Nothing's Free in the Free Zone (OOC), Adventure 1: Broken Star Options

[DrZaius]

Ok, then I think it's much easier to just try and find someone who can repair the rotodrone for me. I won't buy the AR plans for it then.

-DrZ

ETA: How are we on Ammo for the doberman / rotodrone? I have some extra (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) lying around I could spend to fill them back up a bit, if needed.

[Lobo0705]

I would say that you could go to either Chapel or Sling to try and find a contact to repair the Rotodrone.

Sling would probably get you in touch with a garage/chopshop while Chapel would probably put you in touch with a former rigger.

Your choice.

With regards to ammo, you currently have about 400 rounds left

190 EX and 204 Reg

[Jack VII]

ETA: How are we on Ammo for the doberman / rotodrone? I have some extra (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) lying around I could spend to fill them back up a bit, if needed.

They're both using ARs, right?

We have 190 rounds of EX ammo from the Roto-Drone's payload. Jack is taking 40 rounds of that for one magazine for his M23. That leaves 150 rounds in the Roto-Drone.

Rhex had 204 rounds of REG ammo when he was popped. We never did anything with that ammo, so he still has it. I'm buying my own REG ammo for my AR since the REG ammo belonged to Grease in the first place.

[DrZaius]

I would say that you could go to either Chapel or Sling to try and find a contact to repair the Rotodrone.

Sling would probably get you in touch with a garage/chopshop while Chapel would probably put you in touch with a former rigger.

Your choice.

With regards to ammo, you currently have about 400 rounds left

190 EX and 204 Reg

That include Jack's AR though as well, right?
-DrZ

[Jack VII]

That include Jack's AR though as well, right?
-DrZ

We cross-posted. See the post above yours for how I see the ammo distribution. Also, it would make a LOT more sense to put REG ammo in the Roto-Drone if you intend to mostly do suppressing fire.

[Chrome Head]

Would it be too gamer-y to try to summon a powerful spirit every day before Amy goes to bed until she gets a lot of services, and then try to bind the spirit on that occasion, because it'll be worth it to spend all those reagents then?

Or wait until we're on a run, hope we have half a day off during that run, like last time, and use that opportunity to summon and bind, spending edge?

[DrZaius]

We cross-posted. See the post above yours for how I see the ammo distribution. Also, it would make a LOT more sense to put REG ammo in the Roto-Drone if you intend to mostly do suppressing fire.

That's what I was thinking. I think we keep the EX ammo as a group pool, or in case we know we have to attack a vehicle. Otherwise, I'll load up the 2 drones with regular ammo. I don't think they necessarily have to be full, but 100 each seems a bit light. Is it fair to assume you're OK using only EX in your assault rifle? If that's the case, I'll purchase another 196 regular ammo to put in the drones, so they have 200 each.

@Chrome: I don't think so necessarily. You saw how powerful having a spirit was on our last run, and you want to protect your family. At worst, you could be summoning those spirits overnight to say "Watch my family while we sleep.". If, after you get 4-5 services from one you decide to bind it; that makes sense.

[Lobo0705]

Deleted - I changed my mind (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I posted below that you can summon this way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Jack VII]

I'm buying regular ammo for my AR. EX is pretty expensive and Jack's bean-counter brain won't let him waste all that nuyen. I only really wanted one magazine of EX ammo for times when it is really necessary (like you mentioned, cars or Trucks <- LOL, I kill myself). I also am going to have one magazine of S&S for times when that is needed.

I think 200 is perfectly adequate for each drone. That's five full CTs of suppressing fire and some ammo left over for taking actual shots here and there.

RE: Spirits. If we're not allowed to use Edge, I don't see why you shouldn't be able to do that. Like what DrZ said, having a spirit alarm system makes total sense IMO for a broke shaman in the 6th World. If you happen to make a solid connection when summoning one, I think you could probably make the Binding attempt then. Considering each binding attempt is going to cost you 3K to 4K assuming a F5 or F6 spirit (and since they are rolling 10 to 12 dice to resist the binding, it is in absolutely no way a sure thing), I feel that does a pretty adequate job of regulating abuse.

[Lobo0705]

I stand corrected (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

With Grease and Jack on board, then go ahead and summon away (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

So, what are the particulars of the Spirit you are going to try and summon?

Force, Optional Powers, Type, and how many hits do you want to try for?

[DrZaius]

I may get some fancy contact lenses as well, given that I still have a little cash floating around. I still get my natural low-light even with contact lenses in, right?

If so, I'd probably get a rating 3 set with a smartlink, image link, and flare compensation. That's (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) 2,875 base; is that "Vision Enhancers" (1.3 COLA), or "Headware (includes eyes & ears)" (1.2 COLA)?

Also, do the COLA adjustments factor into the price we're able to fence stuff at? I don't want to be too cheesy on stuff I bought at Chargen, but getting something back for a piece of obsolete equipment (in this case, my smartlink glasses) would be nice.

ETA: I could just sell it to Chapel, but he'd only give me 15% (Loyalty x 5%). Also, I think I'd want to get the connection on the Rotodrone from Sling; I deal with Chapel a lot, and I like having an in to a chop shop; that feels like that could be handy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cyber.gif)

[Jack VII]

As the GM, it's up to you, Lobo (otherwise, I think Grease and I are going to throw in on requesting the Autosoft/Skillsoft modifier to be reduced significantly, LOL).

But without Edge, binding a reasonably high-level spirit becomes a massively expensive crapshoot which, I feel, probably will regulate abuse. With the rules in S&G regarding disrupting spirits basically being unusable for 28ish days, low-power bound spirits are not all that helpful (if we're playing with those rules).

[Lobo0705]

I may get some fancy contact lenses as well, given that I still have a little cash floating around. I still get my natural low-light even with contact lenses in, right?

If so, I'd probably get a rating 3 set with a smartlink, image link, and flare compensation. That's (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) 2,875 base; is that "Vision Enhancers" (1.3 COLA), or "Headware (includes eyes & ears)" (1.2 COLA)?

Also, do the COLA adjustments factor into the price we're able to fence stuff at?

It would be Vision Enhancers (since it is equipment and not Cyberware)

Yes they do. You fence something at 25% base of the COLA price.

ETA - you don't get it when you fence something you bought in chargen, since you didn't pay the COLA when you purchased it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Jack VII]

I may get some fancy contact lenses as well, given that I still have a little cash floating around. I still get my natural low-light even with contact lenses in, right?

Yeah, only cyber-replacements eliminate your natural vision enhancements.

If so, I'd probably get a rating 3 set with a smartlink, image link, and flare compensation. That's (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) 2,875 base; is that "Vision Enhancers" (1.3 COLA), or "Headware (includes eyes & ears)" (1.2 COLA)?

You've got DNI from your Control Rig, so you don't need an image link or audio link. DNI grants that to you as a perk.

[Lobo0705]

Ok, some more house-keeping (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

There will be one more Tribune, which will be dated 8/10/2075 - about a week after the end of the run.

I'd like to have all shopping lists finalized, repair rolls done, summoning tests done, etc, then you can post final IC posts incorporating these into your posts, as well as any responses to the Tribune. I will also post a final IC post from Overkill, letting you know what happened to him IC.

I am going away to another convention Thursday afternoon, returning Sunday night. Assuming that the new player has his character done by then, and we have wrapped everything up, I'm thinking we can get started on the next adventure next week sometime.

Once all adjustments have been made to your character, including equipment, karma changes, etc, have a copy handy that you can copy and paste over to the new OOC thread for easy reference.

[DrZaius]

@Lobo: Sounds good. I am assuming we're using whatever rules we have in the book for fencing? I think it'd probably make sense for Grease to try and fence the smart glasses himself, since he has a chance to make extra (modified by net hits when he finds a buyer).

Weird that you have to actually pick someone to negotiate against me when purchasing the item; I guess you just decide whoever you want to purchase it, and pick their attributes/skills. It's just odd there isn't something suggested. I could see it either going directly to someone who could use it, or to a fence (who would be a much tougher negotiator).

@Jack: Thanks. That brings the price down to (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) 2,650, adjusted to (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) 3,445 after COLA.

ETA: Prices on my shopping list post are updated to reflect new purchases, repairing Rhex. Still need pricing on getting the Rotodrone repaired, as well as any (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) earned from fencing my smart glasses.

[Jack VII]

Final Purchases & Karma Expenditure

Shopping List (Total: 13,863)
1 Month Low-Lifestyle [Dangerous Area] w/Regular Inconvenience Dependent & Local Grid Access: 2,500
Automotive Repair Kit & Nic's Gift: 750
2x Tickets for NAGO: 500
Datajack [Alpha]: 1,440 (A4)
Zoe Executive Suite w/Concealable Holster: 2,487 (A12)
Forearm Guards: 345 (A6)
Medkit Replenishment: 110 (A-)
Trauma Patch: 550 (A6)
Low-Light Flashlight: 250 (A4)
(Streetline Special) Internal Smartlink: 150 (A6)
(Streetline Special) Gecko Grip: 125 (A6)
(HK-227) Improved Range Finder: 2,500 (A6)
(HK-227) Sling: 19 (A-)
(Colt M23) Foregrip: 125 (A2)
(Colt M23) Bipod: 250 (A2)
(Colt M23) Sling: 19 (A-)
(Colt M23) Underbarrel Slide Mount: 625 (A4)
(Helmet) Ultrasound (2) + Trode Removal: 310 (A5)
(Armor Jacket) Drag Handle: 58 (A-)
120x AR [REG] Rounds: 300 (A2)
40x AR [S&S] Rounds: 400 (A6)
20x SMG [REG] Rounds: 50 (A2)

Karma (12 Points)
Small Unit Tactics (3) : 6 Karma
Quick Healer: 6 Karma

@Lobo: I bumped up the amount I am willing to pay for the two concert tickets to 500 total and included the upgraded spend on Nic's gifts and the cost to remove the trodes from my helmet. I think everything is square now. I'll update the Resource Tracker and Character Sheet unless you say otherwise.

ETA: Also, are there any changes to Contact Ratings/Notoriety/Public Awareness or anything like that? Already adjusted Street Cred by +1 for the karma gain.

[Lobo0705]

ETA: Prices on my shopping list post are updated to reflect new purchases, repairing Rhex. Still need pricing on getting the Rotodrone repaired, as well as any (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) earned from fencing my smart glasses.

Ok, so to fix the Rotodrone, you have to first find the buyer, which is going to cost you a little for the introduction - Nuyen makes the world go round (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Chapel will be cheaper, hitting you up for a mere 100 nuyen for the intro, Sling, being less Loyal, will probably require a larger bribe to make the necessary introductions - around 250 nuyen - again, it depends on whether you want to know a sleazy garage/chop shop owner in the Warrens (Sling's contact) or a retired Rigger living in UCAS proper (Chapel's) - you have to decide that.

Either way, repairing the 4 boxes of damage is probably 2 hours worth of work for either of them, and will cost you 1,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) for the materials, along with another 120 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) for the labor.

The non-structural damage is another 50 nuyen for parts, and 60 nuyen in labor.

Fencing the smart glasses - again, this is like going out and buying the stuff yourself, as opposed to going to a Fixer, which is the reason that Fixers exist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

So, the process is Etiquette + Charisma extended test with an interval of 2 days, needing 10 hits. Let's say you tried this. (These are sample rolls)

First test (I'm thinking Pheromones would NOT apply, since you are probably not doing all of this face to face, let's assume that for now for the sake of argument, it is only 1 die difference)
11d6.hits(5)=4

Next test:
10d6.hits(5)=4

You are doing well (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Next test
9d6.hits(5)=7

VERY nice roll (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

So, after spending 6 days - and I'm assuming that this is not you making one phone call, and 6 days later you get a buyer, this is you making deals, meeting people, cold calling, etc, i.e. spending a significant portion of each of those 6 days finding your buyer - you find someone.

Now, base price is 2100, 25% of that is 525, +/- 5% or 26.25 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) per hit.

I assume I just randomly generate the charisma and Negotiation of the person you sell it to. Assume that it is the average guy, and he rolls 4-6 dice. You are rolling 12 at best (assuming he meets you in person).

You average about 2 more hits than he does, so you make 558 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) for the glasses. As opposed to Chapel, who you would probably break even with (maybe at worst he beats you by a hit on average) and you make 499 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif)

The question is, does Grease consider it worth his time to spend a week hunting for someone to buy this as opposed to calling Chapel, all for about 60 nuyen ?

[Lobo0705]

@Lobo: I bumped up the amount I am willing to pay for the two concert tickets to 500 total and included the upgraded spend on Nic's gifts and the cost to remove the trodes from my helmet. I think everything is square now. I'll update the Resource Tracker and Character Sheet unless you say otherwise.

ETA: Also, are there any changes to Contact Ratings/Notoriety/Public Awareness or anything like that? Already adjusted Street Cred by +1 for the karma gain.

Jack, the nuyen and karma expenditures are approved (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

As far as Contact Ratings/Notoriety/Public Awareness:

Contacts:

New Contacts:

All of you should have the following:
Shannon Greeley L 1
Jim L 1
Ramirez 2

Amy only:
Turbine L1

Jack and Grease only:
Brandy L1

Existing contacts:

Amy:
I'm not sure that you would have any contacts go up in Loyalty, except Chomsky, who would go from a 4 to a 5.
I think it isn't unrealistic that Jack and Grease could also take Chomsky as a Level 1 Loyalty Contact.

Grease
No change that I can see in any Contact Loyalty

Jack
Perhaps Honeypot to 3? I'm not sure only because I'm not sure which emotion she feels more strongly, gratitude at Jack saving her life, or anger that he potentially put it in danger to begin with - probably an equal smattering of both and so no change, but I could be persuaded to make it a 3 given a compelling argument.


Notoriety
I believe Grease picks up a point of Notoriety for the category of "Insulting or otherwise pissing off a Mr. Johnson" (page 368) He already had a point for the Addiction, for a Notoriety of 2.

Public Awareness
Were you not in disguise, the fight at the park would definitely give Amy and Overkill one.
I will say that the Astral Signature left at the apartment, however, is significant - but only to those who can spot the signature, so I'll give Amy a Public Awareness of 1* - i.e. for the non-Awakened, she has a Public Awareness of 0. For those who are Astrally Perceiving her, she has a Public Awareness of 1. (which is still "Unheard of outside the shadow community")

[Lobo0705]

ETA - Jack and Amy should have Ramirez Loyalty 2, Grease Loyalty 1 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Jack VII]

Jack
Perhaps Honeypot to 3? I'm not sure only because I'm not sure which emotion she feels more strongly, gratitude at Jack saving her life, or anger that he potentially put it in danger to begin with - probably an equal smattering of both and so no change, but I could be persuaded to make it a 3 given a compelling argument.

I won't really argue it one way or another. I asked my contact for information. She did what contacts do (asked around) and it ended up almost getting her killed and one of her contacts and several associates definitely killed. I didn't really have any control over that, from what I can tell. I reacted to her being in trouble and probably kept her from getting killed, so I don't think there would be a decrease. I'm not exactly sure what lesson I'm supposed to draw from that part of the run other than not asking my Fence for information.

I'll get the other contacts updated. Thanks!

[DrZaius]

The question is, does Grease consider it worth his time to spend a week hunting for someone to buy this as opposed to calling Chapel, all for about 60 nuyen ?

He does not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cyber.gif) That seems unduely harsh given Grease's etiquette and negotiation skills, although I suppose he is fairly Loyal to Chapel (which helps). I suppose at some point there could be an item with a great enough value that it would make sense to sell it on my own; as it stands it seems like letting Chapel deal with it makes the most sense.

I don't think I actually roll against Chapel; he just gives me whatever the item's value is x 5% per point of Loyalty (so I'd actually only get ~315 nuyen).

On the Rotodrone: Let's go with Sling; I still think I'd like to know a chopshop operator in the Warrens. So to fix the Rotodrone is 250 (the intro), + 1,230 (parts & labor) for a grand total of (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) 1,480

@Lobo: I'd want to argue slightly against the Notoriety, if I could. I cannot argue against the "pissing off or insulting Mr. Johnson" charge; however I will say I was hamming it up a bit to reflect the glitch I had in my background research on him. It's obviously up to you; I'm just not sure the punishment fits the crime, given that we were very successful in the run and (I hope) I mended my fences with Ramirez over the course of the run.
ETA: Of course, I say this knowing very little about how Notoriety affects one mechanically. Other than Grease is building up a negative rep (which, frankly, is probably deserved (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cyber.gif) )

[Lobo0705]

I won't really argue it one way or another. I asked my contact for information. She did what contacts do (asked around) and it ended up almost getting her killed and one of her contacts and several associates definitely killed. I didn't really have any control over that, from what I can tell. I reacted to her being in trouble and probably kept her from getting killed, so I don't think there would be a decrease. I'm not exactly sure what lesson I'm supposed to draw from that part of the run other than not asking my Fence for information.

I'll get the other contacts updated. Thanks!

Oh I certainly wouldn't have it drop - that's not even a question. It was just a matter of whether or not to raise it by one.

I wasn't trying to provide a lesson, but one thing that was definitely part of 3rd edition (which looking at the 5e book they seem to have removed) is the idea that you aren't existing in a vacuum, you ask your contact a question, who asks their contact, who may end up revealing (inadvertently or otherwise) that someone is asking about them to the party you were inquiring about.

Will it happen every time? Absolutely not, but it can happen. I think the lesson (if you want to take one from it) is that Shadowrun is a dangerous universe.

Hmm - the more I think on it, I think I will have it raise the Loyalty by 1, if for no other reason than it promotes better RP between you and the contact, which is always positive, and it adds a bit more catharsis to the storyline.

[Lobo0705]

He does not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cyber.gif) That seems unduely harsh given Grease's etiquette and negotiation skills, although I suppose he is fairly Loyal to Chapel (which helps). I suppose at some point there could be an item with a great enough value that it would make sense to sell it on my own; as it stands it seems like letting Chapel deal with it makes the most sense.

I don't think I actually roll against Chapel; he just gives me whatever the item's value is x 5% per point of Loyalty (so I'd actually only get ~315 nuyen).

On the Rotodrone: Let's go with Sling; I still think I'd like to know a chopshop operator in the Warrens. So to fix the Rotodrone is 250 (the intro), + 1,230 (parts & labor) for a grand total of (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) 1,480

@Lobo: I'd want to argue slightly against the Notoriety, if I could. I cannot argue against the "pissing off or insulting Mr. Johnson" charge; however I will say I was hamming it up a bit to reflect the glitch I had in my background research on him. It's obviously up to you; I'm just not sure the punishment fits the crime, given that we were very successful in the run and (I hope) I mended my fences with Ramirez over the course of the run.

Ok - so looking at the rules for contacts:

Swag: This is like networking, except you’re specifically
trying to buy or sell something. A contact can use
her connections to find potential buyers or sellers. Contacts
looking for traders follow the same procedures for
Availability and Fencing Tests (p. 418) that PCs do, using
their own Charisma and Negotiation skill instead of yours,
along with their Connection rating as a modifier to their
Social limit. If you’re willing to sweeten the deal for the
potential trading partner, let your contact know in advance—
they’re good, but they’re not psychic.

So basically you call Chapel, and HE makes the appropriate calls to find the buyer and seller, and then to fence the item. I cant find where it says he pays you 5% per Loyalty point, although I'm okay with that (if you do find it though, let me know where it says that).

Ok, so, new contact:

Slick Connection 2 (No Loyalty to you as of yet)
Slick's Autobody Corner of E. Kentucky and S. Norfolk
Slick always looks like he took a bath in motor oil. His coveralls are stained permanently, the sleeves rolled back to reveal the markings of a former BB member gone "legit". Slick and his crew do enough business out the front of the autobody shop that they can do a significant amount out the back without attracting too much attention. Slick lives out of an apartment over the shop, and he and a number of his employees are there around the clock, working or carousing with members of the BB's and the ganger groupies.

Jack, if you can put that on the map, I'll update the Word File

With Notoriety - here is my thought. If it truly bothers you, I will rescind the point, if for no other reason than the fact that the RP was great, and the scene was so much more fun since you were hamming it up, and I don't want you in future to try and downplay the RP to avoid having a penalty later, especially one as sort of nebulous as Notoriety - which is never actually defined anywhere, it doesn't add to Charisma tests, like Street Cred, or even some sort of ranking system, like Public Awareness. So, if I have to choose between good RP and a nebulous modifier, I'll take the good RP every time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Jack VII]

If it helps, my thoughts on Notoriety is that it should probably act as a negative penalty to initial social tests (sort of like a Negative Quality version of First Impression), but only for people who have some knowledge of the notorious person. Maybe as a function of a Shadowrunner Knowledge check (which all Johnson's should have) with a Threshold equal to (6 - (Notoriety + Public Awareness)) So it doesn't really hurt you all that bad until people start learning about who you are.

Grease may soon be so famous that he is "in famous."

Slick's is added.