[MarcJWaters]

Hey there guys. So, I am sorry if this is the wrong person to post this, but I am in a bit of a pickle. I am starting to play RPG's as a way of helping me overcome a recently developed speech impediment (resulting from an injury) and some self-awareness issues with a corporate setting (speaking confidently in awkward situations, etc.). While I have started lite (games like Fiasco and the sort), I really need to be able to branch out beyond that into something that is a little more in depth. My FLGS has a pretty active Shadowrun group that is willing to take me on (impediment and all), so here I am.

My problem is that I have never really filled out a character sheet. To start, I really just want to play a basic character (I am looking at the revised archetype Paranormal Investigator you guys stickied) until I learn how the game plays, and then I can design my own. However, given my limited knowledge, I am not sure how to take the data included in that PDF and translate it onto a character sheet.

If ANYONE can help me out, I would be most thankful (Ill buy you a beer if you are at Gen Con next year). Thanks for your help and understanding.

/Not sure where else to post this - my apologies to the mods if they have to move this.

[Decade Rider]

Well aside from the obvious pick your race and "archetype" aka what kind of role you wanna fill Id recommend making An augmented character tailored for combat. There easy enough to build and dont touch many darker rules like magic and hacking but only combat. Im sure some people can help you build it..id offer but im not as into optimization so id wouldnt want to start a debate about who got the better idea. Any questions just ask it up

[MarcJWaters]

I have never played Shadowrun - I really just want to take a beginner character already posted on this form and translate it to a character sheet to present my GM. That is what I need help with.

[Decade Rider]

Ok then what are you interested to play as? A Troll, an elf?...a gunner, a melee monster a mage?

Do you have the rulebook there are already made  tho somehow weak characters in it..but they can give you an idea about combat roles and the likes

They start at page 98 in the 20th anniversary book

[emsquared]

If you want a beginner character, I don't know that the Paranormal Detective is the best to start with, just because he uses magic.

There's the Ronin, or Ghost or Spook that won't involve you using anything but the basic rules (shooting/defending, sneaking, interacting with NPCs).

Do you have a printed out character sheet in front of you?

One thing you could do is download Chummer ( http://forums.dumpshock.com/index.php?showtopic=34674 ) and fill out the appropriate sections using the google docs and then print it out from Chummer, already filled out...

I based my first SR4A character (I had played SR2 years ago) on the Spook and it's a good combination. You can shoot'em up when the bullets start flying, but you can also do low level "Facing" (negotiating, con-man, etc.) during the legwork.

[Ethan]

Welcome, and I you'll enjoy the (sixth) world of Shadowrun!

You have two options:

1) Use a Pre-Made character from the book. Pick what looks cool. Or you can go to Umaro's thread in this section and take a look at his premade archetypes. He gives good instructions in each one.

2) Download Chummer and dive right into the deep end. It's not difficult to use at all, but it opens up your character creation options greatly.

[Medicineman]

The Orkish Pistolero Adept is an easy Beginners Char (Im) Just make him male instead of Female and off You go

with an Easy beginners Dance
Medicineman

[Decade Rider]

Yeah one time we had a new player with no sheet and we ended up giving him the "Troll Enforcer" from the book now this aint optimal but a Troll with 9 Str and 9 Body with 3 init Pass is a Troll with 9 Str and 9 Body with 3 init Pass youch that hurts

[rasmusnicolaj]

Welcome.
Try looking in the thread above on Umaro's excellent archtypes.
One of them should fit a basic concept you can start with.

Have fun and enjoy the wonderful setting of shadowrun.

Rasmus

[Medicineman]

Umaro's chars are Cool and well done, but they're also optimized
So If You use one of them and later You create your own Chars don't wonder (bother ?) that your own chars aren't as ....effective as Umaro's

with an effective Dance
Medicineman

[foolofsound]

Medicineman has a point. Taking a look at the Arechtypes is a good way of learning what sort of things you should take a look at for you character, however.

Easiest characters to start off with in SR are probably Street Sams or B&E specialists. Both are pretty equipment focused, and you don't really have to do the essence balancing act that is Awakened/Emerged characters, nor do you have to worry about the entire hacking ruleset, for the most part. I tend to find that even beginning players can make an effective Sam/B&Eer without too much help.

[Solo]

Pick any archetype and after 2-3-4 sessions you will a better understanding of the game and of your wants/likes/dislikes.

Chat to your GM and to the team to ensure they are happy for the character switch and it will be all good.