[Elektrycerze3]

Hi!

I'm completely new to Shadowrun, just finished reading the core book (4E Anniversary), which keeps me wondering if I'm missing something out: there are so many references to other books, like Unwired, that it feels like I can't GM the thing without reading all of them. There are no Shadowrun fans in my area (Moscow, Russia, in case I'm mistaken), so I can't play before GMing, and that's why I'm asking here:

Are there any books that are essential to the enjoyment of the game (GM-wise)? Are there any ready adventures (except for the Quick-Start), which can help a gaming group understand the Sixth World?

Thanks in advance!

[Mirikon]

Bare bones, SR4A is all you need. Pick up a couple of the Missions, and you're set. Also, the Runner's Toolkit has cheat sheets and the Anatomy of a Shadowrun file, which provides a side-by-side of a shadowrun in fiction form, with the appropriate rolls and effects shown next to it. An essential tool for getting new players accustomed to the game, IMO.

Of course, you'll want to expand beyond that. After SR4A, here are the books I'd recommend:

Core books (i.e. These things are pretty much essential once you move beyond the most basic level)
Unwired
Street Magic
Augmentation
Arsenal
Runner's Companion

Major supplements (i.e. These things add a lot to the metaplot and the world at large, helping you expand your game.)
Sixth World Almanac
Seattle 2072
Vice
Spy Games
Conspiracy Theories
Corporate Guide
Feral Cities
Running Wild
Runner Havens
Corporate Enclaves
Dirty Tricks
Hazard Pay
Attitude

Adventures
Dawn of the Artifacts campaign
Emergence
Ghost Cartels
Horizon campaign
Boardroom Backstabs Campaign
Elven Blood
Artifacts Unbound
Corporate Intrigue
Missions series
Twilight Horizon

Nice things to have
All the PDF products

[Elektrycerze3]

Wow, thanks Mirikon! Your reply couldn't be better: now I have a to-read list for months to come

[Mirikon]

No problem.