Direct Neural Interface

Proposed by Professor Burke Kale in 3043, the Direct Neural Interface (or DNI) was designed to replace the combination Neurohelmet and manual control systems used since the invention of the BattleMech with a direct connection between the MechWarrior and the machine. This connection would provide much more accurate feedback directly into the MechWarrior's brain.

General characteristicsn
The Direct Neural Interface is effective at coordinating the data transfer between the 'Mech systems and pilot.
 * 1) It required the MechWarrior to undergo serious brain surgery to install an interface port.
 * 2) The MechWarrior using the system had to take a compounds to protect the brain from dangerous feedback.
 * 3) As the MechWarrior was directly connected to the 'Mech, any damage taken during battle was much more likely to injure the pilot.

Original version
With these restrictions in mind, the Federated Commonwealth decided not to pursue the project. Instead they devoted funding to the Small Cockpit and Torso Cockpit systems.

The only known user of the original DNI system was Burke Kale, which took the compound known as XA-3 to prevent his brain being destroyed by dangerous dfeedback. After having the DNI input jack inserted in his brain in 3053, he stole most of the technology from the NAIS Dark Mirage facility on Hyde and went to Solaris. He used the DNI-retrofitted Prometheus to tear through opponents in the arenas and fund the completion of the Epimetheus, the only 'Mech specifically designed for the DNI interface. Unfortunately, the pure link with the Epimetheus drove Kale to launch a mindless rampage through Solaris. Kale was eventually defeated and arrested, with the remains of both the Prometheus and Epimetheus shipped back to the NAIS for review. At the same time, a ComStar ROM operative copied all the plans and schematics for the DNI system.

Vehicular Direct Neural Interface
The IS Direct Neural Interface technology would later be used as the basis of the Manei Domini's Vehicular Direct Neural Interface, or VDNI.

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 users to regularly ingest a special chemical agent.

Still, those who used 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 in place of the normal crew, the pilot still had to possess the requisite skills effectively to do so. The extensive systems necessary for a VDNI-equipped vehicle to function also meant no one without VDNI implants could pilot the vehicle. VDNI was incompatible with Buffered VDNI and only available to Manei Domini of Omega rank and higher.

Buffered Vehicular Direct Neural Interface
Buffered Vehicular Direct Neural Interface was an improvement on standard VDNI developed for the Manei Domini. Introduced several years after the start of the Jihad, buffered VDNI was available only to those who held the rank of Omicron. While operating similarly to standard VDNI, the buffered model further enhanced the neurological fail-safes to create a safer, more potent system. At best, this only increased a Buffered VDNI user's life span to fifteen years and delayed the onset of madness. Buffered VDNI was also incompatible with standard VDNI.

Rules
No rules are found for the original, one-user-known VDNI. Rules for the clan's Enhanced Imaging (both CBT and RPG) can be found on its own page. All VDNI variants weight 0 tons and use 0 crits - they are considered integrated to the Cockpit and pilot.

VDNI, 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 and critical hits requires a roll of 2D6, with the warrior suffering 1 point of damage on a result of 8 or more. VDNI-equipped vehicles require only one pilot to operate and use the MechWarrior Consciousness Table to track damage to the pilot, while any Commander Hit, Gunner Hit and Crew Stunned results are treated as pilot hits.

VDNI, RPG
 In RPG play, a VDNI-implanted operative with the requisite skills and 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.

Buffered VDNI, CBT
 In CBT play, Buffered VDNI units ignore the negative effects of a Small Cockpit and apply a -1 to all Gunnery rolls. While ignoring the effects of internal structure damage unless the warrior is also equipped with a Pain Shunt any critical hits require a roll of 2D6, with the warrior suffering 1 point of damage on a result of 8 or more. Buffered VDNI-equipped vehicles require only one pilot to operate and 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.

Buffered VDNI, RPG
 In RPG play, a Buffered VDNI-implanted operative with the requisite skills, plugged into a machine equipped to interface with Buffered VDNI, halves all modifiers when making certain Gunnery checks and ignores all penalties associated with a Small Cockpit. If the machine suffers internal damage or a critical hit, they must make a BOD/WIL check or suffer 2D6 points damage plus margin of error. Gamemasters who wish to account for Buffered VDNI's madness effect may grant warriors 1 level of any Madness Trait per three full years of implantation. Logic dictates Direct Neural Interfaces are incompatible with Drone automated units that have no pilots or crew.