SR 4 rigger help Options

[Raiden]

Hey, first time making a rigger and wanted some advice, do I need to pump up my reaction as a rigger? like wired reflexes and the like? also what are some good skills I can take. and I assume logic is a must.

[SpellBinder]

Gunnery, if your drones will be armed; Piloting, based on what drones you'll be jumping into; Dodge & Perception (like any long lived runner); the various Mechanic & Armorer skills, based on what kind of drones/vehicles you'll have; maybe the Electronics group (this one's a really low priority, I think).

Wired Reflexes really should only be considered if you're going to be sending orders to your drones instead of jumping into them; consider Reaction Enhancers instead as being jumped in a drone gives you 2 or 3 IPs based on running a hot or cold VR. The Response & Sensor of whatever drone you're jumped into will be more important. A Control Rig is virtually standard for any SR4 rigger (even if it's not required in the SR4 rules).

A high level Biofeedback Filter, Command, ECCM, & Encrypt programs will also be a must.

Intuition for your Initiative, Logic so you know how to fix your drones when they get fragged, & Willpower so you've got a fat Stun track to help soak damage when your drones get shot up or you get dumpshocked.

[Medicineman]

it depends upon what You wanna do.
If you want to jump in,thats a Matrix action and you need high LOG and a good,pimped Comlink
only if you want to physically control/steer the vehicle you need high REA.
Good Skills:
Software, Electronic Warfare,Pilot Ground and Airborne,Mechanics Land
High LOG is ok and a must if You want to protect your Vehicles/drones from Matrix attacks (LOG and Software to Raise Firewall f.E. )

with a protectrive Dance
Medicineman

[Raiden]

so, VR if I was driving a car, what would I roll? I can't find it.. and I was thinking jumped in, but sometimes I would need to be remote piloting them.

[Medicineman]

look at the end of the Matrix chapter in the BBB (its page 286 in the German one, but that wil hardly help) there is a List of Rigger Checks

with a German Dance
Medicineman

[SpellBinder]

English version, SR4a, page 247.

[Raiden]

so the vehicles response + my skill. anyway to boost response and other systems for drones?

[SpellBinder]

Same way as for a commlink, with a limit of Response 5 as it's a hardware upgrade from the car's basic rating of 3 (see page 222). Also note that you get +1 to your Initiative & a +2 DP bonus to all Matrix tests if you're running hot (page 226).

[Raiden]

ok, so sensor (attacking) anyway to improve this? does targeting software add its rating to you if you are jumped in? sorry for all the questions.. I am clueless about riggers

[SpellBinder]

SR4a, page 333. In short, a vehicle's/drone's Sensor rating is the average of all of the rated sensors installed. Per Arsenal (page 105), a standard car has 1 Atmospheric Sensor, 2 Cameras (front & back), 2 Laser Rangefinders (front & back), 2 Motion Sensors (front & back), and 1 Radar. These will be at whatever the given Sensor rating (typically 1) is of that car. Replacing everything that has a rating with higher quality stuff (like swapping a Rating 1 camera for a Rating 6) will up the average and thus up the Sensor rating of the vehicle.

Targeting software, like a Targeting (Automatics) autosoft does not help a rigger. Only the Pilot program benefits.

[Raiden]

Any recommended drones for SRM?

[Modular Man]

Which books does your group use? Most things that I pick are from the core rulebook, "Arsenal" (especially the modification rules) and a few picks here and there.

I favor a mix of utility, surveillance and combat drones, the more, the better. That said, I also don't have any problem with the bookkeeping a pack of drones brings.

Renraku Manservant ("Arsenal") - humanoid, two mechanical arms, what's not to like? A GM Mr. Fix-It ("Runner's Companion") also works, depends on what you like.
In general, drones can assist you in modifiying your gear should you choose to.

There's also the need to use surveillance drones - both airborne, long-range large ones and tiny spying bugs. Either goes well with chameleon coating (p. 134, "Arsenal").

Combat drones bring additional firepower, so you should invest into a higher sensor rating and maybe better armor.
As for sensor ratings, as mentioned above, once you've read the text, it will appear a lot less costly as most sensors do not even have a rating, thus not needing to be replaced.

Transportation measures (e.g. a minivan) are a good way to get everything where you need it.

Also, expect that one day one of your drones might get shot up. If it was worth more than the run, you might have made a mistake.

Also, try the search function of this forum. There's some quite interesting threads and I got some very nifty ideas from here.

[pragma]

Search for 'search-fu' while you're sniffing around the search function.

To add to the list of drones to consider: I've always been enamored of electronic warfare drones. The idea of a rotodrone with a jammer knocking an opponent out of the sky always seemed like such a nice end run on rigger-to-rigger combat. Never had a chance to use it, but I love the idea.

As a rigger, take a very careful look at your dice pools. The experience I remember most vividly was that reaction really didn't help me much and, in spite of a tricked out rigging suite and VCR etc., using the command program gave me a bigger dice pool for almost everything. You can try to outflank the rigging rules by just focusing on command that way. Though I haven't done the build, I think that's the easiest way to end up with meaty hacking ability on top of the ability to steer drones well.

Beware, you lose the ability to use edge. But unless you're playing Mr. Lucky I don't think that's actually a huge drawback. I'm always forced to be pretty conservative with my 2-3 points.

[Elfenlied]

Any recommended drones for SRM?

Flying Eye+Camo Coating for scouting.

Ford LEBD as a general purpose combat drone. I prefer Battle Rifles on these, although the loadout can vary due to the cheese that is Gunnery.

Wuxing Hussar + Gauss/HMG to wreck stuff (acquire it during gameplay).

[Raiden]

any air drones you can grab for air firepower?

[Elfenlied]

any air drones you can grab for air firepower?

The Ford LEBD is a rotodrone. Lonestar Strato and the Nimrod are also good (the latter comes with a hefty price tag, but gets to use two weapon mounts on Body 4).

[Raiden]

after grueling hours... here is what I have, any thoughts? its for shadowrun missions.

[ Spoiler ]

== Info ==
Street Name: Gremlin
Name: Unnamed Character
Movement: 8/20, Swim: 4
Karma: 0
Street Cred: 0
Notoriety: 5
Public Awareness: 1
Dwarf (Gnome)
Composure: 4
Judge Intentions: 6
Lift/Carry: 8 (45 kg/30 kg)
Memory: 11
Nuyen: 0

== Attributes ==
BOD: 5
AGI: 2
REA: 3 (4)
STR: 3
CHA: 1
INT: 5
LOG: 5 ((IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)
WIL: 3
EDG: 2

== Derived Attributes ==
Essence: 3.125
Initiative: 8 (9)
IP: 1 (2)
Matrix Initiative: 11
Matrix IP: 3
Physical Damage Track: 9
Stun Damage Track: 10

== Active Skills ==
Armorer : 1 Pool: 9
Automotive Mechanic : 1 [Wheeled] Pool: 9 (11)
Computer : 4 Pool: 12
Demolitions : 4 Pool: 12
Electronic Warfare : 4 Pool: 12
Gunnery : 6 [Artillery] Pool: 8 (10)
Hardware : 4 Pool: 12
Industrial Mechanic : 4 [Robotics] Pool: 12 (14)
Perception : 2 Pool: 10
Pilot Aircraft : 1 Pool: 5
Pilot Ground Craft : 4 [Wheeled] Pool: 8 (10)
Pilot Watercraft : 1 Pool: 5
Throwing Weapons : 2 [Lobbed] Pool: 4 (6)

== Knowledge Skills ==
Architecture : 1 Pool: 9
Area Knowledge: Denver : 1 Pool: 6
Bars and Clubs : 1 [Matrix] Pool: 6 ((IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)
Chemistry : 2 [Industrial] Pool: 10 (12)
Engineering : 3 Pool: 11
English : N Pool: 0
Firearms : 2 Pool: 10
German : 3 [Speak] Pool: 8 (10)
Japanese : 4 [Speak] Pool: 9 (11)
Latin : 1 Pool: 6
Music : 1 [Powernoize] Pool: 6 ((IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)
Russian : 2 Pool: 7
Security Design : 1 [Corporate] Pool: 6 ((IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)
Security Tactics : 1 Pool: 9

== Contacts ==
Billy Gump (5, 3)

== Qualities ==
Arcane Arrester
Bad Rep
Born Rich
Distinctive Style
Extravagant Eyes
Incompetent (Negotiation)
Incompetent (Etiquette)
Juryrigger
Neoteny
Poor Self Control (Braggart)
Poor Self Control (Thrill Seeker)
Restricted Gear (Rating 1)
Thermographic Vision
Unusual Hair

== Lifestyles ==
my pad 1 months
Comforts: Middle
Entertainment: Low
Necessities: High
Neighborhood: Low
Security: High

== Cyberware/Bioware ==
Attention Coprocessor Rating 3
Cerebral Booster Rating 3
Commlink
+Control Rig
+Sim Module (Hot-Sim Modified)
+Datajack
Sleep Regulator
Wired Reflexes Rating 1

== Weapons ==
Grenade: Flash-Bang
Pool: 4 DV: 6S (10m Radius) AP: -3 RC: 0
Grenade: Fragmentation
Pool: 4 DV: 12P(f) (-1/m) AP: +5 RC: 0
Unarmed Attack
Pool: 1 DV: 2S AP: - RC: 0

== Commlink ==
Custom Commlink (5, 6, 6, 5)
+Analyze Rating 6 [Copy Protection 6, Crashguard, Optimization 1, Registration]
+Biofeedback Filter Rating 6 [Copy Protection 6, Optimization 1, Registration]
+Command Rating 6 [Copy Protection 6, Optimization 1, Registration]
+Customized Interface
+Hardening Rating 6
+Scan Rating 6 [Copy Protection 6, Registration]

== Gear ==
Ammo: EX-Explosive Rounds (Medium Machine Guns) x200
Ammo: EX-Explosive Rounds (Assault Rifles) x300
Ammo: EX-Explosive Rounds (Shotguns) x100
Ammo: Gel Rounds (Shotguns) x100
Ammo: Stick-n-Shock (Medium Machine Guns) x200
Ammo: Stick-n-Shock (Assault Rifles) x200
Commercial Explosive Rating 3 x10
Dynamite Rating 3 x60
Encrypt Rating 6
+Copy Protection Rating 6
+Registration
Fake License (Biofeedback Filter) Rating 4
Fake License (Dynamite) Rating 4
Fake License (Commercial Explosive) Rating 4
Fake License (Wuxing Crimson Samurai (Large)) Rating 4
Fake License (Steel Lynx (Large)) Rating 4
Fake License (Chameleon Coating) Rating 4
Fake License (Ammo: Stick-n-Shock) Rating 4
Fake License (Enhanced Image Screens) Rating 4
Fake License (Smartgun System, External) Rating 4
Fake License (Gas Vent 3) Rating 4
Fake License (Anti-Theft) Rating 4
Fake License (AK-97) Rating 4
Fake License (Franchi SPAS-22) Rating 4
Fake License (Ford LEBD-1 (Medium)) Rating 4
Fake License (FN HAR) Rating 4
Fake License (Armor, Normal) Rating 4
Fake SIN Rating 4
False-bottomed Attaché Case
Foam Explosive Rating 10 x4
Goggles Rating 6
+Vision Enhancement Rating 3
+Vision Magnification
+Low Light
+Image Link
+Flare Compensation
Grenade: Flash-Bang x10
Grenade: Fragmentation x5
Headphones Rating 3
+Audio Enhancement Rating 3
+Spatial Recognizer
Jazz x5
Laser Trip Beam, Infrared x5
Laser Trip Beam, Visible x10
Maglock Rating 6
Respirator Rating 6
Security Tags x20
Sensor Tags x20
TNT Rating 4 x10
Tool Shop
Voice Mask

== Vehicles ==
Ford LEBD-1 (Medium)
+Chameleon Coating
+Firewall 6
+Improved Takeoff and Landing Level 2
+Mechanical Arm
+Spoof Chip
+Weapon Mount (Normal, External, Fixed, Remote)
+Medium Drone Sensor
GMC Bulldog Step-Van (Van)
+Anti-Theft
+Chameleon Coating
+Drone Rack, Large
+Electromagnetic Shielding Rating 3
+Enhanced Image Screens
+Oil Slick Sprayer
+Response 5
+Smuggling Compartment, Shielded
+Vehicle Sensor
GM-Nissan Doberman (Medium)
+Armor, Normal Rating 9
+Firewall 6
+Spoof Chip
+Walker Mode
+Weapon Mount (Normal, External, Turret, Remote)
+Clearsight Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
+Defense Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
+Medium Drone Sensor
+Camera Rating 6
+Laser Range Finder
+Atmosphere Sensor Rating 3
+Targeting (Self) Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 4
+Registration
Lone Star iBall (Minidrone)
+Chameleon Coating
+Fuzzy Logic
+Gecko Tips
+Clearsight Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
+Minidrone Sensor
MCT Fly-Spy (Minidrone)
+Chameleon Coating
+Fuzzy Logic
+Improved Takeoff and Landing Level 2
+Clearsight Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
+Maneuver (Self) Rating 2
+Copy Protection Rating 2
+Registration
+Minidrone Sensor
MCT-Nissan Roto-drone (Medium)
+Armor, Normal Rating 3
+Chameleon Coating
+Fuzzy Logic
+Improved Takeoff and Landing Level 2
+Clearsight Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
+Medium Drone Sensor
Renraku Manservant-3 (Medium)
+Fuzzy Logic
+Mechanical Arm
+Mechanical Arm
+Walker Mode
+Medium Drone Sensor
Steel Lynx (Large)
+Armor, Normal Rating 12
+Firewall 6
+Spoof Chip
+Weapon Mount (Normal, External, Turret, Remote)
+Clearsight Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
+Defense Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
+Large Drone Sensor
+Camera Rating 6
+Laser Range Finder
+Motion Sensor
+Thermometric
+Targeting (Self) Rating 3
+Copy Protection Rating 3
+Registration
Wuxing Crimson Samurai (Large)
+Response 5
+Weapon Mount (Normal, External, Fixed, Remote)
+Large Drone Sensor

[SpellBinder]

Looks like this was done in Chummer. You'll want to make sure to specify a weapon type for the Doberman's targeting software; (Self) is just a placeholder for whatever the drone's going to be armed with for remote operations.

The optimized Biofeedback Filter program is Availability 13R (Unwired, page 202). Figured your Restricted Gear (1) was for the Cerebral Booster (3). If this really is in Chummer, it should catch this as soon as you try to go into Career Mode with the character; you can also do a free swap on the Targeting autosoft for the Doberman drone then, too.