Messing around with Contacts, Getting the most for your Karma Options

[BlackJaw]

I played 4th edition a fair amount, but I didn't really understand the contacts rules when I made my hacker or other alts, and never much used them.

As I've been toying around with 5th edition, I've taken a closer look at the contact rules, and I've started putting more thought into the mechanics associated with them. In particular, I've probably put too much Connection into a lot of my contacts in the past.

Here are some the contact archetypes I suspect I'll be making more use of in 5th edition:

1) Pawn Broker (Low Connection, High Loyalty)
He'll buy just about anything at Loyalty x 5% base price, no questions asked, money immediately. A useful contact for turning bulk amounts of minor loot into cash. He's not useful for buying things or learning things because of his low Connection rating, although you might get lucky and someone will (or has) pawn what your looking to him already.
Similar Contacts: Organlegger (get % of impalnts, also useful for dispossing of bodies in general.)

2) Blackmarketeer (High Connection, Low Loyalty)
She can get you just about anything if you're willing pay. She adds her high Connection rating to already impressive Negotiation skill for attempting to secure items. If you happen to get your hands something really interesting, she can also help find a good buyer and negotiate a good price (taking her cut of course.) She might also have heard interesting things, and may be willing to make introductions with her other clients, but just don't trust her, because this is all just biz to her, and she'll sell you out for the right price.
Similar Contacts: Arms Dealers, Smuggler Bosses, Criminal Kingpins

3) Technoshaman (Low Connection, High Loyalty)
Sometimes it can be useful to have a Sprite or two along for a run, especially if you are a rigger. Your buddy the technoshaman can be convinced, and/or paid, to lend you some regisger sprite favors. Gain Loyalty as a bonus to negotiate the price, or possibly convince him to do it for free a s favor for a friend.
Similar Contacts: Shaman

4) Wardrobe & Prop Manager (Low Connection, Low Loyalty)
A good disguise can be made all the better with the right costume and props. This clerk is willing to rent you high quality costumes, usually used on stage and screen, to make sure you look the part. Your Loyalty can be used to negotiate better prices, but clothing rental is cheap enough and rare enough that it's probably not worth the karma.
Similar Contacts: Costume Rental Clerk, Struggling Actor, Makeup Artist, (Used) Clothing Store Owner

5) Executive Driver Contact (Mid to High Connection, Mid Loyalty)
Sometimes you need a ride, and the back of the street sam's bike or the rigger's van will work fine. Some times you need to arrive in style, or even from the air. Executive Driver provides town cars, limos, and even private helicopter rides, complete with drivers/pilots to those that can afford it. Thankfully you know a manager or even the owner, and can get rentals and drivers under the table. Connection is required for level of rank and number of employees the rental company has. Loyalty is added to your negotiations for price. The contact may also be willing to give your rumors he or his drivers had heard while working, or even setup introductions to some of his other clients.
Similar Contacts: Boat rental