Dusk: Dawn of the Artifacts, Recruitment Thread. Options

[Digital Heroin]

Sweet, the 2-1 works out quite well. I didn't actually plan on initiating past that first grade, mind you.

I was thinking about Lagos, and about ties with my character, but I'm thinking if anything he knows someone who moved there, rather than having been there himself. Keeps his experience there fresh, but gives him someone with a little pull. Mind you I'm going contact light for this guy in the first place.

Mr. J - So I'm not the only one who's been salivating over the Guass Rifle, eh... gods that such a nice piece of hardware.

[Mister Juan]

Sweet, the 2-1 works out quite well. I didn't actually plan on initiating past that first grade, mind you.

I was thinking about Lagos, and about ties with my character, but I'm thinking if anything he knows someone who moved there, rather than having been there himself. Keeps his experience there fresh, but gives him someone with a little pull. Mind you I'm going contact light for this guy in the first place.

Mr. J - So I'm not the only one who's been salivating over the Guass Rifle, eh... gods that such a nice piece of hardware.

The simple fact it pretty much halves ALL armor before even applying AP..... It can literally shoot at anything through anything!

[pbangarth]

@Digital Horizon. Go with the 7 BP. The 2 Karma to One BP is a good ratio, but the cap on this will be 25 BP spent for a maximum of 50 Karma. This represents the extra 25 BP when compared to the normal 400 BP character.

SincereAgape, are you suggesting up to 50 Karma worth of Initiating could be done? That would allow 3 grades of Initiation. Are you sure about that?

[SincereAgape]

@Pete,
Yep, already thought about that. In post 18 of this thread it states in the section to @Digital Horizon, that the maximum initiate grade one character can take at creation for this module will be one.

To make thing clear, because this effects the other PCs as well. PC's are allowed to use a combination of 400 BP plus 50 Karma Points instead of a 425 BP character creation module. The extra 25 BP or 50 Karma represents that the Shadowrunners have experience in the Shadows and a decent amount of street credibility.

If this done, please mark where the karma is being used in the characater build breakdown on the character sheet.

@Mister J and Digital. If you guys really want to use a Gauss Rifle, I should consider throwing in a random Azzie tank encounter somewhere down the line (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[pbangarth]

OK, thanks! It's clear even to me now. The underlining really helped!

[DigitalOYABUN]

I know I'm a newcomer to the forums, but have room for another? I was thinking a completely vanilla Merc, ie no cyberware or magic. Just skill and attributes (yes a smartlink and other tech, but no cyberware per say.) like the original Merc from 1st edition.

[Mister Juan]

@Mister J and Digital. If you guys really want to use a Gauss Rifle, I should consider throwing in a random Azzie tank encounter somewhere down the line (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

If we get to use it, you can even throw an army of dikoted dropbears spirits driving tanks if you want!

[Karoline]

@Mister J and Digital. If you guys really want to use a Gauss Rifle, I should consider throwing in a random Azzie tank encounter somewhere down the line (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Hope I can get some AV ammo by then.

BTW where does it say anything about the gauss rifle halving the armor of the opponent before applying anything else?

[Chrysalis]

I am not so worried about the tank, it's the truck load of azzie soldiers coming up through the jungle that worries me.

[Karoline]

I am not so worried about the tank, it's the truck load of azzie soldiers coming up through the jungle that worries me.

It all depends on engagement distance and prep time. If both are decently large... well that is when a sniper really earns her keep (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Mister Juan]

Hope I can get some AV ammo by then.

BTW where does it say anything about the gauss rifle halving the armor of the opponent before applying anything else?

Arsenal Errata V 1.3.2

Ares Thunderstruck Gauss Rifle

Add the following sentence to the end of the weapon description:

“Halve all armor but smart armor against the gauss

rifle (before applying the AP modifier)�.

[SincereAgape]

Hi guys. Loving the enthusiam. Once all of the applications are in, looking forward to seeing how everyone plays off each other in the OOC thread.

@Digital Oyabun - Looks like we're going to be filled on regular PCs. I can place you on the reserve list in case someone does drop out before the game starts or during the game itself. Keep the Vanilla Merc idea in mind. By the way, welcome to Dumpshock!

@Everyone. For the record. Seattle, Lagos, and the rest of the world wil be suffering from a shortage of Gauss Rifles. Thus the only one to obtain one in the campaign will be to pry it from the cold fingers of ONE of the Aztechnology Cyberzombies. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rotfl.gif)

[Mister Juan]

@Everyone. For the record. Seattle, Lagos, and the rest of the world wil be suffering from a shortage of Gauss Rifles. Thus the only one to obtain one in the campaign will be to pry it from the cold fingers of ONE of the Aztechnology Cyberzombies. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rotfl.gif)

I guess thats a sign to stock up on APDS.

[SincereAgape]

One more thing. The reasoning behind the maximum of one Lagos based contacts for non-residents is because I want Lago to be a foreign enviorment full of danger for the PCs. One where they have no friends, no allies, and are constatly having to think who their enemies are. You are the white devil, in place where there is very little concept of civilized law. This place is hostile, and everyone has the potential to be an antoganist, even women and children.

[Chrysalis]

That's why hiring a local is so important. Like anywhere in teh world.

If I get rid of my car and bump my lifestyle to high. What does a high lifestyle include?

[Karoline]

@Everyone. For the record. Seattle, Lagos, and the rest of the world wil be suffering from a shortage of Gauss Rifles. Thus the only one to obtain one in the campaign will be to pry it from the cold fingers of ONE of the Aztechnology Cyberzombies. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rotfl.gif)

Fine by me, I'll keep my sniper rifle. Much more effective against not tanks.... also slightly less conspicuous. Not to mention trying to find ammo for the thing :shrug:

@Chrysalis
I bet it includes water (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) And likely some kind of car come to think of it (Transportation is a part of lifestyle)

Also, 20 Questions:

[ Spoiler ]

1. Where are you from?
Presumably Japan, it's where I woke up.

2. Do you have a Family?
Unknown.

3. Ethnic Background?
Presumably Japanese.

4+5. What do you look like/ dress like?
I have a distinct Japanese heritage, but at the same time am obviously not entierly Japanese. Fairly lithe body and overall small frame. Generally dressed fairly regularly, attempting to not stand out. When preped for combat though, wear a more form fitting suit.

6. Any Physical quirks?
Often move a hand to a pocket/pouch/pack to check that it and the contents are there.

7. Where did you learn your active skills?
Unknown.

8. Where have you acquired your knowledge?
Unknown.

9. Where did you get all your resources?
Unknown.

10. Where do you live?
Lived in Japan, but was suggested to leave quickly... by myself.

11. Who are your contacts?
None that I know about, though I've made a small-time contact in Lagos recently.

12. Do you have any enemies?
Ares is after me, but I didn't tell myself why.

13. You have anything to do with magic?
No.

14. What do you like and dislike?
Haven't rediscovered much yet, though a dislike of fish makes my Japanese heritage odd.

15. Do you have a moral code?
Don't know yet.

16. What are your goals?
Figure out what happened to me and why.

17. What are your beliefs?
I haven't rediscovered them, but haven't found anything to indicate I'm particularly religious.

18. Do you have personal quirks?
I'm compulsively tidy, always checking to make sure that things are in order.

19. Why do you "run the shadows"?
I'm running from... something. Ares is among what I'm running from, but I think there is more.

20. How do you view your role as a Shadowrunner?
It is what I have to do to get the resources to figure out what is going on. It may also lead to contacts and information. It all seems somehow familiar, but not exactly right...

I'll work on my vignette, should explain why my answers are so weird.

@Sincere Agape
Would you prefer a more complete 20 questions? If so, here or over PM?

[SincereAgape]

@Everyone. For the record. Seattle, Lagos, and the rest of the world wil be suffering from a shortage of Gauss Rifles. Thus the only one to obtain one in the campaign will be to pry it from the cold fingers of ONE of the Aztechnology Cyberzombies.

@Everyone. Hi guys. I was just kidding about this post. The tough thing about the internet is that you can't type tone of voice. Write it off as random GM humor. To address the Guass Rifle once and for all. Sadly, you cannot start off with one. However, there is a possibility to purchse one during the game, and there will be a few scenes to use it.

If I get rid of my car and bump my lifestyle to high. What does a high lifestyle include?

@Chrysalis. It means a luxury apartment in Downtown Seattle, top designer clothing of any fashion, five star dining, and the ability to rent cars and private jets via credit card. After reading Vera, perhaps you can attribute this lifestyle to her many clients in the corporate world. Hope this helps.

@Sincere Agape
Would you prefer a more complete 20 questions? If so, here or over PM?

@Karoline. Let me read your biography and vignette first. That may give me a better idea.

[Mister Juan]

Dexter's entire CS is done, but pretty much unreadable (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I'll format it sometimes today.
Is there any sort of format/file you'd rather it be in?

[Karoline]

[ Spoiler ]

*beep beep beep*
*click*
A figure sits up in bed, shirt covering her upper body as the covers fall away. She blinks several times to clear her eyes, looking around in a morning daze. It doesn't last too long though, as the commlink that woke her up still gives off a light sound, a message of some sort, an important one.

Another minute or so is spent looking around the room confusedly, as though not recognizing it. A small room, nothing fancy, nothing expensive, but also with all the looks of a hotel room. One a small desk sit two closed suitcases, on top of one of them is a complete outfit; A mid length skirt, a plain t-shirt, shoes, socks, and underthings.

Finally the girl hits a button on her commlink. Instead of the screen coming on, her arm suddenly has the message “Put in your contacts.� on it. Blinking at this, she looks at the bedside table where a minute container sits, holding a pair of contacts in a preserving solution. She doesn't have any trouble seeing the room as is, but puts them in anyway, the message on her arm slowly fading as she does so.

Once both contacts are in, AR for the room begins to pop up. It isn't much, most of the features having been disabled for the room. It does however add a person.. herself, sitting in the chair by the desk.

“I can't say much now, because there is always the chance that someone else will see this, even though it has been heavily encrypted to only work on your contacts. Ares thinks you're dead, and it is best if they keep thinking that, though I can't say why. I've erased your memory, because I need to make a fresh start. Everything about my past is being erased, I'm certain, but just in case, it is important to get out of here. You already have the ticket, leave your bags with the clerk downstairs, he will do what needs to be done. Look through them before you go, it is important that you know at least slightly who you really are. This one is more important.�

The semi-transparent AR girl taps one of the bags as she continues “The other isn't nearly so much. Don't forget your own bag either.� this time she points at a backpack, sitting next to the bed. “Remember to stay away from Ares, they may think you're dead, but they know the dead don't always stay that way. Good luck.�

With that final word, the image suddenly shorts out. Looking down the girl can see smoke coming from the commlink, the hard drive having been completely fried, along with most of the other internal workings. Still not really quite understanding, the girl gets up from the bed, going over to the suitcase. Opening it and beginning to go through it, she finds everything inside perfectly packed. After a few moments she finds an odd metal object. She thinks “What is this?� and “Piece 8, bearing, need piece 3 and 16 to connect it to.� at the same time, the second being a quieter thought, almost subconcious.

Without having to really think, she digs her hands into the suitcase, going right for the other pieces, and within a few seconds has a fully assembled sniper rifle in her hands. She stares at it uncomprehendingly for a few moments, a thumb lightly stroking it, almost tenderly. With equal speed she disassembles the weapon, and begins the somewhat longer process of putting it back in the suitcase.

Still thinking over what she found, and all the revelations of the morning, she washes and gets dressed, still turning it over in her head when she realizes she is ready to leave, her body having moved almost on its own as she thought. At some point she had picked up the ticket from her pack, it was a boarding pass for an airplane to Lagos, it named her as “Sakura Yamamoto� though she knew the name didn't sound right to her.

The flight left fairly soon, and she'd only have a few minutes to spare leaving right away, so she slipped on her pack, and began dragging her suitcases out of the room, which looked as though it hadn't even been used, it was so tidy. She left the suitcases as instructed... by herself... what a weird feeling that was, and caught a cab to the airport. Security was no problem, her back filled with camping and climbing gear.. she had all the appearance of a rich girl going for a holiday, the real kind, the kind only the rich could afford.

The flight was long and boring... and first class, not that she enjoyed the amenities much, she was busy going through the two commlinks that she had found in her pack. They didn't help much, but did tell her about who she might be.. if she was really Sakura Yamamoto, which was doubtful.

When she got out of the plane, she found a man holding up a sign for her.. it had her name on it at least. He already had her luggage.. but how she didn't know. She walked up to him, looking fairly uncertain “Yes?�

“Don't look so nervous, a friend told me you needed some work, and a place to stay. I got a place all set up for you, and I think I have something that could use your help too.� The man was slick, smooth, and seemed like the sort of guy who would rat you out in a heartbeat to save his own skin... still, she didn't have enough money on hand to get a place of her own, and he did have her stuff... maybe she had planned this all out herself? Maybe this guy could be trusted more than it seemed... Only one way to find out.

“Alright.� she said, short and to the point. They got into a car which was waiting for them, and drove off to one of the neighborhoods that looked right on that fine line between seedy and almost respectable. Neither of them spoke much on the way, the girl not sure if she should trust the man, and the man not wanting to talk about the job until all the details were sorted out. He handed her a magcard, and in farewell said “Oh, and I left your bike in the garage� he said, pointing at the communal underground parking entrance.

Oooo, intriguey (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[SincereAgape]

@Karoline. That was very well done. The Vignette had me glued to the computer screen. I assume she has a "Deep Cover" or "Amnesia" quality from RC? Question: Do you have her past all planned out, or did you want me to come up with ideas for your character?

@Mister J. Received your character sheet! After a first review, it looks good! I'll give it a final look through tonight.

[Karoline]

Hehe, glad you enjoyed it. I have the past planned out, I'll send you the story in a PM later, in the meantime Char sheet is coming at you... just want to add some DPs to the end so you have an idea of strength. I can play around with stuff a bit more if it seems overly tweeked or anything....

Edit: Oh, out of curiosity, is there anywhere where it talks about age modifications and such?

[DigitalOYABUN]

Yes, please add me to the reserve list. I look forward to following the game at any rate.

[Karoline]

The following was posted onto the matrix on January 29, 2072. The document was attributed to Ares, who of course denied all knowledge of it instantly. A brief flash fire of public interest surrounded the document, but many are prone to believe it is simply slandering by a rival company. Those in the know however recognize the coding used as Ares' style.

[ Spoiler ]

===========================
Ares Classified Information
===========================

Project: From Birth

Mission: The prime mission of From Birth is to create highly competent cells that can preform sensitive missions. While these cells would lack the disposability and deniability of Encrypted they are presumed to be of higher quality, and thus less likely to have either be required of them. These cells, as all defective products might be, are still disposable. Due to the high level of classification about this project, the cells will also be deniable.

Method: From Birth relies on finding subjects near conception. Initial interest is first based on the genetic heritage of potential parents. After conception, the DNA of the subject is tested to find if enough sutable genes were inherited. Providing that the subject is found acceptable, Gene modification is applied to ensure that only the most beneficial phenotypes surface, and harmful ones do not.

“Breeding Programs� have been suggested in order to more easily obtain the genetic heritage required. encrypted

Control of the subject must be obtained from birth, suggested means include encrypted

Upon acquisition subjects are introduced to items related to the subject's role in the cell on a near constant basis. Social interaction is disallowed until 'toddler' level mental faculties are reached. This is allowed via the use of carefully monitored robotic caretakers. Daily routines include watching trids of general education, and as always, education relevant to the subject's role, feeding, and general care. Time is also given for physical activities to facilitate motor functions and basic problem solving.

Once 'toddler' level is reached by the subject, the subject will be introduced to the other subjects which will make up the cell. Currently there are three(3) cells of five(5) in planning, with a stable of fifteen(15) other subjects in case of disharmonious relationships within a cell, or unforeseen difficulties with a particular subject.

Education continues, moving from the form of recordings to that of interactive tutors. This allows the first construction of sociality to be impersonal, something which is needed to maintain professionalism, while interactions with the rest of the cell allows for metahuman levels of relationships, these natural relationships also needed to allow the subjects to operate in the real world.

As subject ages, determined by mental and physical ability over simple time passed since birth, education begins to move into training, allowing the beginning of first hand experience in the subject's field of expertise, and in other related fields that should increase efficiency.

Interaction with the rest of the cell is important for the subjects, though the time is still strictly limited, as training is more important in the early stages. Once a higher level of maturity is reached, 'young adult' or 'teenager' the cell begins working together durring training, to ensure harmony within the group.

As time continues, training is made more intense, difficult, and disruptive among the cell. Specifics attempts are made to drive the cell apart on a mental level to ensure the subjects will be able to maintain cohesion and harmony in the worse of conditions.

Once the cell performs to satisfaction in training conditions, real world assignments should be performed. It is suggested that the first assignments are presented as simply more training so that the subjects are allowed to adjust from an artificial environment to a real world environment.

Continued training and isolation from the outside world is suggested, as too many outside stimuli could have detrimental affects on the cells' performance.

Progress:
2055:Thirty(30) subjects have been selected as initial test stock. List of subjects: encrypted
2056:All subjects have been born and acquired.
2056:Addition of “Breeding Stock� test case to the experiment, main member of Cell 3.
2057:Subjects have begun maturing enough to introduce to their cells.
2057:Cell 1, Cell 2, and Cell 3 showing acceptable levels of harmony.
encrypted
2065:All cells have progressed to group training. Group harmony levels are good, Cell 3 continuing to show most advanced capabilities.
encrypted
2070:Program is proving to have better results than expected, especially as proven during the recent encrypted
2071:Cell 3 has begun to show signs of rebellion, having been allowed too much contact with the outside world. The subjects have begun to question what they are, and the high harmony levels only seem to allow the subjects to reaffirm those feelings with the rest of the cell.
2071:Cell 3 has become too high of a risk factor. Termination suggested. Other cells has been unaffected by this trouble and continue to operate at expected efficiency levels.
2071:Termination mission unsuccessful. Cell 1 and Cell 2 have been wiped out in an attempt to eliminate Cell 3, and Cell 3 has gone rogue.
2072:Cell 3 has been eliminated, five firesquads lost in the conflict, along with the destruction of a production facility in Japan.
2072:From Birth official discontinued. While the benefits are exceptional, the risk makes it unwise. All subjects of From Birth have been eliminated.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the post in which this document was released onto the net, was the closing....

-Test Case, Cell 3

[Chrysalis]

Thanks for the nice file. It kind of helps figure out who your character is.

Do we have any starting money besides whet we get at character generation?

[pbangarth]

Vignette for Hodder, Qaballic mystic adept:

[ Spoiler ]

Something snapped in Simon when Nathaniel inherited great grampa's fedora. He crumpled the letter from his cousin and hurled it across the room. It wasn't that Nathaniel didn't deserve the bequest. No, no, he was the golden boy of archaeology and loved by everyone in the family. And he had the Jones name. Of course he would get the fedora.

It was a moment of clarity for Simon. Years of "if only" and "I could have" and immersion in the imaginary heroism of games rather than the effort and discipline of studies came crashing in on him ... all of it ... all at once. What was the point of sitting here in the library, reading and thinking about the words of the ancient rabbis? What good would any of this do? Great grampa didn't bury himself in books and collect dust. He fought ultimate evil in his day, and did it by saving great artifacts from the clutches of bigotry and greed. It was not the Orthodox way, but the Practical way that mattered.

With the aid of the elohim, Simon would take the wisdom of the Qaballa to the world. He would do something, make a difference, make people sit up and finally take notice. Yes, great and wonderful artifacts were appearing all the time, and Magic was increasing. This was the time to carve his name as the greatest antiquarian of all. Great grampa's legacy would live, through Simon.

But first, there was the matter of Nathaniel. Let him have a bit of comeuppance. There was a dealer in Hong Kong who might be interested in what Nathaniel was unearthing in India. Simon needed a commlink, not traceable to him. That would be easy to steal.

Simon didn't even notice that the subtle, persistent call of Chokhmah ceased, never to return, when he stepped out the door.