Thank you all for replying!
@ All
An Update about our group. It seems my game master is now wanting to just build new characters but starting at 400BP. While keeping the other characters for just him and my other friend when the chance I'm not around for extended periods of time (such as deployments or vacations or [insert idea here])) I'm going to try and convince him to make a compromise at 450 due to our small group and plus since he will be playing the precarious dual position as GM/Player (something I deal with when we play star dund, and it can sometimes be a hassle knowing what to expect but acting out unknowingly in character).
They both seem to be geared entirely to the just reality combat; Though before my inclusion they had a broad area of skills sets plus essential basic matrix uses (limited hacking abilities I guess?) to cover any possibility .
Since both of my supposed partners are more combat oriented, I'm more inclined to be matrix focused.
Also I'm still sifting through the rules so please mark any references that I could jump too!
Now they have played an encounter, just a simple contract mission I guess. So we are all very new to the game, and all generally learning matrix use (well the GM and I are, not sure about my other friend). I'm loving how much was actually put into the background of the matrix, and what seems to me a depth of data to wade through!!! Its pretty cool.
@ Kontact
If the GM doesn't understand the magic system it gets more powerful
If the GM doesn't understand the matrix system it gets less powerful.
If you're dead set on this course, as a Matrix advocate, I can help you out.
If you'd rather play a combat hacker or rigger so you're not bored and feeling useless for 80% of the run, I can help you out there as well.
Great quote by the way!
If you don't my mind I would enjoy reading both sets of advice.
Well as you may see, My GM and I both have limited knowledge nor any actual experience with the matrix rules. Perhaps a few sample ideas of how to weave easy matrix based challenges into encounters, from your own experiences? This way we both will gain ample understanding of the intricacies of the matrix.
Of course everyone is free to respond too with their own ideas!
@ Dakka
Please If you don't mind, I would like to see some example builds at 500BP.
Also since my GM may be changing over to 400BP perhaps a few builds in that category as well.
Though I'm inclined toward being more matrix focused, other balanced builds are welcomed.
Again thank you all for your assistance!
EDIT: I just realized how simple in story terms it would be to keep my friends current characters, just do other contracts when I'm not around, so yeah I'll bring that up with my GM. This sudden revelation begs another question; Our characters would be advancing at different rates, with shadow run, are solo character adventures difficult to run? I guess that question is a bit situationally based, but has anyone have gone through something like this? Maybe the GM forum might procure other insights?