I am starting a SR4 sandbox game that will schedule games via mailing list with a large pool of my former players. We are all (much) older than when we started playing and our free time keeps dwindling.
As a result of the format, much of the game will be played via forum posts and e-mail with large scale runs / combat resolution occuring on RP Tools.
Because much of the game occurs via post or e-mail, a much more significant amount of GM :: Player time can be exerted on hashing out contacts, background, interests etc. One of the things that I want to put together is a regular series of random, scripted or character driven encounters that all ring true in the 6th world.
These are intended as short, rapid resolution encounters. Give them a clever name and a few lines of rough description. Following this is a Complications section where suggestions on how to make a little thing into a big mess are given. Please try and stick to something like this format.
I'll kick it off.
Last Minute Muscle
One of your contacts calls you (preferably a fence or dealer), desperate for some help. They have a deal going down and for whatever reason need some more muscle to oversee the transaction. Things should go nice and smoothly with nothing more than a knowing look and an icey glare or three. Your contact needs you ASAP, though, so you had better get going.
Complications
On The Clock - the meet is scheduled for the very near future and the PC needs to haul ass to get there. The player will have to find a way to the meet that is extremely fast - driving checks a go go!
Not Your Town - the meet is set to go down in a part of town that the PC has a nasty history with. Gangs or a Syndicate either at the meet area or along the route to the meet have it in for the PC for whatever reason and may get in their way.
It Hits The Proverbial Fan - something goes wrong. Lead starts flying and people start dying. The character needs to survive and has the option to help save their contact. This event should only trigger on a critica glitch of some kind.
Carrier Pigeon Express
A contact needs you to courier some kind of parcel or messege to another part of town. They would do it, but they are too busy / can't go to that part of town / can't be seen with the recipient etc. Should be an easy milk run with a few nuyen on the side.
Complications
Temptations in the Wilderness - whatever the PC is carrying ends up being worth a whole lot. The PC learns of this and has an opportunity to make some serious nuyen on the side by gaming their contact.
Someone Ate Cheese - whatever the PC is carrying ends up being worth a whole lot but someone in the know let this slip to an interested, antagonistic third party. A minor scuffle ensues when another claiment shows up to try and shakedown the PC.
Return to Sender - the recipient has gone to ground / is not in office / isn't listed. The PC must flex their contacts and street knowledge to find the intended recipient.
Full Version: Sub / Side Quests in SR4
A character in me game has decided to play someone with a Day Job of meta-critter exterminator. He moonlights by hunting the most dangerous game.
I figure that at some point his contacts are going to ask him to find some kind of meta creature and bring it back to them alive.
Going on a Snipe Hunt
An arcane contact asks you to find, subdue and bring to him an awakened critter.
Complications
Look At Those Teeth! - they are enormous! The critter they wanted you to find happens to be a happy little carnivore and loves nothing more than metahuman flesh.
Dungeon Crawl - Your contact informs you that the critter he needs happens to live in the sewers under Seattle. Hope you brought your hipwaders, chummer...
Rare Spawn - One of the reasons that your contact wants this particular critter is because they are rare as hens teeth. Keep your eyes peeled out there, omae.
Poacher - Your target is protected by civil or coprorate law and the traficking of its parts or whole are considered highly illegal.
I figure that at some point his contacts are going to ask him to find some kind of meta creature and bring it back to them alive.
Going on a Snipe Hunt
An arcane contact asks you to find, subdue and bring to him an awakened critter.
Complications
Look At Those Teeth! - they are enormous! The critter they wanted you to find happens to be a happy little carnivore and loves nothing more than metahuman flesh.
Dungeon Crawl - Your contact informs you that the critter he needs happens to live in the sewers under Seattle. Hope you brought your hipwaders, chummer...
Rare Spawn - One of the reasons that your contact wants this particular critter is because they are rare as hens teeth. Keep your eyes peeled out there, omae.
Poacher - Your target is protected by civil or coprorate law and the traficking of its parts or whole are considered highly illegal.
Airport Pick-up
The runners are called by a panicked Mr. Johnson: the team he has hired to take out someone has failed and the target has left the place. He's in a plane bound to the runner's city. They have to take him out as soon as possible after landing (or even before) for some reason.
Complications
Decoy - The plane arrives a bit sooner than planned, but it's actually a decoy inside. The target will arrive later in another plane.
Bad day for business - A celebrity is also arriving in the city today. The airport is filled with fans and the security is higher than usual.
I'm a fragging SHADOWRUNNER!
A contact ask the runner(s) to do something completely out of his usual line of work: babysitting, help an addict friend, set up a party for a (N)PC's birthday...
Have the I.R.S look into the account/lifestyle of a SINner runner
Complications
A meteor falls on the PC
Lofwyr is hungry
The runners are called by a panicked Mr. Johnson: the team he has hired to take out someone has failed and the target has left the place. He's in a plane bound to the runner's city. They have to take him out as soon as possible after landing (or even before) for some reason.
Complications
Decoy - The plane arrives a bit sooner than planned, but it's actually a decoy inside. The target will arrive later in another plane.
Bad day for business - A celebrity is also arriving in the city today. The airport is filled with fans and the security is higher than usual.
I'm a fragging SHADOWRUNNER!
A contact ask the runner(s) to do something completely out of his usual line of work: babysitting, help an addict friend, set up a party for a (N)PC's birthday...
Have the I.R.S look into the account/lifestyle of a SINner runner
Complications
A meteor falls on the PC
Lofwyr is hungry
INSIDE SCOOP
A prolific blogger wants the inside story on a gang war that's got way out of proportion – if he can expose the truth and help mend some bridges there's almost certainly some kind of public-service award on offer. The PC needs to get him interviews with enough of the key players to piece together a good (though not necessarily true) account.
Complications:
They started it! – The stories differ not only between the two (or three) gangs but also differ within each gang depending on who you talk to.
Dance, puppets, dance – The gangs have been set against each other by someone with an alterior motive and that someone doesn't want the truth exposed.
Choose carefully – Once the PC is on good terms with one side the other won't want to know.
A prolific blogger wants the inside story on a gang war that's got way out of proportion – if he can expose the truth and help mend some bridges there's almost certainly some kind of public-service award on offer. The PC needs to get him interviews with enough of the key players to piece together a good (though not necessarily true) account.
Complications:
They started it! – The stories differ not only between the two (or three) gangs but also differ within each gang depending on who you talk to.
Dance, puppets, dance – The gangs have been set against each other by someone with an alterior motive and that someone doesn't want the truth exposed.
Choose carefully – Once the PC is on good terms with one side the other won't want to know.
TOTAL RECALL
Product X is outselling all its competition combined and that just won't do. A rival corp hires the PC to plant cunningly sabotaged Product Xs in certian places/with certain customers in such a way as to create maximum public outcry. If X were a car safety feature they could have the mayor's niece die in a crash, that sort of thing.
Complications
Careful with that – The sabotaged products are fragile or highly explosive.
Niche market – There are only one or two targets that really count and the PC needs to work this out.
Oh the humanity! – There needs to be witnesses. Good ones.
Product X is outselling all its competition combined and that just won't do. A rival corp hires the PC to plant cunningly sabotaged Product Xs in certian places/with certain customers in such a way as to create maximum public outcry. If X were a car safety feature they could have the mayor's niece die in a crash, that sort of thing.
Complications
Careful with that – The sabotaged products are fragile or highly explosive.
Niche market – There are only one or two targets that really count and the PC needs to work this out.
Oh the humanity! – There needs to be witnesses. Good ones.
It's a No from Me
The PCs are contracted to extract a popular music artist against his will. A doppelganger (using Mask or nanopaste or some other convincing disguise) will then be inserted in the artist's place. They will go on stage and perform terribly. The artist's agency will quickly forget about him, leaving room for Johnson's new act to sign up with them. The runners will handle the extraction and the insertion.
Complications
I Don't Think You Have Any Business With Our Client - The artist has extensive bodyguards/security. They will need to be neutralised subtly so no one notices anything.
These Are My Friends - The artist is constantly surrouded by an entourage/fans. The runners will need to isolate him somehow.
Wait, Who's That? - The doppelganger's disguise fails/is seen through/terrible. The runners will have to provide a new disguise however they can.
That's a Big Crowd - One or all of the runners end up in the doppelganger's place or the doppelganger is incapacitated. The runner(s) must take the stage and have the opportunity to perform terribly as Johnson wished, or do well, reveal themselves, and become the latest novahot music star(s). This option will need very clever manipulation of circumstances, possibly involving a third party who has managed to lend/fake the runners talent, temporarily. (Twist Fate, anyone?)
The PCs are contracted to extract a popular music artist against his will. A doppelganger (using Mask or nanopaste or some other convincing disguise) will then be inserted in the artist's place. They will go on stage and perform terribly. The artist's agency will quickly forget about him, leaving room for Johnson's new act to sign up with them. The runners will handle the extraction and the insertion.
Complications
I Don't Think You Have Any Business With Our Client - The artist has extensive bodyguards/security. They will need to be neutralised subtly so no one notices anything.
These Are My Friends - The artist is constantly surrouded by an entourage/fans. The runners will need to isolate him somehow.
Wait, Who's That? - The doppelganger's disguise fails/is seen through/terrible. The runners will have to provide a new disguise however they can.
That's a Big Crowd - One or all of the runners end up in the doppelganger's place or the doppelganger is incapacitated. The runner(s) must take the stage and have the opportunity to perform terribly as Johnson wished, or do well, reveal themselves, and become the latest novahot music star(s). This option will need very clever manipulation of circumstances, possibly involving a third party who has managed to lend/fake the runners talent, temporarily. (Twist Fate, anyone?)
Bullseye
A PC calls a contact (could be for a lead, a favor or is just bored) but receives a video bumper. Instead of the normal image of a dartboard with all three darts in the bull, the dartboard has no darts. A subtle difference, but something must obviously be wrong, but what?
Complications
Location - The PC has no idea where the contact is, but maybe he was last scene at his normal hang out or his commlink is still active. Tracking him down should be no major issue for a crafty runner team.
Kidnapped - It turns out that the contact is being held against his will. Maybe to get to the runners, maybe the contact has an unsettled debt. In either event, he is being watched and if the runners are going to help out their contact, they are going to have to get past the brute squad.
Who Called the Star - If things get too out of hand, call in the Star or a fire alarm as a distraction. While the brutes are covering their tracks, the runner team has a great opportunity to slip in and get the contact.
A PC calls a contact (could be for a lead, a favor or is just bored) but receives a video bumper. Instead of the normal image of a dartboard with all three darts in the bull, the dartboard has no darts. A subtle difference, but something must obviously be wrong, but what?
Complications
Location - The PC has no idea where the contact is, but maybe he was last scene at his normal hang out or his commlink is still active. Tracking him down should be no major issue for a crafty runner team.
Kidnapped - It turns out that the contact is being held against his will. Maybe to get to the runners, maybe the contact has an unsettled debt. In either event, he is being watched and if the runners are going to help out their contact, they are going to have to get past the brute squad.
Who Called the Star - If things get too out of hand, call in the Star or a fire alarm as a distraction. While the brutes are covering their tracks, the runner team has a great opportunity to slip in and get the contact.
6 Feet of Trouble
A PC's contact calls them in a panic. He has got a corpse on his hands for some reason or another and needs it gone pronto!
Complications
I'm Not Dead,Yet - At some time during the disposal process the 'corpse' wakes up! The timing and context may leave the runner(s) in a serious bind.
I Know What You Did Last... - Turns out there was a witness to either the disposal or the murder. This person has to be silenced before they go to the pigs or start blackmailing.
This Isn't What It Looks Like - The bacon patrol wander by mid way through the disposal. Some serious fast talking or bribes are going to be needed to avoid gaining some heat
When You Came In Here Did You See A Sign That Said... - Good news: your contact knows a friendly face nearby that can stash/dispose of the body. Bad news: They are very reluctant to help for whatever reason. Feel free to add a time restriction to this one
A PC's contact calls them in a panic. He has got a corpse on his hands for some reason or another and needs it gone pronto!
Complications
I'm Not Dead,Yet - At some time during the disposal process the 'corpse' wakes up! The timing and context may leave the runner(s) in a serious bind.
I Know What You Did Last... - Turns out there was a witness to either the disposal or the murder. This person has to be silenced before they go to the pigs or start blackmailing.
This Isn't What It Looks Like - The bacon patrol wander by mid way through the disposal. Some serious fast talking or bribes are going to be needed to avoid gaining some heat
When You Came In Here Did You See A Sign That Said... - Good news: your contact knows a friendly face nearby that can stash/dispose of the body. Bad news: They are very reluctant to help for whatever reason. Feel free to add a time restriction to this one
Some of these are really good. Remember: these are not Shadowrun stubs - they should not lead to an entire adventure. The whole point is that they are 'random' and 'minor' encounters based on who a PC knows, what they do etc. These revolve mostly around a single runner and the people he / she knows rather than requiring a full group's participation. A couple of the ideas posted thus far are good ideas, but fall more under the aegis of a full run rather than a sub-quest. Extractions and sabotage work are both considered full time Shadowruns.
I plan on using some of these as in-between-runs mini-quests to spice up PC life.
Super Duper Double Date
A contact is trying to woo a special friend and needs your help. They want the PC to join them for a special double date.
Complications
Dogface - Your date is a real uggo. Maybe they have a terrible personality, maybe they have VITAS. Whatever the case, the PC has the short end of the stick.
Wingman Going Down - a good friend takes it and likes it. Your contact insists on belittling you and insulting you throughout the evening in an attempt to impress his intended target. This comes at a personal cost of street cred.
Foot the Bill - Your contact is out of cash and discreetly asks you to foot the bill for an absurdly expensive meal, entertainment and drinks.
Gopher
One of your contacts needs a piece of hardware that they can't get their hands on. They have asked around, but their usual suppliers are running dry or asking the wrong price. The contact taps the PC for some help in acquiring whatever they need.
Complications
Hen's Teeth - Whatever they want, it sure isn't found at the local stuffer shack. Locating their goods will take some serious leg work, taking you all around the 'Plex.
Top Shelf - Your contact's tastes are extremely refined. They want you to get some extraordinarily expensive, exclusive thing for them. The PC will have to take a shower, put on their best clothes, go Downtown and spread some cred out on the table to get whatever is needed. Here's to hoping that the contact pays you back...
What a Bum! - Your contact receives his goodies with good humor, but without any cred in return. The PC must foot the bill.
I have to return some video tapes...
Someone call's you in the middle of the night. Someone is on to them. They need to trash some evidence. They needed to get rid of it yesterday. They dumped it a while back, but can't go and finish the job. The PC is asked to take care of business.
Complications
Big Brother is Watching - your man got made when he dumped the gear and now the interested parties are watching it, waiting for someone to collect. That'd be you, chummer.
You Work for Us - your contact is in the pressure cooker and somebody is trying to set you up through your man. There will be friends waiting when you get there and they'd like to have a word with you.
Bigger than a Breadbox - but smaller than a house? Whatever needs to be gotten rid of is highly inconvenient to transport. You will have to think of something, and fast.
Why is the Trunk Moaning? - turns out your contact's 'dirty laundry' is a metahuman. What does he mean 'get rid of the evidence'?
I plan on using some of these as in-between-runs mini-quests to spice up PC life.
Super Duper Double Date
A contact is trying to woo a special friend and needs your help. They want the PC to join them for a special double date.
Complications
Dogface - Your date is a real uggo. Maybe they have a terrible personality, maybe they have VITAS. Whatever the case, the PC has the short end of the stick.
Wingman Going Down - a good friend takes it and likes it. Your contact insists on belittling you and insulting you throughout the evening in an attempt to impress his intended target. This comes at a personal cost of street cred.
Foot the Bill - Your contact is out of cash and discreetly asks you to foot the bill for an absurdly expensive meal, entertainment and drinks.
Gopher
One of your contacts needs a piece of hardware that they can't get their hands on. They have asked around, but their usual suppliers are running dry or asking the wrong price. The contact taps the PC for some help in acquiring whatever they need.
Complications
Hen's Teeth - Whatever they want, it sure isn't found at the local stuffer shack. Locating their goods will take some serious leg work, taking you all around the 'Plex.
Top Shelf - Your contact's tastes are extremely refined. They want you to get some extraordinarily expensive, exclusive thing for them. The PC will have to take a shower, put on their best clothes, go Downtown and spread some cred out on the table to get whatever is needed. Here's to hoping that the contact pays you back...
What a Bum! - Your contact receives his goodies with good humor, but without any cred in return. The PC must foot the bill.
I have to return some video tapes...
Someone call's you in the middle of the night. Someone is on to them. They need to trash some evidence. They needed to get rid of it yesterday. They dumped it a while back, but can't go and finish the job. The PC is asked to take care of business.
Complications
Big Brother is Watching - your man got made when he dumped the gear and now the interested parties are watching it, waiting for someone to collect. That'd be you, chummer.
You Work for Us - your contact is in the pressure cooker and somebody is trying to set you up through your man. There will be friends waiting when you get there and they'd like to have a word with you.
Bigger than a Breadbox - but smaller than a house? Whatever needs to be gotten rid of is highly inconvenient to transport. You will have to think of something, and fast.
Why is the Trunk Moaning? - turns out your contact's 'dirty laundry' is a metahuman. What does he mean 'get rid of the evidence'?
Are you asking for a CHALLENGE?!
One way or another, someone has made a bet with you. If you can complete a task they issue you, then you'll get a reward. (Nuyen, a Date, Something useful) If you screw up? Well... that depends.
Example Challenges
Complications
You want me to do WHAT?!: You've been challenged to do something your character can't normally do. (A Shaman might be challenged to hack into a Node, for instance). You've got to figure out a way to complete a task that's completely outside your normal skill set.
Pay Up: The penalty for losing the bet is severe, such as a large loss of Nuyen, or even the loss of a piece of Cyberware!
Cheater!: The person who challenged you really doesn't want you to win, and will actively cheat to get ahead.
The Ackbar: It turns out that this challenge wasn't so friendly after all... Can you escape a betrayal of this magnitude?
One way or another, someone has made a bet with you. If you can complete a task they issue you, then you'll get a reward. (Nuyen, a Date, Something useful) If you screw up? Well... that depends.
Example Challenges
- Hacking into a Node or Drone.
- Competing in a Race (Vehicular or Foot)
- Summoning and Binding a Spirit.
- Defeating someone in one on one combat.
- Bluffing your way past a guard.
- Leaving an RFID tag at a certain, dangerous location.
Complications
You want me to do WHAT?!: You've been challenged to do something your character can't normally do. (A Shaman might be challenged to hack into a Node, for instance). You've got to figure out a way to complete a task that's completely outside your normal skill set.
Pay Up: The penalty for losing the bet is severe, such as a large loss of Nuyen, or even the loss of a piece of Cyberware!
Cheater!: The person who challenged you really doesn't want you to win, and will actively cheat to get ahead.
The Ackbar: It turns out that this challenge wasn't so friendly after all... Can you escape a betrayal of this magnitude?
Oh cool, I tried doing something like this before and felt embarrassed at my attempt, perhaps this time will be different.
Valentine's Day
A contact (with a good loyalty rating) is feeling lonely and asks the character to go on a date revolving around what that contact's specialty is (which may presumably be outside the character's own interests). Make clear the contact would be very disappointed if turned down (-1 loyalty).
Complications
Tradition: The date is actually an illegal activity and "romans" don't approve. Star make an appearance.
Just Kidding: At the end of the date it is discovered something went horribly wrong for the babysitter.
Blind Date: The contact forgets to mention that a camera crew for a dating game trid show will be along for the ride.
Valentine's Day
A contact (with a good loyalty rating) is feeling lonely and asks the character to go on a date revolving around what that contact's specialty is (which may presumably be outside the character's own interests). Make clear the contact would be very disappointed if turned down (-1 loyalty).
Complications
Tradition: The date is actually an illegal activity and "romans" don't approve. Star make an appearance.
Just Kidding: At the end of the date it is discovered something went horribly wrong for the babysitter.
Blind Date: The contact forgets to mention that a camera crew for a dating game trid show will be along for the ride.
Sick Day
A contact working for a Syndicate is having an off day. Maybe he had previous engagements, maybe he is laying low, maybe he just has the flu. Whatever the case is, the Syndicate always collects. Even if it is just 50 nuyen. The PC must go on d3 collections, convincing each debtor to pay up.
Complications
Single Mother - One of the people owing money is a single mother of two. Collecting this debt, her late husband's, puts a serious strain on her ability to feed and clothe her kids. Do you wanna steal from a mother, omae? Have you no heart?!
Settling All Scores - When you go to collect a debt, it turns out that your target was told to kill the collector to settle all scores.
Gone to Ground - One of the debtors has disappeared and finding them will be a pain. The PC will have to use their contacts and knowledge skills to locate the target.
Payment in Kind - Does twenty pounds of meta-cow chuck pay? How about some used trid sets? The PC will have to negotiate some kind of a deal in kind and then transport the goods back to the under-the-weather collector.
A contact working for a Syndicate is having an off day. Maybe he had previous engagements, maybe he is laying low, maybe he just has the flu. Whatever the case is, the Syndicate always collects. Even if it is just 50 nuyen. The PC must go on d3 collections, convincing each debtor to pay up.
Complications
Single Mother - One of the people owing money is a single mother of two. Collecting this debt, her late husband's, puts a serious strain on her ability to feed and clothe her kids. Do you wanna steal from a mother, omae? Have you no heart?!
Settling All Scores - When you go to collect a debt, it turns out that your target was told to kill the collector to settle all scores.
Gone to Ground - One of the debtors has disappeared and finding them will be a pain. The PC will have to use their contacts and knowledge skills to locate the target.
Payment in Kind - Does twenty pounds of meta-cow chuck pay? How about some used trid sets? The PC will have to negotiate some kind of a deal in kind and then transport the goods back to the under-the-weather collector.
Driving Miss Daisey
A contact needs a ride someplace. Something a little faster, safer and with more class than the bus. The PC must provide transport to a contact for their business throughout the 'Plex.
Complications
Hot LZ - Your contact needs pickup from something illegal and needs a dropoff in a safehouse. You have to lose the Star and get them home safely.
Not Your Town - Your contact's business is in the wrong part of town. Wherever he needs to go, you have enemies. Better hope you can talk or shoot your way out of whatever problems might come up.
Revelation - what do you mean they do (whatever they do)?! Your contact's business is some kind of revelation - they have hobbies or interests, friends or business partners of a kind you'd never expect. The PC may choose to betray or support their contact's actions.
Do You Know a Guy?
A problem has come up that one of your contacts can't solve on his lonesome. They heard that you might know somebody that can help and have asked you to arrange a sit down with that person. The PC will have to handle introdutions for his two contacts.
Complications
Oil & Water - Your two contacts just aren't getting along. Maybe they have history (they haven't spoke in a few years until you chaparoned this sit down), have conflicting interests, are prejudiced or just don't like the cut of the other's job. The PC must play mediator.
A contact needs a ride someplace. Something a little faster, safer and with more class than the bus. The PC must provide transport to a contact for their business throughout the 'Plex.
Complications
Hot LZ - Your contact needs pickup from something illegal and needs a dropoff in a safehouse. You have to lose the Star and get them home safely.
Not Your Town - Your contact's business is in the wrong part of town. Wherever he needs to go, you have enemies. Better hope you can talk or shoot your way out of whatever problems might come up.
Revelation - what do you mean they do (whatever they do)?! Your contact's business is some kind of revelation - they have hobbies or interests, friends or business partners of a kind you'd never expect. The PC may choose to betray or support their contact's actions.
Do You Know a Guy?
A problem has come up that one of your contacts can't solve on his lonesome. They heard that you might know somebody that can help and have asked you to arrange a sit down with that person. The PC will have to handle introdutions for his two contacts.
Complications
Oil & Water - Your two contacts just aren't getting along. Maybe they have history (they haven't spoke in a few years until you chaparoned this sit down), have conflicting interests, are prejudiced or just don't like the cut of the other's job. The PC must play mediator.
But it is so peaceful in here.
A Johnson hires the players to extract a researcher for a rival corp. The researcher seems underqualified for the position they hold and is being paid slightly more than expected. The researcher is workign on a project with many (~20) other researchers in similar financial circumstances.
Complications
Visiting Hours end at 7 PM - The target is a patient at a mental institution that has used psycotropic chips to keep the patients quiet/happy and terrified of the outside world.
What Have those bastards done to her? - The target has some experimental genetech and cybertech that was used on her and her stay in the copr owned hospital is just a cover while the long term side effects are being measured. The cyberware is a SOTA skillwires / Hot Sim system that provides an "enhanced user experience" This system is implanted using a combination of viral genetic modification and nano-builders which is far less intrusive to the user (low essece cost and fast recovery time).
It Isn't Safe - The target also has a cranial bomb that is receiving a constant "Don't detonate" signal while on the grounds. The players would need to spoof the signal to get her off the grounds without the bomb detonating.
What About My Friends - The other patients are in the same boat and rescuing them may elicit a reward from their families (small award since they are not rich) and some extra karma.
A Johnson hires the players to extract a researcher for a rival corp. The researcher seems underqualified for the position they hold and is being paid slightly more than expected. The researcher is workign on a project with many (~20) other researchers in similar financial circumstances.
Complications
Visiting Hours end at 7 PM - The target is a patient at a mental institution that has used psycotropic chips to keep the patients quiet/happy and terrified of the outside world.
What Have those bastards done to her? - The target has some experimental genetech and cybertech that was used on her and her stay in the copr owned hospital is just a cover while the long term side effects are being measured. The cyberware is a SOTA skillwires / Hot Sim system that provides an "enhanced user experience" This system is implanted using a combination of viral genetic modification and nano-builders which is far less intrusive to the user (low essece cost and fast recovery time).
It Isn't Safe - The target also has a cranial bomb that is receiving a constant "Don't detonate" signal while on the grounds. The players would need to spoof the signal to get her off the grounds without the bomb detonating.
What About My Friends - The other patients are in the same boat and rescuing them may elicit a reward from their families (small award since they are not rich) and some extra karma.
Good idea for a run Tommy, but I think its beyond the scope of what he's looking for. He wants relatively short side missions; something like friend activities from GTA4 or those side quests from Saints Row 2.(Septic Avenger rules)
Just Another Saturday Night at 3am
A contact (preferably with a fairly high loyalty rating) calls frantically in the middle of the night. Just a few minutes ago there was a shootout at a Stuffer Shack (Yes, this is the aftermath of another, unseen runner team doing Food Fight
), and their son was the clerk on shift. You know, that son. The frag up who can't hold down a job? The manager is reasonable enough not to blame the robbery on him, but after Lone Star leaves, he expects the place to be cleaned up by the end of the shift. Its the one just around the corner from your place, so you can help out, right? The contact swears they'll owe you big.
Complications
Looters! - The front of the store is pretty much wrecked, and security is down. People are trying for five-finger discounts, and after all the damage, if more goes missing, the clerk just knows he'll get fired.
Hey, that's the guy! - Lone Star is present, taking statements from the witnesses. One of the PCs just happens to have a strong resemblance to someone involved in the shootout, and a witness fingers him. Surviving security footage (if any) is enough of a garbled mess to make it inconclusive. Better think fast, chummer.
Please? I'll be your best friend... - The clerk's girlfriend was hanging out with him when the shootout started. She's fine, but the problem is, they've only been dating a short while and this was his chance to look cool in front of her, but he blew it big time. He screamed like a little girl, hid behind the counter, and an exploding soda dispenser is the only reason she doesn't know he wet himself. He really likes her and is afraid this incident will screw up everything. You guys can help, right?
Dahling, you look mahvalus!
The runners are heading out to pick up something they've been waiting on from a fixer when they encounter a minor detour in the form of a film crew for the latest entry in a popular action series. They've almost made it around, when one of the film crew stops them. It seems the guy who was supposed to have the cool fight against the star got sick/broke his arm/whatever, they need a replacement right now, and the director likes the look of one of the PCs. You can improvise the fight with the star, all that matters is that it goes about five minutes and he wins in the end. Not interested? Would a certified credstick change your mind? Maybe your friends can be extras...
Complications
Is This Going to Take Much Longer? - The work actually isn't that tough, the star is reasonable and knows what he's doing in terms of choreographing a fight, and the money is really good. Thing is, the director, Les, is a perfectionist. We're already on take twelve! A call to the fixer can put off the meet for a few hours, but the piece of hardware in question was hard to acquire. They could only get one, and other people are interested in it as well...
Method Acting - This is the latest in a long running action series. The two most recent entries didn't do so well, so the pressure is on to do something special with this one. The star faced harsh criticism of his acting, so unknown to everyone, he's come up with an interesting solution: He's running a personafix of his character from an earlier, acclaimed film. Upon figuring this out, someone (preferably a PC who isn't the one in the fight) realizes the film in question is the one where the hero flips out and kills all the bad guys at the end.
Should Have Read the Fine Print - Things go well, but when the time comes for payment, the director/producer/whatever tries to pull a fast one and back it up with legalese. For instance, if the PCs agreed to “Twelve fifty” and were expecting 1,250¥ , they instead get 12.50¥. Should they let it go, or try to get their rightful payment?
A contact (preferably with a fairly high loyalty rating) calls frantically in the middle of the night. Just a few minutes ago there was a shootout at a Stuffer Shack (Yes, this is the aftermath of another, unseen runner team doing Food Fight
), and their son was the clerk on shift. You know, that son. The frag up who can't hold down a job? The manager is reasonable enough not to blame the robbery on him, but after Lone Star leaves, he expects the place to be cleaned up by the end of the shift. Its the one just around the corner from your place, so you can help out, right? The contact swears they'll owe you big.Complications
Looters! - The front of the store is pretty much wrecked, and security is down. People are trying for five-finger discounts, and after all the damage, if more goes missing, the clerk just knows he'll get fired.
Hey, that's the guy! - Lone Star is present, taking statements from the witnesses. One of the PCs just happens to have a strong resemblance to someone involved in the shootout, and a witness fingers him. Surviving security footage (if any) is enough of a garbled mess to make it inconclusive. Better think fast, chummer.
Please? I'll be your best friend... - The clerk's girlfriend was hanging out with him when the shootout started. She's fine, but the problem is, they've only been dating a short while and this was his chance to look cool in front of her, but he blew it big time. He screamed like a little girl, hid behind the counter, and an exploding soda dispenser is the only reason she doesn't know he wet himself. He really likes her and is afraid this incident will screw up everything. You guys can help, right?
Dahling, you look mahvalus!
The runners are heading out to pick up something they've been waiting on from a fixer when they encounter a minor detour in the form of a film crew for the latest entry in a popular action series. They've almost made it around, when one of the film crew stops them. It seems the guy who was supposed to have the cool fight against the star got sick/broke his arm/whatever, they need a replacement right now, and the director likes the look of one of the PCs. You can improvise the fight with the star, all that matters is that it goes about five minutes and he wins in the end. Not interested? Would a certified credstick change your mind? Maybe your friends can be extras...
Complications
Is This Going to Take Much Longer? - The work actually isn't that tough, the star is reasonable and knows what he's doing in terms of choreographing a fight, and the money is really good. Thing is, the director, Les, is a perfectionist. We're already on take twelve! A call to the fixer can put off the meet for a few hours, but the piece of hardware in question was hard to acquire. They could only get one, and other people are interested in it as well...
Method Acting - This is the latest in a long running action series. The two most recent entries didn't do so well, so the pressure is on to do something special with this one. The star faced harsh criticism of his acting, so unknown to everyone, he's come up with an interesting solution: He's running a personafix of his character from an earlier, acclaimed film. Upon figuring this out, someone (preferably a PC who isn't the one in the fight) realizes the film in question is the one where the hero flips out and kills all the bad guys at the end.
Should Have Read the Fine Print - Things go well, but when the time comes for payment, the director/producer/whatever tries to pull a fast one and back it up with legalese. For instance, if the PCs agreed to “Twelve fifty” and were expecting 1,250¥ , they instead get 12.50¥. Should they let it go, or try to get their rightful payment?
Runners in Wonderland.
Metaplanes. Typically the domain of powerful magi and spirits, the uninitiated can gain access to them via astral rifts.
For one reason or another, you've managed to find one of these rifts. Fortunately for you, the Metaplane you ended up in is non-hostile for the most part. The only hard part is getting out.
Complications
Fun with Brass: The Metaplane you've ended up on is at a different technological level than what you're used too. Your technological skills still work, just... differently. ...A lot differently. Good luck figuring out how to hack a steam powered computer!
We're All Mad Here: Metaplanes are all alien, but the inhabitants of this one are just nuts. Good luck getting a straight answer out of anyone...
Dancing on the Ceiling: The laws of physics as you know them don't apply here. You don't have time to learn all the rules, but you'll need a basic understanding in order to get out.
Deja Vu: Oh No! A time loop! Quick, find a way out!
Deja Vu: Oh No! A time loop! Quick, find a way out!
Deja Vu: Oh No! A time loop! Quick, find a way out!
I am Thou, Thou Art Me, We're (not) a Happy Family...: You know that whole Dweller on the Threshold Thing that mages going to metaplanes have to face? The one that shows you your deepest darkest secret and forces you to face it? Yeah. Turns out you run into that guy. Cue Character Development!
------
Note: This obviously isn't a common thing, and does seem more suited to a full party adventure than anything. Still an interesting idea though, if you can pull it off.
Metaplanes. Typically the domain of powerful magi and spirits, the uninitiated can gain access to them via astral rifts.
For one reason or another, you've managed to find one of these rifts. Fortunately for you, the Metaplane you ended up in is non-hostile for the most part. The only hard part is getting out.
Complications
Fun with Brass: The Metaplane you've ended up on is at a different technological level than what you're used too. Your technological skills still work, just... differently. ...A lot differently. Good luck figuring out how to hack a steam powered computer!
We're All Mad Here: Metaplanes are all alien, but the inhabitants of this one are just nuts. Good luck getting a straight answer out of anyone...
Dancing on the Ceiling: The laws of physics as you know them don't apply here. You don't have time to learn all the rules, but you'll need a basic understanding in order to get out.
Deja Vu: Oh No! A time loop! Quick, find a way out!
Deja Vu: Oh No! A time loop! Quick, find a way out!
Deja Vu: Oh No! A time loop! Quick, find a way out!
I am Thou, Thou Art Me, We're (not) a Happy Family...: You know that whole Dweller on the Threshold Thing that mages going to metaplanes have to face? The one that shows you your deepest darkest secret and forces you to face it? Yeah. Turns out you run into that guy. Cue Character Development!
------
Note: This obviously isn't a common thing, and does seem more suited to a full party adventure than anything. Still an interesting idea though, if you can pull it off.
This was used in a game I played in.
Who's the Lucky Girl/Guy?
A contact calls, frantic. They're supposed to propose to their significant other on the next date, and the ring is nowhere to be found. The contact knows that this isn't in your usual line of work, but they have nowhere else to turn. That ring is a family heirloom, they're all tied up in whatever they do, and time is running out. Your contact can't pay you for this, but they'll owe you one. You've got to find a way of tracking down the ring, find it, and then deliver it before time runs out.
Complications
Hey, haven't I seen you before? - While you're wandering around looking for the ring, you get recognized on the street by a journalist or a member of the law-enforcement. Even better if you've just been involved in a big run. Better get rid of them, quick, especially before they start calling for backup or taking pictures.
I hate nature - The ring has been swallowed by an animal of some sort, and said creature is now gleefully gallivanting around the streets or flying through the air. Have fun.
Do you have a suit? - That next date? Your contact forgot to tell you until just now. It's tonight. Once you've got the ring, your contact and his/her date are already at dinner. You've got to come up with a way to get into the establishment and deliver the goods, in an hour.
Who's the Lucky Girl/Guy?
A contact calls, frantic. They're supposed to propose to their significant other on the next date, and the ring is nowhere to be found. The contact knows that this isn't in your usual line of work, but they have nowhere else to turn. That ring is a family heirloom, they're all tied up in whatever they do, and time is running out. Your contact can't pay you for this, but they'll owe you one. You've got to find a way of tracking down the ring, find it, and then deliver it before time runs out.
Complications
Hey, haven't I seen you before? - While you're wandering around looking for the ring, you get recognized on the street by a journalist or a member of the law-enforcement. Even better if you've just been involved in a big run. Better get rid of them, quick, especially before they start calling for backup or taking pictures.
I hate nature - The ring has been swallowed by an animal of some sort, and said creature is now gleefully gallivanting around the streets or flying through the air. Have fun.
Do you have a suit? - That next date? Your contact forgot to tell you until just now. It's tonight. Once you've got the ring, your contact and his/her date are already at dinner. You've got to come up with a way to get into the establishment and deliver the goods, in an hour.
Road Rage
A contact has called you and asked for a meet. Nothing big, probably, just a bit of biz and a chance to grab a drink. On the way, some go-gangers sidle up to your vehicle and start flashing their pieces. They show you theirs, so you show them yours. They blink. No big deal. Problem is, another different go-gang shows up at the next intersection and their colors don't mix. A shootout starts, large enough to close a major interstate and you are dead center of it all.
Complications
Big Boys - at least one of the gangs involved is one of the major boppers in the sprawl: Ancients, Cutters, Halloweeners etc. Shit is getting real in a hurry and if you take a pot shot at the wrong guy, you could make some serious enemies.
An Example - The Star or Knight Errant have been on a new Gang Violence Enforcement kick, and show up in a hurry with some Thunderbirds and fast-roping Fast Response Teams. Hope you can get out in a hurry, omae.
The 78 Line - For whatever reason, you have no ride for the day (you don't own one or yours is in the shop)... You hop the nearest monorail or bus and things get dicey with whole mass transit cars full of civilians. This is going to be one helluva mess.
First Day (of the Rest of Your Life)
One of your contacts' friends just got outta the joint today. Being his First Day of Freedom in a while, his buddies have put together a big party. Your contact calls you up and wants you to show up: 'it'd mean a lot, chummer.' Well, you can at least buy a round or two of beers, right?
Complications
Long Memory - whoever just got out of the joint has some enemies with a long standing grudge to settle, and they show up to make things good.
Parole Officer - this guy's PO is a real ass, and is cramping your style. Better find a way to get around this red tape or the whole night is blown.
What are friends for?! - who wouldn't want to drink themselves stupid after a long stretch? Your contact's buddy does just this and the drink tab is sizeable... and left to you to clear. What are friends for?!
A contact has called you and asked for a meet. Nothing big, probably, just a bit of biz and a chance to grab a drink. On the way, some go-gangers sidle up to your vehicle and start flashing their pieces. They show you theirs, so you show them yours. They blink. No big deal. Problem is, another different go-gang shows up at the next intersection and their colors don't mix. A shootout starts, large enough to close a major interstate and you are dead center of it all.
Complications
Big Boys - at least one of the gangs involved is one of the major boppers in the sprawl: Ancients, Cutters, Halloweeners etc. Shit is getting real in a hurry and if you take a pot shot at the wrong guy, you could make some serious enemies.
An Example - The Star or Knight Errant have been on a new Gang Violence Enforcement kick, and show up in a hurry with some Thunderbirds and fast-roping Fast Response Teams. Hope you can get out in a hurry, omae.
The 78 Line - For whatever reason, you have no ride for the day (you don't own one or yours is in the shop)... You hop the nearest monorail or bus and things get dicey with whole mass transit cars full of civilians. This is going to be one helluva mess.
First Day (of the Rest of Your Life)
One of your contacts' friends just got outta the joint today. Being his First Day of Freedom in a while, his buddies have put together a big party. Your contact calls you up and wants you to show up: 'it'd mean a lot, chummer.' Well, you can at least buy a round or two of beers, right?
Complications
Long Memory - whoever just got out of the joint has some enemies with a long standing grudge to settle, and they show up to make things good.
Parole Officer - this guy's PO is a real ass, and is cramping your style. Better find a way to get around this red tape or the whole night is blown.
What are friends for?! - who wouldn't want to drink themselves stupid after a long stretch? Your contact's buddy does just this and the drink tab is sizeable... and left to you to clear. What are friends for?!
(Not so) Quick Fix
The PC's addiction is flaring up, and they need a hit. Unable to reach their normal dealer, their friends unable to hook them up, they head out into the metroplex to find a score.
Complications
Other Side of the Tracks - the player's search leads to a dealer in gang-held territory. The PC must negotiate passage, tribute or some other form of payment.
Hot Shots - the street is awash with hot shots - BTLs that burn you out, drugs cut with all kinds of nasties that kill etc. Finding a fix is not hard, but finding one that won't hurt you is another story all together.
Sting & The Police - the PC's buy ends up being a LoneStar sting operation. Run for it, omae!
Payment in Kind - the dealer found will not take cred, and instead wants some kind of street available good, sending the PC off on a scavenger hunt of sorts.
The PC's addiction is flaring up, and they need a hit. Unable to reach their normal dealer, their friends unable to hook them up, they head out into the metroplex to find a score.
Complications
Other Side of the Tracks - the player's search leads to a dealer in gang-held territory. The PC must negotiate passage, tribute or some other form of payment.
Hot Shots - the street is awash with hot shots - BTLs that burn you out, drugs cut with all kinds of nasties that kill etc. Finding a fix is not hard, but finding one that won't hurt you is another story all together.
Sting & The Police - the PC's buy ends up being a LoneStar sting operation. Run for it, omae!
Payment in Kind - the dealer found will not take cred, and instead wants some kind of street available good, sending the PC off on a scavenger hunt of sorts.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.