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[Critic] 2 characters for one man campaign

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Solo

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« on: <12-13-12/1657:54> »
Hi
I am playing in a one man campaign and I have tried to create some versatile characters. One of the things they can't do is matrix related stuff (don't like matrix...yuck). I will find a way to give them access to a hacker...
I will to choose between the 2 characters at some points. For now, I would appreciate some suggestions for improvement.

In terms of character concepts, I saw individuals like the hero of any action movies (strong, handsome, subtle etc...), not talking about the Expendables here.

in terms of background, which ever character i choose will be from a tough, rough neighborhood. Used as a courrier by some "local gang", they slowy realised that they were working for the Tamanous. The Tamanous, seeing the value of these young recruits, invested in their development (hence the DEBT negative quality). Having met a contact that helped them break away (i was thinking Annabelle, the ghoul hacker-thus giving them the hacker contact they need), they left the Tamanous but still have this debt hanging over their heads. The need to pay this off lead them to become shadowrunners.

Elfe- fighter-face-infiltration

== Info ==
Street Name:
Name: Unnamed Character
Movement: 10/25, Swim: 6
Karma: 0
Street Cred: 0
Notoriety: 1
Public Awareness: 0
Elf M
Composure: 10
Judge Intentions: 12
Lift/Carry: 5 (30 kg/20 kg)
Memory: 5
Nuyen: 800

== Attributes ==
BOD: 3
AGI: 6 (9)
REA: 3 (5)
STR: 2
CHA: 7
INT: 5
LOG: 2
WIL: 3
EDG: 2

== Derived Attributes ==
Essence:                   2.35
Initiative:                8 (10)
IP:                        1 (3)
Matrix Initiative:         8
Matrix IP:                 1
Physical Damage Track:     10
Stun Damage Track:         10

== Active Skills ==
Animal Handling            : 0                      Pool: 4
Animal Training            : 0                      Pool: 4
Archery                    : 0                      Pool: 8
Armorer                    : 0                      Pool: 1
Artisan                    : 0                      Pool: 4
Automatics                 : 6                      Pool: 15
Blades                     : 4                      Pool: 13
Climbing                   : 0                      Pool: 1
Clubs                      : 0                      Pool: 8
Computer                   : 1                      Pool: 3
Con                        : 3                      Pool: 12
Cybercombat                : 0                      Pool: 1
Data Search                : 0                      Pool: 1
Demolitions                : 0                      Pool: 1
Disguise                   : 3                      Pool: 8
Diving                     : 0                      Pool: 2
Dodge                      : 0                      Pool: 4
Escape Artist              : 0                      Pool: 8
Etiquette                  : 3                      Pool: 12
First Aid                  : 0                      Pool: 1
Flight                     : 0                      Pool: 1
Forgery                    : 0                      Pool: 8
Gunnery                    : 0                      Pool: 8
Gymnastics                 : 0                      Pool: 8
Hacking                    : 0                      Pool: 1
Hardware                   : 3                      Pool: 5
Heavy Weapons              : 0                      Pool: 8
Infiltration               : 3                      Pool: 14
Instruction                : 0                      Pool: 6
Intimidation               : 1                      Pool: 13
Leadership                 : 3                      Pool: 12
Locksmith                  : 0                      Pool: 8
Longarms                   : 0                      Pool: 8
Navigation                 : 0                      Pool: 4
Negotiation                : 3                      Pool: 12
Palming                    : 3                      Pool: 13
Parachuting                : 0                      Pool: 2
Perception                 : 3                      Pool: 8
Pilot Ground Craft         : 0                      Pool: 4
Pilot Watercraft           : 0                      Pool: 4
Pistols                    : 0                      Pool: 8
Riding                     : 0                      Pool: 4
Running                    : 0                      Pool: 1
Shadowing                  : 3                      Pool: 9
Survival                   : 0                      Pool: 2
Swimming                   : 0                      Pool: 1
Throwing Weapons           : 0                      Pool: 8
Tracking                   : 0                      Pool: 4
Unarmed Combat             : 0                      Pool: 8

== Knowledge Skills ==
Area Knowledge: Seattle    : 3                      Pool: 8
Bars and Clubs             : 3                      Pool: 8
Corporations               : 3                      Pool: 8
English                    : N                      Pool: 0
Gangs                      : 3                      Pool: 8
Security Tactics           : 3                      Pool: 5
Shadow Community           : 3                      Pool: 8
Sperethiel                 : N                      Pool: 0
Underworld                 : 3                      Pool: 8

== Contacts ==
12 points to spend

== Qualities ==
Addiction (Mild) (betel)
Bicardiac
Catlike
Changeling (Class I SURGE)
Distinctive Style
Impaired Attribute (STR)
In Debt (30,000¥)
Low-Light Vision
Nasty Vibe
Restricted Gear (Rating 1)

== Lifestyles ==
Low  1 months

== Cyberware/Bioware ==
Enhanced Articulation
Muscle Toner Rating 3
Tailored Pheromones Rating 2
Wired Reflexes Rating 2

== Armor ==
Camouflage Suit           8/6
Form-Fitting Full-Body Suit6/2
SecureTech PPP Armor (Ensemble)2/4

== Weapons ==
Ceramic Knife
   +Personalized Grip, Melee
   Pool: 14   DV: 2P   AP: -   RC: 0
Ingram SuperMach 100, 60 Round
   +Smartgun System, Internal
   +Stock
   +Barrel Reduction
   +Chameleon Coating
   +Gas Vent 3
   +Personalized Grip
   Pool: 17   DV: 4P   AP: -   RC: 8
Ruger Super Warhawk
   +Personalized Grip
   +Smartgun System
   Pool: 10   DV: 6P   AP: -2   RC: 1
Unarmed Attack
   Pool: 8   DV: 1S   AP: -   RC: 0

== Commlink ==
Erika Elite (3, 0, 5, 4)
Sony Emperor (2, 0, 0, 3)

== Gear ==
Ammo: EX-Explosive Rounds (Heavy Pistols) x50
Ammo: Regular Ammo (Heavy Pistols) x50
Ammo: Stick-n-Shock (Heavy Pistols) x50
Contact Lenses Rating 3
   +Smartlink
   +Flare Compensation
Earbuds Rating 3
   +Select Sound Filter Rating 3
   +Audio Enhancement Rating 3
Fake License (Ruger Super Warhawk) Rating 4
Fake SIN (PI: Albert Stein) Rating 4
Glasses Rating 4
   +Flare Compensation
   +Vision Enhancement Rating 3
   +Thermographic
Maglock Passkey Rating 4
Maglock Sequencer Rating 4
Medkit Rating 6
Metal Restraints
Plasteel Restraints x3
Tag Eraser
Wire Clippers

== Vehicles ==
Flying Eye (Microdrone)
   +Improved Sensor Array
   +Improved Takeoff and Landing Level 2
   +Minidrone Sensor


Orc Mage
i gave a meta-quality to this character for flavour (nasty vibe). I don't think that my GM will mind.

== Info ==
Street Name:
Name: Unnamed Character
Movement: 10/25, Swim: 5
Karma: 0
Street Cred: 0
Notoriety: 3
Public Awareness: 1
Ork
Composure: 7
Judge Intentions: 7
Lift/Carry: 8 (45 kg/30 kg)
Memory: 7
Nuyen: 600

== Attributes ==
BOD: 5
AGI: 3
REA: 2
STR: 3
CHA: 2
INT: 5
LOG: 2
WIL: 5
EDG: 2
MAG: 5

== Derived Attributes ==
Essence:                   6
Initiative:                7
IP:                        1
Astral Initiative:         10
Astral IP:                 3
Matrix Initiative:         7
Matrix IP:                 1
Physical Damage Track:     11
Stun Damage Track:         11

== Active Skills ==
Animal Handling            : 0                      Pool: 4
Animal Training            : 0                      Pool: 4
Archery                    : 0                      Pool: 2
Armorer                    : 0                      Pool: 1
Artisan                    : 0                      Pool: 4
Assensing                  : 1 [Aura Reading]       Pool: 6 (8)
Automatics                 : 0                      Pool: 2
Blades                     : 3                      Pool: 6
Climbing                   : 0                      Pool: 2
Clubs                      : 0                      Pool: 2
Computer                   : 0                      Pool: 1
Con                        : 2                      Pool: 4
Counterspelling            : 1                      Pool: 6
Cybercombat                : 0                      Pool: 1
Data Search                : 0                      Pool: 1
Demolitions                : 0                      Pool: 1
Disguise                   : 0                      Pool: 4
Diving                     : 0                      Pool: 4
Dodge                      : 0                      Pool: 1
Escape Artist              : 0                      Pool: 2
Etiquette                  : 2                      Pool: 4
First Aid                  : 0                      Pool: 1
Flight                     : 0                      Pool: 2
Forgery                    : 0                      Pool: 2
Gunnery                    : 0                      Pool: 2
Gymnastics                 : 0                      Pool: 2
Hacking                    : 0                      Pool: 1
Heavy Weapons              : 0                      Pool: 2
Infiltration               : 2 [Urban]              Pool: 6 (8)
Instruction                : 0                      Pool: 1
Intimidation               : 2                      Pool: 7
Leadership                 : 0                      Pool: 1
Locksmith                  : 0                      Pool: 2
Longarms                   : 0                      Pool: 2
Navigation                 : 0                      Pool: 4
Negotiation                : 0                      Pool: 1
Palming                    : 0                      Pool: 2
Parachuting                : 0                      Pool: 4
Perception                 : 2                      Pool: 7
Pilot Ground Craft         : 0                      Pool: 1
Pilot Watercraft           : 0                      Pool: 1
Pistols                    : 0                      Pool: 2
Riding                     : 0                      Pool: 1
Running                    : 0                      Pool: 2
Shadowing                  : 2                      Pool: 8
Spellcasting               : 6                      Pool: 15
Summoning                  : 4                      Pool: 13
Survival                   : 0                      Pool: 4
Swimming                   : 0                      Pool: 2
Throwing Weapons           : 0                      Pool: 2
Tracking                   : 0                      Pool: 4
Unarmed Combat             : 0                      Pool: 2

== Knowledge Skills ==
Area Knowledge: Seattle    : 3                      Pool: 8
English                    : N                      Pool: 0
Gangs                      : 2                      Pool: 7
Magical Threats            : 3                      Pool: 5
Or'zet                     : N                      Pool: 0
Security Design            : 3                      Pool: 8
Security Tactics           : 3                      Pool: 5
Shadow Community           : 3                      Pool: 8
Sports                     : 1                      Pool: 6
Underworld                 : 3                      Pool: 8

== Contacts ==
6 points to spend

== Qualities ==
Bad Rep
Catlike
In Debt (30,000¥)
Low-Light Vision
Magician
Mentor Spirit (Raven)
Nasty Vibe
Restricted Gear (Rating 1)

== Spells ==
(Tradition: Goddess Wicca, Resist Drain with WIL + INT (10))
Armor                      DV: (F÷2)+3
Compel Truth               DV: (F÷2)-1
Control Emotions           DV: (F÷2)
Detect Life                DV: (F÷2)
Fashion                    DV: (F÷2)
Heal                       DV: (Damage Value)-2
Increase Reflexes          DV: (F÷2)+2
Levitate                   DV: (F÷2)+1
Shapechange                DV: (F÷2)+2
Stunball                   DV: (F÷2)+1
Stunbolt                   DV: (F÷2)-1
Trid Phantasm              DV: (F÷2)+3

== Lifestyles ==
Low  1 months

== Armor ==
Form-Fitting Full-Body Suit6/2
Lined Coat                6/4
SecureTech Arm Casings    0/1
SecureTech Forearm Guards 0/1
SecureTech Leg Casings    0/1
SecureTech Shin Guards    0/1
SecureTech Vitals Protector1/1

== Weapons ==
Ares Predator IV
   +Concealable Holster
   +Personalized Grip
   +Smartgun System
   Pool: 4   DV: 5P   AP: -1   RC: 1
Forearm Snap-Blades
   Pool: 6   DV: 4P   AP: -   RC: 0
Unarmed Attack
   Pool: 2   DV: 2S   AP: -   RC: 0

== Commlink ==
CMT Clip (1, 0, 0, 3)
Sony Emperor (2, 0, 0, 3)

== Gear ==
Ammo: EX-Explosive Rounds (Heavy Pistols) x49
Ammo: Stick-n-Shock (Heavy Pistols) x50
Contact Lenses Rating 3
   +Flare Compensation
   +Smartlink
Cram x3
Fake License (Power Focus) Rating 4
Fake SIN (John Stevens - private eye) Rating 4
Glasses Rating 4
   +Vision Enhancement Rating 3
   +Vision Magnification
Maglock Passkey Rating 3
Medkit Rating 6
Power Focus (bonded) Rating 4
Sustaining Focus (Manipulation) (bonded) Rating 3
« Last Edit: <12-14-12/0653:44> by Solo »

emsquared

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« Reply #1 on: <12-13-12/1832:45> »
Regarding the Elf:
I'm not crazy about Bicardiac - I've never once came across fatigue in my game (Running draws too much attention), YMMV.
Also not crazy about Catlike, as it's effects can sometimes, if not usually, be replicated with some good role-play over roll-play, but that depends on your GM and I can see in a 1 man campaign how it could be quite a bit more useful too.
Your LOG associated skills (Hardware, Computer) and gear (Sequencer, Passkey) aren't doing you any favors, you're only "good" enough with them to get yourself in trouble, IMHO (i.e. to make you believe you have a shot at something you don't). And when you consider social infiltration + Palming can do pretty much the same thing (get you in where you're not supposed to go) with less risk (fail at cracking that maglock and you get an alarm - fail at conning the receptionist and you get a weird look and told to bugger-off AND/OR get caught trespassing without provably having B&E'd = no charges) - though you'd better have balls of steel, I'd drop 'em. Try and get your Stealth and Influence groups up to 4 instead.
You might consider seeing if you can make Gymnastics fit, for if you ever want/have to go full-defense, in a 1 man campaign though I could see your time always being better spent doing something else (like Running).
Speaking of which, if you keep the Bicardiac, maybe consider taking Running (your strength is abysmal but that's what Muscle Augs and Synthcard are for, yeah)? Well and fully leave them in the dust!
You are unskilled in Pistols... why the Super Warhawk?
You have Flare Comp on your contacts and Glasses, wasn't sure if this was intended.

Shadowjack

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« Reply #2 on: <12-13-12/2019:54> »
I assume this is a campaign consisting of 1 player and 1 GM. I like to play in very small groups too, between 2 and 3 people these days. We always have the GM make a pc to play in the group. We think it's a lot of fun and it really enhanced our games. A lot of people here will probably say it's impossible for the GM to not metagame or favor his character etc. However, we have never had any problems and our group is very experienced(3 decades). With some practice, having a GMpc can really be great. It's easier to get everyone together, the group is more well rounded, the GM gets to have more fun(at least we that's our experience). Maybe pick the character you like and toss the other one to your GM. Worst case scenario is you don't care for it and then that character can becoem an NPC.
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Csjarrat

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« Reply #3 on: <12-14-12/1228:02> »
re: matrix stuff, you can get a "pocket hacker" software package from arsenal as posted by kat9 elsewhere. its less than 5k and means your char can at least have a basic ability to hack without spending an absolute fortune on the skills + gear
Speech
Thought
Matrix
Astral
Mentor

Solo

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« Reply #4 on: <12-15-12/1716:16> »
Thanks for the comments
@ Emsquared: regarding the log skills, aren't the rating of the of the maglock substituted for the appropriate skill to which you add logic? If yes, I can see my character using this to break into low security facilities (ganger flat, small shops etc...). I never imagined it would get anywhere interesting. :)
Regarding computer, should I just try to get a pocket hacker as suggested? Aren't they restricted?
I will look into what I can do regarding gymnastic and yeah, I should have running but BP are scarce.

For the superwarhawk, not sure, i like the idea of having a big gun,,, I know, pretty useless.
I will remove the flare comp from the glasses

@ Shadowjack: my GM (who reads this forum, so i can't be too nice to hi. :)) is along term friend so we can discuss things and make the game work for both of us, he might decide to throw me a bone with a 2nd carcacter to help if needed


Does anyone have any comments for the Orc Mage?. I have to say that this is a harder concept for me grasp... Never really played a Mage, in any universe, so I am struggling.

Solo

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« Reply #5 on: <12-18-12/1240:02> »
Shameless bump for more comments  ;D

Shadowjack

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« Reply #6 on: <12-18-12/1447:47> »
I like the Elf. I'd like him more with a 4 Body :)
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emsquared

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« Reply #7 on: <12-18-12/1751:25> »
Thanks for the comments
@ Emsquared: regarding the log skills, aren't the rating of the of the maglock substituted for the appropriate skill to which you add logic? If yes, I can see my character using this to break into low security facilities (ganger flat, small shops etc...). I never imagined it would get anywhere interesting. :)
Regarding computer, should I just try to get a pocket hacker as suggested? Aren't they restricted?
I will look into what I can do regarding gymnastic and yeah, I should have running but BP are scarce.
If you use the Sequencer, you'll have to crack the Maglock case first (Hardware+Logic)(Target=Maglock Ratingx2, 1 Combat Turn), for an "average" Maglock (Rating 3) that will take you on average 11 - 13 combat turns, however then, the lock may have an anti-tamper alarm system requiring the same Hardware+Log check, up to Rating 4 target, not extended though; 1-shot - which an "average" one of those (rating 2) would give you slightly less than 1 in 3 chance of successfully bypassing - that's the part that will get you in trouble.

Edit: Not to mention, people notice disassembled Maglock cases, and it's the same test to reassemble as disassemble.

Then to use either the Squencer or Passkey, it's just straight Sequencer/Passkey vs. Maglock, no +LOG for you. So, yes, you'd be able to do low security stuff, but an unexpected challenge could put you in a bind quick, that's all.

I'm not familiar with the Pocket Hacker... again though, if it suffices for the most basic of stuff, just be aware of it's limitations.

Edit 2: Which I guess the point of all this is, it's up to you where the points are better spent; being better at stuff you specialize in (and raising is a deal now with BP but will be expensive to buy with karma), or limping in on something that you aren't super-functional with yet. You could still limp in on the LOG skills, keeping them at 1 (for BP efficiency sake, waiting to boost them with karma early on) and just use that Passkey until you have your Hardware up. Also if you really want Gymnastics or Running, this is a place to get the BP.
« Last Edit: <12-18-12/1821:59> by emsquared »

emsquared

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« Reply #8 on: <12-18-12/1853:08> »
Does anyone have any comments for the Orc Mage?
As a caveat; I've only ever built mages, never played one (though have seen them played, so that gives me some authority right? >.<).

That said, just because you're a mage doesn't mean you don't need to have a few passable physical attributes. Mainly REA and AGI need some attention here.

REA because with initiative, as a primary combatant - i.e. in a 1 man campaign - it is always, always, always very important to go before as many enemies as possible. And even though you have spells to boost it, that magic still needs something to work with and you're severely neglecting half of your initiative. You've only spent 120 BP on attributes as is, give 'em some love.

AGI needs a boost because you still need to be able to fight when you can't risk any more drain. Which also means you need a gun skill, forget blades, let your spirits do the melee (summoning Drain can be managed pre-action time, as spirits are with you until sunrise or sunset). Also, AGI is a very diverse ability and will help you be sneakier, which is good for the guy who is KoS.

Really though, for the build you're trying to do (mage/infiltrator/face), it seems like you're using the wrong meta-type (i.e. Elf has synergy with all 3 of those roles). You'd even be better off as a Dwarf, because managing Drain is your main concern and being an Orc does absolutely nothing for you with that...

I'm not sure that Securetech PPP works as you've implemented it. My interpretation is that the BEST it can give you is 2/4 (Ensemble), i.e. combining all the pieces as you have, just because you list them separately and they seem to add up to 1/5, it's protection can't exceed 2 in Ballistic or 4 in Impact (you'll notice that "Leg and Arm Casings" is 1/1, which is in actuality what you have, but you just listed them piece by piece)... I may be wrong, but this is how I've always done it.

Solo

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« Reply #9 on: <12-19-12/0414:23> »
I like the Elf. I'd like him more with a 4 Body :)

i can understand that... 4 body + synthacardium = 5 in body.. does make sense.

Edit 2: Which I guess the point of all this is, it's up to you where the points are better spent; being better at stuff you specialize in (and raising is a deal now with BP but will be expensive to buy with karma), or limping in on something that you aren't super-functional with yet. You could still limp in on the LOG skills, keeping them at 1 (for BP efficiency sake, waiting to boost them with karma early on) and just use that Passkey until you have your Hardware up. Also if you really want Gymnastics or Running, this is a place to get the BP.

I see your point... I thought that it was best to have an option, albeit limited in scope that none at all...

I am going to need to find some way to get some Gym/running.

Does anyone have any comments for the Orc Mage?
As a caveat; I've only ever built mages, never played one (though have seen them played, so that gives me some authority right? >.<).

That said, just because you're a mage doesn't mean you don't need to have a few passable physical attributes. Mainly REA and AGI need some attention here.

REA because with initiative, as a primary combatant - i.e. in a 1 man campaign - it is always, always, always very important to go before as many enemies as possible. And even though you have spells to boost it, that magic still needs something to work with and you're severely neglecting half of your initiative. You've only spent 120 BP on attributes as is, give 'em some love.

AGI needs a boost because you still need to be able to fight when you can't risk any more drain. Which also means you need a gun skill, forget blades, let your spirits do the melee (summoning Drain can be managed pre-action time, as spirits are with you until sunrise or sunset). Also, AGI is a very diverse ability and will help you be sneakier, which is good for the guy who is KoS.

Really though, for the build you're trying to do (mage/infiltrator/face), it seems like you're using the wrong meta-type (i.e. Elf has synergy with all 3 of those roles). You'd even be better off as a Dwarf, because managing Drain is your main concern and being an Orc does absolutely nothing for you with that...

I'm not sure that Securetech PPP works as you've implemented it. My interpretation is that the BEST it can give you is 2/4 (Ensemble), i.e. combining all the pieces as you have, just because you list them separately and they seem to add up to 1/5, it's protection can't exceed 2 in Ballistic or 4 in Impact (you'll notice that "Leg and Arm Casings" is 1/1, which is in actuality what you have, but you just listed them piece by piece)... I may be wrong, but this is how I've always done it.

point taken for the race of the character... may be an elfe would be more appropriate. Never played an Orc and thought I'd give it a try.
120 points on attribute. I agree that this is low but there are so few BPs to spend.. I'll look into that after the race change.!

emsquared

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« Reply #10 on: <12-19-12/1138:36> »
I think having the option is good, because if you have a lot of time, you can eventually get through pretty much anything (although the alarm you only have 1 shot at) even if the card fails, but I just don't think with your LOG as low as it is, that it is worth the 3 ranks at chargen.
point taken for the race of the character... may be an elfe would be more appropriate. Never played an Orc and thought I'd give it a try.
120 points on attribute. I agree that this is low but there are so few BPs to spend.. I'll look into that after the race change.!
Forgot to mention, the synergy with being an elf and a magician is if you are a shamanistic tradition (CHA+WIL) to resist drain...