Tactical Networks

Communication and coordination have been primary concerns of battlefield commanders since organized warfare began. In the digital, AR/ VR-laden battlefields of the Sixth World with the insane amount of combat elements that need to be directed, these concerns are even more prevalent.

In recent years, the advent of tactical networks has enabled this level of coordination enhancement to continue. Tactical networks have advanced command and control to the point where everyone linked in can benefit from advanced combat data, leading to better overall performance.

Past tactical network technology relied on bulky terminals that made them troublesome despite the benefits. And centralizing most, if not all, of a team’s combat information on one device makes it a prime target for enemies. But despite these drawbacks, the technology is popular and here to stay. Currently several brands of tac-net systems exist, most of them with the same general capabilities.

In early 2080 that an upstart tech company called Pantheon Industries blindsided the big tech corps with the release of the M-TOC™ next-generation tactical network system. One that was affordable - and legal - for civilian use by security contractors and at a price point that made them accessible.

Tactical Networks

Mobile Tactical Operations Center (M-TOC)

Personal Integrated Tactical Network (PI-Tac)

Renraku Taka (PI-Tac Level I)

Novatech Tactician (PI-Tac Level II)

ComPac-Esprit General (PI-Tac Level III)

Mobile Tactical Operations Center (M-TOC)

Like previous generations of tac-nets, the M-TOC is a man-portable network communication terminal roughly fifty percent the size of a standard cyberdeck. It can act on its own or link to a cyberdeck or RCC. The M-TOC works by accessing and correlating data from commlinks, sensors, smart weapon systems, audio and visual cybernetic augmentations, and other external sources.

What makes the M-TOC stand out from other tac-nets is the use of special proprietary programs made specifically for it called Tac-Apps. These provide extra functionality and capabilities, similar to cyberdeck programs. Tac-Apps can be swapped as needed for specific mission profiles allowing for unprecedented customization and versatility.

The M-TOC requires an operator to keep the system running properly. Typically, this is a Matrix specialist but a rigger with appropriate skills and gear can also do it. Whoever maintains the network also grants users access to all pertinent information gathered.

Currently, the M-TOC comes in three models - the Mark I, II, and III - each with its own capabilities and utilities. Each M-TOC comes with the following capabilities standard:

Enhanced audio and image link.
Team member biomonitor.
Team member weapon status/access (ammo count, operational status, biometric access).
Access to linked team members’ gear (includes commlinks and other communications gear).
Real-time tactical and strategic evaluation software.
GPS and mapsoft navigation software.

M-TOC Mark I

The Mark I was designed for security and law enforcement officers during situations requiring enhanced coordination, such as hostage situations, when specialized response teams are unavailable. It was designed to be cost effective, so it can be distributed among rank-and-file patrol officers. The Mark I also features standard enhanced threat detection, identification friend/foe (IFF) software, and limited enhanced targeting for smartgun-equipped weapons.

Device Rating: 3

Data Processing: 4

Firewall: 3

Active Program Slots: 2

Availability: 8 (Legal)

Cost: ¥25,000

Notes:

Lowers the threshold by 1 for Perception tests to detect an ambush.
+1 Dice Pool Modifier to Perception tests to determine if a target is carrying concealed weapons and to identify subjects via facial recognition software.
+1 Dice Pool Modifier for all linked smargun weapons.
The Mark I can handle up to 9 users at once.

M-TOC Mark II

Designed for front-line military units, the Mark II has some of the same capabilities as the Mark I but is more specialized toward combat operations rather than law-enforcement/security duties. The Mark II is also known for being physically resistant to external and Matrix damage. And thanks to modular components, it is easier to repair in the field.

Device Rating: 5

Data Processing: 6

Firewall: 5

Active Program Slots: 4

Availability: 9 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥65,000

Notes:

Lowers the threshold by 2 for Perception tests to detect an ambush.
+1 Dice Pool Modifier for all linked smargun weapons.
-1 Dice Pool Penalty to all opposed Cracking tests against the M-TOC.
Modular construction lowers the threshold for repairing damage by 2.
The Mark II can handle up to 15 users.

M-TOC Mark III

Designed specifically for use by Special Forces type units, the Mark III features some of the most advanced tactical software on the market, resulting in a network that’s harder to crack and assists users with their own hacking attempts while still providing some of the best targeting enhancement known. All of these benefits come at a cost, of course. To prevent system overload, Pantheon had to cap the number of active users. While somewhat limiting, the relatively small numbers of SF teams made this a minor drawback.

Device Rating: 7

Data Processing: 7

Firewall: 6

Active Program Slots: 6

Availability: 12 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥95,000

Notes:

Lowers the threshold by 1 for Perception tests to detect an ambush.
+1 Dice Pool Modifier for all linked smargun weapons.
-3 Dice Pool Penalty to all opposed Cracking tests against the M-TOC.
Modular construction lowers the threshold for repairing damage by 2.
The Mark III can only handle up to 10 users

M-TOC Tac-Apps

Similar to cyberdeck programs, Tac-Apps are programs specifically for use by an M-TOC to customize the network for a user’s specific needs. Each M-TOC has a number of active program slots for running Tac-Apps.

Artillery Barrage

This app provides additional targeting data for launch-type weapons such as grenade launchers, rocket launchers, or mortars, making them more accurate. It also enables a shooter to rain down fire from a smartgun-equipped assault rifle, machine gun, or assault cannon as if it were a miniature artillery piece.

Availability: 5 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

+1 Dice Pool Modifier for grenade launchers, rocket launchers, and mortars.
Suffer no weapon-related penalties for shooting assault rifles, machine guns, or assault cannons when app is active.
Shooter must still have at least some line of sight or know a target’s location.
Requires Smartgun System.

Co-Pilot

This app allows a team member to take control of a vehicle or drone linked into the network, so a rigger can focus on other tasks. Controlling a vehicle or drone with this app isn’t considered optimal.

Availability: 3 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

When controlling a vehicle with this app, the new operator/driver can do so with their commlink or AR gloves, but at a –1 dice pool penalty.
When controlling drones, the new operator can only issue commands as if in the captain’s chair.

Door Gunner

The Door Gunner app features advanced control and targeting software that allows a secondary team-member to control a mounted, remote-operation-capable vehicle weapon. Because of this app’s narrow focus and SOTA software code, “it’s just like having the weapon in your hands,” as their advertising slogan says.

Availability: 5 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

This app enables a new operator/gunner to control a vehicle weapon with their commlink or AR glove with no penalties.
Requires smartlink.

ECM Warrior II

Matrix asset denial and attacks are mainstays of modern combat. To assist in attacking enemy networks and defending their own, the ECM warrior is designed to give an operator extra “electronic ammo” to engage enemy hackers and help cut through any noise.

Availability: 4 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

+2 Dice Pool Modifier to all offensive Cracking tests while using this app.
–2 Dice Pool Penalty to all noise within (Device Rating x 5) meters of the device running the app.

Junk Wall

Junk Wall takes layers of benign “junk code” and adds them to the network and any other linked devices’ firewalls. In order to access linked devices, an enemy hacker must get through the additional layers.

Availability: 2 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

Add one-half of the M-TOC’s Device Rating (round up) to a linked cyberjack or RCC’s Firewall rating.

Mobile Medic

Designed to work directly with a medkit, giving the user additional information or instruction when treating wounded. The app constantly updates with the latest emergency medical data, so if someone doesn’t know how to administer aid, this app will guide them.

Availability: 3 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

+1 Dice Pool Modifier to Biotech (First Aid) or a Medkit's Rating.

Sneak-Sneak

Using a combination of tracking algorithms and image evaluation software, Sneak-Sneak helps the user increase their stealth by pointing out potential hazards or obstacles that could alert an enemy to their presence and suggests alternate paths/ methods.

Availability: 3 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

+2 Dice Pool Modifier on all Stealth (Sneaking) tests.

Team Leader

Leading a combat team during combat is a difficult and often chaotic situation. The Team Leader app presents the designated leader with data projections on current tactical situations based on sensor data, team biometrics, weapon status, and other environmental factors in order to assist with decision-making and team coordination.

Availability: 3 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

This app provides a pool of bonus dice equal to the M-TOC’s device rating for use on the following tests: teamwork, navigation, perception, and maneuver.
This dice pool can be broken up and assigned as needed but can only be used once per combat engagement.

Target Artist

Designed to work in conjunction with the Artillery Barrage app, Target Artist is used when a shooter doesn’t have line of sight on their target or when a target is behind cover/concealment but still needs to be engaged. This app takes targeting data from a source that has line of sight (another team member or drone for example) and paints the target or target area for the shooter, allowing them to attempt the shot. This app also has a secondary feature in that it can be used to rapidly identify and designate targets, obstacles, or hazards on a mapsoft overlay.

Availability: 3 (Illegal)

Cost: ¥200

Notes:

Allows shooter to attack without direct line of sight.
Designated targets then can be targeted with the “called shot” Minor Action.

Personal Integrated Tactical Network (PI-Tac)

The PI-Tac (a.k.a. P-Tac, or - to old timers - Tac-Net) is the latest generation of personal tactical network. Used by both security and military forces, PI-Tac units are now available to civilians—once said civilian has passed a background check and been issued a permit. The Tac-Net concept is not new; team networking devices of one sort or another have been around for decades. However, all previous ‘nets were add-ons that linked sensors and other components that weren’t necessarily compatible, resulting in a complex mash of patches subject to malfunctions. PI-Tacs are self-contained, plug-in units designed from the group up to integrate with a commlink, cyberdeck, or rigger command console to form a shared PAN/WAN.

PI-Tac enhances team coordination and effectiveness with streamlined simplicity and comes in three levels of sophistication. Strictly speaking, only the most basic level is legally available for civilian use. The benefits of using PITac are substantial, but gamemasters should remember that PI-Tac is wireless by nature, which makes it a target for hackers.

All PI-Tac models include:

Real-time GPS location software.
Universal image and audio link that can access any image sources from within the network, including all external sensors and personal augmentations.
Team Biomonitor.
Weapon status indicator (ammo count, operational condition, possible incursion).
“Enhanced Situational Awareness” (bonus to all Perception Tests, based on level) Note that the maximum number of team members (including drones) on a particular ’net at one time equals DR x 1.5.

Renraku Taka (PI-Tac Level I)

The basic, civilian Level PI-Tac is popular with the extreme-sport set including combat re-enactors, amateur urban brawl leagues, and even big game hunters.

Rating:

Availability:

6 (Legal)

Cost:

¥517,500

Notes:

+1 Dice Pool Modifier to Perception tests.
The Taka can hold up to 6 users at once.

Novatech Tactician (PI-Tac Level II)

The Level II is intended for use by security, law enforcement, and/or standard military forces. Unit cost makes use of the Level II for routine security and law enforcement impractical. Thus the Level IIs are usually assigned only to special tactical response units.

Rating:

Availability:

9 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥824,000

Notes:

+2 Dice Pool Modifier to Perception tests.
+1 Dice Pool Modifier to Stealth (Sneaking) tests.
+3 Dice Pool Modifier to either Firewall or Data Processing.
Allows a user to transfer 5 of their initiative points to one select team member on the network.
Trauma Module: Worn on the chest under any armor, this flat plastic plate can be loaded with one dose of any drug of the user's choice and programmed to automatically deliver the drug under set conditions.
Combat Mode: +1 Dice Pool Modifier to Firearms, Exotic Weapons, or Close Combat.
The Tactician can hold up to 8 users at once.

ComPac-Esprit General (PI-Tac Level III)

Designed for use by the most elite military and corporate units, the unauthorized use of the Level III unit or unlicensed possession of such a unit is considered a felony by the Corporate Court and most national governments. The Level III contains all features of the prior modules.

Rating:

Availability:

12 (Illegal)

Cost:

¥1,234,000

Notes:

+3 Dice Pool Modifier to Perception tests.
+2 Dice Pool Modifier to Stealth (Sneaking) tests.
+6 Dice Pool Modifier to either Firewall or Data Processing.
Allows a user to transfer 10 of their initiative points to one select team member on the network.
Combat Mode: +2 Dice Pool Modifier to Firearms, Exotic Weapons, or Close Combat.
Allows for remote link and limited acess to vehicles and drones linked into the network which can follow simple commands.
The General can hold up to 9 users at once.