[Twitchy D]

How about we just focus on making a good support character instead of having the thread go off topic in the first few pages?

gargaMONK, you need to tell us what sort of support your character is going to use. Are you going for a techie type route? It sounds like you are in your first post.

So, stuff like Heal is okay, but stuff like TacSoft[4] and sensor packages to distribute is Awesome.

Or are you trying to go for a more "Pick-and-Mix" route, using both tech and magic? Because you got to be careful when putting up these types of posts. Far too many topics get locked because of the issues it brings up...

My reccomendation is to pick one thing to start with, then figure out how to best work with that part first. Best to start off with one area first, then work on another area later, once you realize what things your team needs help with.

[gargaM0NK]

Thanks everyone for the constructive feedback.

TwitchyD: So far in my head it's not specific enough for a particular direction, and I generally open up the book from a pick-n-mix perspective.  Historically I've had a specific role (like the ones in RC: fire support, matrix, magic, etc).  But I already have a heavy mage for SR: Missions, and I find myself sitting back a lot so other people get a chance in the limelight. So while it's different from anything I've tried before, I want to focus on That. I want a character who enhances the rest of the team, so "sitting back" is where my points are spent.

As far as mixing 'warez and wiz, it's never bothered me.  It's all a tool-kit. If it helps me get to my destination, I don't mind cutting off an arm or two, foregoing it entirely to commune with the spirits, or using some combination.

Obviously TacNets are great for support. Similarly, a high Perception and Sensor suite (drone based) will let you use the Active Targeting rules by linking your sensors to a weapon and lay down extremely accurate supporting fire.

Many GMs will let you use the same rules for actively targeting with handheld sensors as well, letting you effectively play as a spotter for the group's street sams by linking your sensors to the street sams weapons and actively targeting.

Don't forget to consider a Buffy the Buffmaster mage build. Heal and health spells can provide very easy and cheap boosts to your allies, as can many illusions (especially if you have a mind for trickery).

Theoretically a INT based mage (for Perception) could easily hack (you never actually use the Log for your hacking roles),  autonomous rig, actively target, run the teams TacNet, provide magical overwatch and buffs, and summon more allies all in one sitting. Think about it, 4-5 drones out, 3-4 bound spirits out, a TacNet of Awesome, a few sustaining foci for some buffing spells, and a couple simple actions for actively targeting a couple poor poor bastards. That's probably a little overboard though.

And of course you wouldn't technically have to cyber up to do any of that, but a point worth of ware would make life a lot simpler.

This is my favorite pack of suggestions so far.

[All4BigGuns]

Just a raw fire-support rigger can be good support. Keep watch on the team with the sensors in the vehicle while keeping the drones warmed up in case the fecal matter hits the oscillating blades and have a Valkyrie Module in the vehicle with some good medical skills to keep the team patched up.

[WellsIDidIt]

This is my favorite pack of suggestions so far.

Back in my SR3 days, one of my favorite characters was a support mage. The group already had all their main roles covered, so I built mage that used primarily illusion and health spells focused on buffing other people.

Never ever underestimate the value of a good illusion. Trid Phantasming your group to look like they're wearing the proper security uniforms is a nice touch. Trid Phantasming the opposing security guards to look like hulking trolls trying to gun down their buddies is always a great route too, and nothing ever causes a group of baddies to go running like a couple "grenades" that manages to tink tink tink right at their feet and somehow roll right along behind them as the scramble for cover.