Greetings, brethern

I have some trouble to understand how the Psy-Tracker (see topic) works. Ruleswise.

The text in the IH states that

• one needs to have the Tech-Use skill (no misunderstandings in this field)
• they have an effective range of about 100 meter (pretty clear, as well)
• "Awareness tests taken in conjunction with the device enable the user to determine the presence and relative strenght of [Warpy Stuff]"

What followes is a short "fluff disclaimer" about the thing being fickle ("will-not-ruin-the-GM-plot")

To me, this reads like "if somebody able to handle the device has it, he/she can use his/her awareness skill as Psyniscience skill as well"

Which results into "for handling this device; your ability to handle technically devices and to make sense of pseudo-sciencetific data is inferior to your general alertness".

Where is my mistake?

If I follow you correctly, are you asking whether a character using this device with a good tech-use but poor awareness is penalised for its use?

I would perhaps allow a tech-use test to actively use the device to analyse something strange versus an Awareness test if used in a more passive manner.

Khouri said:

Basically, that is what I understand how the rules work. My question is: Is this really how it works (by RAW) or is there a misunderstanding on my part?

If I am right, I am going to houserule it one way or another. But I actually hope that there is a misunderstanding on my site. It would not have been the first time...

Based on what is posted:

You must be trained in Tech Use to use the device, you do not need to make a tech use test. It is a complicated, fiddly device, but those with experience understand all the dials.

This allows a non-psyker to make an Awareness test as if using a form of Psyniscience.

I don't see any problem with the way it works. Any Arbities should be able to use this device to great effect to hunt down Psykers.

If you don't have one player who has both skills, the I would allow another player to assist, but I would extend the time it takes to make the check.