JesterX
Jul 12 2006, 04:33 PM
I always wondered how much infos you guys put while fleshing out your contacts for a new character...
For instance here is my list of contacts for my new character:
Do you think that's enough infos about them? Too many infos about them?
----
Emily Thompson, Human Female, Buddy, Face/Social Adept, Damn Cute, Haves Tailored Pheromons, Well Connected, Likes high-class restaurants.
"Neon", Human Male 10 years old Kid, Buddy, Shadowland Operative in the Denver's Nexus, Otaku, In a wheelchair.
"Priest", Human Male, Buddy, Shadowrunner and part-time fixer, Chromed to the max with lot of SOTA beta ware, Childhood buddy. Did some runs together.
Alicia Johnson, Human Female, Buddy, Ex-Girlfriend, Mr. Johnson for Saeder Krupp, Specialises in Matrix Runs.
Erik "The Mole" Bold, Dwarf, Male, Contact, DeckMeister and Information Broker.
Sandra James, Elven Female, Contact, High-Level Escort, Really Cute, Sees lot of corporate clients.
Jean Tremblay, Human Male, Contact, CatCo Seraphim, Huge Urban Brawl Fan.
"Sarge", Troll Male, Contact, Bouncer at the Seattle's Dantes Inferno, Really Huge, Eats as much as 10 humans.
"Feng Shui", Ork Male with asian heritage, Contact, Motorized Pizza delivery guy, Member of the Rusted Stilettos gang in the Barrens.
Shannon Sokal, Human Female, Contact, Security Decker for Fuchi America.
"Dances with Eagles", Male Human Amerindian, Contact, Eagle Shaman, Lives in Salish Sidhe near the border of Seattle.
Yoshihiro Tanaka, Contact, Male Human Japanese, Mr. Johnson for Mitsuhama, Has connections with the Yakuzas in Seattle.
Georges Huntington, Contact, Male Human, Fixer, Used to work for Ares, still have some connections in Ares, Humanis Policlubber.
Andrey Gustov, Male Ork, Russian, Contact, Taxi Driver, Ex-member of the Universal Brotherhood, Not infected by the Invea. Likes to party... a lot...
Carlos Mencia, Male Human, Amazonian, Lone Star Plain Clothes Cop, Physical Adept, I owe him a favor for saving my life.
Backgammon
Jul 12 2006, 04:38 PM
As a GM, I usually make contacts my own. For example, the player will write he has a Bartender contact. I'll go from there, and stick a personality of my own. However, sometimes the player will have a specific idea for his contact. In that case, I will make sure to taylor the personality to be as close as what the player has in mind.
So for me, it doesn't matter at all how much info the player writes for his contact. I'm going to use what's there, and make the rest up. Which IMO his a perfectly good way of doing things.
Neverborn
Jul 12 2006, 05:13 PM
Yea, I'll have to agree with the post above me, just a generic contact that i'll flesh out with a personality and what not according to the rating of the contact
and then of course some players enjoy making a special contact in which case by all means let them
i also think that good contacts help keep the game fresh and what not so that everyone the character runs into has a more real feel to them then just cardboard cut out npc's
Jrayjoker
Jul 12 2006, 05:14 PM
I feel that you have adequately described your contacts. Let the GM make plot hooks out of them. I would add any buddies to your backstory, though.
JesterX
Jul 12 2006, 05:44 PM
The thing is that we all play both GM's and players in alternate roles...
stevebugge
Jul 12 2006, 05:50 PM
| QUOTE (JesterX) |
| The thing is that we all play both GM's and players in alternate roles... |
In your situation (which is a lot like our group) you need to include everyone in building the contacts or you can end up with some really strange inconsistencies in contact behavior. In those cases maybe mainting a binder of Contact Character sheets and histories might be a good idea so that a characters fixer isn't a male Ork Urban brawl enthusiast with one GM and a Lesbian Elf party girl with another.
Apathy
Jul 12 2006, 08:46 PM
| QUOTE (JesterX @ Jul 12 2006, 11:33 AM) |
I always wondered how much infos you guys put while fleshing out your contacts for a new character...
For instance here is my list of contacts for my new character:
Do you think that's enough infos about them? Too many infos about them? |
I think it seems about right. Last time I got to play, my prarie dog shaman had these:
[ Spoiler ]
Dianne Ross (Paramedic)
Human, black, slightly overweight volunteer paramedic
Came to building on an emergency call (overdose) a couple years ago. Friends now, and occasionally go out together to the club. She's slightly jealous of Micki's looks, but would never admit it out loud.
Brian Taylor (Kid mage)
Ork kid. approx 9 (puberty age for orks). Small for his age and race. Blond hair and greyish eyes. Usually wearing hand-me-down blue jeans and t-shirt. Just starting to manifest magical talent. Micki's taking him under her wing to teach him the basics.
Antonio Tagliana (Mafia Soldier)
Human, Dark hair and eyes. Fit, but thin build. Was sent to Micki's project to collect a gambling debt from one of her neighbors and teach the deadbeat a lesson. She intervened, and negotiated on her neighbors behalf.
George Smith (O.R.C. protestor)
Outspoken and uncharismatic ork who's always out protesting for ork rights. Unfortunately, he often unintentionally reinforces ork stereotypes as stupid, violent, and ugly. Met at protest rally.
Sean O'Mallory (Yamatetsu Janitor)
Human Red Hair and Light Freckled Complexion. Husband/Father of family in the complex.
Tag Johnson (Dancer - Joy-Boy)
Somewhat attractive male prostitute. Human, Moderately High Charisma. Dark Hair/Blonde Eyes. Wears tight synthleather while 'working', and jeans or coveralls most other times.Lives in complex. Keeps hitting Micki up for dates. She's not interested, but not blunt enough to actually crush his hopes.
Hideo Tadashi (Wage Slave)
Polynesian - looking corp type. Just started working for Ares as a low level data analyst. Has aspirations to move up corporate ladder. Always leaves house in nice suit and tie. Spends most of his waking hours at work. Has wife and 3 kids. Lives in the complex to save money until his 'big break' comes along.
'Whiskers' Makara (Thief - Rat Shaman)
Unkept, with stringy brown hair. He's unshaven, and smells like he hasn't washed for some time. Astral perception will uncover that he's awakened. He rarely looks you in the eyes. Instead, they're always shifting from one person to another, as if looking for his next mark. Whiskers is actually a rat shaman. He got caught one night while trying to break into her apartment to steal magical supplies.
Sam Hanson (Street Cop)
Clean Shaven, short blond hair. Erect bearing. Unlike most cops that stop by the projects, he's actually honest. Micki's gone out of her way to befriend him. He recognizes that she's 'one of the good guys', but has a distrust of magicians that keeps him from completely letting his guard down around him. If he found out she was a shadowrunner he'd probably break off all contact.
Mike Mallory (Street Cop)
Tall for a dwarf. Obviously spends a lot of time primping and staying fit. Physically attractive, but conversation with him will soon reveal his blatant self interest. Mike is Sam's partner. Unlike Sam, Mike on the take. Nothing too serious, just a few bucks here and there to 'look the other way'. He tries to keep it quiet so Sam won't know, though he's been caught a couple times. Mike's got the hots for Micki, but is frustrated because she won't give him the time of day.
Jim Karlisle (Private Investigator)
Patterns his dress and mannerisms from the stereotype Sam Spade. Smokes constantly, and usually a little bit drunk. Met during a recent murder investigation in the neighborhood.
Patricia 'Moonsong' Xorias (Talismonger)
AmerIndian human. 40's. Long hair, usually pinned back from face with clips. Astral perception will reveal clips are sustaining foci for enhance charisma and willpower spells (force 2 each). Runs a talismonger shop in Snohomish. Long-time friends and sometimes rivals.
Cleo Thurmond (Raver / [sometimes BTL Dealer])
Braids dyed multiple colors. Hyper all the time. usually bouncing around listening to latest music or singing out loud.Another sprawl girl at the project. Cute teenager raver-girl. Always sneaking into the trendy hotspots - has made friends with enough bouncers that she can usually get in despite not having money for the cover. She's trying to keep her 'job' as a dealer hidden, but Micki knows about it and is trying to figure out how to get her to quit. (Cleo's connections to both the bar and drug scenes could make her an excellent informant, if Micki's willing to use her.)
Jinx (Thief)
Hispanic human male. Charismatic.Did a job with him once before. Is fond of him but doesn't trust him. Won't use him on runs unless she can't avoid it.5000
Home-slice (or just 'Slice') (Street Hustler/Informant)
Street Slick/Homeboy; think Huggy Bear, if he were a dwarf...Hangs out in Downtown, trying to hustle the business people during their lunch breaks, etc.5000
Kyle Strossand (Reporter)
Always immaculate, teeth too white, hair too neat - it just makes you want to roll him just to mess him up. He's spent so much time smiling for the camera he doesn't know when to stop.Did a fluff piece last year on the plight of the underpriviledged in Seattle's own back yard. Occasionally Micki tips him off about corrupt corps and what-not. In exchange, Kyle sometimes does some research for Micki using his press resources.5000
Kiniver McCullough (Fixer)
Kiniver is a petite blue-eyed blonde with a lilting Scots accent, who is 100% pure drill sergeant.She runs Club Eden, a relatively classy topless bar in Auburn, mostly as a cover and money-laundering operation. She doesn't work personally as one of the waitresses (much to the dismay of the regular patrons) though she's provided jobs for a few of her regular runners when they've been down on their luck. Kiniver is very tough and no-nonsense, but thoroughly trustworthy. She takes good care of her employees and regulars at the bar, treating them as an extended family, and her favorite shadowrunners are offered the same treatment.^`^`Micki has only run for Kiniver a couple times, and hasn't established her reputation yet. However, she like that way Kiniver does business, and is likely to use her when possible over the other fixiers.0
Tommy Spinelli (Fixer)
Tommy Spinelli used to be one of the best burglars in the biz, until his partner got sent to jail and Tommy decided life would be more fun as a legitimate businessman than languishing in a cell. Tommy's old friend Mickey tends the bar and knows half the biz-related faces in Seattle.Micki ran across Tommy while running with Jinx (he's Jinx's primary fixer)0
David Weisbarger (Renraku Scientist)
Human male. Scholarly look. 50's. Graying hair, slight paunch, and pronounced male-pattern baldness.David was Micki's first job. A (willing) corp extraction from Novatech to Renraku. (No, of course he's not in the Arc - he's in some other local facility.) David works primarily in electrical- and magnetic field research.
Drraagh
Jul 13 2006, 04:40 AM
When I flesh out a contact, I look at how important the contact is to the player and then make some examples of history the characters have had as well as looks and personality. The reason for that is mainly for Level 2 and especially Level 3 contacts.
Think of the scene in the remake of the Ocean's Eleven movie:
Reuben: Look, we all go way back and uh, I owe you from the thing with the guy in the place and I'll never forget it.
Danny: That was our pleasure.
Rusty: I'd never been to Belize.
Sometimes, especially with one PC and their contact in front of the rest of the group can be some fun RP as the rest of the team is wondering what sort of secrets that character hides.
MacMoney
Jul 14 2006, 11:44 AM
When creating a PC, I tend to write long histories of my character's dealings and observations of the contacts. With my last character, I think he had something like six or seven contacts and I ended up writing about three or four pages of text in total. When I GM, it kinda depends on what kind of a campaign it is. Usually our campaigns start out pretty open-ended so the contacts are like that too besides the most obvious stuff like name, description, race and usual behaviour. Then as the game goes on and the characters become more acquainted with the contacts, I will develop deeper personalities and histories for them as needed.
Dog
Jul 14 2006, 12:55 PM
| QUOTE (Apathy) |
| QUOTE (JesterX @ Jul 12 2006, 11:33 AM) | I always wondered how much infos you guys put while fleshing out your contacts for a new character...
For instance here is my list of contacts for my new character:
Do you think that's enough infos about them? Too many infos about them? |
I think it seems about right. Last time I got to play, my prarie dog shaman had these: [ Spoiler ]
Dianne Ross (Paramedic)
Human, black, slightly overweight volunteer paramedic
Came to building on an emergency call (overdose) a couple years ago. Friends now, and occasionally go out together to the club. She's slightly jealous of Micki's looks, but would never admit it out loud.
Brian Taylor (Kid mage)
Ork kid. approx 9 (puberty age for orks). Small for his age and race. Blond hair and greyish eyes. Usually wearing hand-me-down blue jeans and t-shirt. Just starting to manifest magical talent. Micki's taking him under her wing to teach him the basics.
Antonio Tagliana (Mafia Soldier)
Human, Dark hair and eyes. Fit, but thin build. Was sent to Micki's project to collect a gambling debt from one of her neighbors and teach the deadbeat a lesson. She intervened, and negotiated on her neighbors behalf.
George Smith (O.R.C. protestor)
Outspoken and uncharismatic ork who's always out protesting for ork rights. Unfortunately, he often unintentionally reinforces ork stereotypes as stupid, violent, and ugly. Met at protest rally.
Sean O'Mallory (Yamatetsu Janitor)
Human Red Hair and Light Freckled Complexion. Husband/Father of family in the complex.
Tag Johnson (Dancer - Joy-Boy)
Somewhat attractive male prostitute. Human, Moderately High Charisma. Dark Hair/Blonde Eyes. Wears tight synthleather while 'working', and jeans or coveralls most other times.Lives in complex. Keeps hitting Micki up for dates. She's not interested, but not blunt enough to actually crush his hopes.
Hideo Tadashi (Wage Slave)
Polynesian - looking corp type. Just started working for Ares as a low level data analyst. Has aspirations to move up corporate ladder. Always leaves house in nice suit and tie. Spends most of his waking hours at work. Has wife and 3 kids. Lives in the complex to save money until his 'big break' comes along.
'Whiskers' Makara (Thief - Rat Shaman)
Unkept, with stringy brown hair. He's unshaven, and smells like he hasn't washed for some time. Astral perception will uncover that he's awakened. He rarely looks you in the eyes. Instead, they're always shifting from one person to another, as if looking for his next mark. Whiskers is actually a rat shaman. He got caught one night while trying to break into her apartment to steal magical supplies.
Sam Hanson (Street Cop)
Clean Shaven, short blond hair. Erect bearing. Unlike most cops that stop by the projects, he's actually honest. Micki's gone out of her way to befriend him. He recognizes that she's 'one of the good guys', but has a distrust of magicians that keeps him from completely letting his guard down around him. If he found out she was a shadowrunner he'd probably break off all contact.
Mike Mallory (Street Cop)
Tall for a dwarf. Obviously spends a lot of time primping and staying fit. Physically attractive, but conversation with him will soon reveal his blatant self interest. Mike is Sam's partner. Unlike Sam, Mike on the take. Nothing too serious, just a few bucks here and there to 'look the other way'. He tries to keep it quiet so Sam won't know, though he's been caught a couple times. Mike's got the hots for Micki, but is frustrated because she won't give him the time of day.
Jim Karlisle (Private Investigator)
Patterns his dress and mannerisms from the stereotype Sam Spade. Smokes constantly, and usually a little bit drunk. Met during a recent murder investigation in the neighborhood.
Patricia 'Moonsong' Xorias (Talismonger)
AmerIndian human. 40's. Long hair, usually pinned back from face with clips. Astral perception will reveal clips are sustaining foci for enhance charisma and willpower spells (force 2 each). Runs a talismonger shop in Snohomish. Long-time friends and sometimes rivals.
Cleo Thurmond (Raver / [sometimes BTL Dealer])
Braids dyed multiple colors. Hyper all the time. usually bouncing around listening to latest music or singing out loud.Another sprawl girl at the project. Cute teenager raver-girl. Always sneaking into the trendy hotspots - has made friends with enough bouncers that she can usually get in despite not having money for the cover. She's trying to keep her 'job' as a dealer hidden, but Micki knows about it and is trying to figure out how to get her to quit. (Cleo's connections to both the bar and drug scenes could make her an excellent informant, if Micki's willing to use her.)
Jinx (Thief)
Hispanic human male. Charismatic.Did a job with him once before. Is fond of him but doesn't trust him. Won't use him on runs unless she can't avoid it.5000
Home-slice (or just 'Slice') (Street Hustler/Informant)
Street Slick/Homeboy; think Huggy Bear, if he were a dwarf...Hangs out in Downtown, trying to hustle the business people during their lunch breaks, etc.5000
Kyle Strossand (Reporter)
Always immaculate, teeth too white, hair too neat - it just makes you want to roll him just to mess him up. He's spent so much time smiling for the camera he doesn't know when to stop.Did a fluff piece last year on the plight of the underpriviledged in Seattle's own back yard. Occasionally Micki tips him off about corrupt corps and what-not. In exchange, Kyle sometimes does some research for Micki using his press resources.5000
Kiniver McCullough (Fixer)
Kiniver is a petite blue-eyed blonde with a lilting Scots accent, who is 100% pure drill sergeant.She runs Club Eden, a relatively classy topless bar in Auburn, mostly as a cover and money-laundering operation. She doesn't work personally as one of the waitresses (much to the dismay of the regular patrons) though she's provided jobs for a few of her regular runners when they've been down on their luck. Kiniver is very tough and no-nonsense, but thoroughly trustworthy. She takes good care of her employees and regulars at the bar, treating them as an extended family, and her favorite shadowrunners are offered the same treatment.^`^`Micki has only run for Kiniver a couple times, and hasn't established her reputation yet. However, she like that way Kiniver does business, and is likely to use her when possible over the other fixiers.0
Tommy Spinelli (Fixer)
Tommy Spinelli used to be one of the best burglars in the biz, until his partner got sent to jail and Tommy decided life would be more fun as a legitimate businessman than languishing in a cell. Tommy's old friend Mickey tends the bar and knows half the biz-related faces in Seattle.Micki ran across Tommy while running with Jinx (he's Jinx's primary fixer)0
David Weisbarger (Renraku Scientist)
Human male. Scholarly look. 50's. Graying hair, slight paunch, and pronounced male-pattern baldness.David was Micki's first job. A (willing) corp extraction from Novatech to Renraku. (No, of course he's not in the Arc - he's in some other local facility.) David works primarily in electrical- and magnetic field research.
|
Har har, you have a joy-boy named after me....
The Stainless Steel Rat
Jul 14 2006, 01:05 PM
Jester, I think your contact info is fine. It sounds exactly like the contact descriptions my group puts together, with the exception that a buddy should be slightly more fleshed out as your character should know them a little better. Mention them in your backstory, but I think that in general personality and plot hooks are in the pervue of the GM.