What was originally suppose to be a 2-players game with an AI NPC to handle the matrix world has now become a 1-player game (still with the AI). The remaining player will do an elven mage (think straight mage who's as good with conjuring and sorcery), so I need to come up with runs that'll handle only that character on the meat world.

Just to top it off, we're both new at SR (I actually did play the previous 3 editions a long time ago). I've been on this forum for a few months and I've heard (but never tested) how deadly the system is.

Bottom line, I need run suggestions that will allow both the GM and the player to test the system, have fun with it, and challenge the player without bringing always be at death's door. One parameter I'd like to keep out is hiring goons - we'll already have enough challenge player this wonderful new system.

Thanks in advance.

What do you think of making her a solo magical-investigator? (Think Harry Dresden, or the magical investigator in the short-story in the 20A edition)

If the player had plenty of contacts (or the charisma to make them easily), and an interest in that sort of thing, it could work quite well

Which version of the game are you playing?

Latest, SR4A.

From Runner's Companion, I'm not allowing any meta-variant/AI/shapeshifter/drake/HMHVV/etc. However, my player will probably create his own tradition to build a better character definition (I play this advantage with the disadvantage that it will be more difficult to find other awakened beings if he so desires to create a magical group, and he's aware of this).

Might want to give the player some extra BP as well, to make the character easier to use solo. And an easy way to keep the player alive more often is to never set more than 1.5x the number of PC's against the player in a fight they're supposed to stay and fight in. Unless the mooks are Humanis goons, which everyone can kill.

A mage (particularly an elven one with CHA-based tradition) is probably the single role best suited for solo runs as long as someone else handles the matrix stuff.

You can do a lot with spirits and a good spell selection if you plan ahead carefully.

I'd advise to use karma generation, the character will probably fare better and be able to already branch out at the start.