Erm called Shot with a SL2 ends up at base TN not +2 as it doesn't mention that the other part of the SL's benefit is overridden.

Not that i have a problem with called shots as i turned round to my players and said
"You start doing called shots needlessly then so will the bad guys. how PC's you got? cos i have a shed load of bad guys."

Seemed to work.

i use called shots on my players all the time.

or, as i said above, for when you can use modifiers to lower the TN to ~4 or less.

Can one call a shot using a shotgun? That could get super nasty.

by the rules, yeah. if you're looking for realism, though... well, honestly? if you're looking for realism? don't use SR's shotgun rules.

At close ranges, even with the choke open on a normal shotgun it doesn't spread that much at all really. A lot less than most people think it does. Only at long ranges would making acalled shot be kind of pointless.

in real life, calling a shot with a shotgun isn't a bad idea, even at long range. as i recall, spread is only like 6" at 300yd, or something ridiculous.

also, i recall it states that Shotguns in SR use mostly solid shells instead of buckshot but the choke and spread rules are provided for those who want to use the buckshot.

I only allow Called Shots for 'effect' (or to hit tires and such). With the abstract armor system in Shadowrun, this seems to be the most sensible in my opinion.

I'd allow Called Shot to bypass mainly because of M & M, otherwise, it would result in a Called Shot to bypass armour applicable only for Gel Rounds only.

However, I would only allow Called Shot to bypass armour, not a Called Shot to specific hit location.

ergh. "optimistic" isn't the word--"impossible" or, more accurately, "mfb is batshit insane" fits better. according to this site, you can get 70% of your shot into a 30" circle at 40 yards if you use the tightest choke commonly available.

yes, it must have been some silly intern, and not a logical attempt to consolidate four different sets of called shot rules. the current called shot FAQ answer certainly couldn't be laid at the feet of the authors of M&M and CC, who originally implemented the concept of bypassing armor with called shots. nope, must have been some intern.

*shrug* your opinion of called shots wasn't really what i was arguing with. if you're going to blame somebody, pay attention and blame the right people. otherwise, you look like either an ass or a retard.

I read you. Lima Charlie, mfb.

And my opinion remains that the game's core designers didn't write the FAQ. I'm certainly open to being proven otherwise, but...

...*Shakes the magic 8-Ball*...

...'My sources say yes.'

-TheRoleModel

i'm not sure who writes it, but several answers i've recieved have referenced the necessity of clearing things with the line developer before posting them to the FAQ. answers you get by email are, it may be assumed, based solely on the FAQ writer's research and opinions.

Moving on a half a pace, does anyone out there have any suggestions for location based 'Called Shot' TN modifiers?

A few I've tossed around, here and there.

+8 (+10 at time) Head/Heart
+6 (Hands, Feet.)
+4 (Arms, legs)
+2 (Any other specific, non-critical part of the body.)

~The~Role~Model

So its +2 for a knee? But +4 for a leg? Huh?

Mmmm. The knee, to my knowledge, is somewhere above the ankle, and below the hip. Commonly called The Leg.

I mean, I'm not exactly a surgeon, but I'd assume that means it's somewhere in the +4 to +4 range. In that range, anyway.

Model!Role

He has Rifles 10? Not bad.

~J

So the aim rule is skill/2 maximum simple actions for aiming, right? I can only assume this sniper has been around for a while.

Question, do the improved skill points for a physad power add to the total skill for purposes of aiming?

SL2, it is not even a debate in my book. Use the rules as they are written. if you ever have to pull a gun you better be prepared to use it very well. I can see a runner saving up for this even if SL1 is readily available and cheaper.

No, IA does not count for either pool use or aiming.

~J

I'm sorry. I was a bit intoxicated while pitching a few posts recently. I neglected to mention that final modifer was post SL-2 being attached, and used, in a situation that allows armor to be outright bypassed.

So, to answer your question: It falls under the +4(+2) for called shot, standard rules - And essentially, like many things, specific circumstances call for GM calls that stick to the spirit of the rules, even if they don't match up completely 100%.

So. If you're going to call a headshot, and bypass the 7/5 armor rating of your local Black Ops operative, the TN will reflect the difficulty.

Suppose that makes me somewhat biased against twinky backalley rapes of rules mechanics.

So. Guns. Watches. Your grandmother's external stomach. Really, I don't care, and more than likely a it'll be a +4 unless it turns into an instant kill-o-matic shot.

-RoleModel, slightly more sober this time around. Honest.

I do not allow called shot for location shots on the human body.. or by pass armor.. why you say.. well one thing Flechette ammo.. i use flechette ammo and call shot to bypass armor.. oh look.. you have no armor.. so i get staged damage.. did i mention i'm using the already broken AVS? Yeah look Bam your dead... next please.. BAM youre dead.

As far as SL2, i only give character with a deep back ground involving combat experience, and also not in conjunction with a Firearm skill above 4.. its just nasty if you go above that.

Yes, using SL2, Called Shot(Bypass armour) and AVS is deadly. But that works both ways. If you are looking for a less lethal game, it is your game afterall.

Even without using Called Shots to bypass armor or stage damage, I don't seem to have any lack of lethality in my games.