May Chat transcript, for everyone who couldn't make it Options

[BishopMcQ]

[ Spoiler ]

JohnDunn> Looks like we are now in moderated mode.
JohnDunn> Questions typed to the room will be reviewed prior to posting, so if you can't figure out why your messages aren't appearing that's why.
JohnDunn> Thank you to one and all for joining in the Catalyst Games Lab May Shadowrun Chat.
JohnDunn> Today we'll be hosting an in-character chat held on the ShadowSEA forum with several of the JackPoint posters joining in to discuss the Vice release.
JohnDunn> Before we get to that, I just wanted to make a few announcements.
JohnDunn> Late last night, SRM3-02 Block War went for sale on both of our PDF partner sites.
JohnDunn> Dusk (the first adventure in the artifact series) has gone to press.
JohnDunn> Vice is currently in layout.
JohnDunn> Any questions on those announcements?
Max_Combo: Any word on Running Wild and the Corp book?
JohnDunn> We'll make announcements on those when they're a little further in the pipeline. But, I can say that early sketches for RW have started to come in. And, they make me giddy.

Ryu: A few details on vice?
JohnDunn> We'll cover that in the chat.

Diligent_Archivest: Relese Dates?::tongue
JohnDunn> Only when they're in the warehouse do we announce Street Dates.

Taylor: What's the ETA on the Core Book Errata?
JohnDunn> The SR4A Changes document covers Errata and was posted in April.

Paris: Yes. Will these products be incorporating the SR 20th Aniversary rules, and from now on, will all products have that book in mind over the original core rule book published in 200^?
JohnDunn> Yes, absolutely.

zendead> it Is Hiddengrid
BobbyDerie> Bloody things...
>> Drake_Hunter has joined room #Shadowrunchat
Mountaincarver> What kind of podcast is it?
zendead> Shadowrun of course
zendead> (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
>> Paris has joined room #Shadowrunchat
>> ShadowSEA_Admin has joined room #Shadowrunchat
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zendead> what other kind would there need to be?
Mountaincarver> Heh I mean, what aspects of SR does it cover?
zendead> Anything and everything
Diligent_Archivest> How to Succed in Evil, the only other podcast you will ever neeed
>> Demosthanes has joined room #Shadowrunchat
Max_Combo> Here's another quick question for the devs. In Emergence, the turning point for the technomancers is the drop of Jane McCrory's story to the news outlets. The book says that happens on sept 18 when Sunshine uploads it. But all of the journal dates in the log are for August. Is that a typo or was that file floating around not hitting the news nets for a whole month?
zendead> Right now it is focused on the new GM
>> Drake_Hunter has left room #Shadowrunchat
BobbyDerie> Max, I think I answered you that one.
zendead> But that will be growing as wefinish covering the beginnings
Mountaincarver> Cool... where can I find your podcast then?
zendead> www.hiddengrid.com
Max_Combo> yeah, but I also thought you said you didn't know for sure.
BobbyDerie> Still don't.
zendead> we are going to be moving the server around this week so things like get messed up but I will have it all fixed by next week
Max_Combo> But yup, that was me.
Mountaincarver> Cool. I'll check it out.
BobbyDerie> Re: surviving astral form - I'd recalculate the character's condition monitors based on their astral attributes. After all, they're gonna die in a couple hours anyway.
JohnDunn> SRM3-02 posted today: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info...filiate_id=4460
zendead> thanks also joint the forums
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Mountaincarver> Damn... It looks like I won't make this chat after all... Duty calls!
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BobbyDerie> ...and that's when I said, "That's no drone, that's my wife!"
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Ryu> That?s more generous. I?d have said that all damage gets applied to the stun track, since the damage transfer took care of both pyhsical tracks.
Stephen.McQuillan> Mountain, I will post the transcript afterwards
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BobbyDerie> Well, the one time it happened in canon was a bit weird because it was a shapeshifter.
Mountaincarver> I know. I just wish I could be a part of it. Talk to you all later.
>> Mountaincarver has left room #Shadowrunchat
BobbyDerie> And we don't want to go into the spectral wendigo situation.
Max_Combo> In that Corp Enclaves mission?
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BobbyDerie> Da.
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BobbyDerie> wb
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Diligent_Archivest> Heh, from the Shadowrun TVtropes page: ''A standard mission is 20 minutes of objectives, three days of planning, and 600 seconds of mayhem.''
BobbyDerie> We got good tropes.
BobbyDerie> Even if I disagree on "Our Dragons Are Different."
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It_trolls> Three days? Well, if they like to go in unprepared...
Ryu> Plan B. Always go with plan B.
Galahad> More fireballs_
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BobbyDerie> "What plan are we on? E?"
Max_Combo> If we always go with plan B, why don't we call it plan A?
Diligent_Archivest> But plan B is plan Boom
Galahad> Even more fireballs
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BobbyDerie> "B. As in barricade."
Ryu> Because we wouldn?t execute it.
Ryu> "B" as in "burn the building"
Diligent_Archivest> How many plans do we have anyway? Is there a plan H?
It_trolls> Form a group of 7 computer scientists to plan a shadowrun and you can whatif a lowlife streetgang into invincitbility
Tarot> Did i miss the chat?
JohnDunn> There's a plan ZZZ, DA
Stephen.McQuillan> Tarot--just starting
Stephen.McQuillan> I find that plans j-z generally look very similar but they are simply a matter of scale
JohnDunn> Looks like we are now in moderated mode.
JohnDunn> Questions typed to the room will be reviewed prior to posting, so if you can't figure out why your messages aren't appearing that's why.
JohnDunn> Thank you to one and all for joining in the Catalyst Games Lab May Shadowrun Chat.
JohnDunn> Today we'll be hosting an in-character chat held on the ShadowSEA forum with several of the JackPoint posters joining in to discuss the Vice release.
JohnDunn> Before we get to that, I just wanted to make a few announcements.
JohnDunn> Late last night, SRM3-02 Block War went for sale on both of our PDF partner sites.
JohnDunn> Dusk (the first adventure in the artifact series) has gone to press.
JohnDunn> Vice is currently in layout.
JohnDunn> Any questions on those announcements?
Max_Combo: Any word on Running Wild and the Corp book?
JohnDunn> We'll make announcements on those when they're a little further in the pipeline. But, I can say that early sketches for RW have started to come in. And, they make me giddy.

Ryu: A few details on vice?
JohnDunn> We'll cover that in the chat.

Diligent_Archivest: Relese Dates?::tongue
JohnDunn> Only when they're in the warehouse do we announce Street Dates.

Taylor: What's the ETA on the Core Book Errata?
JohnDunn> The SR4A Changes document covers Errata and was posted in April.

Paris: Yes. Will these products be incorporating the SR 20th Aniversary rules, and from now on, will all products have that book in mind over the original core rule book published in 200^?
JohnDunn> Yes, absolutely.

Taylor: I meant the rest of the core books. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
JohnDunn> We'll be publishing additional errata on those as they go to reprint.

Paris: Excellent. Another. May we have a brief synopsis on Dusk. Or have a sneak preview of what the story intails during the chat or this OOC Q&A answer form?
JohnDunn> Lots of questions about Dusk, actually.

Tarot: Any teasers about Dusk? Like a general plot synopsis?
JohnDunn> Let's just say that it, uh, introduces a new story arc to Shadowrun and that Frosty plays a rather pivotal role. We'll discuss it more in a future chat.

Diligent_Archivest: Why only publish errata when they go to reprint?
JohnDunn> Because, that's when we need to compile it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

BTL_Bailey: Will the items in the GM/Runner's Tool Kit be available ala carte, or will they just be made available as a single package?
JohnDunn> We don't have any plans to offer the individual items for sale at this time.

Paris: How many pages in length is Dusk? Will it be longer then On the Run, which I believe is 56 pages in length?
JohnDunn> I don't have the file open at the moment, but it's either 48 or 56.

JohnDunn> Looks like that's all we've got at the moment, so we'll be going into the In character ShadowSEA discussion now.
ShadowSEA_Admin> >>>>>Welcome to ShadowSEA
ShadowSEA_Admin> >>>>>Today is March 5th, 2072.
ShadowSEA_Admin> Let's start off with a welcome to our guest Shadowrunners for today's discussion on the criminal underworld.
ShadowSEA_Admin> If our guests would be so kind as to introduce themselves.
DangerSensei> DangerSensei-Professional Security Consultant, not that crap you kids are calling security consulting to help get a carry permit.
Tarot: Hoi, Sensei

Stone: Stone, Professional criminal - but aren't we all?

RedAnya> Red Anya, Weapons dealer, expert on Eastern European relations, and the woman who will punch Frosty's card if she makes me do this again
Hannibelle> I'm Hannibelle, your friendly neighborhood hacker with an eye on Tamanous and all things MVV.
Max_Combo: Max Combo: Bodyguard and martial arts adept.

Netcat> Netcat, technomancer. I know Virtual gangs, Matrix law, and how to annoy Clockwork.
Clockwork> Clockwork. I know more about tech than you do.
Nephrine: Nephrine. Anarchist chemist and drug artist.

Pistons> Pistons, combat hacker. Once upon a time I worked for Knight Errant, 'till I saw the error of my ways and joined the dark side.
DangerSensei> Welcome home
Tarot: Welcome to the darkside, we have pie.

Max_Combo: Not all in the shadows is dark, omae

Tarot: P.S. the pie is evil.

zendead: and cookies

Paris: Paris. A young noble from Tir Tairngire and idiosyntric Cat Shaman.

Netcat> Clockwork, I don't need to know more about tech. All I need to know is that it does what I want.
RedAnya> That may be because you wouldn't know tech if it bit you in the ass
ShadowSEA_Admin> So, today's topic is crime, in all it's sundry forms, and the criminals who love to perpetrate it. Questions, comments, discussion? (Ways to make money to pay my hosting bills?)
zendead: as long as we can make it help to B & E

GeLrIrToCrH: Glitcherror, hacker/street sam

Stone: Y'know, they used to burn people like you where I come from, 'cat.

Netcat> And they used hang thieves, too... don't see that stopping anyone here. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Tarot: How are the Finnigan's holding up after the flipside war?

Diligent_Archivest: The Tempo wars from last year really threw the underworld into chaos. I was wondering who came out of top of the Corp Enclaves and Runner Havens?
RedAnya> The havens will always have a home, and the enclaves are hiding how badly they were hit. I'd say the cartel lost and the small fish won. Not a matter of cities, but people.

Stone: War's over. Tempo's dried up.

Stone> War's over, Tarot. Flipside's dried up for the most part. Only thing to do now is clean up what you can.
Max_Combo: yeah, and which gangs got wiped off the Metroplex map?
DangerSensei> That depends on the metroplex, a lot of 2 bit hacks were swallowed by rising stars. Otherwise, groups that sided with the cartels got hit the hardest.

Nephrine: The tempo binge may be over and the tempo pipeline running dry, but things are not as clean cut as the authorities would have you believe. Tempo detox and withdrawal are pretty complicated and time-consuming, as often as not the user comes out a husk of his former self, generally unempathic and apathic towards others. flipheads are turning to other drugs in despair and drug-related crime is still soaring.

GeLrIrToCrH: So I'm in Denver right now. How's the criminal underworld in Seattle?
Clockwork> Pretty much like you'd expect. The government and the Star keep trying to nail it down, but the anvil fears no hammer blow. Flipside went through the city like everywhere else, but the Sprawl will always be the Sprawl.

RedAnya> Bunny's not around today, huh...wonder if she fell off the wagon again
Taylor: Or sell fake flipside (read: anything) to the desperate. Happens quite a lot these days.

Pistons> More than one gang and syndicate has rushed into the void, too, peddling other BADS to pick up the tempo addicts.
Stone> Of course, for some of us, gangs and syndicates are a hassle. Do-It-Yourself crime is the way to go.
zendead: anyone know anything new about the Triads in Seattle?
Hannibelle> There's some activity in the magical parts of the Triads. There's been a rumor about an outside magical group putting out feelers in the metroplex, but nothing ferrocrete.

Netcat> Anya, Bunny had a date with Taylor last night. I'm betting she's sleeping off something other than a hangover. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Tarot: I "heard" Red Mescaline can take the edge off.

Max_Combo: The Tacoma docklands were hot before the tempo fiasco, but who's got a hold of them now?
DangerSensei> The Vory picked up a big chunk of them.

RedAnya> Da, the Povryejhda
Paris: Yes. I conducted a sojurn to Seattle when the gang violence was at its peak over the narcotic known as Tempo. There was a particular Yakuza assassin, who's name was Chicko Inauo I believe. I am curious. What ended up being his fate?
RedAnya> Last I heard, he's at the bottom of the Sound.

Nephrine> Krasnyanya, darken your mouth. TurboBunny is neither using again or dealing with another boy-toy, and you should know better than to speak so lightly of your friend.
Galahad: And the neigbourhood watcher strikes again eh ?Cat?
Netcat> Eh, Bunny and I were comparing date notes. That's all.

Taylor: Tarot: Or way up. Don't try.

Paris: I see. A pity. I enjoyed watching his flamboyent style. He would have made an excellent follwer of the Cat. Then I assume the Yakuza lost a lot during the Seattle criminal skirmishes. As they always have the most to lose. Being at the top of the food chain means everyone will be seeking to behead you.

Netcat> So, Anya, I was thinking of doing some traveling to your side of the world. How are things going in Eastern Europe. Or GeMiTu?
Stone> "Her side of the world" - please! Red Anya couldn't be kept in one place unless you nailed her feet to the floor - and maybe not even then, I think.
RedAnya> Apart from the rally a day, things are kickin. Of course, that could just be heads that being kicked in... And Stone you're just jealous that I don't have to get permission to stay out
zendead: big nail heads help to hold people down (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

GeLrIrToCrH: Any gangs growing (faster than expceted)?
Pistons> Well, I have heard that the Burning Angels in LA are really gaining ground. Frosty was telling me that the Ancients in La-la land are getting pissed off... but no one seems to know who's funding the Angels. Could be some interesting times in LA.

zendead: So if the Vory are making a big jump for the scene how long till the street run with blood I hear they kill not just you but your whole family as wel
Stone> You watch too much trid, friends. The Vory, like all syndicates, have a reputation to maintain to keep the lesser gangs and criminals like myself in line. Few have the will to enact the proper atrocities to instill the correct amount of fear. No, the Vory will go at you in other, more personal ways.

GeLrIrToCrH: So if Yakuza is at the top of the food chain, where do the others lie?
DangerSensei> In which city, they haven't been seen in Hamburg, but are making a tough climb elsewhere

Taylor: zendead: So does everyone else in that kind of biz.

RedAnya> Only the young and stupid ones come at you straight on, the avtoritet sidle up along side and stab you in the heart with a smile on their faces
Nephrine> It's a pity Winterhawk or Butch couldn't be here today, Stone. I know they had a few choice comments to you on the "Tingling" file you posted.
Clockwork> So I know what we're doing visiting ShadowSEA. Why are all you fuckers logged in?
Stone> They know it is true.

RedAnya> What was Frosty holding over the rest of you?
Tarot: Hey 'cat how, is Slamm-O by the way.
Netcat> Ah, fine. Well, maybe a bit more than fine. *waggle eyebrows*

DangerSensei> A finder's fee
Diligent_Archivest: I heard a rumor that the Ghost Cartels were devistaded by Aztilan Forces during that boarder Skirmish with Amazona last year. Is there any truth to that?
Stone> There was a massive police action in Caracas, if that's what you mean, and I haven't heard nearly anything from my contacts in the Olaya Cartel since then, but details are sketchy at this point.

Paris: Sir Pistons. Speaking of Lady Frost. What endeavors is she currently pursuing. There have been rumors in the Shadows that something awry and we are on the verge of something big occuring.
Pistons> *Sir* Pistons? WTF? You blind or just didn't bother looking at my icon?!? As for Frosty, she's off doing whatever it is she does... with that no-good loser boyfriend of hers, of course (someday she'll see the light...)

Nephrine> Be fair, Pistons. You can't always judge a gender by its icon.
Stone> Your profile is a little out of date there, P.
RedAnya> Pistons, what's wrong Kay been gone too long?
Paris: I simply didn't bother (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) . And alas, tis the fate of Lady Frost perhaps and her smiling mentor.

Max_Combo: Where's the best sprawl for some gray market bodyguard and protection biz?
DangerSensei> If you know the language, St Petersburg always needs more bodyguards, same with Metropole. For the more straightlaced work, stick to LA and Seattle. San Bernadino will do its best to kill you but shoot straight and you'll be fine.

Clockwork> Cant' judge her in real life, either.
Tarot: I heard the cartels are down but not out. They are harder to kill than South American roaches. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

DangerSensei> Tarot-Quite true
GeLrIrToCrH: Sometimes the cutest little girl icons are really big ugly trolls

GeLrIrToCrH: Are there any new law enforcement agencys to look out for? New competion for Lone Star or Knight Errant?
Pistons> Well, those are the two big players in the field. Of course, KE lost half their contracts to Lone Star (and visa-versa) after this tempo thing. Eagle Security, Hard Corps Security - they've picked up a lot of business too. And don't forget the GovPol - government police. Like the NAN, they rely almost entirely on GovPol.

Max_Combo: Don't need to shoot straight when you don't carry a gun...

Galahad: You know what they say. In the ?trix the men are men, the women are men and the children are Templars

DangerSensei> Yes they do. Eagle is probably the more trustworthy of the bunch.
Nephrine> There's been some noise coming out of Hawai'i lately. Looks like the Naheka-rengo is set to expand.
Pistons> Sensei, you'll learn eventually. Play with the snakes, and you get bitten. Working for a cop-corp is just a one-way ticket to hell.
Paris: Second to the Paladins and Ghosts of Tir Tairngire, I assume.

RedAnya> Pistons, he sold out ot the man long ago...all that remains is to see if he was holding the knife.
Stone> Please. The Paladins are gone. Dead. Dust.
Netcat> Hey, Sensei, what's up with the rumors of Eagle using a paranormals in their security? Is it true they employ shapeshifters and naga?
DangerSensei> They have some of the best handlers and trainers in the biz...
Clockwork> I know the JackPointers aren't supposed to be asking the ShadowSEA people anything, but I don't care. Which of you little people has any word on a cyborg with red markings in the Puyallup area? Nuyen if you have something that pans out, charred grey matter if you fuck with me.
DangerSensei> They are all people though, and I don't care how smart the wolf thinks he is, he's still a dog.
zendead: Clockwork what kind of markings?
Paris: They maybe down Stone. But never out. The strength, virtue, and honor of our elite shall live on. Even if our country is in the process of a Meji Restoration type renewal.

Tarot: Who has the Boston contract now? I'm supposed to be there in the near future.
Pistons> Knight Errant, for now. Frankly, it's a big clusterfuck. Lone Star and NYPD are both trying to grab the contract, and things aren't pretty. Unless, of course, you're smart enough to work all sides, and then there's lots of opportunity for work.

Stone> Dude, I have the trideo footage of them being dragged out into the street and their pointy little ears sawed off. Paladins: toast.
Paris: Hark. Assumptions and footage from a thief. How amusing.

RedAnya> Stone, it's not the first time we've dragged a people into the street and had them come back...you can't kill them fast enough without viral weapons, and we're not allowed to use those
Taylor: If that trideo doen't involve Dunkelzahn and Jet black, we aren't interested

GeLrIrToCrH: So where are the best "oppertunities" in the underworld of Seattle right now?
Hannibelle> Thanks for asking GeLrIrToCrH! There's a lot of work in Seattle right now from the underworld, along with related work from corps and government. With the end of the Tempo incident, there are a lot of pockets of power vacuum that need filling, and a lot of short-handed gangs and syndicates that want them. In fact, don't be surprised if the majority of your jobs over the next few months involve the underworld on one way or another.

Nephrine> Ah, viral weapons! Now there's a subject I can sink my teeth into. You wouldn't believe what ringu is selling for in Africa these days.
Tarot: Pistons- Thnx, we may need matrix backup. If you're interested
Pistons> I'd love to, but I've promised someone that I'd keep an eye on the kitten over there as she goes to the freaking middle of nowhere. Idiot technomancers.

RedAnya> I'll be uploading a file later to clean up the travesty that Mihoshi called a fair report about the Vory.
Clockwork> Gee, zenny, the kind that look red when a man-sized drone is plowing through an area at eighty klicks and smacks you with something that can only be described as ordinance. Maybe a red skullcap, too.
GeLrIrToCrH: Well hell, if we're callin people out, Nuyen to whomever can point me in the direction of Jackpointer Glitch. Take my trix handle will ya

Stone> You're one to talk, Krasnyanya. You were so deep in the thieve's world I had to write your examples for you!
RedAnya> Everyone's young and stupid once, the ones who grow up get smart quick
RedAnya> or they don't make it
Paris: A Clockwork. Puyllaup you say? Your inquiry has me interested. Perhaps it is where I shall send a few of my contacts to inspect.
Clockwork> Yeah, you should do that. And when you're done poncing around your little grove hugging trees, your leaf-eating friends can cut out the middleman and get back to me with actual data.

zendead: I will keep the feelers out for you any extra cred my way would help that

Nephrine> Sometimes, I wish people would look past the Hollywood veneer on the criminal life and see the naked streets as they are: full of the desperate and the greedy.
Paris: Red Anya, the Vory. Are they metahuman friendly?
RedAnya> As long as you aren't Georgian, sure

Galahad: Do the Vory not take badly to fair reports on their activities?
RedAnya> Truth can hurt

DangerSensei> As you should well know.
Paris: Ah. Enlightening. The Vory are cultured and do suffer from the disease of bigotry. Unlike certain people...

Paris: *Do not suffer from*

Clockwork> Yeah, dead zen, why don't I just toss you my credit accounts and let you "find stuff" for me. Payment on delivery, prunc.


Stone> Fool. The Vory will crack the skull open of anyone, ork, elf, man, trog, or dwarf, that screws with those under their roof.
Netcat> Dude, Paris. The Vory don't mind killing you no matter if you're ears are pointed or rounded. Is that what you call cultured? (I swear, only posers talk like that!)
RedAnya> Cat, only if there's profit in it. or self-gratification...
ShadowSEA_Admin> And, that's all the time we've got today.
Netcat> Or revenge, or to prove a point, or if bored...
Tarot: Closkwork- Sarcasm is the last refuge of a weak mind.
Clockwork> Spelling is the first refuge of a strong mind. Lemme see that access ID of yours.
GeLrIrToCrH: I haven't stolen any cars in awhile, are chop shops still profitable?
DangerSensei> Most days.
Nephrine> Isn't that the purpose of all crime, though?
ShadowSEA_Admin> Thanks to all for attending, we'll be archiving this for future reference.

[Octopiii]

Is it terrible that I find Clockwork the most entertaining Jackpointer?

[BishopMcQ]

Nope. We all have our favorites.

[martindv]

That was... Uninformative.

Boring, too.

[Ancient History]

Definitely not the best we've ever had. we thought it would be more question-driven, but that didn't happen and we were slow on the response.

[Digital Heroin]

That was... Uninformative.

Boring, too.

That was... insightful.

Constructive as well.


I see some seeds of things to come in there, little tidbits, it didn't seem like there was much from the crowd, though. How was the turnout?

[Ancient History]

Horrific. 17 fans for a half-dozen freelancers.

[Abschalten]

These chats have a knack for occuring whenever I have to work, else I would have been there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/frown.gif)

[martindv]

I see some seeds of things to come in there, little tidbits, it didn't seem like there was much from the crowd, though. How was the turnout?

Really? I didn't see shit.

My favorite part was when someone would ask a simple, straightforward question like "Is the Yakuza still top dog" and a JPer would respond "which sprawl?"

Gee, what fucking sprawl do you fucking think? I don't know. It's supposed to be ShadowSEA, so I'm gonna guess... Uh... Kampuchia. No no no. Perth. Yeah, that's it.

What the fuck kind of idiot response is that? Jesus Christ. Quality is obviously not job one.

[Cardul]

Horrific. 17 fans for a half-dozen freelancers.

OK...you see, I was, again, expecting that we were going to get the PDF for Vice, since they said the IC chat was about stuff in Vice.

But, honestly, I think that the IC chats for SR should be for release announcements or major events.

[Cardul]

Really? I didn't see shit.

My favorite part was when someone would ask a simple, straightforward question like "Is the Yakuza still top dog" and a JPer would respond "which sprawl?"

Gee, what fucking sprawl do you fucking think? I don't know. It's supposed to be ShadowSEA, so I'm gonna guess... Uh... Kampuchia. No no no. Perth. Yeah, that's it.

What the fuck kind of idiot response is that? Jesus Christ. Quality is obviously not job one.

Actually, I can kind of see them making that kind of assessment, as there were people asking about places outside of Seattle, and, of course, ShadowSea is still the face of ShadowLand, so people from around the world probably still use it as a central clearinghouse. On top of that, do you not ever find yourself discussing something, and find your own knowledge-base making it so when someone asks you a simple question, you give a complete answer, or need clarification? To me, their asking "which sprawl?" is a key example of "Never make assumptions." What happens in the Shadows when you make an assumption that turns out to be false?

[Method]

I wandered in at the end but I had a lot of other stuff going on so I wasn't following along very closely. Personally the in character chats are less appealing to me. I think there would be better turnout if you guys went back to the Q&A format (as boring as that may be for you guys...)

[Digital Heroin]

Horrific. 17 fans for a half-dozen freelancers.

Ouch. Not a lot to work with there. I'd say with what there was, you all rolled quite well.

Three more months of missing this, and I'm going to plant myself in as a regular.

Blinders and cursing.

The "idiot response" in question was natural, given there had been a mix of talk between Seattle and LA in the questions previous, and this is representitive of a global virtual forum. That one response aside, we get insight into topics ranging from the Vory, to bodyguarding, the corporate cop shuffle, the fallout of the Tempo war, etc. That and some realtime interaction between shadowtalk regulars.

You get what you want to read out of it, though. If you want to ignore what was laid out and spew hatred, feel free to enjoy your lonely little world.

[Tiger Eyes]

I wandered in at the end but I had a lot of other stuff going on so I wasn't following along very closely. Personally the in character chats are less appealing to me. I think there would be better turnout if you guys went back to the Q&A format (as boring as that may be for you guys...)

Unfortunately, when we do open chats or Q&As, 2 out of every 3 questions are "When will X be released" and the other questions are generally nit-pick rules questions that we can't answer spur-of-the moment. So Q&As have some issues.

Admittedly, today's chat wasn't the best. I'd be happy to hear suggsetions from fans on what you'd like to see in a chat. Knowing that we can't answer "when will XYZ be released?" questions...

[The Jake]

I'm definitely interested in the Vory angle. Obviously a reference to 'Vice'. In my campaign a Vory boss from Moscow has come over to shore up the North American operations (and he happens to be the blood relative and 'favorite uncle' of one of the PCs). In the Ghost Cartel fallout, I expect the Vory to gain a significant edge in the mob war. In my campaign I expect that the Vory will most likely form a temporary truce (if not alliance) with the Komun'go/First Nations outfit.

On that note, I would like to hear more about what becomes of the Komun'go and First Nations. Do they become an entirely new outfit - complete with a new name?

- J.

[Method]

Unfortunately, when we do open chats or Q&As, 2 out of every 3 questions are "When will X be released" and the other questions are generally nit-pick rules questions that we can't answer spur-of-the moment. So Q&As have some issues.

Admittedly, today's chat wasn't the best. I'd be happy to hear suggsetions from fans on what you'd like to see in a chat. Knowing that we can't answer "when will XYZ be released?" questions...

I can certainly see where that would get old. To be fair I should say that I don't dislike the IC chats, I just like the Q&A's better. Its hard to say why. I'm not one of those that perseverates on release dates, but I do enjoy hearing concrete details about what's coming down the pipe. I guess there is plenty of conjecture to be had in the published Shadowtalk, JackPoint teasers, here on DS, etc but not many opportunities to pick the brains of those "in the know".

If the goal is to focus interest on a certain forthcoming release you might consider releasing a short teaser fiction piece with some of the IC hooks a day or two before a Q&A chat? Maybe present it like a shadowy news feed or a leaked data file with all the Shadowtalk you want to touch on embedded in the piece? IIRC you guys started the Ghost Cartels chat in a similar fashion. That would be something I would get into. Or maybe a hybrid IC/OOC chat of some kind, but I'm not sure what that would look like.

Or just make it known that people who ask about release dates will be banned? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[Digital Heroin]

If the goal is to focus interest on a certain forthcoming release you might consider releasing a short teaser fiction piece with some of the IC hooks a day or two before a Q&A chat? Maybe present it like a shadowy news feed or a leaked data file with all the Shadowtalk you want to touch on embedded in the piece?

That is an excellent suggestion. A piece of fiction, or a few mini-leaks would provide a focal point for people who plan on attending/contributing. If a single line hook can feed the mind, a teaser is a feast.

I'm a big fan of teasers.

[The Jake]

I can certainly see where that would get old. To be fair I should say that I don't dislike the IC chats, I just like the Q&A's better. Its hard to say why. I'm not one of those that perseverates on release dates, but I do enjoy hearing concrete details about what's coming down the pipe. I guess there is plenty of conjecture to be had in the published Shadowtalk, JackPoint teasers, here on DS, etc but not many opportunities to pick the brains of those "in the know".

If the goal is to focus interest on a certain forthcoming release you might consider releasing a short teaser fiction piece with some of the IC hooks a day or two before a Q&A chat? Maybe present it like a shadowy news feed or a leaked data file with all the Shadowtalk you want to touch on embedded in the piece? IIRC you guys started the Ghost Cartels chat in a similar fashion. That would be something I would get into. Or maybe a hybrid IC/OOC chat of some kind, but I'm not sure what that would look like.

Or just make it known that people who ask about release dates will be banned? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

I am from the opposite camp, sorry. I definitely prefer the IC chatter. I would however support a hybrid chat - or at the very least, do half/half.

I am just pissed off I keep missing out. My timezone doesn't help much.

On a related note, I definitely think release dates should be discussed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

- J.

[Red_Cap]

I prefer the IC chatter, too. I'd partake, but circumstances always seem to conspire against it.

[Tiger Eyes]

On a related note, I definitely think release dates should be discussed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

- J.

You know what happens when we give release dates? We miss them, and then people get crankier than my 4 year old when he's lost his favorite droid. Hence, release dates come when books are physically in our warehouse. Anything else just gets us in trouble. So, discussing release dates is not going to happen. Keeping folks up to date on project progress -- well, we're attempting to do so via our blog posts on SR4.com. But again, nothing concrete. No saying, "in this quarter" or "this will be next" because you know what? It changes. An important piece of artwork doesn't get delivered. We learn the printer has eighteen billion other projects before ours, and it'll take an extra month. A giant snowstorm cripples transportation networks in the Pacific NW. Someone's kid gets pnemonia, they get behind on their project, and suddenly a different project ends up being ready for layout first. Stuff happens, dates get missed, and fans riot... (okay, maybe not riot. Whine. Moan. Send mean emails. That sort of thing.)

Hence, no release dates.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Zormal]

I like the No release dates -rule. It would anyway be of no use to us fans to get a date early on, only to find out it doesn't stick. And if you'd force things out just because of a release date, that would be even worse.

No, I truly appreciate this style of honest effort. Especially because you do keep us posted on what's happening.

This latest chat was a bit... thin, but I don't think there was anything fundamentally wrong about the way you did it. Maybe you could have a few ideas of 'latest happenings' at hand you could turn to, if the crowd isn't so active. Personally, I enjoy these little tidbits of fluff that give thoughts on what to focus on my games. And of course, I happily devour every little detail of upcoming books, but I'm sure you know that (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

These things happen. Don't sweat it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Cardul]

You know what happens when we give release dates? We miss them, and then people get crankier than my 4 year old when he's lost his favorite droid.

Aff, just look at the SR novels...*grumps* Personally, I wish we were getting previews of the SR novel like the Battletech player are getting previews of the Battletech: Dark Age novel...

Heck, it would be nice to know the NAME of the first SR Novel, since we know that it is by Mel Odom.

And, TE, I really hope people are not sending you mean e-mails...that is just stupid..we all understand it is those foreign printers who are responsible for the delays in everything, not you guys. Well, them and U.S. Customs.

[Aaron]

Personally, I favor a policy wherein every request for a release date is met with the official response of "No, my little smurflings, not far now."

[Stahlseele]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_BattleTech_novels
See this list?
Daughter of the Dragon was the last Novel that got translated.

[Prime Mover]

IC chat about a specific project might make more sense if its done after the project so folks can tailor there questions to the material? (Unless devs just want to get on and play out a script to give some teasers.) As far as rules questions and nit pick stuff, couldn't those things be posted prior to chat so devs had a chance to answer them on chat day? (Like "Why don't any rotor craft have sensors?") Also agree with the no release dates, just chomping at the bit for all the goodness behind that dam of creativity.

Edit: A segment with news like this is what we've been doing in the last 30 days and this is what we expect to be working on in the next 30 might offer the kind of insight that folks sending angry letters might need to calm then down. (Then again it might require a heavier blunt object.)