Dis*interest, Gauging interest for extra players in Dis* Options

[JavaLamp]

So here it goes.

Dis* is recruiting now. I'm looking for characters built on 300BP (200BP maximum for attributes) who are coming from any walk of life other than running the shadows. The rules are 4e with some historical changes, wireless computing is the norm already, but the backbone of it all is still wired. Hackers should expect to have to be involved in the meat. Magic I'm playing mostly as written, 1% of the population is magically active. More than one per team, while possible, is unlikely, Mary will be it for now. Latent talents other than magic are encouraged. Latent magician... that's a maybe.

I'm still making this all up as I go, but my general themes are 'becoming a shadowrunner' and 'character growth'

So.. is anyone still interested?

-JL

[BlackHat]

Any idea how many you're looking for? I'm sure you'll have a lot of interest despite the "awakened-not-welcome" rule. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[JavaLamp]

I'm thinking 3 or 4 more, I'm thinking about more, but I'll be ambitious when I'm sure I can handle that many.

As far as 'Awakened not-welcome' I'm just tired of campaigns loaded with a majority of awakened characters. I'll revise that restriction here.

Awakened and latent awakened are welcome, but like the world is, I'd like to see a strong majority of *non* magical characters.

[TakayamaYuuko]

Awakened and latent awakened are welcome, but like the world is, I'd like to see a strong majority of *non* magical characters.

Did I not pay a big enough bribe? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nyahnyah.gif)

[Ghost_in_the_Sys...]

Neat, I was actually just coming up with (Like literally had just framed out an empty character sheet in notepad) a concept of a hacker that is largely a scriptkiddy in that she (or he, don't know yet) makes strong use of agents/viruses/etc, but actually does the programming. I figured it would be the type of character that would really need to grow into the role as opposed to starting with 5 agents and such. I'd even thought that she would have started out as a programmer for some company or another (No clue which off hand) before getting into running either because of some sort of 'a program you helped write got cracked, we need to fire someone to keep the higher ups happy' or 'Hey, I wonder if I could write something that'd break into this system' or 'We need to test how secure this is, does anyone know anything about breaking into a computer?'. Haven't settled on much, still a very fresh concept.

While not fully reliant on Unwired, alot of stuff from it would be very useful, so want to check that its use would be alright (I know it is rather complex). Oh, doubly so as I'm strongly considering taking the latent TM quality, and TM really needs all the help possible from Unwired.

[JavaLamp]

There's a couple things to keep in mind for a hacker.

Trodenets don't exist yet, I'm strongly considering making them less effective than DNI as well. Like I said above as well, hacks will go down on site rather than remotely.

As far as going TM/Latent TM, I think maybe datajacks shouldn't count against resonance loss. I think I've already said I'm tossing out the timeline, or at least playing with it freely, so no worries about 'it's too early for one' there. Then there's the Otaku too. Same game different name, I think we're calling them Otaku for this campaign. Yeah, I think we will.

Former wageslave? OK!

And Unwired is good to go. We'll work out any kinks if they need it.

[BlackHat]

IIRC, Otaku could have cyberware (and in fact got datajacks for free) without it hurting their abilities, so there would be some precedent for that in the 2060s.
Also, I started reading through the IC psots, but I didn't catch WHERE the story is taking place (Seattle?).
Is a good rule of thumb that if something existed in SR3, we can make it work here?

Are you expecting that hacker will still have cyberdecks (stats like commlinks, but refluffed to be bigger) or would they use commlinks and just need to plug in, generally?

[JavaLamp]

I think you're right, but Otaku were also impoverished children by default as well, that's not going to be the case here. Per flavor, it's misunderstood and feared still, right up uncanny valley it'll be something people hide to save their careers/lives/relationships. And at this point it's something that hasn't 'hit' the news generally. I'll need to pop open that sourcebook and create a fusion of TM and otaku for feel and rules. TMs with datajacks is the general idea.

Yeah, if it worked in 2060, it should work here. Let's say this, both decks (refluffed commlinks for stats) and commlinks work for hackers, choose your flavor, We have people who just prefer a larger computing device now even among portables. Higher spec devices will tend to be larger, and more often be 'cyberdecks', and let's go ahead and say links aren't as small as they're represented in SR4 for flavor.

The city is Seattle. a nice easy default.

[Eimi]

Well now. I actually came up with a 300 bp character a few months back. One literally only a few days into grasping at a life in the shadows. To be more precise, a vampire character. Which means actually a 200 bp character aside from the vampire quality.

It was a very interesting exercise, trying to make a plausible "normal human being" that was somewhat functional with only a rather modest number of BP to work with. The fact that said character was rather young helped, not needing to add in a career's skillset in terms of point costs, helped a bit as well. As well as being the most-low-powered awakened character I've come up with, being a 1 Magic Adept (with said abilities awakening with the vampirication).

Seattle background, too. So I just can't help but raise my hand here, and hope for the best.

[Ghost_in_the_Sys...]

I suppose since the year is only 2060, I should perhaps drop the genetic heritage quality I was thinking of getting? Will nano/geneware be available?

[Titus]

Would a cybernetically enhanced (for example: gun arms) person still be viable? If so, to what extent? Can I just rely on what is in the 20th edition source book? How much cyber enhancements would work with your vision of having people not be from the shadows?

[Ghost_in_the_Sys...]

I would guess non-legal stuff should be kept to a minimum, although it does raise the question of just how new the characters should be. I'm guessing this would be their first run and they maybe weren't even prepared for that? So like the 'hacker' may not have any weapon skills?

[BlackHat]

I'll probably put together a new-to-the-streets (and maybe still corporate, if you don't want us to be runners yet) data-courier in the next day or so.

[JavaLamp]

@Eimi - I'm a little hesitant to bring a vampire in. gonna need to look that over.

@Ghost - Keep the illegal stuff off, by saying 'not from the shadows' I'm really aiming for they're not even prepared for this life. Not having a weapon skill is a little strange in SR though, I imagine most folks have at least basic defense training (we're talking 1s and 2s). Beyond that would involve special training, so some line of work that would involve combat, security guards &c, but then we're still talking pushover level to most SR campaigns.

@Titus Cyber is a normal thing for a lot of people, Try to imagine a line of work that would benefit from wired reflexes, or synthacardium. The 20th anniversary book good for use

Ghost brings up a point I hadn't stated aloud. I'm looking for characters not ready for the shadows. They're coming from lines of work that have applicable skills. The hacker who's never had to leave the compound or actually defend themselves, the office translator good at dealing with people, Valet attendant who goes out racing on weekends...

[BlackHat]

Ah, gotcha. I'll make him a real corporate type.. .totally unprepared for something to come along and shatter his cozy little life. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[JavaLamp]

@BlackHat Barely out of corporate or still in, both will be fine.

[Eimi]

@Eimi - I'm a little hesitant to bring a vampire in. gonna need to look that over.

Fair enough. And now that I've gotten her sheet back out and gone over her again, and given it some thought, I'm not sure how well she'd work in a group of other 300 bp characters as is. Part of the concept was that she'd be a 300 point character in a 400 point group...more a desperate sidekick than an equal member. Because, well, she only has 46 bp worth of skills. So she's not really...well, very good at anything. Probably not ready for prime time, so to speak. Perhaps I'll give some thought to a few other ideas I'd had in the past, see if they'd work at 300bp.

[Ghost_in_the_Sys...]

If we have reason for having restricted gear, should we assume the (legal) license is part of the cost of the item?

[JavaLamp]

If we have reason for having restricted gear, should we assume the (legal) license is part of the cost of the item?

And that legal license would be tied to your real SIN, yeah.

By the by, I'm expecting near everyone to have SINner

[Ghost_in_the_Sys...]

I was planning on getting SINner and records on file for the corp that she worked for.

[JavaLamp]

I failed to mention genetics and nano. It's not present at a consumer level, what *is* acknowledged as existing is in R&D and might be approaching 'alpha' revision in current technological terms.

It's out there, somewhere, stuff like that to start will be rare enough to be the subject of a run or a particularly generous reward.

-JL

[Titus]

I hope I have done this right. I've included a few paragraphs of background. I also have one illegal bioware piece (damage compensator). I can change that if you (the GM) feel that is inappropriate even with my explanation. If have messed up, feel free to say so.

Marcus Aldrich aka Brick - Picture of Brick
Male Troll, Club Security

[ Spoiler ]

Background

[ Spoiler ]

Marcus is a troll who works as a security guard at a low-end club after a prison stint. He generally pushed people around for a Troll gang. His gang betrayed him. He joined the gang at 10 years old. School was for the smart kids. Marcus knew he would never be logical enough to make a large investment in school worthwhile.

After a failed drug operation, Marcus was the fall guy. There were extensive drugs and guns in their vehicle. The cops caught it on security. There was a gun fight, and the group drove off without Marcus. He was only fifteen when he went to jail. He served five years in a prison and got out six months ago. Luckily for him, he quickly got a legitimate job as a bouncer for a low-end club. The owner wanted to "gentrify" the club because the areas nearby were more rich. The bouncer wanted to hire someone who could recognize the criminal element efficiently without having an alliance to any particular element.

After Marcus earned his keep by deterring most criminals, the owner decided to invest in Marcus. Marcus was missing too many days after brawling with several unauthorized patrons. Plus, several drugs were getting in. Drugs have a mild scent but nothing the unaided human nose could usually pick up. Plus Marcus was a little slower than he liked. The first surgery was the nose, which was extensive cyberware. During the surgery, the doctors discovered that Marcus's immuno-suppressant reactions were twice as strong as normal. Marcus had a sensitive system. Doing more would make him prone to lots of illness. Marcus being ill was the last thing either wanted.

Because of Marcus's sensitive system, the rest of the upgrades to Marcus were done with bioware. Finding doctors who would install the right bioware and ensuring Marcus would stick around were difficult. It took about five years for Marcus the owner to trust Marcus with all the surgeries. Marcus's ten percent investment in the costs and the savings/increased revenue Marcus brought in made the club owner break even. Despite the length of their relationship, the relationship between the pair is just business for the most part. Socially, they would be acquaintances.

Over the years, they discovered Marcus wasn't perfect at everything. He could not hack his way out of a paper bag, so to speak. He also was so unique that a disguise was near impossible. He had a curly horn in the middle of his head. Most have curved horns on the sides or pointed horns in the center.

Marcus's former troll street gang leader disdains Marcus. The pair were never close, and Marcus is not a big enough threat to the gang to be a high priority. Still, Marcus will not let his former gang do any sort of business in the club. It was retribution for them setting him up as the fall guy. The gang owner expected Marcus to still be loyal after the jail time. He is only alive because he did not snitch. Marcus has no plans to snitch still because no one can cover his back.

Traits

[ Spoiler ]

Body 7
Agility 4 (6) - Bioware Bonus
Reaction 5 (6) - Bioware Bonus
Strength 7
Charisma 3
Intuition 4
Logic 3
Willpower 3

Edge 1
Initiative 9(10) - Enhanced due to Bioware enhancement to Reaction
Initiative Passes 1 (2) - Bioware Bonus
Essence 4 [4.6]

Active Skills:

[ Spoiler ]

Dodge 1
Intimidation 1 - Likely physical size bonus on checks. See 20th Edition page 130
Perception 2 - Smell Enhanced to 8 due to bioware
Pistols (Heavy Pistols) 2(3)
Unarmed Combat 3
Navigation 1

Knowledge/Language skills:

[ Spoiler ]

English N
Japanese 2
Seattle Street Gangs 4 - I think the setting is Seattle. Please do correct if I am wrong. Marcus has not left the town he was raised in.
Drugs 4 - Extensive knowledge due to gang and bouncer interactions
Early 21st Century Liquor (Vodka) 2(3)
Weapons(Concealment) 3(4) - Marcus knows quite a bit about weapons and even more about hiding them. His job has taught him a lot about how people try to hide them.

Qualities:
Positive -

[ Spoiler ]

Ambidextrous
Guts
Toughness

Negative:

[ Spoiler ]

Criminal SINner
Sensitive System
Distinctive Style - 10

Equipment:

[ Spoiler ]

25 Regular Bullets
Ruger SuperWarHawk
Armor Vest
MetaLink CommLink - Marcus only uses this to communicate with the staff inside or the club owner.
Low Lifestyle

Cyber/Bioware:

[ Spoiler ]

Olfactory Booster 6 - The club owner wanted Marcus to have a scent as good as a dog. Dogs are a deterrent to decent customers and signify a low class neighborhood. Dogs worked and so would Marcus.
Muscle Toner 2 - Marcus needs to be less clumsy when dealing with the underclass trying to enter the club. Less damage and more precision is much better.
Synaptic Booster 1 - This was one of the last enhancements Marcus had done. He's still getting used to being much faster. This one was very expensive.
Platelet Factories - This was the first upgrade after the Olfactory Booster. Marcus was suffering serious injuries. The club owner wanted Marcus available with less healing time. Less healing means less damage.
Damage Compensator 1 - Anytime Marcus got into a fight, the club owner wanted him to be able to fight through it. So he bought Marcus this upgrade. It is technically illegal to possess but he is a criminal anyway. The doc was a street doc who is known for illegal surgeries. He owed a huge tab which was forgiven in exchange for the surgery.

Credit: Elfwood.com for original image that was modified.

This has been edited to comply with GM requests, to fix a strength typo, and include accidental forgotten qualities. The character should be finished barring unforeseen circumstances. Time and Date 6/6/2010 3:05 PM Eastern

This post has been edited by Titus: Jun 6 2011, 07:04 PM

[Ghost_in_the_Sys...]

I noticed you spent 210 on stats.

Otherwise looks like the sort of character that is just a small push from being a runner. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Little surprised at the low combat abilities for someone who's primary job is intimidation and breaking up fights, but I suppose your typical bar annoyance doesn't put up that much of a fight when compared to a troll.

[Titus]

No problem. I only had two hundred spent but I made a typo entering Strength. I will edit that.

This made me double check everything and I noticed I left off my positive qualities.... no more late night character creation for me. I will probably wind up taking a positive quality off and shuffling towards combat. I won't shift too many though because bar fights tend not to last long. If they don't last long, not many skills would be gained.

After I finish editing, I'll mark this post as edited. I just wanted to acknowledge my errors and thank you for pointing that out to me.

There we go! The prior post is edited and fixed. Thanks again.

This post has been edited by Titus: Jun 6 2011, 04:08 PM

[Eimi]

Would Cyberware Suites be available? I know the game concept was first introduced in Augmentation and therefore the '70s in-game, but, well. If so, would a custom "suite" made up of several standard cyberlimbs be allowed?