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Blitz
Hey there everyone! In preparation for upcoming GenCon, I would really like a bit of practice GMing the new edition so I don't look like a total n00b smile.gif Since I am now exiled to potato land up in Boise and no longer "with group" I figured I'd throw down for a new game here.

Since the major reason for starting a thread is for me to familiarize myself with the rules, this game will involve more mechanics/rolling than the majority of the games on here. Rules people are welcome as I anticipate multiple discussions on rules interpretations.

As for the game itself, think like an archtype smile.gif No optional rules will be in effect, and we'll go with the baseline starting points outlined in the book (400 build points). The campaign setting will be in Seattle, and Im looking for new shadowrunners. No veterans, no pro's.

I will be planning on giving out 1 karma per week, plus any bonus karma for cool stuffs, so plan on having a character that will grow and evolve.

I would like the following character types and will only be taking one of each type.

1. Mage/Shaman
2. Technomancer/Hacker
3. Face/Investigator (thinker, leader type)
4. Mercenary/Ranged Specialist
5. Adept/Melee Specialist
6. Rigger/Driver (control rigs are so minor nowadays smile.gif)
7. Thief/Infiltration/Electronics Specialist

Let start with character concepts first, don't bother throwing up any stats at this point. While it will be a rule heavy game, I, and I assume all of you, will be able to keep up our interest much easier if the character personalities are engaging.

IMPORTANT: No socially defunct personalities please. The characters all need to be team players and work as a cohesive unit. Im not saying there cannot be some personality conflict, but it needs to be such that it will not impact the game negatively. I highly encourage players to work out histories together to help with this, want to have a love interest; a dark secret that connects you with another player; previously worked with one or more of the other players; wanna be the ex cop who once arrested your new Merc? You get the idea smile.gif
Jaid
oooh, i get to be the first one to post =)

i've been sorta thinking of something for a little while, and lately the idea has sorta crystalised. since the hitting bottom thread is looking like it's overflowing, and is gonna have 9 players posting, i am expecting this one to be a little easier to keep up with =P

anyways, quick concept (no name as of yet) is a rigger who was basically a gladiator/pitfighter except with drones (occasionally with regular vehicles to make it more "exciting" for the spectators). much like wrestling, this would have variations on it, so that sometimes you can rig and sometimes you're stuck using remote control, AR, or even regular driving, so he'll be fairly generalised, and lightly cybered for better survival. pretty much everyone he knows have begun disappearing/being arrested (it's not a legal sport) as the corps respond to competition for their similar sports.

if you want, let me know if you need more details, i just don't want to go on for too long =P

[edit] realised we're all gonna know each other, so hiding the concept is irrelevant at best, and counterproductive at worst =P [/edit]
grendel
Fortunately for you, there are no good quotes from Brave New World. However, I offer this from the author of the work:

"All that happens means something; nothing you do is ever insignificant."
Oracle
My quick concept for this:

Betrayed worked as a security mage on an extraterritorial research facility owned by Saeder Krupp. His career went well and his superiors saw him as a possible candidate for a medium level management position in magical security. Then everything went wrong. A team of shadowrunners infiltrated the compound during Betrayed's shift, using stolen pass codes. His security team stood no chance against the trained professionals. Betrayed survived a near-fatal bullet wound to the spine and was then blamed to having sold the security codes used by the attackers. Seeing his corporate world crumble around him Betrayed faked his own death during an attempted escape from the hospital. He began a new life in the world of his former enemies.

I see many ways to connect this character to others in the team. Maybe someone helped him to establish his new identity...

spudrocks
I would like you to consider one of my favorite ideas for a character who has yet to be ina game. I will let you know I am also some what of a neophyte to the new rules so hopefully I can learn something also.

Here is character Roc for your consideration.

A surprisingly well dressed troll stands before you. "Da namez Roc and yez I za troll. Yuzots a problem with dat? Whyz I dressed likes this? Deez are myz Biz clothez. Yuz gots to look sharp in myz line of work. Whats dat I do? Wellza yuz knowz the big handsome troll behinz the little person doin all za talkin. Dats me. yuz seez I za gots special abilities. I za ones of doez adepts. If in deres trouble I splatem. Da udder people notz the little person I za guardin, stupids! Yuz seez I za bodiguardin fur rights now. I works for Madan Lu protectin her girlz when za outs on dates wif in clients and when Madam's Lu's in negotiatin with wif in udder groups. I can'ts talk no more about Madam Lu's kuz of seecrutcy. Nowza I lookin to go bigs time. Maybeez doin sum shadowrunin. I za herd uz gots a job forin meez."
Blitz
heh..I really got a kick outta that when you posted it for Kingmaker...I'd be happy to have him here.

Are you a Melee or Ranged Specialist? (since I assume you aren't going for the hacker or face positions wink.gif)
BishopMcQ
I'd add this as a counterpoint...

"Christianity without tears— that’s what soma is"

So would it be possible to be a Bliss addict who calls his pills soma?
spudrocks
Roc would definitely be a melee specialist, with some ranged skills (ie very little). He would have a high perception skill.
Blitz
Only if it's you McQuillan smile.gif
Blitz
Looks like there isn't enough interest to move forward at this time. After a little bit, I'll try refreshing this up a bit and making another call for players. Jaid, Oracle and Spud, you'll all have priority if you're still up for beginning in another couple of weeks.
AJCarrington
Just saw this topic; I'd also be interested in playing when you get the game going. I'f love to take on the merc/ranged specialist.

AJC
silentmaster101
if you dont mind a newbie who has never played unassisted before, im in. i have a elf infiltration/electronics/thief character.
Ankle Biter
I would like to join, but am in several games already, and don't want to end up over booked. That being said if this is going to be rules heavy and you don't mind, i'll be happy to stick my oar (nose) in the ooc thread nyahnyah.gif
Blitz
Well alright then smile.gif Since we seem to be filling out, lets go ahead and start this after all!

Let's see some brief character concepts (mini-backgrounds) to start with.
silentmaster101
whats the max availability on items for this?
Tanka
I've never once played a Decker in 2nd/3rd, and I'm not too up on rules for 4th, but damn if a Hacker doesn't look mighty fun.

Give me a bit to come up with a concept, and I'll get back to you. Been meaning to learn the hacking rules for a while now.
Blitz
We're going by the rules in the book for everything. I think max is 14...
Blitz
Current Roster (subject to change if we have multiple submissions)

1. Mage/Shaman
Oracle - Betrayed

2. Technomancer/Hacker
Tanka

3. Face/Investigator (thinker, leader type)
Open

4. Mercenary/Ranged Specialist
AJCarrington

5. Adept/Melee Specialist
Spudrocks - Roc

6. Rigger/Driver
Jaid

7. Thief/Infiltration/Electronics Specialist
silentmaster101 - Garrett
silentmaster101
ok, my character's name is Garrett
spudrocks
Blitz, here is the background for Roc.

[ Spoiler ]
silentmaster101
Here is Garretts background.

[ Spoiler ]
AJCarrington
My character's name is Karst, a dwarf with a penchant for large caliber hand guns (and pretty much anything else that goes BOOM,,, biggrin.gif ). Details to follow shortly.

AJC
adamu
Well....since your face position is still open....I did just make up a face character to submit to Mr. Juan's Genesis campaign, but he didn't make it in. The whole background is posted on that recruitment page, which is still up on page 2. It is the post dated -

June 27, 10:24 am

(I tried to quote it in this post, but I am too computer-ignorant and couldn't figure out how.)
The character sheet is already done, and if you want to see it just let me know and I will PM it to you. Actually, I can also PM you the background, if that makes it easier for you. Just let me know.

You did mention that you don't want any social dysfunctional types, and my character Tad is pretty much a dick. But being a face-type, he doesn't show it, so he is not socially dysfunctional at all.
But I am not wedded to the dick part of his personality - I mostly just included so he wouldn't be flat, and so that he'd have room for long-term moral development. But I can edit that part out if you like.
Bearclaw
Any chance of my taking the Investigator half of the Face/Investigator? This group looks like it could us some more Mojo
Abbandon
Hmmm. Must figure out tags and stuff hehe.
Jaid
just wanting to make sure this doesn't sink again...

so blitz, do you want a more fleshed out version of the background now? ie something a little longer than a short paragraph? =P
Blitz
Yes please! Sorry I've been quiet. My computer got hit with a MAJOR virus and was being doctored by my wonderful daddy smile.gif Unfortunately, it meant I was without a computer since last thursday.

Lets go ahead and start posting full histories so you can all figure out how you know each other or if you know each other. (you don't have to, it just sometimes helps with building a group if there's a reason to stick around and watch each other's backs)

And adam, lets hear the history smile.gif I'll let the group decide if your dick-iness is too much or not. *giggle*

Bearclaw, Im willing to listen to a concept. Don't want too many players at it tends to slow the game down, but if the character is neat enough, I wont be able to say no. wink.gif

adamu
Okay, I finally figured out how to move the other posting onto this thread. Again, the dickiness part of the character is not a must, though it would be more fun in terms of character development.

[ Spoiler ]


Blitz, in game terms the Free Fall adept power is a big part of the concept, so if you accept this character can I have it (per the conversions in the sticky at the top of the Welcome to the Shadows page)? Of course even maxing it wouldn't save him from that fall, but the idea is that the power level spiked at the moment of awakening. Note that while his skills are all about being a face, all his adept power points are things that manifested to keep him alive through that one trauma.
Tanka
OK, I'm having some serious writer's block, so if someone else comes up with a Hacker/Technomancer concept, they can have my spot.

*shakes fist at writer's block*
Blitz
Adam, Im at work and haven't read the sticky you are referencing, can you sum it up?

adamu
AAARGH! I misdirected you. It is at the top of the Shadowrun 4 page. It's very straightforward from previous editions. 0.25 power points per level, first 2 meters fallen per level don't cause any damage.
Blitz
can you post a link...Im not finding it.
adamu
Wow, I am really sorry to be such a high-maintenance pain in the neck. But you are really challenging my computer illiteracy levels here!
On the Shadowrun 4 page, it is the second sticky from the top, which lists all SR3 to SR4 conversions on the page.
Open that and go down to magic conversions. It is in the first thread under that heading, in alphabetical order.
I am really sincerely sorry that the idea of 'posting a link' is so exotic and mysterious to me.
Blitz
hehe...no worries. FYI, it's really easy. Just go to the page you want to link to and copy the web address including the http://..then in your reply, use the http:// button above the little chat window. It will ask you for the link first, then a name. When you enter that stuff, it will post the code for you here and you can see how it should look. I'll go check it out now though. Thanks for the directions smile.gif
Jaid
QUOTE (adamu)
Wow, I am really sorry to be such a high-maintenance pain in the neck. But you are really challenging my computer illiteracy levels here!
On the Shadowrun 4 page, it is the second sticky from the top, which lists all SR3 to SR4 conversions on the page.
Open that and go down to magic conversions. It is in the first thread under that heading, in alphabetical order.
I am really sincerely sorry that the idea of 'posting a link' is so exotic and mysterious to me.

SR3 to SR4: Converting Adept Powers

for your reference, adam, you clock the http:// button above the text window. this will open a dialogue box requesting the URL you want to link to. i have found it easiest to go to that URL and copy/paste, but i suppose you could just type it if you prefer =P

after hitting ok on that, another dialogue box will open. this one is for the text of the link... for example, in the above example, i put "SR3 to SR4: Converting Adept Powers" into that spot, it being the thread's title.

just click ok again, and the rest is taken care of for you (although if you really wish to see the syntax, it's not all that hard... just do what i showed you and look at what it says, you should be able to figure out where everything goes pretty easy.)

will have more full background later... have to leave in like 5 minutes atm =\
adamu
Jaid - thanks. I really appreciate it. And the helpful instructions you and Blitz have posted are very clear and I shall endeavor to refer to them in the future (though no guarantees - I REALLY AM hopeless with all things digital).
Blitz
Adam..I really do like your bio and the character concept in general, but I am very hesitant about allowing non-cannon material since this game's overall purpose is to explore the core rules. I am not allowing any house/optional rules which is what this would fall under. I am more than willing to let the character history stand and have it be a strange mystery of fate that allowed you to survive that fall, rather than a working adept power that has yet to be reintroduced into the new edition.
adamu
No problem. I will just be able to take more Magic Resistance, which also applies to his traumatic event survival thing.
I understand that your whole idea of this game was to practice with the RAW rules.
And on that topic, there seems to be some controversy on splitting skill groups - some people read the BBB as allowing people to take a skill group to a certain level, then spending BP to raise individual skills beyond that point. Some think that is wrong, and that if you start with a group, you can't raise individual skills from there. There is a whole thead arguing the point, and both sides make good arguments. Could you let me know which side of that debate you come down on?
Blitz
Hmm...I would have to read up on it and see what the text says. Gimme a day or so to come up with a ruling. I am assuming you are referring to advancing the character, not at startup (as there you have an either/or choice, either get the sk group for more flexibility, or buy the specific skill for a more specific use). I have in creating my own characters purchased both a SK group AND the skill it encompasses, but only for a character that needed a base understanding of all the skills in the group, but needed to be much better at one in particular. I purchased both individually and at full costs.
silentmaster101
hey blitz working on my character's bio, since i kept the background and idea from sr3 and remade the character, i have to rework it, ill post it soon. and just fyi i have in the bio that my character is rich and all from birth right, im going ot either manifest that as he left it behind when he turned to the shadows, or it is legally owned money and cant be used for shadow ops, either way it wont have a real presence in game.
adamu
Actually, I AM referring to start up. Specifically, paying 40 for Influence 4, then another 12 to up Negotiation to 6, and then 2 to get a specialization. I read the RAW doesn't say you can't, but some GMs (like myself - but I'll take it if I can get it) don't allow it. Your game, your call.

From your example, it sounds like that is not kosher with you (unless I choose to pay separate full cost for each, as you did). So I will absolutely do it your way.

That decided, I can basically get the sheet to you anytime you are interested in having it.
Blitz
Alrighty...for those of you with completed character sheets, go ahead and email them to bluegurl337@gmail.com. Please make them in an easy to read format (such as in word or excel) and I would super appreciate it if you would subtotal your point's expendatures at the bottom of each section (example: attributes, skills, knowledge skills, qualities, money, etc). This will make it easier for me to review.

As far as contacts go, leave the details off the character sheet (include the levels and points spent though). You will have a different opportunity to flesh out the contacts for me later.
Blitz
Adam..you sneak posted above me wink.gif

yeah, I realize the rules aren't that clear, but my interpretation is that as each method of buy skills (group or seperately) offers it's own advantages. There's a reason why skill groups cost so much more and are limited to rank 4, while individual skills are cheaper and can go to 5. I believe it's to show the difference between someone generally trained in a broad subject, to someone trained specifically. The specifically trained individual would be better at what they do but only for that special circumstance. While I understand the theory behind the argument to just pay the additional amount, I don't think that was how it was intended to work. Another example of the sometimes contrary nature of basic logic and character creation rules. Sometimes in order to function correctly, rules wont make logical sense.

However, when it comes to advancement, that may be a different story.
adamu
No problem. I actually agree with your ruling and have made the same as GM. But as a player - wheedle wheedle wheedle.
As for advancement, the rules, I think you will find, clearly allow it. See top of second column on p. 264.
Blitz
Adam...received your character sheet. Thank you for making it so clean and easy to read smile.gif
Buddha72
I was wondering if I may attempt to fill the now vacant technomancer slot? While I have played SR3 a great deal, I have very little experience with SR4 and would love the chance to play in the system and really get a feel for it.
silentmaster101
is there anybody with say a premade character sheet in like excel? all i have are either html versions or an adobe form i have to fill out manually. is html acceptable? (actually i would much prefer a excel version so i can track it, but if nobody has one ill just go build one.
Blitz
Buddha, you're more than welcome smile.gif

Silent..I may have one at home, but it will be several hours minimum before I get off work.
silentmaster101
hey its alright im making one right now and im gonna make it as close to the sample sheets as i can, but have a seperate page for powers, gear, and cyber.
spudrocks
Silentmaster, there is a fairly decent excel character generator in the community projects sections. It works fairly well for most things. It does not have all of the equipment though.
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