Shadowrun

Shadowrun Play => Gamemasters' Lounge => Topic started by: Hermes on <06-03-12/1128:31>

Title: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-03-12/1128:31>
This is actually my campaign, so don't think of it as an actual series.  ( :) )

------------------------------------------------

SHADOWRUN Series Campaign Bible

Formula:  The player characters are shadowrunners running runs in Salt Lake City.  Because of how the Law operates in Salt Lake City, the runners do more work for the Common Man than for the Corps to stay on the SL Police's good side.

Premise: In a world were people are treated as Persons and regulated as Corporations, can one make a difference as a Living Man or Woman?

Theme:  Doing good in a technodystopic world.


PRODUCTION DESIGN

VIDEOS:
Opening Scene in Blade Runner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaR5wVL9x2I

AR UI in Minority Report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwVBzx0LMNQ

Cityscapes to Vangelis' Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RScZrvTebeA

Memories of Green (Blade Runner): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg0cmhjdiLs&feature=related

PICTURES:

(http://philgamer.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/1270104031040.jpg?w=614)

(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110426031237/shadowruncanberra/images/thumb/f/f6/SR4A1680x1050.jpg/682px-SR4A1680x1050.jpg)

(http://cdn.daz3d.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/350x455/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/m/a/magus-large.jpg)

(http://cdn.daz3d.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/350x455/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/s/t/street-mage-for-genesis-large.jpg)

(http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/images/339965/OrkMage01small.jpg)

(http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/geekdad/images/2008/04/01/ork.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/Storn/HenriPetitloRes.jpg)

(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs11/i/2006/181/2/1/Old_Friends____by_OmeN2501.jpg)


----------------------------------------

Home base:

The home base for the Shadowrunners

In Every T.V. show, the Ensemble cast often has a home base.  Atlantis in Stargate: Atlantis, the magic shoppe in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the  Xavier mansion in the various X-Men animated cartoon shows.  For the A-Team it was the GMC van.

(http://classiccarsales.ie/files/cars/images/big/GMC_GMC_Chevy_G20_A_team_Van_09352740eeb08642d8f7f3e90a7b861b.jpg)

I have no idea where the Team is going to stay yet. :)

====================================================================
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-03-12/1149:59>
CHARACTERS:

Paladin -- Mercenary Gun Mage

Actor:
(http://i2.listal.com/image/1084598/600full-bruce-willis.jpg)

"Born and raised. Where? Doesn't matter. I'm a soldier. Aztlan's BlackOps. Sure, I served. Debuted in the Desert Wars. Tore up quite a few platoons there. Never met the president. Never wanted to. Leave the politics to the politicians, just give me something to kill. I had a certain knack. A "supernatural ability to survive", they called it. They did some tests; blood workup, a few...darker...things. Nothing panned out. They wanted to do more, but they figured they'd leave that for after my service to this great corporation. I've been in a hail of bullets, saw my fair share of grenades and even missiles. Took on some heavy artillery, from slugs to HMGs and Panther Cannons. Even a guass rifle made its way to my parties. A few things even hit me. Hurt like a bitch, too. I even died once. Obviously didn't stay dead. To this day, I still don't know why. But that's a bit of a side track.
 
  "You see, everyhing about my missions are classified. Even if I wanted to tell you, I can't. What happened after my service is where it gets fun anyways. I wasn't tied down by the red tape anymore. Free to do the same thing, but paid more and did away with some of the moral ambiguities like "orders" and ... well, that was it. Miss it? Sure. Not knowing whether today was going to be my last day on this god forsaken rock had its appeal, but Denver? I couldn't have imagined a better place to spend my afterlife. These days it just feels like death came a bit early. In a good way, though. The Gates opened wide, shiny light; you get the picture. I could fight to my heart's content, and roam the streets after each night in search of people in need. Roughed up more people out of the ring than I did in it. They all deserved it, though.
   
"Strange enough, though. Someone caught wind of my skillset. Said I could help people. For great glory or somesuch nonsense. Their words, not mine. I like helping people, but going so far out of my way to do so? I'd better be getting paid for this. They said my skillset could save countless lives; that I would be fighting the way to end all wars. They said in this way, I woun't see an army. There is one, but it consists of people. Individuals that make up a whole. I don't pretend to understand, but who knows. Might be fun. Enjoying my retirement, but the blood...I miss it. The beast within needs a dark void filled, and these street thugs just aren't enough. I hunger...I'm starved for a fight. I yearn for my next near-death experience, the armed forces to give me a fucking challenge for once. These guys...they're serving up enemies by the platter. Sorry Craigslist, the random jobs are over. I'm getting excited at the new prospect already."



FOX: face (no pic)
Nothing's known about this shapeshifter. (Makes me, the GM, very nervous)

Myth's Hacker (no pic)

TANNITH (Street Mage)

Actor
(http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollyblogger/images/jim_caviezel.jpg)

you all met him, his Character Sheet is on these pages.   Amnesiac -- on the run from the YAKUZA.  There's some possibilities to work with this one, more than Fox, above.

Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-03-12/1213:01>
Episodes

(Episode: Synopis)

Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-03-12/1232:49>
SAMPLE OUTLINE:

A Murder in Scarlet

SYNOPSIS: A professor of Hermetic Science and Quantum Studies that worked in the University of Utah was found murdered in his office.  At the reading of the will, everything was handed out except his private library.  The man who was to inherit the library hires the Shadowrunners to find his private library.

THE TWIST:  The Black Lodge wants to find the private library also.  And they are willing to kill, maim, and blackmail to get at the private library.  The reason?  The Library contains the Secret.

CLIMAX:  The Shadowrunners face down the Black Lodge's agents, Magio-Assassins, as the man that hired them unlocks the way to the private library.

-----------------

Teaser: Paladin is contacted by . . .

---- Completed later. :)


--------------------------

Ideas for Change of Pace

Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: CanRay on <06-04-12/0126:41>
Leverage.

With Magic.

Done.  ;D
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Mirikon on <06-04-12/0750:41>
Quote from: CanRay on <06-04-12/0126:41>
Leverage.

With Magic.

Done.  ;D
And dragons!
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-04-12/0801:16>
Oh my
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-04-12/0908:30>
I take it you like it. :)
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-04-12/1216:51>
Yepp most defintly  ;D 8)
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-04-12/1535:45>
Then I'll give some mission reports.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: markelphoenix on <06-04-12/2047:28>
Tanith here, I'm psyched :-) Looking forward to it. Discussing with GM if we are going to still use OpenRPG or if Roll20.net would work better. Anyone have experience with Roll20 yet? It's in beta.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-05-12/1144:35>
Important Locations around the Game Setting

At the moment, last night, I was getting ideas on how to write a small game world pastiche about my Church and how it would operate in the Sixth World.  I almost stayed awake and wrote everything down.  However, I promised Falconer that there would be no new house rules; so I'll keep to that promise.  However, it's important to get my ideas out about the three major colleges in the area.


THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/MountVanCott.JPG/220px-MountVanCott.JPG)

Relative to the Game World of Shadowrun, the University of Utah has the following departments.

-- Computer Science -- (Hacker and Technomancer related)
Most people don't know that Pixar had it's start at this University.  The founders of Pixar developed and completed a program that created a tea pot.   Also, the University of Utah was one of the first institutions to start ArcNet with the U.S. Military, the first version of the Maxtrix.  The University of Utah in the Sixth World has become the place to go to learn Maxtrix Programming.

Matrix Programming (Max Rtg):
Active Skills
      --- Computer (6)
      --- Software (6)
      --- Hardware (6)
      --- Data Search (3)

Knowledge Skills
      --- Computer Theory (6)
      --- Matrix Architecture (7)
      --- Matrix Communications (6)
      --- Matrix Theory (6)
      --- Operating Systems (6)

Matrix Operations
-- Electronics Skill Group (6)
-- Hacking Group (6)

Experimental Programs in the Computer Department
The University of Utah's computer department is working with the Broadcasting Department and the Psychology department in studying the Technomancer Phenomenon.  The University of Utah is one of the few colleges in North America that is developing a Technomancer program.

Skills taught in this fledging program:
Active Skills:
 --- Tasking Skill Group (3)
 --- Computer (6)
 --- Data Search (3)

Common Knowledge Skills to these programs

DEPARTMENT OF MAGIC (Magician Related)

The Magic Department at the University of Utah has grown out of the Parapsychology Department in the 2020s and has become a valid source of study.  The University of Utah isn't a leading University in the Study of Magic, thanks to the Mana Ebb; however after the Year of the Comet -- the Magical program has enjoyed some popularity.  Among the 30 best schools to go learn magic, it's ranked 27th in North America.  The Magic Department offers the following Disciplines for study:

Skills taught in the program:
Active Skills:

Knowledge Skills:

Business School (Face related)
The University of Utah boasts the best Business program in the Pueblo Corporate Council.  This isn't true as it's rival -- Brigham Young University -- also boasts the best program in the PCC.  However, to gain such a reputation, the Business program at the U of U often asks the Rich to come speak at certain seminars to it's students.  Those that come are those that wish to share their knowledge about money and wealth.

Skills taught in this program:
Active Skills
Knowledge Skills


College ROTC (Street Samurai and Mercenary related)
The ROTC at the University of Utah has a long tradition of training officers.  Because Salt Lake City doesn't have a military defense force, but does have a police force; the ROTC here trains those with promising Leadership skills before they go to the Pueblo Corporate Council's Military Academy in Santa Fe.  Real Military Training, however, is found here because of the College's proximity to the old Fort Douglas.  Dropouts often find work in Corporate Security.  While a real gifted drop out might become a "Street Samurai."

Skills taught at the ROTC
Active Skills:

Sample Knowledge Skills:

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
in the 2070s, the Engineering Department at the University of Utah is among the Top 20 in North America.  The U of U specializes in producing gadgets for the good of the typical Salt Lake Citizen, there are Black Projects developed in tandem with the PCC's research labs in Area 51 and Roswell.  The University of Los Angeles is the major rival in Engineering however, and typically they are on black projects.

Skills taught in the Program
Active Skills:

Sample Knowledge Skills
[/list][/list]
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Mason on <06-05-12/1215:51>
Hey, neat idea. Include in the college writeups what skills they offer and at what rating. I like it.

Now, perhaps it;s nitpicky, but don't you think that offering Rating 6 in so many areas is a bad idea? You are basically saying that this University has the "best in most of the world" in all of those skills teaching there. There is only one level of skill higher than 6, and only one skill can ever be that high for a given person. I mean, if college teaches Rating 6, then it teaches almost everything there is to know on the subject. That's fine for knowledge skills, but Rating 4 is the level of Professional training, level 5 is expert, level 6 is the best in several countries, 7 is the best ever. Are you saying that there are teachers who can cover all these subjects to skill 6, or what? If it can be taught that high, I think it's probably not the best way to go. The last two points (6 and 7) should come from real-world experience (Karma) IMHO.

On the other hand, You should also add a gym program and a study hall program that lets the teachers help you train your base attributes, and a magical practice hall where spells can be practiced and spirits summoned under supervision.

You may want to consider, if the runners are students, to use the "nuyen for Karma" house rules. Every 2500 nuyen spent, is 1 karma they earn to spend on their skills and attributes. Naturally, this would also include extra days studying or training.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-05-12/1306:52>
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/ESC_Eyring_Science_Center.jpg/800px-ESC_Eyring_Science_Center.jpg)

In the Sixth World, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates Brigham Young University in Provo, and two satellite Universities in Hawai'i (BYU-Hawai'i) and the Salish-Sidhe Council (BYU-Salish).  They also operate a network of Institutes around the old United States of America.  BYU is part of the Salt Lake City Anglo-Enclave in the PCC.

Notable Programs

Department of Applied Quantum Physics

If you are Magically Active, and you go to Brigham Young University, you have two choices in becoming a full magician.  You either join the Mormon Church and get a Temple Recommend (Theurgy), and or you apply to the Egyptology Department and Department of Applied Quantum Physics programs at BYU.  The Mormon Church does not follow the Catholic Church -- the Church always believed in Theurgy.  Just that Theurgy stays in the Temple and is not taught in University programs.  Since the Mormon Church does not recognize most other traditions as valid traditions of study (and actively opposes students of the Black Magic tradition wherever possible) -- the college only teaches two Magician traditions.  And they are:

Currently, the Applied Quantum Physics program at B.Y.U. is rivaled in North America only by the programs at Princeton University and MIT&M.  Internationally, the BYU Applied Quantum Physics Program is rivaled by Oxford University (in England).  While the Arcano-Egyptology Program is rivaled by the Egyptology department at the University of Chicago and internationally, the University of Cairo -- Egypt and Oxford University.

The Applied Quantum Physics program taught at B.Y.U. is based on the Law of Cause and Effect.  Magicians applying to the field of study learn that what the other traditions call magic is the manifestation of will, and therefore a strange science and not an art.  Magicians coming out of the BYU Applied Quantum Physics program are typically well rounded and often have a greater sense of themselves.  Mormon Magicians who graduate with the Psionic Tradition often find themselves subconsciously melding the Psionic Tradition with the Theurgy tradition.  In the Mid-21st Century, this means that a new Tradition of Magic is starting ooze itself into being.

Magicians in the Arcano-Egyptology program learn a second rate program and are typically "non-mormons."  The program is second rate because the Egyptian magical tradition is treated in a purely academic and historical mode.  Magicians who graduate from this program typically still have to piece everything together and or apply to a school with a better program for applying what they have learned.

The list of skills taught is similar to the ones taught at the University of Utah.

Experimental Approaches

The Applied Quantum Physics program approaches the Tradition in experimental mode.  One of the things stressed in the program is that Matter and Energy cannot be created nor destroyed (i.e. Things cannot be created from Mana), Summoning Objects (rather than Spirits) from the Ether, Teleportation, and Time Travel are valid approaches to the program.  The simplicity of such things is converting energy into matter, and vice versa.  Every Semester, a group of students would summon a lot of Gold as a prank.  Although the summoned gold will often go back into Energy form, making sure that no gold is distributed.

As for Time Travel, the Experiments are fledging and so far: students can only skip back 5 minutes or skip ahead Five minutes.  Although there is an Urban Legend among BYU students that one student skipped back to the time of the Creation and back.  And as for Teleportation -- it's a valid field and there has been documented studies of students teleporting to London, Vienna, and Neo-Tokyo and back.


Computer Science department

Basically the same as the University of Utah's, above.  However, the University teaches the Cracking Skill Group as "Defensive Hacking" rather than "Offensive Hacking."   Hacking offensively is considered bad by the Church, and B.Y.U. teaches the skill group as defensive.  However, there are some graduates who enter the Shadows as Hackers and will run the matrix offensively.  There are no experimental projects dealing with Technomancers.

Business Department

Basically the same as the University of Utah's, as above.  However, B.Y.U. doesn't produce many shadowy Faces, as business ethics is taught there, and people learn from a moral perspective rather than an Amoral one.  However, many Mega-corporations and small corporations in general want those graduated from the B.Y.U. school of Business.

Archaeology Department (semi-related to Shadowrunning).

B.Y.U.'s Archaeology department has a successful Egyptology program.  In fact, they are regularly invited to Egypt on Archaeological digs.  Students learn Archaeology and often they tie it into Mormon theology.  Arcano-Archaeology is a fledging discipline, and so far B.Y.U. is slow in adopting the program as valid.

ROTC

B.Y.U. has an active ROTC program.  Drop outs often become Street Samurai, however.  Those trained here often find themselves in the army of the PCC.  The program is similar to the University of Utah program.

[/list]
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-05-12/1309:47>
Quote from: Mason on <06-05-12/1215:51>
Now, perhaps it;s nitpicky, but don't you think that offering Rating 6 in so many areas is a bad idea? You are basically saying that this University has the "best in most of the world" in all of those skills teaching there. There is only one level of skill higher than 6, and only one skill can ever be that high for a given person. I mean, if college teaches Rating 6, then it teaches almost everything there is to know on the subject. That's fine for knowledge skills, but Rating 4 is the level of Professional training, level 5 is expert, level 6 is the best in several countries, 7 is the best ever. Are you saying that there are teachers who can cover all these subjects to skill 6, or what? If it can be taught that high, I think it's probably not the best way to go. The last two points (6 and 7) should come from real-world experience (Karma) IMHO.

Yes, you're right.  This is rough, but thanks for pointing that out.  I have another college to work on before I go back and edit everything.  I welcome other suggestions from the community! :)

Quote
On the other hand, You should also add a gym program and a study hall program that lets the teachers help you train your base attributes, and a magical practice hall where spells can be practiced and spirits summoned under supervision.

Capitol idea, I'll add it in the revision.

Quote
You may want to consider, if the runners are students, to use the "nuyen for Karma" house rules. Every 2500 nuyen spent, is 1 karma they earn to spend on their skills and attributes. Naturally, this would also include extra days studying or training.

People keep telling me you don't house rule Shadowrun . . .

Oh well, I'll think about it.  If FastJack or CanRay makes the same suggestion, I'll consider it in the revision.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Critias on <06-05-12/1327:16>
Quote from: Hermes on <06-05-12/1309:47>
Oh well, I'll think about it.  If FastJack or CanRay makes the same suggestion, I'll consider it in the revision.
I'm not sure if you meant it that way, but "Thanks for the house rule idea.  If Person X or Person Y suggests that idea, maybe I'll take the suggestion more seriously" is kind of a jerkish thing to say right to someone's (virtual) face.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: All4BigGuns on <06-05-12/1340:07>
Quote from: Critias on <06-05-12/1327:16>
Quote from: Hermes on <06-05-12/1309:47>
Oh well, I'll think about it.  If FastJack or CanRay makes the same suggestion, I'll consider it in the revision.
I'm not sure if you meant it that way, but "Thanks for the house rule idea.  If Person X or Person Y suggests that idea, maybe I'll take the suggestion more seriously" is kind of a jerkish thing to say right to someone's (virtual) face.

Definitely can come off that way.  On that house rule though, I've been tempted to rule using the old ratio from SR3 of 1000 per karma.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-05-12/1406:09>
Quote from: Critias on <06-05-12/1327:16>
Quote from: Hermes on <06-05-12/1309:47>
Oh well, I'll think about it.  If FastJack or CanRay makes the same suggestion, I'll consider it in the revision.
I'm not sure if you meant it that way, but "Thanks for the house rule idea.  If Person X or Person Y suggests that idea, maybe I'll take the suggestion more seriously" is kind of a jerkish thing to say right to someone's (virtual) face.

Then I'm sorry.

I like the rule, but people keep telling me you don't house rule Shadowrun.  Therefore, I am cautious about house ruling Shadowrun right now.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Mirikon on <06-05-12/1414:38>
It isn't that you don't house rule shadowrun, but rather that most house rules people try to come up with have wider ranging effects than they realize. It's the old "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" idea, coupled with the KISS principle. Most house rules tend to go against either or both of those concepts, which means they often cause more problems than they are designed to solve.

Thus, it isn't that you can't (or even shouldn't) houserule shadowrun, but rather that most house rules turn out to be colossally bad ideas, once people rip into them.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: All4BigGuns on <06-05-12/1415:20>
The 'cash for karma' is more grandfathering in an old optional rule from SR3.  The house rule for more contacts works well, though (Cha x 2 or Cha x 3 extra points just for contacts).
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-05-12/1432:13>
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/Salt_Lake_Community_College%2C_Jordan_Campus%2C_West_Jordan%2C_Utah%2C_United_States%2C_Jan%2C_20%2C_2006.JPG/800px-Salt_Lake_Community_College%2C_Jordan_Campus%2C_West_Jordan%2C_Utah%2C_United_States%2C_Jan%2C_20%2C_2006.JPG)

Salt Lake Community College is a two year junior college that offers Associate Degrees in various fields.  In the world of Shadowrun, Salt Lake Community College is also run by the city rather than the State.  Most Shadowrunners (native to SLC) graduate from this college, however, leading to many to think that the Shadowrunning community is a bunch of Intellectual Trash (which is not true).  However, it's true that a high degree of Shadowrunners that graduate from the college use the PC term "Contract Corporate Spy," the amount of intelligence among Shadowrunners who graduate from this college is not at all less than those who graduate from the other colleges.

People in SLC go to SLCC to learn subjects that are typically not taught in Public Education but required in a four year University.   Although the Salt Lake City Anglo-Enclave have a public education program that is second to none; most High Schools do not teach literacy in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing.  They just teach the basics: Matrix Running, Browsing, what an Icon is, and so forth.  There are some High Schools in the valley that do teach Literacy, but they have been converted to Private Schools in order to charge ahead of the demand.

In 2071, the following programs are of Interest to Shadowrunners.

SLCC Athletics (Physical Adept related)
The athletic program trains Adepts in the Athletic tradition as well as the Martial Arts tradition.  Like the colleges above (which the Athletic programs won't be detailed until the first revision); SLCC has a fine Athletic program. The school doesn't have a swordsmanship program, but the college does sponsor a S.C.A. chapter.

Active Skills (Max. Rtg):

Computer Science (Hacker related)

Computer Science is taught at the College so that the graduates would get a job.  However, a high degree of Shadowrunning hackers come out of his junior college than any other college.  Like in most schools, hacking is taught as a defensive measure.  But 1 in 20 students who graduate from the program become Hackers.

Active Skills (Max Rtg.)
Sample Knowledge Skills (Max Rtg.)


APPLIED MAGICAL STUDIES PROGRAM
The Salt Lake Community College takes a more practical approach to magic than a theoretical approach.  Therefore, the Hermetic tradition often gets more attention than say the Shamanistic tradition or any other tradition.  The following traditions are officially sanctioned as true subjects taught at the college:

The following traditions are represented by the following Student Clubs:

Skills taught through the program:
Active Skills (Max. Rtg.):
Sample Knowledge skills (Max. Rtg.):
Paranormal Phenomenae (2)[/li]
[/list]

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR PROGRAM (Occult Investigator)
Salt Lake Community College, in tandem with the Police Academy nearby the Redwood Campus; trains private investigators and police detectives.  The program will never turn out a Sherlock Holmes, a Sam Spade, or a Hercule Poirot; but the program does turn out competent investigators.  Although, once laughed and scoffed at, in the 2060s Salt Lake Community College started an attaché program to their Private Investigator program -- Occult Investigator.

Once laughed at for "Ghost Hunting" before the Awakening, Occult Investigators investigate magical crime.  Magical murders, actual ghosts, ghoulish activity, hunting vampires, and dealing with magical criminals are what the Occult Investigator and Occult Detective are supposed to do.  Occult Investigators are trained in the Hermetic tradition but some are wiccans and theurgists.  However, the job can be dangerous.  Occult Investigators find themselves dealing with toxic spirits, tracking down insect spirit hives, and fighting their foes with magic!

The Program is an Apprenticeship rather than a degree program
Active skills:
[/list]
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-05-12/1433:38>
Quote from: All4BigGuns on <06-05-12/1415:20>
The 'cash for karma' is more grandfathering in an old optional rule from SR3.  The house rule for more contacts works well, though (Cha x 2 or Cha x 3 extra points just for contacts).

Is that so?

I never had a copy of SR3.  In that case, I'll grandfather it in.  I apologize if anyone felt insulted.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: All4BigGuns on <06-05-12/1441:47>
Quote from: Hermes on <06-05-12/1433:38>
Quote from: All4BigGuns on <06-05-12/1415:20>
The 'cash for karma' is more grandfathering in an old optional rule from SR3.  The house rule for more contacts works well, though (Cha x 2 or Cha x 3 extra points just for contacts).

Is that so?

I never had a copy of SR3.  In that case, I'll grandfather it in.  I apologize if anyone felt insulted.

I started with SR3, so I remember some things.  Don't think it was in the core book, but rather in the SR Companion (could be wrong). Like I mentioned before, I suggest making the conversion rate the less expensive option from the source at 1000 per karma--with possibility of going both ways. Only allowing the 'trade off' for one way would give mages or adepts (for cash to karma) an advantage or augmented an advantage (for karma to cash).

The only time I really saw any sort of problem with it, the GM was paying us what really was WAY too much (2 million a month), and I blew six months of pay all on karma to use entirely on Initiation.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: markelphoenix on <06-05-12/2030:46>
Also, Karma distribution is left wide open for the GM. The Core Rule Book has several suggestions of how and what values should be distributed for a run, but it is a broad stroke. I always read it as a point of reference on how much should be rewarded for what kind of achievement. That being said, it easily ties into the old SR3 option of nuyen for karma, being that Karma distribution is left up to the GM (what gets you Karma, what is considered a 'valid achievement or accomplishment', did you pull off an amazing one in a million setup, did you play your char within the backstory/rp you setup when creating the char, etc.). The suggestion offered is basically saying, take into account that Universities are places of learning and tie in the Nuyen cost to it for Karma purposes. I would even go one further. I would say take the initial training cost for raising a skill (and if the player lacks the Karma to raise the skill) add the Nuyen to Karma conversion into the cost of the class.

Example: Lets say that the university is really expensive, so it defies the normal costs associated with finding a trainer. Lets say published price is 50k to raise a skill. Now lets say the player lacks 5 karma he needs to raise the skill. You would then add in 5k Nuyen and make a total cost of paying the trainer and the karma of 55k. (Of course, I made the university be 'uber expensive' because I am too lazy to look up the actual instructor costs. Keep in mind Instruction costs can be modified based upon services to the university/instructors, Charisma/negotiation, reputation, fake ID that shows the Runner as qualifying for the 'instate' tuition etc.)

P.S. What I am getting at is that the rules are synergistic. They are meant to provide framework and work together to create a cohesive whole. Always take into account the spirit of the work anytime you come up to something that is somewhat ambiguous.
Title: Re: If I were to produce a Shadowrun T.V. series (Cross-posted)
Post by: Hermes on <06-06-12/1000:08>
Finishing up my post on Salt Lake Community College.
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BUSINESS PROGRAM (Face related)

A degree program, the business program is designed to produce business men who are able to start their own business and operate their business.  With Mega-corps often providing the best business programs available, Salt Lake Community College produces people with business degrees that operate small businesses and small corporations.

Students here learn how to operate in the world of Business and often learn how to start businesses and be entrepreneurs.  While mega-businesses may form the architecture of the mid-twenty first century economy, small business is what it effectively makes it go.  Very charismatic people who leave the program and enter either the world of shadows or the business world are called faces in Shadowrunner parlance.

Skills taught in the program
Active Skills (Max Rtg.)
Sample Knowledge Skills (Max Rtg):


PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVING (Rigger Program)
In the mid-Twenty First Century, the economy still depends on mass distribution of goods. Although in North America in the Sixth World, the professional truck driver needs to have a passport to drive on the International, this is the only program that teaches Defensive Driving as an active program that deals with weaponry.  In the Old West, despite the law enforcement of the NAN, there are train robberies, truck jackers, and road pirates.  While the typical resident of the city feels safe in cities without walls, out on the countryside west of the Mississippi River is a different story.  But the world still depends on Freight trucking to get the goods through.  It's almost open warfare on the International Highways, and the program includes "Defensive Driving" as in defensive driving!

Skills taught in the program
Active Skills (Max. Rtg.)
Sample Knowledge Skills (Max. Rtg.)

[/list]