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So I had never heard of Shadowrun before one of my players brought it up and asked if we could play it. I got the book, and have been perusing it for a few days.

One of my players says he wants to be a technomancer, so I've been reading up on that.

My question is: Does a technomancer need a commlink for his PAN, or does he naturally generate it?

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2 Answers 2

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Technomancers do not need a commlink.

SR4 p.69:

Technomancers are a new and unique character type in the Shadowrun universe. Emerged characters are mysteriously able to interface with the global Matrix via their "biological PAN' without resorting to foreign hardware or devices.

SR4 p.93:

Technomancers can access and manipulate the Matrix through their own sheer force of will.

SR4 p.239:

The neural pathways and brain chemistry of technomancers are such that they can send, receive, and interpret wireless signals, giving them instant access to the wireless Matrix, no electronics or cyberware required.

SR4 p.239:

Technomancers have their own version of the persona, known as the living persona. It is essentially an organic commlink and sim module in the technomancer's head.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Although if they decide to buy a real commlink it's not as bad to get hacked. \$\endgroup\$
    – CatLord
    Commented Dec 14, 2012 at 6:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ @CatLord Absolutely. \$\endgroup\$
    – Erik Schmidt
    Commented Dec 14, 2012 at 7:03
  • \$\begingroup\$ Alright thanks. Thats all I wanted. You are great. \$\endgroup\$
    – Drew
    Commented Dec 14, 2012 at 7:31
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    \$\begingroup\$ You might want to open a new question, as it is quite a complex thing, and there are different interpretations. But basically, they can be assumed to have an Image Link and to have access to all their peripheral devices without any additional equipment, except smartlink which requires some gear or a special complex form. \$\endgroup\$
    – Cristol.GdM
    Commented Dec 14, 2012 at 14:19
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    \$\begingroup\$ @GMJoe - Agreed, though you can pick up various other things (presence of cyberware, for instance) that are not overtly magical. It adds to the "technomancy is magical" evidence, however. \$\endgroup\$
    – Ichoran
    Commented Dec 17, 2012 at 15:07
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Actually technomancer DO need a commlink, because their brain is not a suitable place to store data, and whenever a security guard / drone controls his identify, he must broadcast his SIN.

Also, technomancer's biological PAN always operates in hidden mode, which is forbidden in some places and just socially frown upon in most other places. So having a commlink, even a shitty one, helps.

More info on that in the Unwired add on.

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    – C. Ross
    Commented May 10, 2013 at 14:07

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