Decipher Script
Your ability to decipher encrypted messages. Or understand the source code of a program/computer virus.
Check
A character can decipher writing in an code, or encrypted message. The base DC is 20 for the simplest messages, 25 for standard codes, and 30 or higher for intricate or complex codes or exotic messages. Helpful texts or computer programs can provide a bonus (usually a +2 circumstance bonus) on the check, provided they are applicable to the script in question. If the check succeeds, the character understands the general content of a piece of writing, reading about one page of text or its equivalent in 1 minute. If the check fails, the GM makes a Wisdom check (DC 10) for the character to see if he or she avoids drawing a false conclusion about the text. (Success means that the character does not draw a false conclusion; failure means that the character does.) The GM secretly makes both the skill check and the Wisdom check so the character can’t tell whether the conclusion drawn is accurate or not.
The Character can also use this check to attempt to understand what a program is doing. If the player has access to its Source Code. (The actual code of the program. Just having a program does not mean that you have the code. A computer program is written in a language and that language is just a set of rules that translates into ones and zeros. In order to get code that is written in a human readable/understandable format the player can attempt to reverse engineer the program, which is a Computer Use skill check. Or attempt to find the source code somewhere on the internet). Once a Character has the code of the virus/program the Character can use the Decipher Script skill check to attempt to understand how it works.
Try Again
Yes, unless conditions change or there is a time limit. A character can take 10 or 20 when making a Decipher Script check. Decipher Script takes 20 minutes or more, depending on the complexity of the code. It cannot be done during combat unless the player is not activity engages in combat. For example they can be attempting to decipher the encrypted message while other Characters attempt to protect the player. The Player much do Will checks to ensure that they stay focused while combat is happening around them.
Special
- Feats: A character with the Studious feat gets a +2 bonus on all Decipher Script checks.