[8-bit]

I've been enamored with creating faces, especially unique faces. I actually would love to take any character, especially a face, past 1 or 2 runs, but until then, I keep attempting to make new original (for me) ones. This guy has an extensive amount of contacts that he can call upon, while not being able to give much for combat. He can shoot, sure, but he isn't summoning spirits or anything. He can get a lot of legwork and convincing done though, probably even convince our way past someone if need be.

--------------------------------------

-- Priorities --
Metatype D (Elf)
Attributes A
Magic E
Skills B
Resources C

-- Karma Expenditure --
50 Total
-19 in Qualities
-10 for 20,000 nuyen
-2 for Pilot Groundcraft 1
-19 for Contacts

0 Left

-- Attributes --
Body 3
Agility 3
Reaction 5
Strength 3
Willpower 3
Logic 5
Intuition 5
Charisma 8
Edge 1
Essence 4.5750

Initiative - 10 + 1d6
Physical Condition Monitor - 10
Stun Condition Monitor - 10
Physical Limit - 5
Mental Limit - 8
Social Limit - 11 (+3 when Vashon Island is visible)

-- Qualities --
Bilingual (-5 Karma)
First Impression (-11 Karma)
Too Pretty to Hit (-3 Karma)
Incompetent - Close Combat (+5 Karma)
Distinctive Style (+5 Karma)
Corporate Limited SIN - Horizon (+15 Karma)

-- Skills --
Biotech 5
Con 6 (+2 Fast Talk) - Dice pool of 14 (16)
Disguise 1 (+2 Cosmetic) - Dice pool of 6 (8)
Etiquette 4 - Dice pool of 12
Impersonation 4 - Dice pool of 12
Negotiation 6 (+2 Bargaining) - Dice pool of 14 (16)
Perception 4 (+2 Visual) - Dice pool of 9 (11)
Pilot Ground Craft 1 - Dice pool of 6
Pistols 6 (+2 Semi-Automatics) - Dice pool of 9 (11)

-- Knowledge/Language Skills --
TBD - The normal Face stuff with some languages

-- Augmentations --
Datajack - Used - 750 nuyen | 0.125 Essence
Voice Modulator 5 - Used - 18,750 nuyen | 0.25 Essence
Mnemonic Enhancer 2 - Standard - 18,000 nuyen | 0.2 Essence
Sleep Regulator - Standard - 12,000 nuyen | 0.1 Essence
Tailored Pheromones 3 - Used - 69,750 nuyen | 0.75 Essence

-- Gear --
Vashon Island: Ace of Coins w/ Nonconductivity 6, Concealed Holster  - 3,750 nuyen
Colt America L36 w/ 2 Spare Clips, 70 Stick-n-shock Ammo, 70 Regular Ammo - 1,030 nuyen
Rating 6 Medkit - 1,500 nuyen
Transys Avalon Commlink - 5,000 nuyen
3 Meta Link Commlinks - 300 nuyen
Rating 6 Bug Scanner - 600 nuyen
Rating 6 White Noise Generator - 300 nuyen
Subvocal Mic - 50 nuyen
Rating 6 Respirator - 300 nuyen
Survival Kit - 200 nuyen
Certified Credsticks: 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 4 Silver - 780 nuyen
Rating 4 Fake SIN w/ Rating 4 Fake License (Tailored Pheromones), Rating 4 Fake License (Colt America L36), Rating 4 Fake License (Stick-n-shock Ammo), Rating 4 Fake License (Regular Ammo), Rating 4 Fake License (Bug Scanner) - 14,000 nuyen
Suzuki Mirage w/ Morphing License Plate, Spoof Chips - 10,000 nuyen
1 month of Low Lifestyle - 2,000 nuyen

Remaining Money - 940 + (3d6 x 60) nuyen

-- Contacts --
Fixer - Connection 5, Loyalty 1

Beat Cop - Connection 3, Loyalty 3

ID Manufacturer - Connection 5, Loyalty 1

Mr. Johnson - Connection 4, Loyalty 1

Mechanic - Connection 1, Loyalty 6

Forensics Expert - Connection 4, Loyalty 2

Street Doc - Connection 5, Loyalty 2

--------------------------------------

So there it is. Yes, it's a lot of contacts. If anyone can suggest some better contacts that you think would be useful, feel free to suggest. Any comments or criticism welcome!

[Shrazkil]

Looks like you have all the major contact components covered.

1 Edge for a face is scary territory, combat is definitely not a strong suit, which is scary for an A priority stat build, any way to eek out 5 agility? Or planning on cyberarm later?

I am not familiar with too pretty to hit, would love elaboration on that, sounds cool.

Need a space with your bracketed disguise value to avoid smiley face.

[8-bit]

Looks like you have all the major contact components covered.

1 Edge for a face is scary territory, combat is definitely not a strong suit, which is scary for an A priority stat build, any way to eek out 5 agility? Or planning on cyberarm later?

I am not familiar with too pretty to hit, would love elaboration on that, sounds cool.

Need a space with your bracketed disguise value to avoid smiley face.

1 Edge is scary, which was kind of the problem. I was trying to fit literally everything I could in there, which meant I had to drop metatype to the bare minimum to get Elf. Planning later to get Muscle Toner etc. I'm not going to lie, I got about half the inspiration for this build from Sarah Silverleaf from the Mission prep files (they are free to get from drivethrurpg if I remember correctly). She's honestly just about the scariest face npc I've seen, because she's subtle and vicious. Of course, she does have the benefit of being an npc with much higher than character creation stats, and all deltaware augmentations.

Too pretty to hit is a quality from Run & Gun. It's pretty niche, but what it does is it makes it so that you use your Charisma stat for Full Defense, rather than your Willpower. Sure, I lose 10 initiative, but 8 Extra dice to defend is really nice. I was debating between that, and Out for Myself from Assassin's Primer (+3 dice to surprise tests).

I hate the smileys, I always forget to check the box that says don't use smileys. Thanks for pointing that out.

[8-bit]

I decided to make another variation that has more Agility. I put my group points into Stealth, which should help a bit; as most of the skills in the Biotech group are not actually that useful. That was mostly to make use of the high Logic. I do think I like this version better, but my only qualm is less Knowledge/Language points, which are important for a Face.

--------------------------------------

-- Priorities --
Metatype D (Elf)
Attributes A
Magic E
Skills B
Resources C

-- Karma Expenditure --
50 Total
-19 in Qualities
-10 for 20,000 nuyen
-2 for Pilot Groundcraft 1
-19 for Contacts

0 Left

-- Attributes --
Body 3
Agility 5
Reaction 5
Strength 3
Willpower 3
Logic 3
Intuition 5
Charisma 8
Edge 1
Essence 4.5750

Initiative - 10 + 1d6
Physical Condition Monitor - 10
Stun Condition Monitor - 10
Physical Limit - 5
Mental Limit - 7
Social Limit - 11 (+3 when Vashon Island is visible)

-- Qualities --
Bilingual (-5 Karma)
First Impression (-11 Karma)
Too Pretty to Hit (-3 Karma)
Incompetent - Close Combat (+5 Karma)
Distinctive Style (+5 Karma)
Corporate Limited SIN - Horizon (+15 Karma)

-- Skills --
Stealth 5
Con 6 (+2 Fast Talk) - Dice pool of 14 (16)
Etiquette 4 - Dice pool of 12
Impersonation 6 - Dice pool of 14
Negotiation 6 (+2 Bargaining) - Dice pool of 14 (16)
Perception 4 (+2 Visual) - Dice pool of 9 (11)
Pilot Ground Craft 1 - Dice pool of 6
Pistols 6 (+2 Semi-Automatics) - Dice pool of 11 (13)

-- Knowledge/Language Skills --
TBD - The normal Face stuff with some languages

-- Augmentations --
Datajack - Used - 750 nuyen | 0.125 Essence
Voice Modulator 5 - Used - 18,750 nuyen | 0.25 Essence
Mnemonic Enhancer 2 - Standard - 18,000 nuyen | 0.2 Essence
Sleep Regulator - Standard - 12,000 nuyen | 0.1 Essence
Tailored Pheromones 3 - Used - 69,750 nuyen | 0.75 Essence

-- Gear --
Vashon Island: Ace of Coins w/ Nonconductivity 6, Concealed Holster  - 3,750 nuyen
Colt America L36 w/ 2 Spare Clips, 70 Stick-n-shock Ammo, 70 Regular Ammo - 1,030 nuyen
Rating 6 Medkit - 1,500 nuyen
Transys Avalon Commlink - 5,000 nuyen
3 Meta Link Commlinks - 300 nuyen
Rating 6 Bug Scanner - 600 nuyen
Rating 6 White Noise Generator - 300 nuyen
Subvocal Mic - 50 nuyen
Rating 6 Respirator - 300 nuyen
Survival Kit - 200 nuyen
Certified Credsticks: 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 4 Silver - 780 nuyen
Rating 4 Fake SIN w/ Rating 4 Fake License (Tailored Pheromones), Rating 4 Fake License (Colt America L36), Rating 4 Fake License (Stick-n-shock Ammo), Rating 4 Fake License (Regular Ammo), Rating 4 Fake License (Bug Scanner) - 14,000 nuyen
Suzuki Mirage w/ Morphing License Plate, Spoof Chips - 10,000 nuyen
1 month of Low Lifestyle - 2,000 nuyen

Remaining Money - 940 + (3d6 x 60) nuyen

-- Contacts --
Fixer - Connection 5, Loyalty 1

Beat Cop - Connection 3, Loyalty 3

ID Manufacturer - Connection 5, Loyalty 1

Mr. Johnson - Connection 4, Loyalty 1

Mechanic - Connection 1, Loyalty 6

Forensics Expert - Connection 4, Loyalty 2

Street Doc - Connection 5, Loyalty 2

--------------------------------------

Literally the only things that changed were the switch between Agility and Logic, and some skills. Any thoughts on which build is better? Criticisms for either build?

[firebug]

If you want knowledge and language skills, I suggest getting a skilljack.  It's a good investment.  Easier than using karma, and lets you more easily cover yourself if you find yourself in need of a language nobody thought to learn yet.  Like "Oh snap, our next job is farther north than I expected...  Better get a linguasoft for French!"

For the Mr. Johnson, what corp are they from?  Because that really determines what you can use them for.

[8-bit]

If you want knowledge and language skills, I suggest getting a skilljack.  It's a good investment.  Easier than using karma, and lets you more easily cover yourself if you find yourself in need of a language nobody thought to learn yet.  Like "Oh snap, our next job is farther north than I expected...  Better get a linguasoft for French!"

For the Mr. Johnson, what corp are they from?  Because that really determines what you can use them for.

Is a skilljack obvious? I wanted DNI, but did not want a datajack because I want this guy's augmentations to be subtle. A skilljack sounds like a good first investment after a run or two, not sure if I can fit it into my current money situation.

Currently, this guy doesn't have any sort of background. He came from a corporation, really I can adjust as needed. What corp do you suggest the Mr. Johnson is from? I was thinking Ares or Aztechknowledgy; or even someone from my own corp (currently Horizon). What are your thoughts on the best corp for them to be from? I'm very curious as to your answer.

[Kincaid]

Datajacks are traditionally in the forehead, but not always.  Riggers often have them behind their ears and my decker has his "spare" datajack inside a Skin Pocket.  If you're in the market for cyber, it's almost always worth it.

[firebug]

Not forehead.  XD  Near the temple or behind the ear.  Not right in the middle of someone's head above their eyes.

Having a datajack wouldn't be suspicious anyways.  It's literally the most common augmentation in the world, right before cybereyes.  In fact, in a lot of places, not having one would stand out more, I think.  Most corporate workers would have one, and all Mr. Johnsons would unless they're Awakened/Emerged or else unique specifically because they have no augmentations at all despite being mundane.

[8-bit]

Not forehead.  XD  Near the temple or behind the ear.  Not right in the middle of someone's head above their eyes.

Having a datajack wouldn't be suspicious anyways.  It's literally the most common augmentation in the world, right before cybereyes.  In fact, in a lot of places, not having one would stand out more, I think.  Most corporate workers would have one, and all Mr. Johnsons would unless they're Awakened/Emerged or else unique specifically because they have no augmentations at all despite being mundane.

I understand that it's maybe a bit naive, but I had like I've said; I got like half of this idea from Sarah Silverleaf from the SR5 Prep Files. She's pretty heavily augmented and doesn't have a datajack. Granted, she has a lot more leeway with skills and everything due to not being built with the Character Creation system and having literally all deltaware.

However, you guys are right, I'll see if I can fit a datajack in. I think I'll get rid of the implanted commlink for now and get the datajack. Still curious on which corporation would be most useful for the Mr. Johnson. I'm leaning towards Ares, Horizon, or Neonet possibly.

Edited both builds with a datajack instead of implanted commlink.

[SmilinIrish]

One idea regarding contacts:

I consider a mechanic something more in the line of necessary for a rigger.  Although, maybe he would be good for "borrowing" a car temporarily.

Two other very useful contacts to consider are:

 A city official of some sort (City Planners, DA office, Mayor's aide)

A lawyer, Breaking Bad style.  Helps keep you on the legitimate side of the law.  Maybe he's a mafia consiglieri, or even an attorney from the prosecutor's office.   

Pretty good looking character

[8-bit]

One idea regarding contacts:

I consider a mechanic something more in the line of necessary for a rigger.  Although, maybe he would be good for "borrowing" a car temporarily.

Two other very useful contacts to consider are:

 A city official of some sort (City Planners, DA office, Mayor's aide)

A lawyer, Breaking Bad style.  Helps keep you on the legitimate side of the law.  Maybe he's a mafia consiglieri, or even an attorney from the prosecutor's office.   

Pretty good looking character

I plan on eventually getting an actual car, and I don't know how to fix my bike if it gets wrecked. I figure if I go into a legitimate repair shop with bullet holes etc. in the bike then it might raise a few questions.

I am currently away from my computer at the moment (posting this from my phone), but those two suggestions seem good. I'm currently pretty happy with this character, but thanks for the contact suggestions! I am not currently in a game with this character, so any ideas for contacts are very useful.

[SmilinIrish]

Something else to consider with contacts is that you can also acquire them in game, possible through your fixer, for a referral fee.  I like to take higher loyalty contacts plus a 5/2 fixer out of the gate.  As I need them, I can add others by asking around.  Those usually start at 1 or 2 loyalty, but for some that is enough. 

In the game that I recently had been playing, I started with a 5/2 Johnson and Fixer, then with 4/3 or 3/4 in a city official, lawyer, and a  hacker.  Figured a higher loyalty hacker would be great for general purpose legwork.  with the city official and a yakuza lawyer, I had both sides of the street covered. 

Through good roleplay I picked up a detective, and a motorcycle courier.  Through my fixer I picked up a "used car dealer".  We used him as a mechanic and for "borrowing" cars.  I also used my Yak lawyer to pick up a secondary fixer (eggs not all in one basket).   

[8-bit]

I never really thought about picking up contacts in the game. I mean, as someone who likes to be connected, I would obviously try to do it. From what I understand, it's mostly up to the GM at that point. Sounds like a good idea; I especially like the idea of a hacker for extra legwork. After all, what do those hackers do all day? Sit in their room in VR being bored of course!

[SmilinIrish]

Sometimes it really depends on the style of play your DM does.  A typical run for some games from what I understand is that you meet the Johnson for the job, negotiate the price, do legwork for intel on the job, extra legwork to find out what the Johnson is hiding from you about the job.  Execute the job.  Find extra paydata while doing the job.  Deliver to the Johnson while having something in place to keep him from killing you.  Rinse.  Repeat.  Contacts are something that is finite.

The game I played in was a little more free form.  Some sessions there was no "job".  Occasionally we only roleplayed, barely any dice at all.  We started out as street level guys (normal char gen, just low standing).  Most of our interactions were with mafia, yakuza, gangers and cops at first, not even big enough to deal with corps.  When we finally started dealing with corps, it wasn't even the big ones.  I kept an address book (IRL) to keep track of the people I interacted with. 

There is another thread somewhere titled "being a face".  Someone said that everyone you come in contact with is a potential contact.  Network with everyone, leverage every interaction for your benefit.  Good stuff in that thread.

[8-bit]

Sometimes it really depends on the style of play your DM does.  A typical run for some games from what I understand is that you meet the Johnson for the job, negotiate the price, do legwork for intel on the job, extra legwork to find out what the Johnson is hiding from you about the job.  Execute the job.  Find extra paydata while doing the job.  Deliver to the Johnson while having something in place to keep him from killing you.  Rinse.  Repeat.  Contacts are something that is finite.

Yeah, that's pretty much the normal job.

The game I played in was a little more free form.  Some sessions there was no "job".  Occasionally we only roleplayed, barely any dice at all.  We started out as street level guys (normal char gen, just low standing).  Most of our interactions were with mafia, yakuza, gangers and cops at first, not even big enough to deal with corps.  When we finally started dealing with corps, it wasn't even the big ones.  I kept an address book (IRL) to keep track of the people I interacted with. 

That sounds like a pretty interesting concept. Not a bad idea at all.

There is another thread somewhere titled "being a face".  Someone said that everyone you come in contact with is a potential contact.  Network with everyone, leverage every interaction for your benefit.  Good stuff in that thread.

I think I vaguely remember reading that thread. I should go find it again; like you said, it had some good stuff in it.

Thanks again for all the advice; it's really helped me out a ton!