Hi, all, I was hoping I could get your advice. I am just starting up a new Shadowrun 4th edition game. My group has a mix of players who have played previous editions and brand new players. I'm also considering joining Shadowrun missions to run a game or two at a Con this summer. My problem is it takes forever to create hackers and sams for the new players (and the old ones two). I think the problem is the equipment buying. To that end I want to create some "packages" aimed at some basic character types so they can spend their nuyen quickly and get a good character to boot. That way they can create a customized character pretty quickly with equipment that fits their vision.

One thing that is throwing me is the equipment needed for hacking. I want to create five options for characters looking to buy a commlink and the software they'll need. I don't know the system well enough yet, so if you could give me your advice on what comlinks and programs to use, I would appreciate it. I would then price them out and include them in a packet to hand to new players. I'll post the end results here on Dumpshock for anyone who wants to use them.

Basic Package
An inexpensive commlink and software package useful for communication and info gathering, but not much else. Nothing illegal. This would be the type of package a brand new runner would have or something a GM could have on civilian NPCs as gear.

Entry Level Hacking Package
A solid choice of commlink and software for a runner whose isn't interested in doing any hacking. The biggest requirements would be defensive, to prevent security or other runners from hacking his system. This would be the type of packet a Street Sam or Mage would pick. It would also be something the GM would give well equipped security forces and NPCs.

Basic Hacking Package
A good commlink and software for a character who like to do some hacking, but that would not be their primary function. They might assist the primary hacker or fill in for a hacker on a small team without a hacker. This would be the type of packet a rigger, private investigator, covert opps specialist or jack-of-all trades character would pick.

Hacking Package
Everything an entry level hacker would need. The idea for this packet would be to have the breadth of software needed for most common situations or missions, but not necessarily the top ratings.

Elite Level Hacking Package
This package would be for the players who want their characters to be the best of the best at hacking. It would ideally cover all the bases and have enough power to slice through most systems a newbie team would come across. Cost would not be an option for this packet, as it would probably take a good proportion of their starting nuyen.

You may want to call it 'package' instead of 'packet'. Packet is an IT term so it makes some folks twitch when used in Shadowrun.

I think we calculated a rating 6/5/5/6 commlink to be 10,400 with Firewall and OS at Avail 12.
Ironically, I think a 6/6/6/6 commlink for hardware only is also 10,400.

The software needed is what separates the runner-package from the hacker-package. IMO if a hacker cant setup IC and BlackIC to defend the groups various commlinks they shouldn't use them for anything they wouldnt say/transmit in a crowded bar.

Sounds good - Package it is. I know drek-all about computers.

Why not just use some of the equipment that the Archetypes in the SR4 book have? I mean you can find a hacker, a sammie a mage etc.

Sure, might not be 100% optimized but who says you gotta be optimized?

1. Basic: 6/5/5/6 commlink with skinlink
2. Good: 6/5/5/6 commlink with skinlink, an Agent to do Data Searches, good Browse utility, and ECCM program
3. Better: 6/5/5/6 commlink with skinlink, a cracked copy of Agent, all common programs, IC-6, ECCM, and Blackhammer
4. Best: 6/5/5/6 commlink with skinlink, a cracked copy of Agent, cracked copy of IC, all common programs, and all hacking programs.

May not be 100% ideal but its a start others can chip in and help refine...

Wasabi - Thanks for the input! It's definitely a great place for me to start pricing out the packets.

FriendoftheDork - I tried doing that first. The problem being that the commlink and programs are all lumped in together with the other gear and cyber so it is almost impossible to go back and change things if the player wants different cyber, ect.

I also wanted to see what the experts here on Dumpshock felt were important programs/gear for different characters. For example, Agents and skinlinks aren't on any of the archtypes and I wouldn't have thought of them otherwise.

Each time I try to make a hacker character I end up thinking I need all the hacking/rigging gear. Much more than if I were to make an other type of character.

Oh, I forgot a satellite uplink. They are immensely useful. Out in the middle of the jungles of Aztlan and need to hack the FBIs NCIC database? Poof! Satellite uplink to the rescue!

Thanks for all the input. What I have come up with so far is below. A few questions: Am I missing something important? Does anyone know if it is possible to buy a starting Commlink with a System greater than 4? What is a cracked copy of a program and can you buy them at character generation?

Basic Package – 2,300 nuyen

Novatech Airware Commlink - 3/3/3/3
Novatech Airware with Iris Orb stock operating system
Skinlink, Subvocal Mic

Good Package – 4,300 nuyen

Novatech Airware Commlink - 3/3/3/3
Novatech Airware with Iris Orb stock operating system
Skinlink, Subvocal Mic
Browse (3), Analyze (3), Scan (3)
ECCM (3)

Entry Level Hacking Package – 22,800 nuyen

Transys Avalon Commlink – 4/4/4/4
Skinlink, Subvocal Mic
Agent (3), IC (3)
Analyze (4), Browse (4), Command (4), Edit (4), Encrypt (4), Scan (4)
Armor (3), Black Hammer (3), Decrypt (3), ECCM (3), Exploit (3), Spoof (3)

Elite Level Hacking Package – 66,050 nuyen
Fairlight Caliban – 4/5/4/4
Skinlink, Subvocal Mic, Satlink
Agent (4), IC (4)
Analyze (4), Browse (4), Command (4), Edit (4), Encrypt (4), Reality Filter (4) Scan(4)
Armor (4), Attack (4), Biofeedback Filter (4), Black Hammer (4), Blackout (4), Data Bomb (4), Decrypt (4), Defuse (4), ECCM (4), Exploit (4), Medic (4), Sniffer (4), Spoof (4), Stealth (4), Track (4)

Cracking programs is an extended test. Some GM's allow programs to be cracked when purchased others require cracking in play. There is no RAW provision for starting with them cracked. Pirating/Cracking is on BBB p224, left column, under 'Source Code and Piracy'

The chart for custom Response and Signal is on BBB p240.
The chart for custom System and Firewall is on BBB p228.

Note that since System and Firewall are programs they themselves can be cracked and duplicated among the team.