NEWS

[SR5] Mentor Spirits, the Street Grimoire, and Chummer

  • 27 Replies
  • 39234 Views

Ariketh

  • *
  • Omae
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
« on: <07-20-14/1009:14> »
In light of the fact that the Street Grimoire is lacking mentor spirits, I decided to do some conversion work on mentors and add them to friendly custom Chummer files. Below is the conversions, either complete or in progress. So far I have integrated SR4 and Street Grimoire into the Chummer files. Have completed conversions for SR3 shaman/mentor spirits. Still working through Magic in the Shadows. If there are any other sources of mentors, please let me know. I'll do what I can to get them added.

WARNING: Any mentor with Stillness, Flexibiltiy, or Penetrating Strike will have issues. Finally, Sea King's Facial Sculpt will cause a crash due to a spelling error in the powers.xml. All of these I am forwarding to Adam in the hopes he will/can help. Thanks to Adam, this was fixed.

Batch 1, including SR4A and Street Magic. Complete and integrated into the files.

Adversary (SM 180)
All: +2 to a social skill
Magician: +2 Counterspelling, Banishing, or Disenchanting (pick 1)
Adept: 1 level of Spell Resistance or Mystic Armor
Disad: Doesn’t like following orders unless it’s their idea. Wil + Cha (3) or ignore the order.

Artificer (SM 180)
All: +2 to armorer, artisan, or a mechanic skill (pick 1)
Magician: +2 to arcana
Adept: 1 free level of Improved Ability (skill) in a Technical skill
Disad: Must investigate something new or new problem when encountered. Wil + Cha (3) to resist. Will not put self in danger.

Bull (SM 180)
All: +2 dice to Leadership
Magician: +2 dice for Combat Spells or beast spirits (pick 1)
Adept: 2 free levels of Attribute Boost (Str) or (Body), or 1 free level of each.
Disad: If the follower of Bull doesn’t get what he wants, Wil + Cha (3) or dig in and demand compliance.

Crocodile (SM 181)
All: +2 dice to Survival
Magician: +2 dice for Health Spells or water spirits (pick 1)
Adept: Free Killing Hands
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) test or requires compensation in exchange for any offer.

Dark King (SR4A 200)
All: +2 dice to perception or assensing (pick 1)
Magician: +2 summoning spirits of man, or Combat spells (pick 1)
Adept: Free Killing Hands
Disad: -2 to damage resistance tests (except drain)

Dark Goddess (SM 181)
All: +2 to any skill in the Biotech group. (Pick 1)
Magician: +2 to Combat or Health spells, or spirits of man (pick 1)
Adept: Free Berserk power.
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) test or will escalate a confrontation.

Dragon (SM 181)
All: +2 dice to Negotiation tests.
Magician: +2 dice to Manipulation spells or Summoning tests (pick 1)
Adept: 1 free level of Improved Ability in a social skill of choice.
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) test or will not follow orders/advice. Same test to accept defeat gracefully.

Gryphon (SM 182)
All: +2 dice to Leadership tests
Magician: +2 dice to Detection spells or Binding tests (pick 1)
Adept: One free level of Improved Potential (Social Limit)
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) test or seek out greatest opponent in combat, or to accept assistance with the target.

Horned Man (SM 182)
All: +2 to Survival tests
Magician: +2 Illusion spells or guidance or plant spirits (pick 1)
Adept: 1 free level of Enhanced Accuracy and one free level of Attribute Boost (Sta)
Disad: -1 to Social tests due to lack of social boundries, unless dealing with free thinking individuals.

Horse (SM 182)
All: +2 dice in a physical skill of choice
Magician: +2 dice to Health spells or beast spirits (pick 1)
Adept: 2 free levels of Flexibility
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) test if confined to one location or become irrational and do everything possible to leave.

Lion (SM 182)
All: +2 to Leadership tests
Magician: +2 Combat spells or Banishing tests
Adept: Free Killing Hands
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) test to back down from a fight, refuse a challenge, or forgive a slight.

Moon Maiden (SR4A 201)
All: +2 dice to Negotiation tests
Magician: +2 dice to Illusion spells or spirits of air (pick 1)
Adept: 2 free levels of Kinesics
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) to engage in combat, may make new test every Combat Turn if previous test failed.

Oak (SM 182)
All: +2 to Arcana tests
Magician: +2 dice to plant spirits, or Health spells (pick 1)
Adept: 2 free levels of Danger Sense or 1 free level of Mystic Armor
Disad: If a follower of oak fails to protect someone or something important, -1 die penalty to all tests until they atone.

Owl (SM 182)
All: +2 dice to Perception or Assensing tests (pick 1)
Magician: +2 dice to Detection spells, spirits of man, or guidance spirits (pick 1)
Adept: Free Astral Perception
Disadvantage: -1 dice to Combat spells, spirits linked to Combat spells (based on tradition), and Combat Active skills.

Phoenix (SM 183)
All: +2 dice to Social skill of choice (pick 1)
Magician: +2 dice to health spells or fire spirits (pick 1)
Adept: 1 free level of rapid healing
Disad: As Wise Warrior in (SR5)

Sky Father (SM 183)
All: +2 dice for Perception tests.
Magician: +2 dice for Detection or Manipulation spells, or spirits of the air (pick 1)
Adept: One free level of Enhanced perception or 2 free levels of Freefall
Disad: Wil + Cha (3) test or angrily/aggressively confront or retaliate against a slight.

Spider (SM 183)
All: +2 dice to Con or Negotiation tests (pick 1)
Magician: +2 dice to Detection spells or Binding tests (pick 1)
Adept: 1 free level of Combat Sense
Disad: As Mountain in SR5

Sun (SM 183)
All: +2 dice to Leadership tests
Magician: +2 dice Combat spells, or fire or guardian spririts (pick 1)
Adept: 1 free level in Improved Ability (skill)
Disad: Sun expects perfection and followers must spend 2 edge to negate a glitch or downgrade a critical glitch.

Trickster (SR4A 202)
All: +2 dice to Con tests
Magician: +2 dice to Illusion spells or spirits of man (pick 1)
Adept: 1 level of Voice Control
Disad: Same as Raven in SR5

Batch 2: see later in the thread.


Thanks in advance for any feedback.

To install the files, remove both custom_books.xml and custom_mentors.xml from the attached zip file and place them in the data folder in your Chummer 5 directory.

-Ariketh

Changelog:
7/20: Added Raccoon. Added conjurer disad for Owl. Added alternate disad for Raccoon. Changed Adept option for Bull due to coding limitations. Added Adept option for Dark Goddess.
7/21: Added Sblock. Attached both chummer files. Added Adept line to Sun. Added an Adept option back to Bull, but noted that it's currently disabled. Noted Horned Man Adept option was disabled. Changed Spider conjurer option. Due to lack of spoiler option, unable to make this post a bit more manageable.
7/23: Updated files to v2. Enabled adept options for Bull and Horned Man. Work on the SR3 mentors is ongoing and not included in the attachment. Provisionally updated the disadvantage for Owl spirits. Uploaded the edited Mentor file.
7/24: Cleaned up post a bit. Updated files to v3.1. Added conjurer option for Trickster into the actual file. Added WIP SR3 mentors, which are not in the files.
7/26: Put SR3 conversions in another post.
7/29: Added Traditions from Digital Grimoire, Street Magic, and one from Street Legends Supplemental. Coded all the SR3 mentors from below. Changed version to 4.
8/4: Corrected some misc errors in the books and mentors files. They should now be complete and correct. Changed to version 4.1.
« Last Edit: <08-04-14/0849:46> by Ariketh »

adzling

  • *
  • Guest
« Reply #1 on: <07-20-14/1058:18> »
excellent, where's Raccoon ;-) ?

Ariketh

  • *
  • Omae
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
« Reply #2 on: <07-20-14/1242:05> »
excellent, where's Raccoon ;-) ?

Got a source? I'll add it.

So far I've only gone through SR4A and Street Magic. So if you have a source with more mentors, throw them at me. I'll be glad to add them to the list. I don't remember any mentors in other sourcebooks, but I haven't read a lot of my SR4 material for a while years.

-Ariketh

Sendaz

  • *
  • Ace Runner
  • ****
  • Posts: 2220
  • Associate of Rywfol Emwolb Industries
« Reply #3 on: <07-20-14/1258:12> »
You have to go back to 3rd ed to see Raccoon

Quote from: SR3 Core pg 166
Raccoon is a cunning bandit who can break into any trap and steal the bait. He fights when he must, but prefers strategy and trickery. Raccoon shamans are intensely curious, which often leads them into danger. They can be greedy (Raccoon is a thief totem) and many steal only the very best. Petty thefts and violent robberies are beneath a Raccoon shaman’s dignity.
Environment: Anywhere but the desert
Advantages: +2 dice for manipulation spells, +2 dice for city spirits
Disadvantages: –1 die for combat spells

Probably recommend a level or two in Nimble Fingers from SG among other options for this.


For others mentors, the wiki has a nice list sourcing quite a bit here.
« Last Edit: <07-20-14/1308:25> by Sendaz »
Do you believe in a greater WIRELESS, an Invisible(WiFi) All Seeing(detecting those connected- at least if within 100'), All Knowing(all online data) Presence that we can draw upon for Wisdom(downloads & updates), Strength (wifi boni) and Comfort (porn) or do you turn your back on it  (Go Offline)?

Ariketh

  • *
  • Omae
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
« Reply #4 on: <07-20-14/1311:52> »
You have to go back to 3rd ed to see Raccoon

Quote from: SR3 Core pg 166
Raccoon is a cunning bandit who can break into any trap and steal the bait. He fights when he must, but prefers strategy and trickery. Raccoon shamans are intensely curious, which often leads them into danger. They can be greedy (Raccoon is a thief totem) and many steal only the very best. Petty thefts and violent robberies are beneath a Raccoon shaman’s dignity.
Environment: Anywhere but the desert
Advantages: +2 dice for manipulation spells, +2 dice for city spirits
Disadvantages: –1 die for combat spells

Probably recommend a level or two in Nimble Fingers from SG among other options for this.

I figured that might be the case. My SR3 and Magic in the Shadows is sitting on my shelf within arm's reach if I start doing those conversions too. I started flipping through and damn there is a lot of spirit mentors.

Edited Raccoon above.

-Ariketh

Sendaz

  • *
  • Ace Runner
  • ****
  • Posts: 2220
  • Associate of Rywfol Emwolb Industries
« Reply #5 on: <07-20-14/1324:50> »

I figured that might be the case. My SR3 and Magic in the Shadows is sitting on my shelf within arm's reach if I start doing those conversions too. I started flipping through and damn there is a lot of spirit mentors.

Edited Raccoon above.

-Ariketh
You left out for disads for Raccoons is that they are freaking kleptos. :P   

Not saying they steal everything they get their paws on, but they would be hard pressed to leave a run without nicking at least one shiny along the way, the more important/shiny the better.

Which can make for a fun run where you are supposed to slip in and out unseen, leaving no trace you even broke in and the raccoon mage has stuffed the VP's gold name plate in his bag.

Or you do the Nyx Smith version, where they 'exchange' items, taking something while leaving something.

Do you believe in a greater WIRELESS, an Invisible(WiFi) All Seeing(detecting those connected- at least if within 100'), All Knowing(all online data) Presence that we can draw upon for Wisdom(downloads & updates), Strength (wifi boni) and Comfort (porn) or do you turn your back on it  (Go Offline)?

Ariketh

  • *
  • Omae
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
« Reply #6 on: <07-20-14/1449:29> »
You left out for disads for Raccoons is that they are freaking kleptos. :P   

Not saying they steal everything they get their paws on, but they would be hard pressed to leave a run without nicking at least one shiny along the way, the more important/shiny the better.

Which can make for a fun run where you are supposed to slip in and out unseen, leaving no trace you even broke in and the raccoon mage has stuffed the VP's gold name plate in his bag.

Or you do the Nyx Smith version, where they 'exchange' items, taking something while leaving something.

Hehe. It's in the flavor text rather than the mechanical part. Maybe change the disad from the combat bit to the following?

Disadvantage: When tempted, followers of Raccoon must make a Wil + Cha (3) test avoid stealing something precious; only the best will do.

-Ariketh

Sendaz

  • *
  • Ace Runner
  • ****
  • Posts: 2220
  • Associate of Rywfol Emwolb Industries
« Reply #7 on: <07-20-14/1453:42> »
I like that, though maybe change it to precious/significant as it is not always a pure nuyen value, so while it may or may not have a nuyen value if it had value to the owner that can make it valuable to Raccoon, though that is bit subjective I guess.
Do you believe in a greater WIRELESS, an Invisible(WiFi) All Seeing(detecting those connected- at least if within 100'), All Knowing(all online data) Presence that we can draw upon for Wisdom(downloads & updates), Strength (wifi boni) and Comfort (porn) or do you turn your back on it  (Go Offline)?

Dangersaurus

  • *
  • Chummer
  • **
  • Posts: 195
« Reply #8 on: <07-20-14/1517:14> »
Thanks - this is very useful. I've put a lot of these into Hero Lab but just left off the adept bonuses for another day. Today is that day!

Ariketh

  • *
  • Omae
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
« Reply #9 on: <07-20-14/1614:27> »
Thanks - this is very useful. I've put a lot of these into Hero Lab but just left off the adept bonuses for another day. Today is that day!

I forgot to add an Adept power for Dark Goddess. It's now there.

-Ariketh

Ariketh

  • *
  • Omae
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
« Reply #10 on: <07-21-14/1415:43> »
Added the files for download and added download instructions. (See OP.)

Also made a few changes. Raccoon will not be in this batch. I wanted to get the SR4 mentors up and running for ease of more recent character conversion. I'll do the SR3 mentors at a later date. There are some outstanding issues. They are noted in their individual entries. Please let me know if you run into any typos.

Also, I don't guarantee the files will work. They should, assuming the latest version of Chummer 5. If there is a bug, let me know what mentor it is. But I'm not a real programmer (unlike Adam), so I may not be able to fix it. I'll find another solution if that's the case.

Thanks,
Ariketh

Ariketh

  • *
  • Omae
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
« Reply #11 on: <07-23-14/0441:34> »
Thanks to the awesome work Adam is doing on Chummer. He was able to fix the bug preventing adept options for Bull and Horned Man from working correctly! I've edited the files and attached new copies to the OP.

SR3 mentors are still in progress. No ETA.

-Ariketh

Namikaze

  • *
  • Freelancer Ltd
  • Prime Runner
  • **
  • Posts: 4068
  • I'm a Ma'fan of Shadowrun!
« Reply #12 on: <07-23-14/1120:45> »
Ariketh,

Thank you for this work.  One of my players LOVES the Owl mentor spirit, and I had created some house rules to accommodate his desire.  Interestingly enough, you and I had created almost identical rules for the Owl.  I had managed to fumble my way through adding Owl to the exiting mentor XML file, because I didn't know how to add a custom one that Chummer would automatically load.  He (and I) are very happy that you did this, so I just wanted to express our mutual gratitude.
Feel free to keep any karma you earned illicitly, it's on us.

Quote from: Stephen Covey
Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.

Taejix

  • *
  • Chummer
  • **
  • Posts: 188
« Reply #13 on: <07-23-14/1140:38> »
Might I recommend changing the disadvantage for Owl? Specifically, to something that affects Adepts.

Because it's looking overly attractive for them right now, with it combing a disadvantage that doesn't apply to them with a power that's worth 1PP instead of 0.5PP.

Namikaze

  • *
  • Freelancer Ltd
  • Prime Runner
  • **
  • Posts: 4068
  • I'm a Ma'fan of Shadowrun!
« Reply #14 on: <07-23-14/1150:03> »
Might I recommend changing the disadvantage for Owl? Specifically, to something that affects Adepts.

Because it's looking overly attractive for them right now, with it combing a disadvantage that doesn't apply to them with a power that's worth 1PP instead of 0.5PP.

Good point.  This was actually the one thing that Ariketh's version of Owl and mine differed on.  My version was to make it so that the follower of Owl must delay all actions until the end of the first Initiative Pass of any new combat.  This is to reflect the Owl's desire to formulate a plan before acting.
Feel free to keep any karma you earned illicitly, it's on us.

Quote from: Stephen Covey
Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.