Author’s Diary for April 3, 2020: Bids Appendix (Programming)

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You learned how to break in to a computer or robot in Covenant yesterday. Now that you’re in, find out how to program it below the fold.

Program: Program or reprogram a computer or robot

• To Accomplish: Fixed bid set by FM
• Successful Bid: The character programs the computer or robot successfully.
• Unsuccessful Bid:
  • The character does not program the computer or robot.
  • The computer or robot malfunctions.
  • The computer or robot goes haywire.
  • The computer or robot gives erroneous information.
• Suggested Traits: Computers, Knowledge, Sabotage
• Suggested Advantages: 
  • The character is programming the computer or robot to do something it normally does.
  • The character is making minor changes to the computer or robot’s program.
• Suggested Disadvantages: 
  • The computer or robot has a conflicting program that must be cleared first.
  • The character is programming the computer or robot to do something it normally does not do or is not designed to do.
  • The character is trying to reprogram a computer or robot in another language.
  • The character is trying to reprogram a computer or robot designed by an alien species.
  • The character is trying to reprogram a computer or robot designed by an unknown on uncontacted alien species.

NOTE: Trying to reprogram a sapient AI (SADE) without its consent is a serious crime in the Covenant and is considered a war crime during a war.

NOTE: Most vehicles can’t be programmed to drive or fight by themselves unless they have a remote control or governor unit installed.

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That’s it for today. Talk to you next week.