Wild West Canadian Coast - Nanaimo, BC, Canada - Vancouver Island, [Nanaimo GM/Player Seeking] Options

[CanadianWolverin...]

Greetings to my fellow Dumpshockers!

Are any of my fellow SR enthusiasts hailing from ...
... Province of British Columbia, Canada? Feel free to PM me if you are in the mood for SR chat.
... Vancouver Island and traveling through The Hub City - Nanaimo? Feel free to PM me and set up a meet
... Nanaimo or relatively close by in travel time/costs? Feel free to PM me if you want a GM/Player.

Please consider: I do consider myself a newbie to SR, so if you are used to a more advanced player I hope I will be forgiven for my mistakes and with fellow SR noobs I am more than willing to figure this game out for the enjoyment of a game night.

Well, till I hear from anyone, let me just say, take care and happy hunting in all your games! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grinbig.gif)

[CanadianWolverin...]

Announcing: Nanaimo SR4A Game Event

Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Time: 10 am - 8 pm
Place: Nanaimo Harbourfront Library http://www.virl.bc.ca/pages/index_e.aspx?detailid=228
Players: 2 - 6

I will be GMing a one shot SR4A game for the day. New comers and old hands welcome.

First player slot already confirmed.

My GM style will be very off the cuff and improvisational aka you will not be limited per se.

The setting will be presented very sandbox like, there will be multiple possible "jobs" from Mr(s). Jays, so it is highly suggested to have characters with personal goals - jobs can even be personally tailored with this in mind and don't be afraid to turn down jobs or seek out / make up your own. Characters will be approved before game with two requirements, that all characters have a Fixer Contact in common and a back up character(s) that also know that same Fixer Contact, an elf named Frank Connection Rating 5 - beyond that, I expect the players to work out if they will play Pro, Pink Mohawk, or anything in between. Also, expect all skills to be used to highlight characters as being in their element - I want to make you a star, baby. Characters will be standard 400 BP but there will be some progression of karma in game at timed intervals with appropriate bonuses.

Contact me by PM or drop a post in the thread if you are interested in playing.

[pbangarth]

I'm that first player. I'm looking forward to trying something I haven't played before. Don't know what yet, and hopefully it will be a survivable character, but I figure this one-off might be a chance to try something from beyond the pale.

Like for example, a young Quebec woman, Sept de Neuf, with alienation issues, a fascination with last century's science fiction and a rich parent, who gets massive cyberlimb-ing done and wants to be über-agent in mommy's corporation... till her 'project' is dropped and her parts are to be reclaimed.

Or... the ugly troll with the heart of gold,from Kazakstan, who just...won't...die, and made it big wrestling bears on the east Asian circus circuit. Then there was the incident with the trapeze artist and the army sergeant...

Looking forward to some cool characters here.

[pbangarth]

CW, I don't know if you have received any PMs regarding the game, but there seems to be a little reticence in committing to a game. How about the following mechanic to encourage at least one or two more players?

You are looking for up to 6 players. For 4 to 6 players, we have PCs with the standard 400 BP build. For players fewer than 4, we take the 400 BP per missing character, convert it one-to-one to Karma, and distribute it evenly among the players. So, three players would have 400 BP to start, and then 133 Karma points to represent growth after entering the shadows. Two players would start at 400 BP and then each get 400 Karma points to grow their characters. Clearly, fewer players will have more capable characters to play.

This would allow the players to fill in skills that may be necessary to round out a party's capabilities, in a way that would naturally depict character experience. I suggest BPs converting to Karma because BPs carry a bigger bang than Karma points do, particularly in SR4A. Also, this would allow something like Initiation for magically active characters or Submersion for technomancers.

I guess the first two players who jump in might wish that no more players commit, in the hopes of getting to play elite characters, but it looks as if this may not be a real problem.

What do you think?

EDIT: Hmmm... I guess money should be divided similarly. So, three players, an extra 80,000 nuyen each; two players, an extra 250,000 nuyen each?

[CanadianWolverin...]

I think that is a excellent idea, since for me the main goal will be that the players come away having had a very fun experience and that should also make up for any lack of certain talents on a team by having bumped up characters like that.

As I am sure that people like are selves into role playing SR will enjoy meeting other players of SR, I don't think this will be a problem from that perspective either - think of it as we will have a blast of regardless of how many commit and show up. I have already booked the day myself and Pbang has commited his time and energy as well.

[pbangarth]

Hmmmm.... don't people know how beautiful it is on Vancouver Island? Well worth the ferry ride!

[SincereAgape]

This past June I spent some time in Vancouver, Calgary, and Victoria Island. That region is to die for. If I were living up there (And sooooooooo wish I was), I would join this game in a heartbeat.

[pbangarth]

So move! Canada welcomes creative people of every stripe, and the West Coast is a mecca for people looking for a new life.

[CanadianWolverin...]

So move! Canada welcomes creative people of every stripe, and the West Coast is a mecca for people looking for a new life.

Hehe, you first! I could use a permanent SR game. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

All kidding aside, he is right, Vancouver Island and BC in general is very accepting of other peoples. Unless you are Bush or Harper. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nyahnyah.gif)

[pbangarth]

So, here's a potential character: Oro the Unstoppable. I borrowed him from a submission of mine into the 800 BP thread, and modified him to be 400 BP followed by 400 Karma. It was particularly difficult switching things around to get the BP spent before he goes to Japan, and then spending Karma. Tell me what you think. He uses material from just about every book, so if you need quotes/explanations, let me know.

Backstory

[ Spoiler ]

He was born a troll, Kasimir Nazurbayev in rural Kazakhstan in 2040. Because of his size, his frail, human mother died in childbirth, and Kasimir was raised by his father alone. Kasimir's rapid growth and great strength helped immensely on the farm, and went a long way towards helping his practical father quell anger towards his son over the death of his wife. "Life is hard," he would say to little Kasimir, "and one must take what is given."

Unfortunately, Kasimir was given one of the most repulsive countenances ever seen in that part of the world, perhaps exacerbated by the emergency methods used by the midwife to free him at birth from his dying mother. He came to be known throughout the region as Kasimir the Ugly. When he was little, he was bullied and teased by the older children. When he was bigger, Kasimir ended the bullying by breaking a few heads, but this labeled him a violent and dangerous creature to many who held to the old ways and traditions. Life became difficult for Kasimir because so many would avoid and shun him. Mothers would take curious children in their arms as he walked by. When a traveling circus passed through, he said his goodbyes and ran away to the circus.

Fluent in both Kazakh and Russian, strong as an ox and oddly hard to damage, Kasimir flourished as a labourer and eventually as a performer. He loved to wrestle, and soon became a regular act as a wrestler of bears and all manner of opponents. At age sixteen, Kasimir Awakened. An old Samoyed shaman who traveled with the circus and acted as the healer/medicine man for the performers and crew helped Kasimir draw the mana out and elicit his talents. Kasimir focused the magic towards developing his physical attributes, summoning the mana to empower him when needed; towards hardening his body against damage; towards fighting, both lethally and non-lethally; and as acknowledgement to his mentor, towards healing.

The circus traveled throughout Kazakhstan and Russia, gaining notoriety for Kasimir's act among others. After four years, political strife broke out and Kasimir among many was drafted (read: impressed) into the Kazakh army, and trained in the special forces because of his talents. His adept powers were honed in training and in battle, but Kasimir's heart was still with the circus. His chance came in 2064, when the Crash destroyed all electronic records of Kasimir in the military. Before he could be re-inducted, a miraculous opportunity arose, as another circus came near, with some of his old performing colleagues. It was a sign.

With a hard-negotiated trade, Kasimir won his freedom by bartering the introduction of his love-struck sergeant to Zheshien, the beautiful contortionist, in return for erasure of his hand-written records and a few choice pieces of equipment to take with him. Kasimir disappeared, and Borat the Indestructible joined the circus some weeks later, now wrestling not only bears, but even summoned elementals whose powers he could astonishingly resist. Borat was shot from cannons and dropped into pits with frightening paranormal creatures brought from all over Asia. The circus traveled widely for the next three years, even into China and as far as Korea. Far from home, Borat forgot most of his birth language, Kazakh, and put memories of his homeland to which he could never return out of his mind.

He, however, was not out of the minds of some back home. His former sergeant was dissatisfied with the outcome of his introduction to Zheshien, and was reprimanded for the disappearance of important military equipment, including armour and weapons. Eventually he confessed to the deal he had made with Kasimir, and a search began through diplomatic channels for Kasimir Nazurbayev. It took four years for the connection to be made between Borat and Kasimir, but they found him.

Borat was not about to go back and face the harsh military justice he expected. So, once again, a few broken heads solved the immediate problem, but now Borat had to flee yet again. With some of his money saved over years as an entertainer, Borat bought passage to Japan on a merchant ship. With the military equipment which caused so much of the trouble, and yet had not been used since he had left Kazakhstan, he set out across open water for the first time.

During the voyage, two things came clear. The first was that he was mildly allergic to seawater. The second was that the skills he developed labouring in a circus were adaptable to work onboard a vessel, and by the time the ship worked its way up the coast of Korea and across to Japan, he had made a connection with the shipping company. Borat worked for some months around the inland seas, content to do simple, honest work, and on occasion taking part in a little smuggling for the Vory v Zakone. When he could, he made time to explore Japan. There he found an almost universal disgust for his state as a 'changed one', which reminded him of his first years at home. Only in a dojo where he was taken in by a teacher of great wisdom and insight did he find peace. He quit work at sea and spent a couple of years secluded in the dojo, learning the art of swordplay from the master.

One day, early in 2070, the master called Borat to him. "I have been reading the tea leaves about you, Borat. I have troubling news. You must leave Nippon immediately. One who despises changed ones such as you has sought out some danger that seeks you from afar. Even now, it approaches our shores. Go, my son. Go now."

"But master, I have run most of my life." said Borat. "I am tired of running. Let them come. I will deal with them."

"No. You will not. This time they will succeed. I would not have one so talented be imprisoned, or worse. I sense in your aura a greatness to come. I don't know what it is, but you must live to fulfill your destiny."

"But for all my travels, I am nothing but a simple farm boy, master. What destiny can I have?"

"It is not for you to decide, or even necessarily to understand what your role in this turn of the wheel requires of you. Know only this, that Life is mysterious, and one must take what is given." Stunned, Borat waited for what came next.

"And now I give you this. It is handed down through many generations of masters in this school. Had you stayed, then one day you would have earned it as master here yourself. Now, you must take it and make your way across the ocean to the Americas in the east, where they will not find you."The master handed Borat a long, narrow wooden box. Inside, Borat found a magnificent katana.

"Take this sword. Bond with it. It will serve you well and strike deep into enemies that otherwise could not be harmed. Fight only if necessary. Kill only if necessary. But when duty or obligation require it, be swift and merciless. Now, wipe those childish tears and go. Go!" The master stood and walked quickly out of the room.

Borat did as he was told. He gathered his belongings and booked work on the first freight ship to go east to America. A place called Seattle. As he approached the walkway up to the ship, a startled dock worker spoke the word of amazement the Japanese so often used when they first saw him. Borat smiled... and faded away.

A disfigured but powerful man climbed the planks to the ship, and Oro the Unstoppable set sail for a new world.

**********

Oro's connections with the Vory gave him inroad to the Russian underground community in Seattle. He has worked for them as a contractor, but does not wish to join formally. One friend in that community introduced him to a fixer in Seattle who was able to help Oro acquire some new equipment and find work in the shadows. So far, Oro has built a Spartan life for himself in the UCAS, but as work continues he may develop a taste for finer things. He is very fastidious, and dresses well, if not opulently. Grooming appears to those who work with him to be almost an obsession. Getting dirty on the job is no problem, but he gets clean as soon as he can. Oro is obviously equipped and trained for heavy combat, but when necessary approaches jobs with more discreet outfitting. Fully armoured and armed, though, he lives up to his chosen title. More than once Oro has protected his team members by being the obvious target that just...won't...die.

Despite his ability to deflect and absorb physical and magical damage, Oro sees himself to be a team player and greatly values cooperation. Many of his adept powers are guided by his desire to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations. And even stark naked, he is difficult to stop.

Oro's outlook on life is a balance between the hard realities of work and an optimism teammates find hard to fathom. It's as if he knows something they don't. He won't talk about it, though. He radiates a stoicism his teammates admire.

Oro has worked hard to develop social ways to overcome his physical appearance. He adamantly refuses surgical modification. Despite his ugliness, animals and little children seem drawn to him. This seems to give him joy. He never fails to attend when the circus is in town. Oro is a passable singer, with a deep bass voice. He knows several songs from the Altai region of central Asia, which he likes to sing when memories grow strong.

He carries a copy of The Book of Five Rings with him, and tries to understand it, even without the help of his erstwhile master. In combat situations, where possible Oro uses non-lethal methods. If the team is in danger, however, he kills quickly.

Oro has developed far in his magic, and has initiated many times. Try as he might to hide in the shadows, he radiates brightly on the astral plane, and is noticed because of it. This is a quandary that Oro has yet to solve. Awakened, dual-natured creatures take note of him immediately, and for reasons he doesn't understand, spirits of fire have taken a particular interest in him. In opposition they attack him first before any other team members. In alliance, they seem to take pleasure in tormenting and challenging him. His master's words come to him, and he wishes to explore the meaning of this particular interest from the plane of fire. He cannot project astrally, or even extend his senses into the astral plane, as he has opted to keep confrontation with astral beings to his own plane, rather than going to their place of strength. He may have to reconsider this in the future if he is to unravel the mystery.

Vignette

[ Spoiler ]

I telling you story. Was years ago, in Kazakhstan. I was drafted into army when war breaking out. Heh... drafted. They hold gun to my father's head and say, "Welcome to army, big boy!"

Later, was patrol behind enemy line. I part of Special Forces because of my magic. Making mistake, we get trapped in open country. Helicopter come. We run, I take rear like always on way out. I see we not get to cover in time. So I turn, shout,"You go down with me, son of a dog!" I start firing my RPK. Stand. Out in open. Fire at helicopter. Yah.

Helicopter focus on me. Was my plan! Machine guns hit me, I keep firing. Rockets hit near me, knock me over and ring my ears. I keep firing. Son of a dog float there in sky, throw everything at me. I keep firing. Just as belt run out, I get lucky, hit something important. Helicopter start spinning, fall to ground, explode.

It fall. I stand. I sore like hell, but I stumble towards helicopter, beat chest and shout, "Я живу! Я живу! " I live! I think, maybe nothing kill me.

Then other three helicopter come. I throw down machine gun, run screaming. Only thing save me, patrol in woods call MIG-67, come get us out. It scare away helicopters, pick us up, get us home before fighter jets come.

Back in barracks, my team laugh at me. I have to pay for machine gun I drop. Say I scream like little girl. But I see their eyes. They know. I not turn, fight helicopter, they all die in open. I am their shield. They know.

Character Sheet -- gear acquired after chargen (250,000 nuyen) to come shortly
-- 400 BP in [square brackets], 400 Karma spent after chargen in {curly brackets}

[ Spoiler ]

Oro the Unstoppable
Troll [40]
Qualities [-2] {46}

[ Spoiler ]

restricted gear [5]
restricted gear [5]
adept [5]
martial arts (wrestling) [10]
(subduing +2)
maneouvers [8]
(throw, ground fighting, blind fighting, focus will)
spirit bane (fire) [-10]
astral beacon [-5]
allergy (seawater -- mild, common) [-10]
wanted [-10]
---
Other Qualities picked up after chargen, paid for at 2 karma to 1 BP
{martial arts (kiai) {20}}
(+2 DV on Attacks of Will)
{maneouvers {16}}
(iaijutsu, finishing move, break weapon, disarm)
{pacifist -- no bonus}

Attributes [200] {45}

[ Spoiler ]

BOD 8
AGI 4 {20}
REA 4(5)
STR 8
CHA 3 {25}
INT 4
LOG 3
WIL 5
INI 8(9) (+1 IP)

Special Attributes [60] {105}

[ Spoiler ]

ESS 6
EDG 3
MAG 8 {105}

Initiations (5) {95}

[ Spoiler ]

Adept Centering
4 adept power points

Adept Powers (12 points)

[ Spoiler ]

improved reflexes (1) 1.5
attribute boost (BOD, AGI) 0.5
spell resistance (5) 2.5
mystic armor (4) 2.0
elemental resistance (fire, electricity, cold, radiation) 2.0
indomitable will (4) 1.0
iron will (4) 1.0
piercing senses (4) 1.0
empathic healing 0.5

Active Skills [88] {62}

[ Spoiler ]

Unarmed Combat 3 [12]
(wrestling) (+2) [2]
Dodge 2 [4] {4}
(ranged) [2]
Heavy Weapons 3 [12]
(machine guns) (+2) [2]
Parachuting 1 [4]
Outdoors Group 1 [10]
Animal Husbandry Group 1 [10]
Demolitions 1 [4]
First Aid 1 [4]
(combat wounds) (+2) [2]
Artisan 1 [4]
(singing) (+2) [2]
Infiltration 2 [4] {4}
(urban) (+2) {2}
Perception 2 [4] {4}
(visual) (+2) [2]
Gymnastics 1 [4]
Armorer 1 {4}
(armor) (+2) {2}
Blades 3 {14}
(swords) (+2) {2}
Intimidation 1 {4}
Etiquette 1 {4}
Negotiation 1 {4}
(bargaining) (+2) {2}
Industrial Mechanic 1 {4}
Automotive Mechanic 1 {4}
Pilot Groundcraft 1 {4}

Knowledge Skills (21 pts. free) {8}

[ Spoiler ]

Russian N
Kazakh 2
Japanese 2
Korean 1
English 1 {2}
Circus Performance 3
Circus Administration 1
Bear Wrestling 3
Biology 1
Parabiology 1
Folksongs of the Altai 2
Farming 2
Military procedures - Special Forces 2
Transport Ship Procedures 1
Trans-Pacific Smuggling Routes 1 {2}
Vory v Zakone 1 {2}
Buddhist Philosophy {2}

Contacts [4] {24}

[ Spoiler ]

Vory Soldier 2/2 [4]
Sensei in Japan 1/5 {12}
Fixer in Seattle 5/1 {12}
(Frank the Elf Fixer)

Focus Bonding -- F4 katana {12}
Gear before Japan [10] 50,000 ¥

[ Spoiler ]

RPK HMG 6,000¥
regular ammo X 200 400¥
APDS ammo X 80 (2 clips) 560¥
AV ammo X 40 (1 clip) 480¥
smartgun system, external 400¥

Light Military Armor 12/10 <cap 10> 12,000¥
-gyromount (l) <4> 4,000¥
-gyromount ® <4> 4,000¥
-quick release <2> 500¥

Military Helmet +2/+2 <cap 5> 10,000¥
-commlink: firewall, response, signal, system, encrypt all at 4 (upgraded in Seattle)
-camera, flare compensation, image link, smartlink
-olfactory scanner (6) <1> 3,000¥
-MAD scanner (3) <1> 225¥
-radio signal scanner (6) <1> 150¥
-cyberware scanner (6) <1> 450¥
-geiger counter <1> 50¥

Ruthenium Polymer coating on armor and helmet 7,500¥

285¥ left - spent on way to Japan :o)

Gear Japan and After (250,000¥)

[ Spoiler ]

F4 Katana Weapon Focus 40,000¥ -- actually a gift at the dojo, but paid for here nevertheless
Fake SIN (4) 4,000¥
(Vladimir Ulianov - emergency ID)
(credstick containing 2,000¥) 2,025¥
Fake SIN (4) 4,000¥
(Oro Pushkin - day-to-day, runner ID)
(credstick containing 975¥) 1,000¥
Middle Lifestyle X 3 mths 15,000¥
Fake SIN (4) 4,000¥
(Ezedbeg Nemkovich - associated with the workshop)
(credstick containing 315¥) 340¥
Workshop 2,600¥ per month X 3 months 7,800¥
(Comfort - Low (2LP),
Entertainment - Street (0LP),
Necessities - High(300 sq. m.) (4LP),
Neighbourhood - Low(The Verge) (2LP),
Security - Middle (3LP))
Armorer Shop 5,000¥
Industrial Shop 5,000¥
Automotive Shop 5,000¥
Military Helmet hardware upgrades to R6 8,500¥
Armor Jacket 8/6 900¥
Urban Explorer Jumpsuit 6/6 500¥
helmet 0/+2 50¥
Securetech PPP System 1000¥
(forearm guards 0/+1, leg&arm casings +1/+1,
shin guards 0/+1, vitals protector +1/+1, helmet 0/+2)
FFBA half-body 4/1 900¥
full-body 6/2 1,600¥
Ballistic Shield 6/4 1,500¥
Gyrostabilization Unit 3,000¥
Ares MP-LMG 1,500¥
regular ammo X 500 1,000¥
External Smartgun System 400¥
Goggles 2,125¥
(low-light, image link, smartlink,
ultrasound, vision enhancement (3),
vision magnification, flare compensation)
Earbuds 1,010¥
(audio enhancement (3), select sound filter (3),
spatial recognizer)
Commlink Novatech Aurora 3/3 1,250 ¥
upgrade to 5/5 5,000¥
OS 6/6 6,000¥
Survival Kit X 2 200¥
Medkit (6) 600¥
supplies X 5 250¥
Thermal Smoke Grenades X 10 350¥
GMC Bulldog Step-Van 93,200¥
-armor upgrade to 20
-chameleon coating
-extra exit/entry points
-metahuman adjustment X 2
-oil slick sprayer
-passenger protection (6)
-personal armor (10)
-smoke projector
-morphing license plate
-pilot program upgrade to 3
-smart tires
Rover 2068 26,000¥
-metahuman adjustment X 2

[pbangarth]

And here's a category of run that would really twist the mind of most runners, elite or otherwise.

[CanadianWolverin...]

And here's a category of run that would really twist the mind of most runners, elite or otherwise.

While that is good and I am totally going to steal it and put my twist on it, so thanks for the link, I have got a bunch (7 possible job offers and 1 exclusive character hook so far - that's as much as I will say, don't want to spoil anything) already lined up thanks to the inspiration of your psychology of your character - in fact, the link provided ties in very nicely in to the stuff I have planned already. Yes, you read that right, I basicly building a Shadowrun version of the Classified section in the back of newspapers, so better not piss off Frank The Fixer but hey, even if you do, just have a bunch of other Contacts, right? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[pbangarth]

I've posted in the 800 point thread, HERE, asking for others to join Oro in a game for experienced PCs in Nanaimo on December 8th. I hope one or more will decide to make the trip!

[CanadianWolverin...]

Sadly, I must announce that due to unforeseen circumstances, the one off SR 4A session has been canceled.

[Mantis]

Don't suppose you want to come to Vancouver once or twice a month? I've got a game with some spots open here but packing us up to head to the island probably wouldn't go over well. Anyway, an option if you are interested. I've been GMing Shadowrun since 1990 but took a break just before all that comet nonsense (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (2003 or 04, not sure) and got back into it last summer.

[CanadianWolverin...]

Thank you for the offer, I really do appreciate it and totally understand the infeasibility of heading across the Salish Strait. Unfortunately, I would be in SR terms, just barely above slumming it, so it is also infeasible for me to take trips to Van, as much fun as that would be. Though, I suppose with all this Olympic business, it is a little less fun these days.

[Mantis]

Yea that's about what I figured. Damn ferry is expensive! Especially if you need to take a car. And yea Vancouver is getting kinda crazy with the Hell-ympics gearing up. Anyway, if things change for you the offer is there. I'll try to find a player or two here to try and fill out the ranks. I'm used to running campaigns with 6 to 8 players and right now I've only got 2 constant players and 1 very sometimes player. Good luck. I don't know what I'd do if I was stuck in Toffino with nothing but surfing and fishing to entertain myself...oh wait. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wobble.gif)