to access the internet even if no physical 
connection exists. 
     
Virtual Fireball
Taking the term Flame War to a new extreme. This is essentially a 
long-distance fireball that takes the form of an innocuous e-mail message 
from someone the reader trusts. When opened however, a Fireball (as per the 
spell) erupts from the monitor (destroying the host PC in the process) and 
aims for the users head. 
     
Other useful spells translated by D-SOD were Seeker, Trace and Persuasion, 
as well as some of the more vicious spells of the Colleges of Mind and Body 
Control.