Target Verification System

Target Verification System by Wayne Breaux

The original application of this system was in the military as a vehicle or robot targeting computer designation and acquisition program, but assassins and bounty hunters use it the way special forces do, without changing its operation, they change the application and use it to target humans and other ‘soft' targets. The software is tied into mini-computers on the arms, hips, or in backpacks then feeds to a display unit that shows images and known statistics on a specific person. The basic software package simply displays information as it is called up by the user. Displays can be projected onto helmet face plates, the screen of wrist or palm computers, bionic eye displays, or in some advanced races 3-D holographic display systems. This allows the hunter to readily identify his target, for he has a picture of them right there in front of him, often quite literally as the image floats before him on a helmet HUD or bionic eye.
The advanced versions of this system are even more impressive. Specialized hardware can be bought for both palm and arm computers that have scanners. These scanners will sweep an area and search for the target currently in the attached computer's data banks. If a match turns up, the system alerts the user with an audible or vibrating warning and displays a map-like grid showing where the contact was. More expensive units have a non-damaging laser targeting beam that indicates the quarry when it is noticed, but the most effective use of this software is when it is combined with cybernetics. A cybernetic eye can be programmed to scan for the unit and the eyes own targeting sight (or one provided by the software) will track the target once it is located. Cyber arms can be programmed to draw a weapon and fire on the target the instant confirmation is acquired. Additionally, for those without the benefit of cyber-ware, the software package can be linked to a weapon outfitted with H&M micro comps. In this case, the weapon can alternately be used to scan for the target and programmed to fire upon confirmation.

Bonuses: The base system +3 to perception rolls or +10% to intelligence to streetwise rolls when attempting to locate a target in a nearby area. When coupled with the scanners, the system either adds +20% to the same rolls or provides a base 60% to scan on it's own (Yes, you can make two rolls, one for your skill and one for the scanner's base percentage, though the latter should be made by the game master). The scanner system also adds a +1 to strike with aimed shots. The fully integrated bionic system with the auto targeting arm has the same bonuses as the scanner, but it is +2 to strike with and aimed shot and adds +2 to initiative.

Cost:

Base unit (either palm or arm mounted): 1200 credits.

Unit with scanners and notification systems: 6000 credits. Unit with scanners, notification, and cybernetic or weapon integrating software (Including H&M Micro-comps and exoskeleton systems): 18,000 credits.

Note: That and exoskeleton rig can be worn to support the bionic auto aim system for characters without bionics.