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[5e] First Time Building a Rigger

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martinchaen

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« Reply #15 on: <08-03-14/1509:45> »
Don't underestimate shooting through walls. A drone armed with a sufficiently powerful weapon can fairly easily penetrate two or three walls from the exterior of a building, which pairs well with using sensor targeting to lock on to targets your recon drones find.

Also, take a look at the Stolen Souls book; Cyberspace Designs Dragonfly drones can carry a single dose of drugs or toxins, meaning you can inject a target with Narcojet (or other unpleasant stuff) fairly stealthily.

8-bit

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« Reply #16 on: <08-03-14/1534:05> »
Don't underestimate shooting through walls. A drone armed with a sufficiently powerful weapon can fairly easily penetrate two or three walls from the exterior of a building, which pairs well with using sensor targeting to lock on to targets your recon drones find.

Also, take a look at the Stolen Souls book; Cyberspace Designs Dragonfly drones can carry a single dose of drugs or toxins, meaning you can inject a target with Narcojet (or other unpleasant stuff) fairly stealthily.

What would you consider a sufficiently powerful weapon? I understand a Sniper Rifle is very powerful, but that needs special permission. Is an AK-97 a strong enough Assault Rifle? I could go up to 350 meters with only a -3 penalty (barring no other conditions) and I think APDS Rounds can pierce through walls, although I am not super familiar with all the rules. I still think 350 meters is a ridiculous range, that's about 1/5 of a mile.

Looks like I need to go out and buy some books. I don't have many books (Just SR5, Run & Gun, and Street Grimoire), but I'm interested enough in this game to invest in it. That Dragonfly Drone sounds interesting.

Can someone confirm I didn't mess something up with the Sensor Arrays? It's my first time doing this, and I don't want to be accidentally breaking rules.

Csjarrat

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« Reply #17 on: <08-03-14/1553:53> »
anything with a damage code over about 11 is good enough to be shooting through standard interior walls. most assault rifles/sports rifles/high end shotguns/sniper rifles are capable of that and yes, APDS helps too.
the crockett EBR makes for a good drone weapon given its long range, large clip and decent damage/penetration stats.

EDIT: just seen your comment about con 3 and smart talk spec, that looks good. you can't rely on the face being around all the time, and to be fair, having the skill allows you to complement his rolls with a teamwork test.
Imagine you're staking out a target for recon while the team are doing other things or are in different locations.
GM decides a traffic cop notices you've overstayed your parking allocation and comes to ask you what you're doing.
with CHA 2 and no skill ranks, you roll one dice at a maximum (there are lots of -ve mods for social tests) with a 1/3rd chance of getting a hit.
with the skill ranks and edge, you now stand a pretty reasonable chance of convincing him you're not up to no good, thus saving your ass and the mission.
A good char should have at least a couple ranks in a social skill for those "oh crap" moments, yours is much better for having that now.

You've got the right idea with the sensor suites but just beware that the sensor suite rating is limited by the size of the drone (check the sensor housing listing)
most light drones are capped at sensor rating 3 (which combines with the control rig 2 to give a limit of 5 to perception tests +/- whatever vision or audio enhance you have on there too).
larger drones like the steel lynx can take larger sensor suites, meaning the sensors within them have higher capacity.

a rating 3 sensor array contains upto 8 sensors with 3 capacity iirc
so your suite could look something like:

camera: image link, low light, flare comp
camera: Thermo, vision mag, vision enhance 1
directional mic: SSF 3
laser mic: SSF 3
omni-directional mic: spatial recogniser, audio enhance 1
motion sensor
olfactory sensor
laser range finder

this would be legal (if i've remembered the avail ratings correctly lol!)
« Last Edit: <08-03-14/1612:09> by Csjarrat »
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ZeldaBravo

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« Reply #18 on: <08-03-14/1617:40> »
Plus, Extreme range is unlikely, due to the fact that any other conditions would still bump it up to -6.
That is true if you are jumped in. You can just 'send message' to your drone's pilot program to command it to attack a target. It can act autonomously.
*I have problems with clarifying my point in English, so sometimes I might sound stupid or rude.*

8-bit

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« Reply #19 on: <08-03-14/1630:42> »
anything with a damage code over about 11 is good enough to be shooting through standard interior walls. most assault rifles/sports rifles/high end shotguns/sniper rifles are capable of that and yes, APDS helps too.
the crockett EBR makes for a good drone weapon given its long range, large clip and decent damage/penetration stats.

EDIT: just seen your comment about con 3 and smart talk spec, that looks good. you can't rely on the face being around all the time, and to be fair, having the skill allows you to complement his rolls with a teamwork test.
Imagine you're staking out a target for recon while the team are doing other things or are in different locations.
GM decides a traffic cop notices you've overstayed your parking allocation and comes to ask you what you're doing.
with CHA 2 and no skill ranks, you roll one dice at a maximum (there are lots of -ve mods for social tests) with a 1/3rd chance of getting a hit.
with the skill ranks and edge, you now stand a pretty reasonable chance of convincing him you're not up to no good, thus saving your ass and the mission.
A good char should have at least a couple ranks in a social skill for those "oh crap" moments, yours is much better for having that now.

You've got the right idea with the sensor suites but just beware that the sensor suite rating is limited by the size of the drone (check the sensor housing listing)
most light drones are capped at sensor rating 3 (which combines with the control rig 2 to give a limit of 5 to perception tests +/- whatever vision or audio enhance you have on there too).
larger drones like the steel lynx can take larger sensor suites, meaning the sensors within them have higher capacity.

a rating 3 sensor array contains upto 8 sensors with 3 capacity iirc
so your suite could look something like:

camera: image link, low light, flare comp
camera: Thermo, vision mag, vision enhance 1
directional mic: SSF 3
laser mic: SSF 3
omni-directional mic: spatial recogniser, audio enhance 1
motion sensor
olfactory sensor
laser range finder

this would be legal (if i've remembered the avail ratings correctly lol!)

Unfortunately, sniper rifles require a Heavy Weapons Mount (14F Availability), so I can't use them. Thanks for clarifying that bit about the sensor suites, I'll have to rearrange them to make sure it's all legal and everything. It won't be as badass as I would like it to be, but at least it will be cheaper and still useful. I'll make those changes later, or maybe tomorrow, as I have to go rather soon and won't be near a computer.

Plus, Extreme range is unlikely, due to the fact that any other conditions would still bump it up to -6.
That is true if you are jumped in. You can just 'send message' to your drone's pilot program to command it to attack a target. It can act autonomously.

If you're not in VR, can you still 'send message' to the drone's pilot program? I would assume through AR and a commlink that it's possible. Also, does the smartlink in the natural eye (not part of a cybereye) still have the wireless bonus? If it doesn't, that seems to sort of defeat the purpose of having a smartlink, I'll just put it into the glasses.

ZeldaBravo

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« Reply #20 on: <08-03-14/1636:07> »
You can send message via your console or commlink even in meatspace. If you have a datajack (or in your case - a control rig) then you have wireless for your smartlink.
*I have problems with clarifying my point in English, so sometimes I might sound stupid or rude.*

Csjarrat

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« Reply #21 on: <08-03-14/1700:36> »
Steel lynx comes with a heavy mount and a couple of vehicles do as well so it's not totally out of reach. Remember you can also stick Underbarrel grenade launchers on drone guns for some extra bang bang or smoke coverage
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Marcus

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« Reply #22 on: <08-03-14/2023:08> »
Thanks for the suggestions, I was thinking about a Fixer Contact only, since I have so little Karma, but I think I'll take Csjarrat's advice and drop Juryrigger for more karma for contacts. Something like a 5/2 Fixer and 6/1 Arms Dealer? Also, I think I'll change that firearms skill group, and maybe just go with Automatics for combat. That will free up some money and the skill group points. What should I place the skill group points in? I was thinking either Stealth, Outdoors, or maybe Biotech for some more utility.

I'd go 3/3, 4/2, or 2/4. Automatics is a good choice, nice and flexible, Biotech seems wise to me.
 
Assault Rifles come in a lot flavors across even in an edition as new as 5th,  Assault rifles are general the standard mount on rotor type drones, their range isn't sniper range buts its plenty good for most situations, as Martinchaen pointed out.  Take a look around, the books and I'm sure you can find ones that will fit your needs.
« Last Edit: <08-04-14/1317:29> by Marcus »
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Tarislar

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« Reply #23 on: <08-04-14/0252:58> »

Attributes:
Body 3
Agility 3
Reaction 6
Strength 2 (Was 1, but upgraded with Karma)
Willpower 3
Logic 3
Intuition 3
Charisma 2
Edge 5
Essence 3.3

I'd look into dropping STR & CHA back to 1, and use that karma to raise CHA from 1 to 2.  The free'd up point then goes into Logic
I'd also look into Logic-6 & Reaction-4, a good VCR is going to make your Piloting tests easy to pass.  Better to put those points into all your many Logic based skills.



Skills:
Engineering 6, Biotech 4, Gunnery 6, Pilot Aircraft 6 (+2 Remote Control), Pilot Walker 6, Pilot Groundcraft 6 (+2 Wheeled - Which I assume includes Cars), Perception 6 (+2 Visual), Navigation 6, Automatics 3, Con 3 (+2 Fast Talk), Electronic Warfare 1 (Bought with Karma), Athletics 1 (Bought with Karma)

I think your overskilled in Piloting sypes & not enough in other skills that you have to have as a Rigger as well.
Electronic Warfare, & Computer to start.
14 Piloting dice, likely needing 2 successes for very hard moves.  You have over invested in that area.

I'd go something like this.
Electronics Group-6,  Engineering Group-4
Automatics-6
Electronic Warfare-6
Etiquette-6
First Aid-6
Gunnery-6-Ballistic+2
Perception-6-Visual+2
Piloting Aircraft-4
Piloting Ground Craft-4
Stealth Group-1
Armorer-1
Navigation-1



Knowledge Skills and Languages:
English N, Japanese 1, Aircraft - Interests 4, Groundcraft - Interests 4 (If these two are too broad I can change to Jets and Cars), Fixers - Street 3

IIRC in 5E its said that your Active Skills have attached Knowlege checks to them.  And you don't need to know about fixers, just have one.
So I'd drop both those Air/Ground/Fixers skills for stuff that you need.  Area Knowledge of your town, Smuggling Knowledge, Security Procedures, etc etc.


Augmentations:
Rating 2 Control Rig - Used (2.5 Essence) - 72,750 nuyen
Smartlink in Natural Eyes (.2 Essence) - 4,000 nuyen

If you do the swap of Log/Rea I metioned above, then some Reaction Enhancers would go a long way here.
Being Human I'd also look into some full on Cybereyes-2 & give them all the bells & whistles.



Gear:
Credsticks: 3 Silvers, 1 Gold - 160 nuyen,  1 Rating 6 Directional Jammers - 1,200 nuyen,  1 Rating 4 Fake SINs - 10,000 nuyen,  Biomonitor - 300 nuyen,  Micro-transceiver - 100 nuyen,  Armor Jacket w/ Nonconductivity 4 - 2,000 nuyen,  Meta Link Commlink - 100 nuyen,  Low Lifestyle (1 Month) - 2,000 nuyen, Capacity 4 Glasses w/ Image link, Flare Compensation, Vision Enhancement 2 - 1,675 nuyen

Priority-B Cash & you bought the lowest grade Commlink ?  No, just No.


Rigger Gear:
Proteus Poseidon RCC - 68,000 nuyen
Programs: Encryption, Signal Scrub, Armor, Wrapper - 660 nuyen
Rating 4 Clearsight Autosoft - 2,000 nuyen
Rover Model 2072 w/ Rigger Interface + Manual Operation + 1 Standard Weapon Mounts (AK-97 w/ 100 rounds of APDS Ammo) - 71,650 nuyen

2 Shiawase Kanmushi Microdrones w/ Sensor Array Rating 6
2 MCT Fly-Spy Minidrones w/ Sensor Array Rating 6
2 Aztechknowledgy Crawler Small Drones w/ 1 Standard Weapon Mount (AK-97s w/ 100 rounds of APDS Ammo) - 17,300 nuyen

No Rotodrones ?  I'd invest in way more Aircraft than you have.  Drop the Crawlers & get something that flys.


Total Money: 295,000 nuyen (10 Karma spent) - 294,400 nuyen = 800 + (3d6 x 60) nuyen


Fixer: 5c/2l, Arms Dealer: 6c/1l

Make your Fixer a specialist in Arms (6/1 or 5/2)  and it shouldn't be at issue to then have a solid Mechanic (1/4) - Every Rigger needs a Mechanic Contact.

8-bit

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« Reply #24 on: <08-04-14/1426:50> »
You can send message via your console or commlink even in meatspace. If you have a datajack (or in your case - a control rig) then you have wireless for your smartlink.

Thank you, that answered my question.

Steel lynx comes with a heavy mount and a couple of vehicles do as well so it's not totally out of reach. Remember you can also stick Underbarrel grenade launchers on drone guns for some extra bang bang or smoke coverage

I'm not exactly overflowing with cash, as my idea for a Super Skilled Pilot only leaves me with Priority B for Resources. The underbarrel launchers sound interesting, I'll ponder that for a bit. I still have yet to figure out the sensor thing, I am a little busy at the moment, but it's on my list for this character.

Thanks for the suggestions, I was thinking about a Fixer Contact only, since I have so little Karma, but I think I'll take Csjarrat's advice and drop Juryrigger for more karma for contacts. Something like a 5/2 Fixer and 6/1 Arms Dealer? Also, I think I'll change that firearms skill group, and maybe just go with Automatics for combat. That will free up some money and the skill group points. What should I place the skill group points in? I was thinking either Stealth, Outdoors, or maybe Biotech for some more utility.

I'd go 3/3, 4/2, or 2/4. Automatics is a good choice, nice and flexible, Biotech seems wise to me.
 
Assault Rifles come in a lot flavors across even in an edition as new as 5th,  Assault rifles are general the standard mount on rotor type drones, their range isn't sniper range buts its plenty good for most situations, as Martinchaen pointed out.  Take a look around, the books and I'm sure you can find ones that will fit your needs.

Is that setup Loyalty/Connection, or Connection/Loyalty? I figure I can dump most of my stuff into connection, as it's better to be able to get the gear I need then for them to actually care that much about me. I know it's dangerous dealing business with them, but I would probably have to go to them anyways to get the higher end stuff.

I'd look into dropping STR & CHA back to 1, and use that karma to raise CHA from 1 to 2.  The free'd up point then goes into Logic
I'd also look into Logic-6 & Reaction-4, a good VCR is going to make your Piloting tests easy to pass.  Better to put those points into all your many Logic based skills.


I think your overskilled in Piloting sypes & not enough in other skills that you have to have as a Rigger as well.
Electronic Warfare, & Computer to start.
14 Piloting dice, likely needing 2 successes for very hard moves.  You have over invested in that area.

I'd go something like this.
Electronics Group-6,  Engineering Group-4
Automatics-6
Electronic Warfare-6
Etiquette-6
First Aid-6
Gunnery-6-Ballistic+2
Perception-6-Visual+2
Piloting Aircraft-4
Piloting Ground Craft-4
Stealth Group-1
Armorer-1
Navigation-1


IIRC in 5E its said that your Active Skills have attached Knowlege checks to them.  And you don't need to know about fixers, just have one.
So I'd drop both those Air/Ground/Fixers skills for stuff that you need.  Area Knowledge of your town, Smuggling Knowledge, Security Procedures, etc etc.


If you do the swap of Log/Rea I metioned above, then some Reaction Enhancers would go a long way here.
Being Human I'd also look into some full on Cybereyes-2 & give them all the bells & whistles.


Priority-B Cash & you bought the lowest grade Commlink ?  No, just No.

No Rotodrones ?  I'd invest in way more Aircraft than you have.  Drop the Crawlers & get something that flys.

Make your Fixer a specialist in Arms (6/1 or 5/2)  and it shouldn't be at issue to then have a solid Mechanic (1/4) - Every Rigger needs a Mechanic Contact.

The Str & Cha is a good point, as I don't really need them to be that high. My only concern is that have 1 Strength makes me useless for any carrying or running purposes, and that Charisma 1 doesn't give me extra contact points, since upgrading it to 2 is technically after picking out contacts. Is Logic really better than Reaction? I guess the real question is how difficult is piloting? I wanted to make a seriously badass pilot who can perform really complex maneuvers, but if I only need 2 successes, then I probably don't need that many dice.

Not that I'm saying your wrong, but why Electronics 6? I would rather just have Hardware 6 for repairs, what is Computer and Software used for as a Rigger? I just want to know. As an extremely inexperienced Shadowrun player, what does the Ballistic specialization cover? Etiquette? I mean, I see the point of it, but I would rather have Con (+2 Fast Talk) to be able to get out of situations. Where is the Athletics group? I don't plan on being in VR all the time, what if I need to run? Or jump, or swim to save my life? Is Navigation really not that important? I thought it would be, but it might not. I'm not saying your changes are bad, I'm just curious for some explanations.

The Knowledge skill stuff is a good catch, I completely forgot about that. Thanks for pointing that out.

If I do the swap, I don't have money for Reaction Enhancers. I literally have 800 nuyen leftover (well, I gotta redo sensor arrays, but it shouldn't be much more than that) and I don't even have any mega combat drones, most of my stuff is barely equipped. I couldn't afford Used Rating 1 Reaction Enhancers if I wanted to. So, the swap is still something I will consider, but I don't think the Enhancers are gonna make it.

What do you suggest for a commlink? Mine is basically a throwaway only used to communicate with my team. Do I need something better? Keep in mind my money situation is very tight.

I originally had a Rotodrone, but as it has been pointed out earlier in this thread, drones are extremely fragile. So, I'm reluctant to invest a lot of money into more guns and more expensive drones for something that can be taken out super easily. I'm fine with Dropping the Crawlers, but what do you suggest I replace them with? I like the idea of flying drones, but I'm just not seeing any alternatives that are amazing for combat. The Optic X-2 seems to be rather limited with its maneuverability, as it can't just backup, it has to turn around, and it can't hover, it has to keep moving forward. Same with the Cyberspace Designs Dalmation. Really the only alternative is a Rotodrone, which just seems to serve the exact same purpose as the Crawlers while being more expensive. If I'm missing something, feel free to tell me, as I am extremely new to this game.

The Fixer suggestion seems reasonable, as does the Mechanic. I'm assuming you use Connection/Loyalty, so what are your opinions on giving the Mechanic more Connection? I understand the Loyalty part, but does he/she need to ability to get more advanced parts, or is working out of a garage good enough for repairs? I would greatly appreciate your knowledge.

Overall, I don't see too much of a problem with your changes, and the ones I do have a problem with may just be because I am inexperienced at Shadowrun. I won't change anything on the front page yet, but I'll take your suggestions into consideration. I am eager to read your reply.

Csjarrat

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« Reply #25 on: <08-04-14/1803:40> »
tbh, your RCC will do everything a commlink does and it'll do it better thanks to cyberprograms like browse and edit.
its just huge (briefcase) whereas a comm is a smartphone sized thing.
an all singing-all dancing commlink is handy, but not essential for your archetype if you've got a high-end RCC anyways. when you're on-the-job you'll be in the matrix via your RCC so wont need the commlink for message sending.
off-the-job, a reasonable spec commlink as a day-to-day, browse the web kind of thing would be do-able.

for combat mate, rotodrones are ok. just accept that you'll lose them and move on. they're cheap enough that you can take 3-4. stick the 500NY assault rifle on there with a 125NY laser sight on it and get decent targeting/manuever autosofts on the RCC. have them fly about and lay down suppressive fire and they'll cause all sorts of issues for your enemies (they'll have similar dicepools to most mooks). they're cheap enough to repair yourself or just buy new when they get shot up.
Only combat drone worth spending money on is the steel lynx, and even then, a moderately equipped HTR team can take it out so you'll need to be good with a wrench or be really good friends with someone who is.

computer is great for matrix perception checks, matrix searches and probably a few other things that slip my mind. software is only useful for dealing with databombs, so doesn't help a rigger too much.
hardware is nifty for cracking maglock and security camera cases or repairing/upgrading electronics like RCC's/decks/goggles etc.
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8-bit

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« Reply #26 on: <08-04-14/2221:54> »
I fixed the Sensor Arrays, changed up the Active and Knowledge skills, changed up the contacts, added a better commlink, added a targeting autosoft, and replaced the Aztechknowledgy Crawlers with MCT-Nissan Roto-drones.

About the only thing I don't like is that my Strength is really low, and my Physical limit is almost nonexistent. However, that is not as important as the improvements that have been made.

I am now completely out of karma and still nearly dead broke, but I think your guys suggestions have really improved my character. I would like to thank everyone who has posted advice in this thread, it has helped me a lot!

tbh, your RCC will do everything a commlink does and it'll do it better thanks to cyberprograms like browse and edit.
its just huge (briefcase) whereas a comm is a smartphone sized thing.
an all singing-all dancing commlink is handy, but not essential for your archetype if you've got a high-end RCC anyways. when you're on-the-job you'll be in the matrix via your RCC so wont need the commlink for message sending.
off-the-job, a reasonable spec commlink as a day-to-day, browse the web kind of thing would be do-able.

for combat mate, rotodrones are ok. just accept that you'll lose them and move on. they're cheap enough that you can take 3-4. stick the 500NY assault rifle on there with a 125NY laser sight on it and get decent targeting/manuever autosofts on the RCC. have them fly about and lay down suppressive fire and they'll cause all sorts of issues for your enemies (they'll have similar dicepools to most mooks). they're cheap enough to repair yourself or just buy new when they get shot up.
Only combat drone worth spending money on is the steel lynx, and even then, a moderately equipped HTR team can take it out so you'll need to be good with a wrench or be really good friends with someone who is.

computer is great for matrix perception checks, matrix searches and probably a few other things that slip my mind. software is only useful for dealing with databombs, so doesn't help a rigger too much.
hardware is nifty for cracking maglock and security camera cases or repairing/upgrading electronics like RCC's/decks/goggles etc.

The RCC is that large? I was under the impression the majority of it was inside your head, in fact I thought nearly everything was implanted inside your head. I also though a commlink was much smaller, as you can implant it in weapons, or hide it under your sleeve, or put it just about anywhere. I might be wrong.

I took your advice on the drones, and although it is not exactly what I want, it's probably the best I'll get with my limited supply of money. I also appreciate your explanation of the uses of Hardware and Computer, you have definitely convinced me that they are useful. Thank you for the help.

Csjarrat

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« Reply #27 on: <08-05-14/0344:31> »
Control rig=implant that hooks up your motor cortex to vehicle
RCC=broadcast equipment that controls drones and runs autosofts
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« Reply #28 on: <08-05-14/1304:08> »
Control rig=implant that hooks up your motor cortex to vehicle
RCC=broadcast equipment that controls drones and runs autosofts

Oh, right. I always get those two mixed up. I guess because you need both as a Rigger anyways.

Tarislar

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« Reply #29 on: <08-05-14/1319:06> »
The Str & Cha is a good point, as I don't really need them to be that high. My only concern is that have 1 Strength makes me useless for any carrying or running purposes, and that Charisma 1 doesn't give me extra contact points, since upgrading it to 2 is technically after picking out contacts. Is Logic really better than Reaction? I guess the real question is how difficult is piloting? I wanted to make a seriously badass pilot who can perform really complex maneuvers, but if I only need 2 successes, then I probably don't need that many dice.

Not sure on that Cha thing, Don't believe its been said that you loose the Contacts if its raised in the final stage of CharGen.


what does the Ballistic specialization cover? Etiquette? I mean, I see the point of it, but I would rather have Con (+2 Fast Talk) to be able to get out of situations. Where is the Athletics group? I don't plan on being in VR all the time, what if I need to run? Or jump, or swim to save my life? Is Navigation really not that important? I thought it would be, but it might not. I'm not saying your changes are bad, I'm just curious for some explanations.

CS covered the Electronics issue.
Ballistics pretty much covers nearly all weapons.  I mean, not Missile Launchers I don't think.  But all your "guns"
Well at 7 Dice I really didn't feel you were "conning" anyone.  Where as Etiquette helps you fit in, not stand out, so that you hopefully don't need to Con in the first place.
I dropped Athletics for Stealth.  You can change it.  But I thought not getting caught/needing to run, was more important than after the fact getting running.  That said, both are things you can buy with karma as you grow.



If I do the swap, I don't have money for Reaction Enhancers. I literally have 800 nuyen leftover (well, I gotta redo sensor arrays, but it shouldn't be much more than that) and I don't even have any mega combat drones, most of my stuff is barely equipped. I couldn't afford Used Rating 1 Reaction Enhancers if I wanted to. So, the swap is still something I will consider, but I don't think the Enhancers are gonna make it.

I'm not at my book, but, maybe drop VCR down to R1.  I'm not a Rigger, but from what I've read on the threshold reduction.  I'd never get R3 VCR any more & even R2 is going to make most stuff really easy.  Basically unless your Rigging is repeatedly doing stuff out of a Transformers or Fast & Furious movie, I think your safe for the typical high speed engagement.

What do you suggest for a commlink? Mine is basically a throwaway only used to communicate with my team. Do I need something better? Keep in mind my money situation is very tight.

Personally, I'm a fan of the Hermes Ikon.  Solid quality w/o the Price of the Avalon or Fairlight.  And more than good enough for all the times you don't have your RCC lugging along w/ you.


I originally had a Rotodrone, but as it has been pointed out earlier in this thread, drones are extremely fragile. So, I'm reluctant to invest a lot of money into more guns and more expensive drones for something that can be taken out super easily. I'm fine with Dropping the Crawlers, but what do you suggest I replace them with? I like the idea of flying drones, but I'm just not seeing any alternatives that are amazing for combat. The Optic X-2 seems to be rather limited with its maneuverability, as it can't just backup, it has to turn around, and it can't hover, it has to keep moving forward. Same with the Cyberspace Designs Dalmation. Really the only alternative is a Rotodrone, which just seems to serve the exact same purpose as the Crawlers while being more expensive. If I'm missing something, feel free to tell me, as I am extremely new to this game.

IMHO w/ Repair Costs & Combat Firepower, NO drone is good at combat.  Seriously, even the Steel Lynx is wounded or destroyed with a couple guys focusing on it.  So IMHO.  You want drones that can retreat quickly & get there by stealth.  So the Roto for me is solid.  Buy up 2-4 of them & use them at Long/Extreme ranges for suppressive fire from AR's,  Smoke/Booms from GL's, and Silenced direct fire from Sniper Rifles.  2 Roto's w/ Remingtons w/ Silencers & 2 Rotos with Alphas is all the firepower you'll ever need IMHO.  And 1-3 is all you'll need at Char-Gen.

The Fixer suggestion seems reasonable, as does the Mechanic. I'm assuming you use Connection/Loyalty, so what are your opinions on giving the Mechanic more Connection? I understand the Loyalty part, but does he/she need to ability to get more advanced parts, or is working out of a garage good enough for repairs? I would greatly appreciate your knowledge.

For the Mechanic my concern was Loyalty = Price Break on Repairs.  I'm less concerned about him being able to acquire me a Gauss Rifle and more concerned about him cutting me a deal on repair costs which in SR5E are through the roof.  But that is just my opinion.