The Zone

This page refers to the Tracking skill and all the skills in the Technical and Scientific sections.

The Tracking, Data Gathering, Hacking, Demolitions, Lockpicking, Gun Smithing, Armour Smithing, Electronics and Surgery skills are all controlled by QR codes when used out on missions. If you see a QR code there will be a skill listed under it. If you have the skill then scan the QR code. It will bring up a set of instructions for you to follow. For some skills there will be a time given. This is how long you should spend roleplaying before the referee will unlock the box, disarm the bomb or hack the computer. The QR code may give you specific requirements for a device e.g. find the access card, pull out the green wire and so on. The QR code will also tell you if a given device is impossible to deal with. As noted elsewhere, Data Gathering codes may well use a passcode to give to a referee later.

Most of the skills that use QR codes require a kit to use them. Players should carry out some suitable roleplay using that kit before scanning the code. Where the code gives an amount of time the player should continue to roleplay for that amount of time (the ref will be timing you). If you stop roleplaying to join a gunfight, have a sandwich or take a nap, the referee will pause the timer. A small number of QR codes might tell you that if you pause a task, the timer goes back to 0 so be wary.

As far as data gathering goes, if the QR code is on an obvious prop, scan the prop. If it is on the ground, scan the area around the code for a couple of metres in every direction. This should take from a few seconds to a minute or so depending on the size of the object/area. Tracking works in a very similar way, you should roleplay searching the area around the code for a minute or so before scanning the code.

The Surgery, Gun Smithing and Armour Smithing skills have very specific uses between missions and during downtime. They are primarily intended as a means of making a small downtime income by selling your skills. However it is possible for them to have a practical application on missions. Should an unusual new weapon appear, or a body with unusual wounds and so on, then they will have a suitable QR code if your skill can be applied to the situation. Full instructions will be on the QR code, or with the referee watching the object in question.