[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

I have no idea why I've had so much fun building this character, but I thought I'd share.  Can't you just picture a debutante complaining about the clothes worn by her grubby teammates?  I usually play Riggers and Adepts (and of late a Decker) but I wanted to get an infiltration specialist ready as a new option for SRM.  Definitely looking for advice about any bases I've forgotten to address.

Basic character background is a corp kid who had a successful career as a professional dancer cut short by thrill-seeking in art thievery.  Got caught; company cleaned up the affair but terminated her contract over "moral clause" violation.  Which of course led to becoming a fulltime shadowrunner.

(character sheet edited to reflect current state)

== Personal Data ==
Name: Lauralasthana Moonbeam Alias: Break N Dancer
Elf, Female Movement: 18/36 (2m/hit) Swim: 10 (1m/hit)
51 kilo, 190 cm Composure: 9
Street Cred: 0 Judge Intentions: 10
Notoriety: 0 Lift/Carry: 5 (45 kg/30 kg)
Public Awareness: 0 Memory: 7
Karma: 0 Nuyen: 2,475¥
Age: 27 Skin: Flawless
Eyes: Sparkle Blue (TM) Hair: Fabulous
Primary Arm: Right

== Priorities ==
Metatype: D,1
Attributes: B,3
Special: E,0
Skills: C,2
Resources: A,4

== Attributes ==
BOD: 2 CHA: 6
AGI: 7 (9) INT: 4
REA: 4 (6) LOG: 4
STR: 1 (3) WIL: 3
EDG: 2

== Derived Attributes ==
Essence: 0.71
Initiative: 10 +2d6
Physical Damage Track: 9
Stun Damage Track: 10

== Limits ==
Physical: 5
Autopicker [+6] (Only for picking a mechanical lock)
Chameleon Suit [+2] (Only for Sneaking, Must be visible)
Smart Articulation [+1] (Only for test involving endurance, Must be tightened)
Smart Articulation [+2] (Only for Escape Artist and Grapple, Must be loosened)
Mental: 5
Audio Enhancement [+3] (Only with audio Perception)
Spatial Recognizer [+2] (Only with Perception to find the source of a sound)
Vision Enhancement [+2] (Only for visual Perception)
Social: 7
Audio Analyzer [+1] (For musical performances)
Ballistic Mask [+1] (Only for intimidation, Must be visible)
Astral: 7

== Active Skills ==
Automatics (Submachine Guns) Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 10 (12)
Con Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 7
Disguise Base: 0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 5
Etiquette (High Society) Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 7 (9)
Exotic Ranged Weapon (Grapple Gun) Base: 0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 10
Exotic Ranged Weapon (Parashield Dart Pistol) Base: 0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 10
Gymnastics (Dance) Base: 6 + Karma: 0 = 6 Pool: 15 (17)
Hardware Base: 0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 5
Impersonation Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 10
Industrial Mechanic Base: 0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 5
Leadership Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 7
Locksmith (Maglock) Base: 6 + Karma: 0 = 6 Pool: 15 (17)
Negotiation Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 7
Perception Base: 3 + Karma: 0 = 3 Pool: 7
Performance (Piano/Keyboards) Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 7 (9)
Sneaking (Urban) Base: 6 + Karma: 0 = 6 Pool: 17 (19)

== Knowledge Skills ==
English Native
French Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 5 (Linguasoft)
Japanese Base: 3 + Karma: 0 = 3 Pool: 7 (Linguasoft)
Sperethiel Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 5 (Linguasoft)
Architecture (Modern) Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 5 (7)
Art Base: 2 + Karma: 0 = 2 Pool: 6
Business Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 5 (Knowsoft)
Classical Music Base: 2 + Karma: 0 = 2 Pool: 6
Connoisseur (Fine Arts) Base: 3 + Karma: 0 = 3 Pool: 7 (9)
Fashion (Tres Chic) Base: 2 + Karma: 0 = 2 Pool: 6 (
Megacorporations Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 5
Security Design Base: 2 + Karma: 0 = 2 Pool: 6
Tir Nobility Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 5 (Knowsoft)
Yakuza Base: 1 + Karma: 0 = 1 Pool: 5 (Knowsoft)

== Contacts ==
Assistant D.A. (Shark Lawyer), Campaign City (Connection: 4, Loyalty: 2)
Generic Fixer Contact (Fixer), Campaign City (Connection: 6, Loyalty: 1)
Shady Art Dealer (Fence), Campaign City (Connection: 2, Loyalty: 5)

== Qualities ==
Agile Defender
Allergy (Uncommon, Mild) (Polyester)
Biocompatability (Cyberware)
Catlike
Double Jointed
Low-Light Vision
Prejudiced (Common, Biased) (The Poor)
SINner (Corporate Limited) (Horizon)

== Lifestyle ==
Nice Condo (High) 1 Months
+ Skillsoft Network, Basic [+2000¥]

== Cyberware/Bioware ==
Active HardwiresRating 5 (Escape Artist)
Active HardwiresRating 5 (Throwing Weapons)
Active HardwiresRating 5 (Palming)
CyberearsRating 3
+ Sound Link
+ Balance Augmenter
+ Spatial Recognizer
+ Increased Hearing Spectrum
+ Audio Analyzer
+ Audio EnhancementRating 3
+ Damper
Datajack
Internal Air TankRating 1
Muscle ReplacementRating 2
Reaction EnhancersRating 2
SkilljackRating 3
Smart Articulation
Smartlink
Tailored PheromonesRating 1
Voice ModulatorRating 3
Wired ReflexesRating 1

== Armor ==
Ares Victory: Industrious 9
+ Gear Access
Ballistic Mask 2
+ Thermographic Vision
Chameleon Suit 9
+ Chemical Protection 4
+ Thermal Damping 3
+ Jammer, AreaRating 4
Securetech PPP: Arms Kit 1
Securetech PPP: Legs Kit 1
Securetech PPP: Vitals Kit 1

== Weapons ==
Grapple Gun
Pool: 10 Accuracy: 3 DV: 7S AP: -2 RC: 2
Grenade: Flash-Pak
Pool: 14 Accuracy: 5 DV: Special AP: - RC: 2
Grenade: Gas (CS/Tear Gas)
Pool: 14 Accuracy: 5 DV: Chemical (10m Radius)AP: - RC: 2
Grenade: Gas (Nausea Gas)
Pool: 14 Accuracy: 5 DV: Chemical (10m Radius)AP: - RC: 2
HK 227
+ Folding Stock
+ Gas-Vent 2 System
+ Sling
+ Smartgun System, Internal
+ Smartgun System, Internal
+ Sound Suppressor
+ Spare Clip
Pool: 10 (12)Accuracy: 7 DV: 7P AP: - RC: 4 (5)
Lapel Dagger
Pool: 8 Accuracy: 4 DV: 4P AP: -1 RC: 2
Parashield Dart Pistol
+ Concealed Quick-Draw Holster
+ Gecko Grip
+ Laser Sight
+ Smartgun System, Internal
Pool: 10 Accuracy: 7 DV: 0 AP: - RC: 2
Stun Baton
Pool: 8 Accuracy: 4 DV: 9S(e) AP: -5 RC: 2
Unarmed Attack
Pool: 8 Accuracy: 5 DV: 3S AP: - RC: 2

== Martial Arts ==
Parkour
+ Monkey Climb

== Commlink ==
Transys Avalon (ATT: 0, SLZ: 0, DP: 6, FWL: 6)
+ Encryption
+ Signal Scrub
+ Sim Module

== Gear ==
Ammo: Injection Darts (Exotic Ranged Weapons) x10
+ Narcoject
Ammo: Regular Ammo (Submachine Guns) x140
Certified Credstick, Gold
Certified Credstick, Silver x2
Contacts Rating 3
+ Vision Enhancement Rating 2
+ Flare Compensation
Datachip x10
Fake SIN (Tir Tairngire: Jenny Smith) Rating 4
+ Fake License (Restricted Cyberware License) Rating 4
+ Fake License (Driver's License) Rating 4
+ Fake License (Concealed Carry Permit) Rating 4
+ Fake License (Weapon License) Rating 4
Grapple Gun
Grenade: Flash-Pak x2
Grenade: Flash-Pak
Grenade: Gas x2
+ CS/Tear Gas
Grenade: Gas x2
+ Nausea Gas
Knowsoft (Tir Nobility) Rating 1
Knowsoft (Business) Rating 1
Knowsoft (Yakuza) Rating 1
Linguasoft (French) Rating 1
Linguasoft (Japanese) Rating 3
Linguasoft (Sperethiel) Rating 1
Microwire (100m)
Rapelling Gloves
Restraint, Plastic x10
Sensor Tags x10
+ Camera Rating 2
Sensor Tags x10
+ Omni-directional Microphone Rating 2
Sensor Tags x10
+ Motion Sensor Rating 2
Stealth Rope (100m)
+ Catalyst Stick
Stealth Tags x10
Tool Kit (Hardware)
Tool Kit (Locksmith)
+ Autopicker Rating 6
+ Cellular Glove Molder Rating 4
+ Chisel
+ Keycard Copier Rating 6
+ Lockpick Set
+ Sequencer Rating 4
+ Miniwelder [Miniwelder Fuel Canister]
Tool Kit (Disguise)

== Vehicles ==
Dodge Xenon
+ Sensor Array Rating 2
+ Grid Link Override
+ Spoof Chips

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

I did end up realizing I left a couple of obvious boxes unchecked:

Picked up a bunch of RFID tags.  Naturally the infiltrator is the one who'd be planting bugs, right?

Decided to pay more essence and less =Y= by swapping Muscle Toner out for Muscle Replacement.  Got a strength bonus to go with the agility AND more money at the cost of lower essence.

Used some those savings to pick up the Smart Articulation cyberware.  Some kind of escape artist augmentation is clearly called for on the archetype, and this one has the added benefit of saying that you can "fit through any opening big enough for your head".  Opens up lots of extra doors!

I squeezed some points to find a way to get some ranks in Connoissuer as a Knowledge skill.  Clearly it was an unforgivable oversight to omit that

And blew the rest of the money on upgrading to a flashier car

[Marcus]

A couple things, I am deeply amused by the name, your skill set is too spread out, get your 6 in your core skills. Buy the low skills with karma. If your gonna run gymnastic like that maybe consider a martial art with Clinch and throw/sacrifice throw.

[ZeldaBravo]

I find your lack of "Plan B" options disturbing.

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

A couple things, I am deeply amused by the name, your skill set is too spread out, get your 6 in your core skills. Buy the low skills with karma. If your gonna run gymnastic like that maybe consider a martial art with Clinch and throw/sacrifice throw.

You know, sometimes simple advice is going to address some of your problems.  Yes, it turns out I had done some highly suboptimal things with skill points.  Just rejiggering the same number of points freed up more karma for spending on the same low skills, and had more left over to boot.  Skills after being more optimized:

== Active Skills ==
Con Base:                                                          0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 7
Escape Artist Base:                                          4 + Karma: 0 = 4 Pool: 12
Etiquette (High Society) Base:                    1 + Karma: 1 = 2 Pool: 8 (10)
Exotic Ranged Weapon (Grapple Gun) Base: 0 + Karma: 2 = 2 Pool: 10
Forgery Base:                                                    0 + Karma: 2 = 2 Pool: 7
Free-Fall Base:                                                  0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 4
Gymnastics (Dance) Base:                       6 + Karma: 0 = 6 Pool: 14 (16)
Hardware Base:                                                 0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 6
Impersonation Base:                                        0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 10
Locksmith Base:                                               2 + Karma: 1 = 3 Pool: 11
Palming Base:                                                    0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 9
Perception Base:                                                0 + Karma: 2 = 2 Pool: 7
Sneaking (Urban) Base:                           6 + Karma: 0 = 6 Pool: 16 (18 )
Throwing Weapons Base:                                   0 + Karma: 1 = 1 Pool: 9

I find your lack of "Plan B" options disturbing.

Honestly I have some of the same concerns.  I had deliberately decided against buying the pistols skill before, as I thought it would be more fun if she had it more for show than being proficient with it.  (besides, being a sneaky specialist ideally I'll be shooting at people who don't get a dodge test anyway)  So I expanded combat options instead by taking the throwing weapons skill.  And bought some flash-paks and gas grenades!

[ZeldaBravo]

You can use Active skills as a substitute for Knowledge skills, so dance knowledge is redundant.

So I expanded combat options instead by taking the throwing weapons skill.

This gave me an idea - how do you feel about baseball as a hobby? Maybe buy a point in Clubs so you can use a stun baton for some silent takedowns?

[Marcus]

You can use Active skills as a substitute for Knowledge skills, so dance knowledge is redundant.

So I expanded combat options instead by taking the throwing weapons skill.

This gave me an idea - how do you feel about baseball as a hobby? Maybe buy a point in Clubs so you can use a stun baton for some silent takedowns?

No no no, she did baton as a child, baton is prefect for shock stick fighting.

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

If I had photoshop skills I'd give her elf ears and call it a mugshot from a "slumming day" with the yacht club.

"Sports" is something I'm seeing this character as viewing being only for the boorish masses, although I'm sure I will be making some minor investments in close combat skills very soon after the first mission.  Starting to scrape the barrel to do it now, though.

The low lying fruit for optimization has been taken; pretty much from here out I'm pretty sure it's all zero sum to make further changes.  If I want to give a point to provide some kind of close combat skill, it's going to have to come at the cost of something else.  And I'm thinking a pittance of social skills is going to further at avoiding fights in the first place than a pittance of combat skills will go to winning combats.  I really want to find a point for disguise before I put any more combat ability in.

And besides just because the character isn't great at dealing damage, I'm thinking she's capable enough at surviving a fight.  10 dice for regular defense tests isn't shabby, and if necessary I can even add 6 more dice via gymnastics. And then there's the Agile Defender quality (AGI in place of WIL on Full Defense)  I'm thinking the minxy dodgy dice pools and the flashpaks/gas grenades to cover a withdrawal ought to be enough to at least stay alive long enough to be bailed out by the rest of the team.  Just have to make sure I don't overly annoy the players with the bleedingly stereotypical elf superiority complex

[ZeldaBravo]

Well there is sports and Sports. A fine art of baseball has nothing similar to something as base and plebeian as urban brawl.

[Marcus]

Ahhh ZB it's like old times lol.
Well said.

[Tarislar]

I think this character could really be improved w/ some priority swaps.

Skills, Race, & Cash look like an obvious one to me.  The extra points at C are well worth the loss of some of your toys, cyber, & edge.

But also Cash & Attributes could work to push more cyber and drop a couple points from LOG/STR.

I feel like Logic is higher than it needs to be & you don't appear to have a single maxed attribute.

At the very least I would move around some STR/LOG over to AGI/REA/ITN for better dice pools.

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

At the very least I would move around some STR/LOG over to AGI/REA/ITN for better dice pools.

Fair point.  Swapping Muscle Toner bioware for Muscle Replacement cyberware gave me two more points of STR that I'm not doing anything with.  And while I'm not a fan of having low LOG, I'm not necessarily needing to go all the way to 5 either.  I was planning on spreading out into more tech skills with post-chargen karma as they seem to be in chronically short supply in my circle.  But you have a point about making some cuts could enable better values on attributes I'm using right away.

And you may well be right about the possibilities manifest from priority swaps.  Problem I'm having is I don't know what cyberware I'd give up to be able to pick a lower resource priority.  Obviously the skilljack would be the first to go from an optimization standpoint... but that was actually my first "get" with this character.  An infiltrator who can upload knowsofts on the fly as needed for the situation was part of the concept even before being a snooty spoiled rich girl was   I actually started out with skillwires too, but I just had to acknowledge that they're junk and didn't go so far as to use those.  Cyberears and Voice Modulator round out a three-way synergistic trifecta of infiltration goodness.  I listen to what you sound like, so when I talk I sound like you, and I (appear to know) what you're supposed to know!  The Cyberears also contribute to the sneaking-in venn diagram via Balance Augmenter, joining with AGI and Escape Artist augmentations.   The only cyberware that I'd be comfortable cutting is the datajack and/or internal air tank.  The former is so cheap as it wouldn't make a difference and the latter is something I'm thinking is also fairly useful/important (especially if I'm going to make Nausea Grenades a part of my arsenal... internal air tank would let me be immune to my own grenades as that gas is only inhalation vector.  Besides, another factor in favor of the air tank is that with Adepts and magic being so very powerful, if you take Cyberware I feel you should take some cyber that does things that magic doesn't do (and likely do better).  Like give you the ability to hold your breath for hours!

[Tarislar]

Hmm, I'm thinking this might make for a major change that over all will serve the character well.

A-Skills
B-Attributes
C-Cash
D-Elf


With that change you'll have a huge # of points in skills, more than enough to cover the Attr & cyber changes, with the only downside being the loss of Edge & you can get that to 2 w/ Karma at chargen.


B3, A7(9), R4(5), S1(3), W3, L3, I5, C5

Setting up your attributes above would be solid for infiltrator I think & again can use Karma for STR-2(4) as well as Edge-2

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

I tried looking at swapping C: Metahuman/D: Skills for D:Metahuman/C:Skills.

After my latest round of shuffling, I'm spending 40 karma on 13 ranks in little skills (although I did squeeze a way to gain Pistols and Disguise, and with better AGI and CHA all those little skills are even better still).  It's only 25 karma to buy EDG 3, which is a value I could probably live with.   Going from D to C in skills would give me 6 more skill points, but also 2 points in a skill group.  I really hate C for skills.  2 in a skill group is a huge point of why bother.  Even with the karma savings by leaving EDG at 3, I don't know if it works out to be a wash in the end.  Even if it did, 1 less EDG wouldn't be worth the trade.

You're probably right in that for the skills to pay off by dropping metahuman priority, it's gotta go all the way at least to B which is gonna necessitate a complete rebuild due to dropping resources.  I'll try building an evil twin character to this one using your recommended priority array and see which I like better.

[Stainless Steel Devil Rat]

Edited the OP to reflect current tweaks.