[Finlay]

Hey folks,
i could not find a good german speaking forum for Shadowrun, so now im here trying to find some ideas and answers ;-) please excuse my english - i really don't know if all of my sentences make sense 

I was looking for some ideas to create a matrix-run for none-hacking characters. The characters bought themselves some datajacks and sim-modules because they got some money out of the first runs and at least one character never entered the matrix in VR. So i decided to create a little matrix adventure to describe the VR-matrix ingame.

Problem is: i have no idea how this run could play out. We've got one hacker-NPC in the group and i was thinking that this guy could ask the others to assist him somehow. I was hoping for a reason why this guy could ask 'matrix-newbies' for help.

The main reason for this game-session is to focus on the VR-Matrix so if you guys got other ideas for a reason to enter VR as a group, then please tell me ;-)
We are playing in a low-power setting in the sprawls of a big city (SR4A).

sincerely,
Finlay

[Pixie]

I would suggest that instead of doing a full-fledged VR run, instead focus on the non-hacker things that a person can perform.  Focus on the Matrix actions that don't involve using Attack or Sleaze attributes, or perhaps let the character(s) do some rigging.  Without the Attack and Sleaze attribute, the characters won't be able to participate in any serious Matrix activities.

[ScytheKnight]

Perhaps rather than a hacking run, focus instead on the simsense side of VR, have a meet in a place that bombards them will full simsense... perhaps even going snooping and finding yourself in an online BTL parlor.

[farothel]

You can also begin to have the Mr. Johnson meet the characters in a VR club.  It could be because he's paranoid, or it's an AI who wants something done.  Whatever the reason, they will have to meet in VR.

[Finlay]

Sometimes the most simple ideas are the best. A meeting with a contact in a vr-club sounds perfect! especially when the contact is from another continent (we got a huge setting-change going, so a meeting in vr fits) I think i will go with this.

I thank you very much for the input and have a nice day!
Finlay

[Jack_Spade]

How about this run idea:
Mr. Johnson is a concerned father and a prankster: His son spends all his free time in VR playing different MMORPGs. He now hires a group of runners to assassinate his son - in all the games he plays until his son finally rage quits and looses interest in those games.

This job is less about hacking skills but instead features endurance, tactics, bribery, social engineering and the willingness to play in hotsim for that little bit of extra speed in the game.

[ScytheKnight]

Just be careful and remember that Hot-Sim IS addictive.

[Herr Brackhaus]

Not just hot sim. Legal strength simsense has an addiction rating of 2, and an addiction threshold of 1. Hot simsense only increases the addiction rating to 3, so for this kind of run I wouldn't even worry about it, personally.

[Crowwind]

I would hint that it is has a lot in common with the flesh world. You have to keep an eye out for snoops, trails, attacks etc.
The best part for me as a GM would be getting to describe the VR world in graphic, amazing and scary details. Hope you have a good run. Post how it went after you run it.

[farothel]

Sometimes the most simple ideas are the best. A meeting with a contact in a vr-club sounds perfect! especially when the contact is from another continent (we got a huge setting-change going, so a meeting in vr fits) I think i will go with this.

I thank you very much for the input and have a nice day!
Finlay

Please note that in this scenario, a lot of things the face uses will not apply.  Things like tailored pheromones and quite a lot of adept powers simply don't work over VR.