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Donner

Oct 14 2004, 01:05 AM

Post #51

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QUOTE (TimberWolf)

QUOTE (Donner)

QUOTE (the_dunner)

To get this a little bit back on track <egads, can't have that!>

I'm running Mission Briefing and Demolition Run in Ann Arbor at Ucon, Nov. 20th.

Info on the con at:
Ucon

I'm also running Mission Briefing in Avon Lake, OH at SkipCon on Oct. 9th.

A very small amount of info is available at
SkipCon or you can PM or e-mail me for more info.

Dunner: Where are you? Last I heard, there was not going to be any SRM at UCon. (Because nobody told me.)

It's in the preregistration book online, and my wife and I have signed up for it.

TimberWolf View Member Profile	Oct 14 2004, 10:23 PM Post #52
Target Group: Members Posts: 48 Joined: 23-September 03 From: Michigan, Teh Mitten State Member No.: 5,640	Odd. As far as I knew, I was the only ShadowRun judge trying to run SRM in the Mid-Michigan area.

Donner View Member Profile	Oct 15 2004, 02:46 PM Post #53
Target Group: Members Posts: 45 Joined: 4-October 04 Member No.: 6,726	I guess not all people running these things are "Commandos"? I believe that our judge is a Commando.

Dark father View Member Profile	Oct 15 2004, 02:51 PM Post #54
Target Group: Members Posts: 66 Joined: 12-May 03 From: Montreal, Québec Member No.: 4,574	You don't have to be a Commando to run SRM. They are mostly there to help judging events. I really hope that my SRM scenario will be accepted for Commando appliance because I would really like to get scenarios as soon as they are out!

the_dunner View Member Profile	Oct 17 2004, 09:02 PM Post #55
Shooting Target Group: Retired Admins Posts: 1,784 Joined: 28-July 04 From: Cleveland, OH Member No.: 6,522	Hey, Timberwolf, I dropped you an e-mail, but I haven't heard anything back, so maybe it didn't go through. I submitted the event to UCon right at the wire to get into pre-reg. I'm a Commando based out of Cleveland, OH. However, UCon is one of the cons that I go to most years. (Obviously, this is my first time running SRM there.) I have absolutely no intent to compete with anyone else running missions up in Michigan. If you want to drop me a PM about any future cons in the area, I'd be more than happy to coordinate with you. :)

TimberWolf View Member Profile	Oct 17 2004, 11:42 PM Post #56
Target Group: Members Posts: 48 Joined: 23-September 03 From: Michigan, Teh Mitten State Member No.: 5,640	Yeah, I forgot to change my e-mail settings. I changed e-mails about mid May, and forgot to update.. I run for CARP (Capitol Area Role Players) based in Lansing, Michigan. We have a monthly game day, and I've been trying to get some SRM run there. Also Foundation Games has a con twice a year and I try to run there. So far, it's hard to get a table together. Most of our Shadowrun players seem to have moved away. I too hope that they will accept my scenario for Commando status. Need to resend, they lost it, apparently.

the_dunner View Member Profile	Oct 18 2004, 02:22 AM Post #57
Shooting Target Group: Retired Admins Posts: 1,784 Joined: 28-July 04 From: Cleveland, OH Member No.: 6,522	Doh! Just realized, I forgot to mention this one: I'm going to be running Mission Briefing at Warzone Matrix in Cleveland this Saturday (10/23)from 1PM-5PM. They don't seem to have a web page at the moment, but they're located at: 4704 Rocky River Dr. Cleveland, OH 44135 (216) 535-1285

Donner

Oct 19 2004, 11:42 PM

Post #58

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QUOTE (TimberWolf)

Yeah, I forgot to change my e-mail settings. I changed e-mails about mid May, and forgot to update.. I run for CARP (Capitol Area Role Players) based in Lansing, Michigan. We have a monthly game day, and I've been trying to get some SRM run there. Also Foundation Games has a con twice a year and I try to run there. So far, it's hard to get a table together. Most of our Shadowrun players seem to have moved away.

I too hope that they will accept my scenario for Commando status. Need to resend, they lost it, apparently.

Doesn't Jae play, Timberwolf? I got the impression, at her b-day party, that there were a few runners in the area.

Sorry it's a 5 hour drive, or we'd be happy to play with CARP. ;)

Ron

TimberWolf View Member Profile	Oct 20 2004, 04:25 AM Post #59
Target Group: Members Posts: 48 Joined: 23-September 03 From: Michigan, Teh Mitten State Member No.: 5,640	Well, we had a few people show up from out of state who used to play. But we're woefully short of players otherwise. Makes it hard to play. But we're enticing a few more players next time we have a chance.

Joel47 View Member Profile	Nov 8 2004, 05:14 PM Post #60
Target Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 26-February 02 From: Phoenix, AZ Member No.: 918	I'll be running Mission Briefing at Game Depot in Tempe, AZ on Sunday, November 21 starting at noon. I'm the only GM and there's only one session, so call the store or stop by ahead of time to sign up. Read more here. -- Joel Agee FanPro Commando #83 Phoenix, AZ

the_dunner View Member Profile	Nov 13 2004, 09:57 PM Post #61
Shooting Target Group: Retired Admins Posts: 1,784 Joined: 28-July 04 From: Cleveland, OH Member No.: 6,522	Just a pseudo-bump to remind everyone that I'll be running both Mission Briefing and Demolition run next weekend (11/20) at UCon in Ann Arbor, MI. In addition, I need to add that I'll be running Demolition Run at Warzone Matrix on Saturday 12/11 at Noon. 4704 Rocky River Dr. Cleveland, OH 44135 (216) 535-1285

Dr. Black View Member Profile	Nov 20 2004, 08:58 PM Post #62
Target Group: Members Posts: 56 Joined: 5-October 04 Member No.: 6,729	Who's running the Missions at Gencon SoCal? And, which mission is Harvest Time?

Dark father View Member Profile	Nov 21 2004, 05:15 AM Post #63
Target Group: Members Posts: 66 Joined: 12-May 03 From: Montreal, Québec Member No.: 4,574	I can't answer your first question, but Harvest Time is SRM01-03

Dr. Black View Member Profile	Nov 21 2004, 07:04 PM Post #64
Target Group: Members Posts: 56 Joined: 5-October 04 Member No.: 6,729	Is there an issue with playing the SRM01 series out of order? I will be playing Harvest Time SRM01-03 at Gencon socal, and I have no opportunities to play SRM01 -01/02 before then. Since they are not yet posted for non Commando's and there is not a commando in my area, I have no choice but to play whatever a GM at a convention is running, even if it would be out of order for my char. Please advise.

Dark father View Member Profile	Nov 21 2004, 07:43 PM Post #65
Target Group: Members Posts: 66 Joined: 12-May 03 From: Montreal, Québec Member No.: 4,574	I wrote Harvest Time. The best thing would be to play all scenarios sequentially, but with the format of the campaign, it can be impossible to make sure everyone played scenarios in order. But I look at my scenario and I really think it's possible to play it even if you haven't done SRM01-01 and SRM01-02 before. You won't miss anything, except maybe the background setting of the campaign. Oh and don't hesitate to post your opinions about the scenario! If people liked it, I might volunteer to create another one!

Donner

Nov 22 2004, 04:22 PM

Post #67

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QUOTE (the_dunner)

Just a pseudo-bump to remind everyone that I'll be running both Mission Briefing and Demolition run next weekend (11/20) at UCon in Ann Arbor, MI.

<<SNIP>>

Just wanted to post some feedback re SR Missions and the scenarios run at Ucon.

I'll do this in three parts: (i) Commando feedback, (ii) the runs, (iii) the system, from a quick exposure.

(i) I wanted to do this first, because perceptions of the Commando can definitely colour perceptions of the scenarios and the system. "the_dunner" is, bar none, one of the best GMs that I have had for any system, or seen representing a line or product. Therefore, some of my perceptions of SRM and/or Fanpro and/or the scenarios may have had a bit of a "healthy glow" spell cast over them.

To clarify, I do not judge such things based upon rulebook knowledge or table results. That said, John was very conversant with all the main rules and could make fair and quick rulings when things came up unexpectedly. At the moment, I am not sure how our tables did, versus how well they could have done, or how well other tables have done in the two intro scenarios we shadowran, and that does not figure into my evaluation. I do intend to download the scenarios and read through them.

I feel that John was a superb "commando" because he represented the company and program professionally, courteously, and with an especial care with new players. We had only three pre-regs, but our first slot filled to 5 and our last one, likely due to word of mouth, was full. In the first slot, John took some time to get the new folk used to basic concepts and ran a quick 10-minute "food-fight" (not part of, and NOT counted as part of the scenario) just to demonstrate the main features of combat. This of course pays dividends for more experienced players, as the new folk do not inadvertently get themselves, or the whole team, killed. ;) John also was very willing to handle "in-game concept" questions for the newer players who were unfamiliar with the system, because there would be things that their characters would know about the 6th World that the players didn't. He was also capable of handling this without disturbing the flow of play.

He was firm and fair, allowing everyone a chance to speak and act, and going around the table in nontactical situations first in one direction, next time in the other, so as not to "play favourites".

Very, very well done. Only my opinion, but I've been around for :: cough :: a while. Hang onto this guy. ;)

(ii) The runs (no specific spoilers). We played "Mission Briefing" and "Demolition Run", in that order. In the first session, two of us were new to SR Missions but very familiar with the Shadowrun system. Two were new to the system. One had played once before, I think. The GM took that in stride.

Understand that I now speak only as a player, though I will read the missions soon and will comment again if I feel that I change my mind. I am not going to include specific spoilers.

The first scenario seemed nicely set up to let the party encounter a number of different types of problems to solve, and I see how one could simply have cut some encounters if pressed for time, or if the party was running out of resources. I know understand why some people have been posting about TPKs, but I am no longer worried, if other scenarios are like this one, regarding that point. One could easily, easily get the entire party killed-- if one had not listened to the briefing, or had not bothered to listen to the GM after doing some legwork and planning, or had simply presumed oneself immortal due to script. Or just had someonewho played their character as loving large amounts of pointless death. OTOH, if people thought on their feet, had a reasonable distribution of the most common skills, and tried to remain in character and played as if aware of their environment, there was no need for anyone to even get seriously hurt. Again, my limited perception, but it seemed like a fine intro scenario.

Rewards seemed commensurate with the risk, although I personally thought that our team could have, had certain communications been possible, negotiated rather a large bonus for services above and beyond the call of duty. ;) Couldn't happen here, but it would have been fun and even an extra thou or two would have made us feel that we got "one-up" on the paramerters of the mission. I might recommend "smart play" bonuses written into future scenarios-- not huge, maybe only 10-20%.

There was drama. worry about possible annihilation, and a great deal of laughter, so I count this one two thumbs up.

Demo run. Very tight, very focussed, potential nail-biter. Again, I could see how the group could runinto a TPK, but legwork and planning did seem to pay off and since we were willing to shell out to contacts and such, we managed to make up for a skill deficit, though at a cost. I DO get the feeling that a type of character not normally encouraged for this type of "living system" could have helped a lot here, but no spoilers.

Oh-- note that, after hearing how rare magically-aware PCs seem likely to be in SR Missions, our two groups were about half magicals,and we were glad of it. ;)

Rewards: again, seemed reasonable by the END, except for one caveat that I will post to the questions section. Not really a scenario issue, more a system issue. Without spoilers, I will say that the way that the mission briefing presented the possible threat level, the initial nuyen offered seemed way too low. By that I mean that I had to make a "gamer decision": to continue, rather than a "character decision"-- my character would have thought that the nuyen offered to take on the mission was a joke, even though my character is poor as dirt. ;) Nonetheless, Iloved the ability to do a nice long problem-solve on this one, and I think that we nmust have done about as well as possible. The author had a nice laugh at the players' expense in this one, but it was done in the way most likely to make the players happy about it, when they figure it out-- so good job. ;) Again, no specifics, sorry.

(iii) The system, after two mods. I enjoy the minimalist mature of Green runs. There seem to be interesting NPCs, but that of course dpendeds a great deal on the GM, too. John could characterise different types very nicely. Without any details, I could literally *see* one named "Rolando", in my mind's eye. Heh. :)

I have a concern regarding lifestyle costs versus cash flow, considering the rate at which one might be able to play scenarios in real life. I'll post that as a question about calendar use, in a different thread. If the campaign year switches over with the real year, there could be a problem (though an easily solved one). If there is leeway between year switchovers in real life, then there is no problem.

One question: would it be legitimate to note "continuity issues" in the special notes section, like if you try to do special favours for people/contacts, etc., and woul;d there be any point in doing so? Could add some depth without complicating mechanics.

bitrunner View Member Profile	Nov 22 2004, 10:16 PM Post #68
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 496 Joined: 28-June 02 From: Orlando FL Member No.: 2,915	Okey dokey - first, Gencon SoCal...I encourage everyone to participate in all the SR events. We have worked the system for you so that at least at the larger cons, such as Gencon and Origins, there will be little or no overlap in the schedule between Missions events and pregen events / tournaments. Second, kudos and thanks to Donner for his review of the con, GMs, and adventures...i encourage everyone to do likewise, but try to keep the adventure reviews, whether they contain spoilers or not, to the appropriate thread... Third, a public shout out / thank you for John for doing such a great job promoting the company, game, and campaign - keep up the good work, and i'll annotate your cookie record with another gold star... OK, now on the to questions! Rewards - i'll just say that we use the guidelines in the SRComp as an average starting point - actual awards may be higher/lower depending on the storyline... also, we try to strike a balance - if you get what you expect is lower pay, that probably (not always!!!) means that the Johnson is willing to a) chip in other non-monetary rewards/benefits and/or b) you'll be able to scrag more "treasure" during the run. if a Johnson is paying you higher than what you would expect, then one of the conditions is probably that he doesn't want you to be picking up any "souvenirs" along the way... Lifestyle - briefly, you can spend your time any way you want over the year. in january, you cross over to a new year...i'd be willing to give a little leeway on calendar year crossovers during the "middle" year, but when the story arc ends, an accounting will take place and everyone's "books" will need to be in order... Continuity issues - if we have plans on the backend for certain people to become recurring enemies, contacts, or whatever, then continuity issues as to how they're treated etc will show on the sheet... if you keep buying Billy down the street an ice cream cone every adventure so that he'll become a contact, no, there is no provision for that...

the_dunner View Member Profile	Nov 23 2004, 12:10 AM Post #69
Shooting Target Group: Retired Admins Posts: 1,784 Joined: 28-July 04 From: Cleveland, OH Member No.: 6,522	I just want to say thank you to both bitrunner and Donner! :oops: You're both very kind. It's easy to do a good job of GMing when you've got good players and good scenarios. I was fortunate to have both! :)

the_dunner View Member Profile	Nov 28 2004, 07:08 AM Post #70
Shooting Target Group: Retired Admins Posts: 1,784 Joined: 28-July 04 From: Cleveland, OH Member No.: 6,522	I've been in contact with the people running Midwest Madness, which is in Fort Wayne in January. It's primarily an RPGA Living Campaign show, but they'd be willing to host some SRM if I want to come out. So, consider this a general solicitation -- anyone interested? If so, please drop me a PM or an e-mail. Fort Wayne is 3.5 hours away for me, and it's in the middle of ski season too. But, if there are players desperately in need of an SRM fix, I can try and work something out. :D

Donner View Member Profile	Nov 28 2004, 05:36 PM Post #71
Target Group: Members Posts: 45 Joined: 4-October 04 Member No.: 6,726	Well, I'd love another SRm fix, but that's more like 8 hours for me, and a non-holiday weekend, so I don't think we can make that one. ;) Will keep trying for another con somewhere in the happy medium. :)

Donner View Member Profile	Nov 29 2004, 03:45 AM Post #72
Target Group: Members Posts: 45 Joined: 4-October 04 Member No.: 6,726	I've seen a few references to a "Mission Zero", which sounds like one that would precede the 5 intro scenarios? Is there such a beast?

bitrunner View Member Profile	Nov 29 2004, 04:59 PM Post #73
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 496 Joined: 28-June 02 From: Orlando FL Member No.: 2,915	??? Mission Zero??? hmmm, the only thing i can think of would be what we would have called Mission Briefing as a code name before deciding on the new name, and before we decided on having a pack of 5 intros..

the_dunner View Member Profile	Jan 13 2005, 03:21 PM Post #74
Shooting Target Group: Retired Admins Posts: 1,784 Joined: 28-July 04 From: Cleveland, OH Member No.: 6,522	Hoi chummers, This year's convention season is starting up for me. I'll be running three Shadowrun Missions events at BASHcon XX at the University of Toledo on Saturday, February 26th. The events will be: 10:00 AM SRM00-01 Mission Briefing 3:00 PM SRM00-03 FORCEd RECON 8:00 PM SRM01-04 The Gambler Hope to see some of you there!

RedmondLarry View Member Profile	Jan 14 2005, 09:08 AM Post #75
Senior GM Group: Dumpshocked Posts: 1,406 Joined: 12-April 03 From: Redmond, WA Member No.: 4,442	Rustycon convention (convention charge): "Mission Briefing", 7 PM Saturday 1/15/05, at Rustycon near the Seattle Airport And open games (no charge) with room for more players: "Strings Attached", 10:30 AM Saturday 1/22/05 at Genesis Games and Gizmos in Redmond, WA "Harvest Time", 4:00 PM Saturday 1/22/05 at Genesis Games and Gizmos in Redmond, WA

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