Shadowrun

Shadowrun General => The Secret History => Topic started by: jonathanc on <10-27-11/1437:04>

Title: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-27-11/1437:04>
I recently picked up Street Legends, and the section on Haze suddenly caused me to take notice of Pistons. I know he/she has been all over the books for a while, but I guess I just hadn't noticed before. What is the deal with Pistons? A hacker, I know, but what gender/metatype? What  background? I mean, if freaking Haze gets to be a Street Legend, why not get some info out on Pistons?
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Crimsondude on <10-27-11/1452:30>
Pistons is a DeeCee-area hacker and datahaven expert. She gets stats in Artifacts Unbound, page 126,  based on the Corporate Headhunter in Runner's Companion, 136. She is a human woman.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-27-11/1500:09>
Thanks for the info!

I find it interesting when the shadowtalk actually forms a little narrative of its own...though I was a little confused to see Riser white-knighting for Haze considering how he's portrayed in "Anatomy of a Shadowrun".
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Mirikon on <10-27-11/1510:13>
Pistons is a female hacker, I believe human. She's also the aunt of /dev/grrl, I believe.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: FastJack on <10-27-11/1552:12>
Pistons is a female hacker, I believe human. She's also the aunt of /dev/grrl, I believe.
I don't think it's a blood relation, though. (Although that's just my opinion.)
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-28-11/0340:02>
To me, she is and always will be Elissa Carey's character over on Shadowland bbs...
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Bull on <10-28-11/1307:57>
The Character of Pistons is Male.

Elissa Rich (Formerly Elissa Carey) was a freelancer and Pistons' creator and player.  Elissa is, of course, female.

Like me, Elissa used her character name as her online handle.  This leads to confusion at times.

And someday, I'd like to drag Elissa back long enough to do a full Street Legends style write up. :)
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-28-11/1320:43>
The Character of Pistons is Male.

Elissa Rich (Formerly Elissa Carey) was a freelancer and Pistons' creator and player.  Elissa is, of course, female.

Like me, Elissa used her character name as her online handle.  This leads to confusion at times.

And someday, I'd like to drag Elissa back long enough to do a full Street Legends style write up. :)
Hope springs eternal. Nice writeup on Bull, btw. I know some people have complained that the characters in the book aren't useful in-game since the PCs are the 'runners, but Bull's writeup puts him in a good place to act as either a Fixer or a Johnson.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: FastJack on <10-28-11/1334:47>
The Character of Pistons is Male.

Elissa Rich (Formerly Elissa Carey) was a freelancer and Pistons' creator and player.  Elissa is, of course, female.

Like me, Elissa used her character name as her online handle.  This leads to confusion at times.

And someday, I'd like to drag Elissa back long enough to do a full Street Legends style write up. :)
Bull, I don't doubt you, but you might want to let people know:

Quote from: Attitude, p. 88
Pistons glanced at the time stamp floating near her virtual persona. Saturday, 20:29 CET. The kick-off was just about to happen. If the goddess was smiling upon her, she would not need to endure the Euroleague game between FC Bayern München and FC Barcelona for long. She longed for a beetle beer, even if it was just morning in her time zone. Must be the environment, she thought. Just as she watched the icons around her anticipating the start of the game (and hell, was it crowded here), the target manifested on his usual seat in the digital representation of Camp Nou.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-28-11/1338:49>
The Character of Pistons is Male.

Elissa Rich (Formerly Elissa Carey) was a freelancer and Pistons' creator and player.  Elissa is, of course, female.

Like me, Elissa used her character name as her online handle.  This leads to confusion at times.

And someday, I'd like to drag Elissa back long enough to do a full Street Legends style write up. :)
Bull, I don't doubt you, but you might want to let people know:

Quote from: Attitude, p. 88
Pistons glanced at the time stamp floating near her virtual persona. Saturday, 20:29 CET. The kick-off was just about to happen. If the goddess was smiling upon her, she would not need to endure the Euroleague game between FC Bayern München and FC Barcelona for long. She longed for a beetle beer, even if it was just morning in her time zone. Must be the environment, she thought. Just as she watched the icons around her anticipating the start of the game (and hell, was it crowded here), the target manifested on his usual seat in the digital representation of Camp Nou.

Pistons is referred to as female throughout the SR4 fiction, in fact...

Quote from: Feral Cities, p. 126
“You know, when you said ‘Let’s go to Italy,’ I was picturing something different,” Pistons said, as she checked and re-checked her gun. “Red wine, beautiful beaches, gorgeous half-naked Italians.”
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Bull on <10-28-11/1756:20>
Doh.  You know what?  I was getting Pistons and Winterhawk mixed up.  Sorry, I posted that this morning before I dashed out the door, running on too littloe sleep (as usual).

Winterhawk is male, but his creator and sorta namesake is female (Though she more often goes by Rat instead of Winterhawk.  Her fiction site, though, was Winterhawk's Virtual Magespace).
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-28-11/1813:43>
All that crap Haze was talking about going after her...does Pistons have much in the way of combat skills?
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <10-29-11/0035:26>
She can hold her own. She's pretty handy with vehicles and drones, as I recall.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: CanRay on <10-29-11/1244:35>
Depends on how pragmatic she is.  Combat can be done in many, many ways.  *Slasher Smile*
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-29-11/2037:57>
Eh, what I've seen of Haze hasn't exactly impressed me, at least not where "I'm coming to get you" is concerned. He seems like a decent grifter, but even a moderately hard case should eat him alive. Not sure if I'd put most hackers in that category though, which is why I asked.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Mirikon on <10-29-11/2038:54>
All that crap Haze was talking about going after her...does Pistons have much in the way of combat skills?
Funny thing, you don't need close quarters combat when you 'improve' someone's Knight Errant rap sheet to include several major crimes, and then give the Knights running updates on the location of a 'wanted terrorist'.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: CanRay on <10-29-11/2044:59>
Bull's standard "Carry Piece" is a Panther Assault Cannon.  Just 'cause you're a Hacker don't mean you don't know how to scrap.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Bull on <10-29-11/2140:48>
Bull's standard "Carry Piece" is a Panther Assault Cannon.  Just 'cause you're a Hacker don't mean you don't know how to scrap.

Actually, it's an Ares Squirt with Gamma Scopolimine.  His secondary is a Ruger Warhawk loaded with APDS.

Of course, he also keeps a Panther in every room in his house.  Including the Bathroom (Which came in handy once).  And in his van.

Just in case.

Bull
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-29-11/2145:57>
Bull's standard "Carry Piece" is a Panther Assault Cannon.  Just 'cause you're a Hacker don't mean you don't know how to scrap.
I said I wouldn't put *most* hackers in that category; Bull isn't "most hackers". :)

Haze looks like he'd be a fun antagonist to throw at some players, but power-wise, he seems like a villain of the week from Burn Notice.  ;D
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Mystic on <10-29-11/2218:26>
Bull's standard "Carry Piece" is a Panther Assault Cannon.  Just 'cause you're a Hacker don't mean you don't know how to scrap.
I said I wouldn't put *most* hackers in that category; Bull isn't "most hackers". :)

Haze looks like he'd be a fun antagonist to throw at some players, but power-wise, he seems like a villain of the week from Burn Notice.  ;D

Raw power does not a threat make. One who can manipulate things or screw with your life can be worse than someone with a big gun. I have no problem fighting by proxy if it is the most effective means of doing it.

And never..NEVER diss Burn Notice. Bad things happen to people that do....OK maybe not, but still don't do it...

 ;)
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: CanRay on <10-29-11/2223:10>
Of course, he also keeps a Panther in every room in his house.  Including the Bathroom (Which came in handy once).

Bull
Every character I've made has their home mapped out in my head, including where the food, pots and pans (In the case of the one guy that cooks), and concealed and not-so-concealed weapons are.

The bathroom is where I typically put explosives and shaped charges (At the very least a Claymore Mine), along with a flak "blanket" to go over the tub.

Most characters also have bed holsters, which I later found out actually exist IRL.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-29-11/2311:44>
Bull's standard "Carry Piece" is a Panther Assault Cannon.  Just 'cause you're a Hacker don't mean you don't know how to scrap.
I said I wouldn't put *most* hackers in that category; Bull isn't "most hackers". :)

Haze looks like he'd be a fun antagonist to throw at some players, but power-wise, he seems like a villain of the week from Burn Notice.  ;D

Raw power does not a threat make. One who can manipulate things or screw with your life can be worse than someone with a big gun. I have no problem fighting by proxy if it is the most effective means of doing it.

And never..NEVER diss Burn Notice. Bad things happen to people that do....OK maybe not, but still don't do it...

 ;)
Dude, I've been following Burn Notice since the pilot episode first aired. Suffice it to say that I am cool with Michael Westen and Co. That said, this past season was very mediocre until the last two episodes.

I realize that Haze's main threat is his ability to alter memories and influence people, but powers like that are put to the best use by smart people....Haze isn't all that smart. For example: he gave Pistons fair warning.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: CanRay on <10-29-11/2312:25>
Isn't Haze also a Tempo Junkie?
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-29-11/2314:09>
Isn't Haze also a Tempo Junkie?
As of Street Legends, he is "clean". And on the run from authorities in Salish and Seattle over that whole date rape thing from Ghost Cartels.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Mystic on <10-29-11/2318:53>
Of course, he also keeps a Panther in every room in his house.  Including the Bathroom (Which came in handy once).

Bull
Every character I've made has their home mapped out in my head, including where the food, pots and pans (In the case of the one guy that cooks), and concealed and not-so-concealed weapons are.

The bathroom is where I typically put explosives and shaped charges (At the very least a Claymore Mine), along with a flak "blanket" to go over the tub.

Most characters also have bed holsters, which I later found out actually exist IRL.

Yes they do. I modified an old holster to fit along the side of my headboard. It was good to know that I had 13+1 of .45 ACP ready if anyone was stupid enough to break in at my old place. With a dog for an alarm, I had few worries. That was before I had kids and moved to a better neighborhood. Now, everything is locked up tight. But I can still get to my weapon quickly if need be.

Dude, I've been following Burn Notice since the pilot episode first aired. Suffice it to say that I am cool with Michael Westen and Co. That said, this past season was very mediocre until the last two episodes.


It was all buildup, but was worth it IMHO.

But speaking of Pistons/Haze, I wonder if anything else will come of this situation?
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Mirikon on <10-29-11/2320:05>
Isn't Haze also a Tempo Junkie?
As of Street Legends, he is "clean". And on the run from authorities in Salish and Seattle over that whole date rape thing from Ghost Cartels.
Like any recovering addict, "clean" really means "hasn't fallen off the wagon recently". Once an addiction has its hooks in you, you can fight it, you can keep on the straight and narrow, but it never, ever lets you go, short of hooking yourself up to one of those brainwashing devices that literally wipes it out of your mind. Magic that alters memories is only partially effective, as the memories fade over time.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: CanRay on <10-29-11/2326:57>
Isn't Haze also a Tempo Junkie?
As of Street Legends, he is "clean". And on the run from authorities in Salish and Seattle over that whole date rape thing from Ghost Cartels.
Like any recovering addict, "clean" really means "hasn't fallen off the wagon recently". Once an addiction has its hooks in you, you can fight it, you can keep on the straight and narrow, but it never, ever lets you go, short of hooking yourself up to one of those brainwashing devices that literally wipes it out of your mind. Magic that alters memories is only partially effective, as the memories fade over time.
As my Grandfather once told me, there's no such thing as an ex-alcoholic, only a dry one.  And he'd know.

Damn I miss him.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-30-11/0024:35>
Of course, he also keeps a Panther in every room in his house.  Including the Bathroom (Which came in handy once).

Bull
Every character I've made has their home mapped out in my head, including where the food, pots and pans (In the case of the one guy that cooks), and concealed and not-so-concealed weapons are.

The bathroom is where I typically put explosives and shaped charges (At the very least a Claymore Mine), along with a flak "blanket" to go over the tub.

Most characters also have bed holsters, which I later found out actually exist IRL.

Yes they do. I modified an old holster to fit along the side of my headboard. It was good to know that I had 13+1 of .45 ACP ready if anyone was stupid enough to break in at my old place. With a dog for an alarm, I had few worries. That was before I had kids and moved to a better neighborhood. Now, everything is locked up tight. But I can still get to my weapon quickly if need be.

Dude, I've been following Burn Notice since the pilot episode first aired. Suffice it to say that I am cool with Michael Westen and Co. That said, this past season was very mediocre until the last two episodes.


It was all buildup, but was worth it IMHO.

But speaking of Pistons/Haze, I wonder if anything else will come of this situation?
Knowing what I do about the "secret" of Tempo, Haze could easily fall further than he has.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <10-30-11/0104:37>
As of Street Legends, he is "clean". And on the run from authorities in Salish and Seattle over that whole date rape thing from Ghost Cartels.
Maybe he's clean, but he's also lying to himself when he says he's not a junkie anymore. It's like the mob: Once in, never out. I speak from experience here.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <10-30-11/0106:20>
But speaking of Pistons/Haze, I wonder if anything else will come of this situation?
Magic 8 Ball says, "It seems likely."
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Mystic on <10-30-11/0113:22>
But speaking of Pistons/Haze, I wonder if anything else will come of this situation?
Magic 8 Ball says, "It seems likely."
Oooooo, fun times ahead.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Phylos Fett on <10-30-11/0350:28>
As of Street Legends, he is "clean". And on the run from authorities in Salish and Seattle over that whole date rape thing from Ghost Cartels.
Maybe he's clean, but he's also lying to himself when he says he's not a junkie anymore. It's like the mob: Once in, never out. I speak from experience here.

You're in the mob? ;)
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Mirikon on <10-30-11/1322:55>
As of Street Legends, he is "clean". And on the run from authorities in Salish and Seattle over that whole date rape thing from Ghost Cartels.
Maybe he's clean, but he's also lying to himself when he says he's not a junkie anymore. It's like the mob: Once in, never out. I speak from experience here.

You're in the mob? ;)
How did you think all the information in Vice got so detailed?
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Critias on <10-30-11/1357:05>
But speaking of Pistons/Haze, I wonder if anything else will come of this situation?
Rom-com!
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: jonathanc on <10-30-11/1417:18>
But speaking of Pistons/Haze, I wonder if anything else will come of this situation?
Rom-com!
I could totally see this being the next Ryan Gosling flick.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-30-11/1418:19>
Completely missed the reference.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <10-30-11/1739:08>
Maybe he's clean, but he's also lying to himself when he says he's not a junkie anymore. It's like the mob: Once in, never out. I speak from experience here.
You're in the mob? ;)
I know you're grinning, but just to be clear: No, not in the mob. Recovering (that is to say, currently dry) alcoholic.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Phylos Fett on <10-31-11/0313:09>
Maybe he's clean, but he's also lying to himself when he says he's not a junkie anymore. It's like the mob: Once in, never out. I speak from experience here.
You're in the mob? ;)
I know you're grinning, but just to be clear: No, not in the mob. Recovering (that is to say, currently dry) alcoholic.

I know how hard it is to stay dry. More power to you, Mr Goodman.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-31-11/0716:35>
Maybe he's clean, but he's also lying to himself when he says he's not a junkie anymore. It's like the mob: Once in, never out. I speak from experience here.
You're in the mob? ;)
I know you're grinning, but just to be clear: No, not in the mob. Recovering (that is to say, currently dry) alcoholic.

Addictions of all types suck eggs.  Drop me a line if you ever have problems; we Still Recoveringers gotta stick together.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: ARC on <11-01-11/0202:14>
Maybe he's clean, but he's also lying to himself when he says he's not a junkie anymore. It's like the mob: Once in, never out. I speak from experience here.
You're in the mob? ;)
I know you're grinning, but just to be clear: No, not in the mob. Recovering (that is to say, currently dry) alcoholic.

Addictions of all types suck eggs.  Drop me a line if you ever have problems; we Still Recoveringers gotta stick together.

Well, all I can say is all your friends here on Jackpoint are by your side.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <11-01-11/0925:51>
Thanks, guys, I appreciate it. I don't know why it seems like such a big deal, but I appreciate it nonetheless.
Title: Re: Pistons?
Post by: ARC on <11-01-11/0930:14>
Thanks, guys, I appreciate it. I don't know why it seems like such a big deal, but I appreciate it nonetheless.

Unchecked addiction destroys lives and kills.  Wether from OD, lung cancer, violence, liver failure, or any of the myriad other ways for them to kill you.  You are fighting a battle that many have.  Many respect it, the ones that don't haven't seen the ravages, are addicted themselves, or are just fools.