Vehicular Direct Neural Interface
Sarna News
Overview
The Vehicular Direct Neural Interface was a special type of cybernetic implant developed for the Manei Domini. The system worked in principle similar to the Clans' Enhanced Imaging system, allowing MechWarriors, aerospace fighter pilots, battle armor troopers and even combat vehicle and Small Craft crews to "become one" with their machines. Unlike the EI system however VDNI was able to ward off the short-term negative effects of the technology by employing improved circuit breakers and forcing it's users to regularly ingested a special chemical agent.[1]
Still, those who use VDNI slowly lost their sanity over the years and, unless removed, by decade's end suffered terminal brain damage. While allowing a single pilot to control an entire vehicle on their own pilot must still possess the request skills effectively to do so and the extensive systems necessary for a VDNI-equipped vehicle to function mean no one without a VDNI implants may pilot the vehicle. The system is also incompatible with Buffered VDNI.[1]
Notes
CBT
In CBT play VDNI units receive a -1 modifier for all Gunnery and Piloting rolls. Unless the warrior is also equipped with a Pain Shunt any internal structure damage requires a roll of 2D6, with the warrior suffering 1 point of damage on a result of 8 or more. VDNI-equipped vehicles use the MechWarrior Consciousness Table to track damage to the pilot, while any Commander Hit, Gunner Hit and Crew Stunned result are treated as Pilot Hits.[1]
RPG
In RPG play a VDNI-implanted operative with the requisite skills who is plugged into a machine equipped to interface receives +1 bonus to all Piloting checks along with certain Gunnery checks. If the machine suffers internal damage or a critical hit, they must make a BOD/WIL check or suffer 2D6 points of damage plus their margin of error. Gamemasters who wish to account for VDNI's madness effect may grant warriors 1 level of any Madness Trait per two full years of implantation.[1]