Full Version: Runner's Companion PDF?
Any hint when we can expect it?
if it has the same time between preview and pdf release as corporate enclaves, i would say somewhere around the end of the month.
but that makes me wonder where unwired have run of to...
but that makes me wonder where unwired have run of to...
Going by what Adam mentioned in last month's chat, the release schedule looks as follows:
Aresenal (meanwhile available)
Unwired
Feral Cities
Ghost Cartels
Runner's Companion
Aresenal (meanwhile available)
Unwired
Feral Cities
Ghost Cartels
Runner's Companion
if thats the case, then why this early preview? seems to me that RC are closer to a 3-4 quarter release going by that...
unless they are thinking about release one book pr month, if so one hit maybe late summer...
unless they are thinking about release one book pr month, if so one hit maybe late summer...
Because the preview is just to mess with us. And it does its job admirably. 
heh, the SR equivalent of dropping a truckload of snakes in a convention 
Just look at this forum. Three seperate threads discussing how Mary Sue dragons are. The devs must be having a great time watching us tear at each others throats 
Can we please finish writing Runner's Companion before the pdf goes up for sale? Gas prices are high and the Delorean gets horrible mpg.
May I ask where this preview is?
QUOTE
Can we please finish writing Runner's Companion before the pdf goes up for sale? Gas prices are high and the Delorean gets horrible mpg.
Just zip back a few years and get your gas when it still was cheap?
Oh, and please, at least balance the vampire and other infected so far down that they're possible to handle. The SR3 versions surely weren't.
QUOTE (hobgoblin @ Apr 5 2008, 10:57 AM) 
heh, the SR equivalent of dropping a truckload of snakes in a convention
You mean a plane on its way to a convention?
QUOTE (hermit @ Apr 5 2008, 06:50 PM)
Oh, and please, at least balance the vampire and other infected so far down that they're possible to handle. The SR3 versions surely weren't.
Take the stats in SR4, make them cost 40 BP, compare them to a Troll. See, balanced. It's really that simple.
Madpiper, the preview's at shadowrun4.com.
QUOTE (hobgoblin @ Apr 5 2008, 09:57 AM)
heh, the SR equivalent of dropping a truckload of snakes in a convention
"Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherfragging snakes in this motherfragging convention!!"
QUOTE
Take the stats in SR4, make them cost 40 BP, compare them to a Troll. See, balanced. It's really that simple.
Yeah. And scrap that essence-based attribute boost. And Mist Form. And everything else a vamp in SR can do.
QUOTE (hermit @ Apr 5 2008, 09:00 PM)
Yeah. And scrap that essence-based attribute boost. And Mist Form. And everything else a vamp in SR can do.
The boost works only after feeding and consumes essence, no problem here. Mistform leaves you nekkid, so not the most useful ability to have. And that's about all they can. Play one before judging him to be overpowered. Even in SR3 they were not horribly broken or anything. In SR2 on the other hand...
Feeding lasts for weeks, so it's a pretty decent boost. Suck someone dry before a run and you're effectivel a magic 12 mage. Nah, that's not game-breaking at all.
You have not read the rules, I see. The boost last for like 12 hours. That's the kind of bodycount that will get the vamp killed real fast if he want's to keep that boot up all the time.
Also, your example needs a vamp with magic of 6+ to work and that is gamebreaking without beeing infected.
Also, your example needs a vamp with magic of 6+ to work and that is gamebreaking without beeing infected.
I'm sensing a theme here... *eyes some other threads*
In the past, previews have appeared a few weeks before the PDF release. I take it that this preview is preceding its PDF release by longer than that, then?
The preview is a late April Fools joke. However well done it looks, we can tell it's a joke because of the improbability of them releasing a preview this far ahead of schedule and because despite numerous opportunities to correct people's guesses that its a joke, the writers have declined to do so. The only input from the writers on these threads is Adam who sidestepped the issue and Ancient History who couldn't resist a comment if you paid him.
It's far from me to spoil someone's joke, but it is now substantially past the 1st of April and I'm seeing fights starting to break out over this now. Maybe it was done as a joke originally and now that so many people are actually liking it, they're having a re-think. Or maybe, they really did want to sound out the community in such a way that it could be passed off as a joke, but I don't see the writers being that big a bunch of scaredy pants.
It's a joke.
QUOTE (knasser @ Apr 6 2008, 08:52 PM)
It's a joke.
More than likely.
But I'm still making a Feathered Serpent drummer ... using Frank's chargen rules.
The preview lacks satiric tone, the Dragon PCs are awfully carefully balanced for a prank. It was posted on the 2nd, not the first, and the multithread controversy has been spilling blood for four days without any writer or developer coming forward to tell us that, teehee, there's no reason to divide into armed camps after all.
If it's a joke, it's the least funny ever.
If it's a joke, it's the least funny ever.
Maybe all the developers (like Synner and Adam and... wait, that are all - the rest are freelance writers who certainly aren't involved in everything SR4-related) have some free days?
Plus this wouldn't be the first time. I seem to remember a "SR D20" scare a few years back... 
Evil times...
EDIT:
You gotta love the wayback machine.
Evil times...EDIT:
QUOTE ("www.shadowrunrpg.com April 1st @ 2005")
SR5!
FanPro Announces Shadowrun, Fifth Edition!
In consideration of the feedback we’ve received for the still-unreleased Shadowrun, Fourth Edition, we’ve decided to go ahead and announce our plans for an upgrade to the SR4 rules set, to be released in September 2005. This magical new edition will somehow fix everything wrong with the game without actually changing anything about it! All illustrations will also be anatomically correct! In addition, we will compile all of the advanced rules material and include it in the core rulebook, so you’ll have it all in one place: at 800 pages, the $150 cover price is a bargain! And with this 10-pound brick in your hand, your players will think twice before arguing with the gamemaster again! As a special bonus, we’ll even throw in a limited edition piece of orichalcum we recovered from the secret FASA vaults. And if you don’t stop playing SR1, SR2, SR3 and SR4 as soon as we release it, we’ll hunt you down and kill you.
Oh, and did we mention it will be D20?
Posted in General by RobBoyle
FanPro Announces Shadowrun, Fifth Edition!
In consideration of the feedback we’ve received for the still-unreleased Shadowrun, Fourth Edition, we’ve decided to go ahead and announce our plans for an upgrade to the SR4 rules set, to be released in September 2005. This magical new edition will somehow fix everything wrong with the game without actually changing anything about it! All illustrations will also be anatomically correct! In addition, we will compile all of the advanced rules material and include it in the core rulebook, so you’ll have it all in one place: at 800 pages, the $150 cover price is a bargain! And with this 10-pound brick in your hand, your players will think twice before arguing with the gamemaster again! As a special bonus, we’ll even throw in a limited edition piece of orichalcum we recovered from the secret FASA vaults. And if you don’t stop playing SR1, SR2, SR3 and SR4 as soon as we release it, we’ll hunt you down and kill you.
Oh, and did we mention it will be D20?
Posted in General by RobBoyle
You gotta love the wayback machine.
how much more over the top and vague is that announcement vs the pdf presented this time round?
ok, some will say that dragons as pc's are over the top enough. now if they claimed it would be introed in a new version of the main book, i would buy the joke, but runners companion?
and why would they go to the effort of making a multipage pdf, with parts that have nothing to do with the main text no less (obsidimen part at the start of page 1)? and one complete with stats that seems to make mathematical sense if some posts here are correct?
still, i have seen some elaborate jokes over the years. but all come out at the end of the day or the following one to state quite clearly what the joke was.
i dont know. if its a joke, its about damn time someone steps forward and makes it clear that it is.
ok, some will say that dragons as pc's are over the top enough. now if they claimed it would be introed in a new version of the main book, i would buy the joke, but runners companion?
and why would they go to the effort of making a multipage pdf, with parts that have nothing to do with the main text no less (obsidimen part at the start of page 1)? and one complete with stats that seems to make mathematical sense if some posts here are correct?
still, i have seen some elaborate jokes over the years. but all come out at the end of the day or the following one to state quite clearly what the joke was.
i dont know. if its a joke, its about damn time someone steps forward and makes it clear that it is.
I agree on all points. The "D20" joke was quite obvious and over the top.
I just have this gut feeling that dragon PCs have to be a joke. The devs have said numerous times in numerous contexts (the lack of military vehicles in Arsenal, for example) that SR4 is about getting back to the "street level" basics of Shadowrun. I guess an "alternate campaigns" section featuring ultra high-powered characters would not be unusual in the RC (it was a common feature in previous incarnations of the SRC), but dragon PCs in a your run-of-the-mill game seems like a joke to me.
At any rate, a statement from the devs would be great right about now.
I just have this gut feeling that dragon PCs have to be a joke. The devs have said numerous times in numerous contexts (the lack of military vehicles in Arsenal, for example) that SR4 is about getting back to the "street level" basics of Shadowrun. I guess an "alternate campaigns" section featuring ultra high-powered characters would not be unusual in the RC (it was a common feature in previous incarnations of the SRC), but dragon PCs in a your run-of-the-mill game seems like a joke to me.
At any rate, a statement from the devs would be great right about now.
QUOTE (knasser @ Apr 6 2008, 05:52 AM)
The preview is a late April Fools joke. However well done it looks, we can tell it's a joke because of the improbability of them releasing a preview this far ahead of schedule and because despite numerous opportunities to correct people's guesses that its a joke, the writers have declined to do so. The only input from the writers on these threads is Adam who sidestepped the issue and Ancient History who couldn't resist a comment if you paid him.
Those writers are sneaky bastards, yeah.
But yeah, I think you're right. I mean, when has Adam ever declined a straight answer to a serious question? He's usually all pro.
I do resemble Knasser's remark.
QUOTE (Method @ Apr 6 2008, 09:00 PM)
I just have this gut feeling that dragon PCs have to be a joke. The devs have said numerous times in numerous contexts (the lack of military vehicles in Arsenal, for example) that SR4 is about getting back to the "street level" basics of Shadowrun. I guess an "alternate campaigns" section featuring ultra high-powered characters would not be unusual in the RC (it was a common feature in previous incarnations of the SRC), but dragon PCs in a your run-of-the-mill game seems like a joke to me.
but then they could also toss in military vehicles into RC and slap a statement on the back saying that if one want to run a higher powered game its all in the book, from high powered PC races and creatures, to high powered gear...
and as its not part of the "must have" groups of books (its not supposed to expand or clarify any rules, right?) they got their asses covered when it comes to GM ire
QUOTE (Ancient History @ Apr 6 2008, 08:41 PM)
I do resemble Knasser's remark.
*Takes semantically accurate reading of that sentence...* You mean, overly-wordy but generally accurate?
That too, plus, and also.
QUOTE (Method @ Apr 6 2008, 11:59 AM)
You gotta love the wayback machine.
April 1st 2004 was better IMO. Gotta love Magical Girls.
The images aren't up anymore though.
Ahhh... that was the one I was looking for!!
QUOTE (hobgoblin @ Apr 6 2008, 08:46 PM)
and why would they go to the effort of making a multipage pdf, with parts that have nothing to do with the main text no less (obsidimen part at the start of page 1)? and one complete with stats that seems to make mathematical sense if some posts here are correct?
Because they can.
QUOTE (Ancient History @ Apr 5 2008, 11:13 AM)
Can we please finish writing Runner's Companion before the pdf goes up for sale? Gas prices are high and the Delorean gets horrible mpg.
... wouldn't that be measured in years per ounce (of plutonium)?
Regardless as to the fact or fiction of the Runners Companion preview, we do not hint as to future release dates, whether PDF or print. There are several books ahead of Runners Companion in the queue.
nice one adam 
Adam: Regardless of fact or fiction?
What is going on with this Companion preview? Why hasn't it been confirmed or disconfirmed? If it was a failed joke the developers should own up to it. If it's a real preview the fans deserve to know.
And if it is a real preview, why was it posted so far ahead of the release itself, and in contradiction of the custom? It's only led to confusion.
What is going on with this Companion preview? Why hasn't it been confirmed or disconfirmed? If it was a failed joke the developers should own up to it. If it's a real preview the fans deserve to know.
And if it is a real preview, why was it posted so far ahead of the release itself, and in contradiction of the custom? It's only led to confusion.
QUOTE (Cabral @ Apr 6 2008, 05:08 PM)
... wouldn't that be measured in years per ounce (of plutonium)?
Dude, just dump some coffee grounds and banana peels into the Mr Fusion and you're set.
Yes, but to accelerate up to 88 miles per hour you need the Delorean, which has always been a gasoline engine!
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A steam engine (plus gravity) seemed to work too.
I think if you don't need roads, you certainly don't need gasoline.
I think if you don't need roads, you certainly don't need gasoline.
QUOTE (Zen Shooter01 @ Apr 7 2008, 11:50 AM)
Adam: Regardless of fact or fiction?
What is going on with this Companion preview? Why hasn't it been confirmed or disconfirmed? If it was a failed joke the developers should own up to it. If it's a real preview the fans deserve to know.
And if it is a real preview, why was it posted so far ahead of the release itself, and in contradiction of the custom? It's only led to confusion.
What is going on with this Companion preview? Why hasn't it been confirmed or disconfirmed? If it was a failed joke the developers should own up to it. If it's a real preview the fans deserve to know.
And if it is a real preview, why was it posted so far ahead of the release itself, and in contradiction of the custom? It's only led to confusion.
I'm betting its legit preview. They're not going to say one way or another though, because as long as people are trying to prove if its true or false everyones happy (because they all hope, or think they are right). Once they say one way or another, judging by the polls, half of the dumpshockers are going to be complaining non-stop about why they should have been included or should not have been included. My stance right now is, I'll worry about it after I read Unwired.
QUOTE (Nightwalker450 @ Apr 7 2008, 12:13 PM)
half of the dumpshockers are going to be complaining non-stop
I think that part will happen anyway
hey it's happening now, and I don't just mean about this subject
*rimshot*
people love to complain, its only a question of what subject...
QUOTE (Ancient History @ Apr 5 2008, 01:13 PM)
Can we please finish writing Runner's Companion before the pdf goes up for sale? Gas prices are high and the Delorean gets horrible mpg.
Dude, still using that gas guzzler? You should try my police box. It's quite roomy, and I got it really cheap from a British doctor.
QUOTE (hobgoblin @ Apr 7 2008, 01:03 PM)
people love to complain, its only a question of what subject...
One fateful day long ago it occurred to me that there is one thing that unites all of mankind. Beyond race, beyond religion, beyond food, there is one simple need that drives humanity.
That is the need to bitch and complain.
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