The Matrix Stat

Characters in THERE IS NO SPOON are defined by one main stat, the only stat that matters: Matrix. This stat measures how much you can manipulate the Matrix when inside it, both the substance of reality around you and your own body. It is a number between one and five (or maybe six); see the table below for what each number means:

0 — A mind trapped forever in the Matrix. These people are unable to be removed, and can be totally blown up without any moral or ethical concerns.

1 — People with the potential to see the Matrix for what it is, and leave it. All PCs and anyone born outside the Matrix have a minimum Matrix score of one (e.g., Mouse, Neo at the beginning of the film).

2 — At this level, you can start to do some cool stuff, like shoot really well or run really fast. Most hovercraft crew members who have spent any significant time in the system are at this level (e.g., Cypher, Case, Apoc).

3 — Now you can do the leap across buildings and can make the camera freeze and pan around your kung-fu poses. Hardcore operatives are on this level (e.g., Trinity).

4 — For most revolutionaries, this is the pinnacle. You can out-fight almost anyone, leap huge distances, survive large amounts of damage, throw people through walls. Badass operatives who scare their teammates are on this level (e.g., Morpheus).

5 — The level of the Agents, and the level Neo reaches during the rooftop scene. Now you can dodge bullets, float in mid-air, hold up giant helicopters with your bare hands, and throw Agents into the paths of subway trains. You are unstoppably badass.

6 — You're God; you decide at any time what is real and what isn't. Only The One has this level. Pester your GM if you want to be The Two. They can smack you if you do, but they may also say yes.