[X] My Assistant

[Grinder]

Get the PDF here.

It Can Always Get Worse
Federal Agent Seth Dietrich has a secret. Actually, multiple secrets. One of them made him go underground, hiding from the people desperate to learn just how much he knows. And the other is keeping him from surfacing, because he’s found he can’t even trust himself.

If Dietrich were in his right mind, he’d cover his tracks like a pro, and no one would find him. Especially not shadowrunners getting their feel for life on the streets. But he’s not in his right mind, which means a group of shadowrunners finds themselves in possession of some very valuable information—information the highest powers in Seattle want for themselves. What started as a simple job turns into a scramble for their lives, a scramble that could become profitable if the runners play their cards right.

Splintered State is an introductory adventure for Shadowrun, Fifth Edition. Whether you have played previous Shadowrun editions or are new to the setting, this adventure helps players and gamemasters learn the new rules while wrapping themselves in the intrigue, excitement, and danger of running in Seattle.

[Slithery D]

It really feels good to see a statted NPC with a skill group of 8+.

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

It really feels good to see a statted NPC with a skill group of 8+.

Why?

[Slithery D]

Because every prime runner maxed out with lots and lots of 6s was really annoying. I like the 12 skill cap combined with the Limits - you can be a consistent badass without being able to get crazy good stuff without spending Edge.

[Slithery D]

I noticed this adventure repeatedly references alchemical preparations with a "destruction" trigger, something that doesn't actually exist in the SR5 book. My guess it's meant as a replacement/simplification of the controversial "touch" trigger - you break/consume it to activate, eliminating the issues with touch weapons (you can't do them) or difficulties figuring out how not to accidentally trigger a touch activation you're carrying on your person. I wouldn't mind if they did this as an errata, although it's a pretty significant rewrite.

[Bull]

Or it might be a preview of new uses for Alchemy from the upcoming magic sourcebook? (I don't know for sure, may be the author just taking some liberties)

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

Because every prime runner maxed out with lots and lots of 6s was really annoying. I like the 12 skill cap combined with the Limits - you can be a consistent badass without being able to get crazy good stuff without spending Edge.

And when those same Prime Runners are rocking 12's in a plethora of skills (you know, like Harlequin probably is), are you gonna be just as annoyed?

[Slithery D]

There's a difference between Harlequin having 12s in every magical skill (and Blades) vs. having 6 in LOTS of skills. And there's a difference between IEs and "normal" prime runners. I wouldn't expect even Fastjack, for example, to have solid 12s in every tech skill.

That said, I was a bit pissed over the stats for the "young" dragon in this adventure.

[Sengir]

Somebody on the mothership forums says we finally get some concrete info on the Sybil virus. More than just the little tidbit in the linked thread?

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

Not even interested...

[Slithery D]

Somebody on the mothership forums says we finally get some concrete info on the Sybil virus. More than just the little tidbit in the linked thread?

Not really.

[binarywraith]

Or it might be a preview of new uses for Alchemy from the upcoming magic sourcebook? (I don't know for sure, may be the author just taking some liberties)

Even if it is, this is billed as an introductory SR5 adventure. Kinda out of place in an adventure that's meant for players still getting familiar with the main rules.

[Grinder]

Someone dropped the ball here.