Shadowrun

Catalyst Game Labs => Catalyst's Shadowrun Products => Topic started by: AJCarrington on <03-19-16/0831:33>

Title: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <03-19-16/0831:33>
New post up on Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/141275442676/shadowrun-howling-shadows-art), art, Jungle Attack by Victor Moreno:

(http://40.media.tumblr.com/240587bcc922a013850c9e12ca523c1e/tumblr_inline_o499czNG4B1s9c9hj_1280.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-19-16/1004:59>
Critter book! Neat.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Dinendae on <03-19-16/1111:47>
Sweet news, and even sweeter art!  ;D
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: DeathStrobe on <03-19-16/1136:34>
Things I hope to see. Rules for playing Drakes and Spirit PCs. Rules for training critters that's a bit less handwavy then SR4's rules. And stats for many of neat monsters which I can shove anywhere.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mirikon on <03-19-16/1201:54>
Also, I hope it has biodrones in it. And if it could include the cost of metahuman biodrones, that'd be great.

What? I have an AI character that uses an anthroform drone, but if she took, say, a female elf as her new drone, that'd be pretty interesting, no?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Dinendae on <03-20-16/0501:19>
Also, I hope it has biodrones in it. And if it could include the cost of metahuman biodrones, that'd be great.

What? I have an AI character that uses an anthroform drone, but if she took, say, a female elf as her new drone, that'd be pretty interesting, no?


Interesting to who?  :o
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mirikon on <03-20-16/0941:08>
Heh. Well, the character is an AI Face/Samurai, so the Uncanny Valley has drawbacks at times.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: MijRai on <03-20-16/2040:18>
Why not go CFD?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mirikon on <03-21-16/2003:03>
One, because CFD isn't generally allowed at chargen in most groups, and tends to damage the host's abilities, as I recall. Two, CFD locks you into a single drone. Three, the character is the pilot of an anthroform drone that was used for... very personal protection. Four, this idea is more fun for me. Five, possible misidentification as a possessing spirit to those who aren't as astute, yet still manage to find out I'm not who I say I am.

Though I have considered how to do similar with CFD, it isn't really a chargen thing, and you don't exactly have control of it after chargen.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Rift_0f_Bladz on <03-22-16/2029:58>
Sweet baby Jesus yes!! Also, hope for Drake character rules. Biodrones would be nice. Please God, nothing with CDF in this one, please!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: PiXeL01 on <03-22-16/2102:05>
The gods answer you with every critter dual-stated with a normal and CFD version ...
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: ScytheKnight on <03-22-16/2124:15>
One of my players is just hoping for something nice and simple... pet rules.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Rift_0f_Bladz on <03-23-16/1909:09>
The gods answer you with every critter dual-stated with a normal and CFD version ...

Curse you!!!!!
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: ScytheKnight on <03-23-16/1936:28>
The gods answer you with every critter dual-stated with a normal and CFD version ...

Curse you!!!!!

No actually, I think they cursed you.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Rift_0f_Bladz on <03-24-16/2259:01>
Probably...  :'(
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <03-29-16/1444:18>
Looks like this will be coming in standard and LE versions...seeing preorders popping up at online stores. ;D
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <03-29-16/2114:23>
And some more art, from M. Giorgi, posted on Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/141928573126/shadowrun-howling-shadows-art):

(http://36.media.tumblr.com/06b0ac0b4e7898a6851bac57ff82be67/tumblr_inline_o4tuyzM7ZO1s9c9hj_500.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: PiXeL01 on <03-29-16/2149:57>
Poor diver. Lost his leg
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: MijRai on <03-30-16/0113:02>
Nah, it's still there behind the cloud of blood.  Not once Mr. Dentata catches up, though. 
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mirikon on <03-30-16/0609:17>
WHAT IN THE INFINITE ABYSS IS THAT MONSTROSITY?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Dinendae on <03-30-16/0618:46>
WHAT IN THE INFINITE ABYSS IS THAT MONSTROSITY?


Something from the infinite abyss?  :o
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <03-31-16/0135:01>
WHAT IN THE INFINITE ABYSS IS THAT MONSTROSITY?
Be nice. His name is George and he's very sensitive.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Wakshaani on <03-31-16/0200:08>
WHy is everyone being so mean to George, anyway?

Here he was, swimminga round, when he sees this guy with no legs flailing around.

So he spits out one leg and attaches it (leaving a bit of red mucus behind), and he's about to belch out the second, for a complete medical meeting of teh species in peace and harmony.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sterling on <03-31-16/0348:25>
WHAT IN THE INFINITE ABYSS IS THAT MONSTROSITY?
Be nice. His name is George and he's very sensitive.

Is he owned by the Abomn...Abomo...Aboni...Yeti?

"I shall hug him and pet him and call him George"

(With apologies to Warner Bros)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mirikon on <03-31-16/1459:01>
(http://favoritememes.com/_nw/45/45953680.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <04-05-16/1939:00>
EDIT - This art is for Seattle Sprawl. Leaving it here because (as noted below) its still pretty cool ;)

Some more art up on Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/142268052956/seattle-sprawl-box-set-art), this one by Jeff Laubenstein:

(http://40.media.tumblr.com/37c6c2cf452abf40f2e2dbd1a3967c07/tumblr_inline_o54z5mayCx1s9c9hj_500.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: PiXeL01 on <04-05-16/2348:06>
Wrong product I think. Isn't that for the Seattle box?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Crimsondude on <04-05-16/2352:27>
Wrong product I think. Isn't that for the Seattle box?
Yes.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sendaz on <04-06-16/0642:56>
The pic could still tie in to HS, under feeding your pet.

As you can see they really like their Orc&Elf flavoured doggie chow extra fresh. :P
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Nightmare on <04-06-16/1026:10>
I don't care what product it's for...a new Laubenstein pic is just AWESOME!!!  Cause it's not Shadowrun without Laubenstein.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <04-07-16/0924:24>
My bad guys...thanks for the catch.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <04-13-16/1956:05>
Now, some new art, from Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/142756182211/shadowrun-howling-shadows-art):

(http://36.media.tumblr.com/9405e413511cc2102079412cdec626ae/tumblr_inline_o5lbclFYtC1s9c9hj_500.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Fabe on <04-13-16/2137:50>
Now, some new art, from Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/142756182211/shadowrun-howling-shadows-art):

(http://36.media.tumblr.com/9405e413511cc2102079412cdec626ae/tumblr_inline_o5lbclFYtC1s9c9hj_500.jpg)

Looks like it will have some sort of electrical based powers but I'll be disappointed if it  can't also turn invisible
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sendaz on <04-14-16/0239:56>
*Runner team comes bounding around the corner, having heard the decker scream, to find the twitching and still smouldering Decker laying at the feet of this crackling kitty*

Oh my gods, it killed Kenny!

You Bastet!!
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: ScytheKnight on <04-14-16/0315:35>
*Runner team comes bounding around the corner, having heard the decker scream, to find the twitching and still smouldering Decker laying at the feet of this crackling kitty*

Oh my gods, it killed Kenny!

You Bastet!!


(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d0/cb/61/d0cb61193bfd6c499fe2bbbad951b0e4.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <04-14-16/1142:04>
that's clearly Netcat....
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: ScytheKnight on <04-14-16/1825:31>
Any word yet on whether or not pet rules are included?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Prime Mover on <04-19-16/0920:08>
Curious if we'll see the return of bio drones.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <04-19-16/1243:34>
Some new art, the Meistersinger by T. Clark, on Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/143038793486/shadowrun-howling-shadows-art):

(http://41.media.tumblr.com/5906eb3889dba0d783133fdc696dd959/tumblr_inline_o5uzggRzYA1s9c9hj_500.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sendaz on <04-19-16/1249:41>
Very nice pic.

Though it would have been more fun if it had been a Japanese 'research' / whaler rathe than a  cargo ships,  but still good. :D
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <05-04-16/1937:09>
Another fantastic piece, by A. Menold, from Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/143851001721/shadowrun-howling-shadows-art):

(http://67.media.tumblr.com/9e08aec938f5c36eb62455be66e0e9c6/tumblr_inline_o6nzxzcbrp1s9c9hj_500.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <05-12-16/0647:03>
Some more art, a Kappa by A. Menold, from Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/144212079086/shadowrun-howling-shadows-art):

(http://66.media.tumblr.com/e7706e3a233fc7e11cf363c9ce290603/tumblr_inline_o713n8yfLK1s9c9hj_500.png)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <05-12-16/1006:35>
teenage mutant ninja turtles?!?!?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sendaz on <05-12-16/1147:31>
teenage mutant ninja turtles?!?!?
close ;)

Japanese demon though more mischevious than malevolent.

Weakness for cucumber (they love to eat them, not the allergy type of weakness) and if you can make them spill that water atop their head will rapidly depower.

Very nice work overall.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <05-25-16/0536:23>
Now available!!!

(http://66.media.tumblr.com/bcff7f7fa7d8653e3120cca0ae79798b/tumblr_inline_o7r7z1huBW1s9c9hj_500.jpg)

The Wild Calls

Gangers. Corp security. Mr. Johnson. Organized crime. Other shadowrunners. Running in the Sixth World does not exactly lack for obstacles, but only foolish runners worry solely about metahuman opponents. There are plenty of other ways the world can kill you, from throat-ripping martachoras to blood-sucking chupacabras, from the aggressive gamma spider to the swarming harpy. While most runners would be happy to simply avoid these threats, it’s not always possible. Critters may be used as security, they may swarm in abandoned areas runners must investigate, or they may carry valuable reagents runners need. Some of them may even hold the keys to unlocking the sort of powers runners covet.

Howling Shadows is the critter sourcebook for Shadowrun, Fifth Edition. With a broad range of critters for every habitat, the book has plot hooks that show how critters may be used in campaigns, details on new critter powers, and other information to flesh out Shadowrun adventures and campaigns. Sink your teeth into this one and see how untamed the Sixth World can be.

Howling Shadows is for use with Shadowrun, Fifth Edition.

BattleCorps (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=howling&x=0&y=0) - Digital & Physical

DTRPG (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/183920/Shadowrun-Howling-Shadows)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: ScytheKnight on <05-25-16/0651:37>
So it has to be asked... pet rules?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Aria on <05-25-16/0829:59>
DriveThru at least has a preview of the contents page!  Got Drake rules which is what I have been waiting for!
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-25-16/0835:07>
Yey, the Stirr-up for bio-drones is back - and also mundane critters. Shapechange here I come.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: odd on <05-25-16/0913:59>
So who wants to be the first to post a review?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: PiXeL01 on <05-25-16/1139:44>
I was expecting to see quite a lot of jubilation now that drakes are back but ... Nothing? :/

Also, no regeneration on Juggernaut? Buuuuuh^^
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sendaz on <05-25-16/1212:58>

First off a few words to the writers..


Damn you all.
I was planning to NOT get this right away, had my eye on another purchase I wanted and would pick this up a little later.

Then I saw it had sections, not just a single entry or two, on Infected, technocritters, critter ware, drakes, and more.

So guess what I just bought instead of that other thing? :P

Well played writers, well played indeed......

Also, no regeneration on Juggernaut? Buuuuuh^^
   Juggie never had regen in any of it's incarnations so not sure why you are unhappy.
All the way back from 1st edition Paranormal Animals of North America through to 4th's Running Wild, it just has so much armor and various immunities that it's just a tough nut to crack.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <05-25-16/1348:40>
How's the editing?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sendaz on <05-25-16/1420:51>
That's going to take a bit to go through.

But it has a well laid out TOC that you can click and jump to things with.  Yes, I know it should be standard, but you know how things go sometimes.   ;)

There are few indexes at the end of the book, including one for critter powers and weakness listing where to find them both in this and previous books so that is handy if you are needing to find a particular critter power/weakness, Another one lists critters by habitat, again listing those in this book and previous books,  which is handy when the GM wants to throw something relevant to the region at the players.



Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Beta on <05-25-16/1433:34>
I'm torn between wanting this now, and waiting for a dead trees version.  I presume that there is no word on when the latter will be? (I'd guess there will be a push to have at least some by GenCon timeframe?)

I was happy I waited on the Rigger book, because I found it a great book to read through in swathes and to flip through and find bits that catch my eye, enjoy the art, etc.  Street Grimoire I'm glad I have in pdf, because more often than not I'm searching for some term (sometimes sorting out one thing requires looking up two others ....).  But I probably still haven't read some parts of it, because I find .pdf painful to just sit and read through for more than a few pages at a time.

Would be interested, once people have looked through this a bit, where they think this would fall on that sort of spectrum?

( I'm guessing more towards the Rigger end of things, but I'm open to being surprised.)

Other than a character imminently learning the shapechange spell, I could wait, if it makes for a better experience.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Fizzygoo on <05-25-16/1533:54>
What is the in-game date for Howling Shadows? (There's no JackPoint page, but includes runner commentary.)

With a quick scan through
+1 for adding mentor spirits to the mundane animals section
+1 for the update SR5 core mundanes animals to fit the book
+1 for the Trivia-verse side bars
+100 for drop bears
+1000 for including scientific names (Johnson's sound so much more knowledgeable when they first ask for a D. praegrandis hide.)
+1 for the "New Changes" section concerning Infected.
+1 for Toxic/Mutant section
+1 for the Extraplanar Travelers section
+1 for Technocritters section
+1 for Drakes section (I'm not particularly big on them, but they're such a collective favorite that it behooves me to give it credit :) )
+1 for Chimerics
+1 for critter augmentation sections
+1 for the powers/weaknesses table
-1 for the critter habitats (I'd have preferred geographical region, like "North American South West" or "Amazonian Basin" for most rather than "Desert" - there's more than one kind of desert, etc.)
-1,000,000 for no JackPoint page/In-game date.

So throwing out the extremes, overall looks like it's going to be a great read!

But I ask again, what is the in-game date for Howling Shadows? (There's no JackPoint page, but includes runner commentary.)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <05-25-16/1546:44>
IIRC, sometime in June 2078. Will double-check, but that's what is in my head ATM.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <05-25-16/1636:20>
Forgot to get exact date, but can confirm June 78.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Fizzygoo on <05-25-16/1638:45>
Forgot to get exact date, but can confirm June 78.

Awesome! *Many big hugs!* Thank you, very much appreciated!
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: PiXeL01 on <05-25-16/1812:15>
I'm not sure where I picked that up. Maybe in the first books and stories about shrugging off and seemingly instantly healing rotary-autocannon damage ...

The Piasma did lose its Boost Strength ability but it isn't useful for it anyway. Instead it gained paralysis and fear.

Just to clarify; I'm very positive about this book so far. Love the art and the large amount of Mentor spirit - Welcome back, Raccoon! Now go play with Spider over there^^

...

The karma cost for drakes functions a bit like the infected, I assume, so you go into karma debt if you use the priority / sum-to-10 system?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <05-25-16/1947:20>
From Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/144926724471/howling-shadows-cover-art), the cover art, by Victor Moreno:

(http://66.media.tumblr.com/73af19bb6146069f2898062651a398cf/tumblr_inline_o7r82h9LNo1s9c9hj_500.jpg)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Prime Mover on <05-25-16/2255:09>
Halfway thru and really liking what seen so far.  Skipping ahead, great to see a callback to older editions with alienation power.  (Edit) Notice Nosferatu and mutaqua art are in the infected and toxic chapters.  Not sure if on purpose or mistake?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <05-26-16/0122:59>
Yey, the Stirr-up for bio-drones is back - and also mundane critters. Shapechange here I come.
Oh dear lord, trolls turning into elephants.  Even before boosting anything, you get assault cannon tusks.

Though I have to wonder if that run speed of Agility x18 is right, 'cuz that is ridiculous if you start boosting your agility through Shapechange.  Like... if you were focused on manipulation spells and used reagents and edge on your Shapechange spell, you could flat outrun a Suzuki Mirage off of 10 hits and an Increase Agility spell.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Dinendae on <05-26-16/0203:21>
From Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/144926724471/howling-shadows-cover-art), the cover art, by Victor Moreno:

(http://66.media.tumblr.com/73af19bb6146069f2898062651a398cf/tumblr_inline_o7r82h9LNo1s9c9hj_500.jpg)


What the frag are those?  :o
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: PiXeL01 on <05-26-16/0244:39>
Dingobats of course!
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <05-26-16/1011:48>
Thankfully, the animal pricing tables in Running Wild still seem reasonable.

Unfortunately, it looks like there's quite a bit you'd want to buy that isn't covered.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: ScytheKnight on <05-26-16/1034:24>
Yeah well not everyone has been playing since 4th ed... this could very well be the end of Shadowrun for me until someone competent picks up the license.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <05-26-16/1105:55>
Scythe come on now, you know that Catalyst's process is borked and anything they put out will be riddled with copy-pasta and incomplete rules/ missing stuff referenced but not present.

Shame on you for expecting anything more than that.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: MijRai on <05-26-16/1554:09>
No, shame on Catalyst for putting out an incomplete product, again.

This isn't our fault, it lies directly on whoever is editing and going over the product.  That's the person who either should have noticed a necessary part of the process is missing or they actively cut it out for whatever reason.  Either or, still not a product I'm going to purchase. 
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <05-26-16/1724:35>
Another post removed.

Let me be crystal clear. Expressing opinions, good or bad, is perfectly legitimate and encouraged. Doing so with vulgarity and profanity is not, regardless of the situation.

SR Mod
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <05-27-16/0847:32>
Y'know what would be really great for some of us to see discussed even half so much as the perceived slight of a missing chart? The actual contents of the book.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: DragginSPADE on <05-27-16/0933:25>
Y'know what would be really great for some of us to see discussed even half so much as the perceived slight of a missing chart? The actual contents of the book.

This.  I got it, Catalyst screwed up again and left out an important table that is referenced elsewhere in the book.  But what about the rest of it, the creatures themselves?  How are the Drake rules?  Overpowered, underpowered, consistent with previous editions?  Would this be worth a buy from someone how just wanted a monster manual or was willing to houserule costs, or wanted to play a Drake?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <05-27-16/1044:28>
I haven't done much more than skim so far so take it for what it's worth:

I was happy to see the old Raccoon mentor spirit back, finally.

I'm happy for the critter book as our campaign is about to enter an area where the party will be encountering angry, native fauna.

The section on Drakes was interesting but given the karma costs I don't see it being a viable character choice unless the game is built around them.

Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Medicineman on <05-27-16/1113:45>
by the way
this
https://twitter.com/catalystgamelab/status/735596481999081473

is what JMH himself says about the issue

HokaHey
Medicineman
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: MijRai on <05-27-16/1205:34>
...  Of course.  Of course.  It's not like corporations are in it for the money, and paracritters are in fact big money, nooo...  They'd never sell something as valuable as an animal where they can use such a purchase to milk even more nuyen out of someone...  I mean, then you have to pay for a vet, food, 'maintenance,' etc...  That totally means animals are a money sink.  It's not like I could go buy a tiger online with a few permits and the willingness to spend some money...

EDIT:  In a world where money buys everything, something isn't for sale (and that something is something people could buy today, exotic pets are a thing).  Ludicrous. 
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <05-27-16/1223:24>
Yeah that thread from Jason just reads as an after the fact justification for an obvious goof.

Without animal/ critter costs the multipliers make no sense.

It's clearly an error and the obfuscation is just sad.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <05-27-16/1225:23>
Ladies and gentlemen, please, calm down.  I understand your frustrations, but the anger and the bad vibes are getting out of hand.

At this point, Catalyst has heard the objections.  Loudly.  And repeatedly.  From many directions.  Further swearing on the matter won't help.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Fabe on <05-27-16/1252:24>
With there being so many options for getting a pet like a dog or a cat,pet store ,shelters, professional breeders,  etc and the variety of breeds I think I can understand why we don't have cost and availability listed. Unless people would be happy with cost listed as something like from X to Y  with availability listed the same.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <05-27-16/1300:24>
You could make that argument about cars, rentals for lifestyles, ammo costs etc.

if you are going to provide multipliers and additions to costs then you should obviously provide base costs.

So that's not really valid imho.

But i think the issue is mostly critter costs, there is no clear parallel IRL.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <05-27-16/1309:34>
With there being so many options for getting a pet like a dog or a cat,pet store ,shelters, professional breeders,  etc and the variety of breeds I think I can understand why we don't have cost and availability listed. Unless people would be happy with cost listed as something like from X to Y  with availability listed the same.
In Running Wild, they solved that problem by listing the price as "100Y+*" with availability -.  100Y/month upkeep, covered if you're at least middle lifestyle.  The asterisk is that purebred and exotic variants can potentially cost much more.

Keep in mind there's one unified Dog statblock, not separate stat blocks for toys, hounds, and mastiffs, so they've already simplified things considerably (which I find entirely reasonable).  That said, if I were running a game and someone wanted a big dog, like an Irish Wolfhound, I wouldn't be opposed to them paying more up front and per month to use wolf stats instead of dog stats.  If, of course, we had those prices.  In Running Wild, a wolf was a grand.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <05-27-16/1329:31>
that all seems pretty sensible blue.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Sendaz on <05-27-16/1338:19>
Y'know what would be really great for some of us to see discussed even half so much as the perceived slight of a missing chart? The actual contents of the book.
I admit the first thing I turned to once got my download from Drivethru was the Infected section and it was a good read.

Ties in well with the Infected section in Run Faster.

Plus love Red's shadowtalk.  Shows he is fitting in just fine. ;)

Like the new Infected critters later on in the Mutants & Toxic section as well.

Has Centaurs, Naga and Merrow adding to the ranks of possible HHMVV candidates along with a new Strain 1 Sasquatch type.
As this ties in with Run Faster's use of many of these as PCs,  just know someone is going to try and combiner these for Super Special Snowflake PCs, which means I should be able to unload these cases of Briarwood Ballistics Botanical Based Bullets (also known as B5 rounds) for a pretty penny.

The Drake pricetag is high, but you get what you pay for I suppose and they do allow you to spread the costs out a bit.

Again, can we please have this style of  construction rules given Infected and now Drakes applied to Shifters to give them the same ability to grow into their character?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <05-27-16/1354:47>
Changeling infected naga mystic adept ballerina, go!
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: MijRai on <05-27-16/1454:36>
Are there now tooth faeries and stirges as the Infected Pixies, Strain I and Strain II respectively?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: adzling on <05-27-16/1508:48>
nope
man those tooth faeries were scary little critters they gave me the creeps
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Beta on <05-27-16/1859:02>

I was happy to see the old Raccoon mentor spirit back, finally.


This was what pushed me into getting the pdf instead of waiting for the dead trees version.  But ... you might have been able to guess I'm a racoon mentor spirit fan....
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <05-27-16/1910:18>
And here I just thought you'd forgotten to shave.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: odd on <05-27-16/2336:13>
So, Patrick Goodman asked folks to post what they think of the book, while I'm not done yet (I'm just at the infected chapter).  These are what I have so far:
Overall I like it a lot, there are some inconsistancies in the stat blocks but that's what the (eventual) errata is for. 
I like the scientific names like someone else mentioned, though I wish there was more artwork for the critters (even a collage would be great).  The in character description are usually good (though Black Ansis (sp)) didn't conjure up anything (though the story at the start of the chapter did a fair job).  On the topic of art, the pictures with metahumans were generally..subpar I guess?  They just seem off to me.

I'll post more as I get through, unless folks really hate my ramblings.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <06-02-16/0833:27>
No discussion about the critters themselves?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Medicineman on <06-02-16/0916:01>
No discussion about the critters themselves?
Not from me, I'll wait for the German books :)
over here there is a Discussion about Drakes and wether some of the Cost is an error or on purpose
especially the 50 karma for  Dracoform Mastery
(is it really 50 Karma or just 5 Karma ?)

with a German Schuhplattler
Medicineman
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Jack_Spade on <06-02-16/0942:08>
No discussion about the critters themselves?

Honestly, I'm still figuring out what some of them are supposed to look like/which unawakened animal they are descended from.
A little text to that effect would have helped tremendously.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Beta on <06-02-16/1017:04>
No discussion about the critters themselves?

Honestly, I'm still figuring out what some of them are supposed to look like/which unawakened animal they are descended from.
A little text to that effect would have helped tremendously.

Agreed!

I mean, the little 'aha' moments when I figure one out are nice, but I feel like some of the descriptions were written for people who knew stuff from previous editions and just wanted the latest stats.  When I'm next reading I should not down the ones I'm still not sure about, and ask.

On a different slant, I liked the creativity in new mentor spirits.  Interesting that horse adepts get no magical benefit at creation, just access to a metamagic that only they can buy.  I think I would have gone with "initiate level times a day" rather than a fixed three times, but that is a quibble. 
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Prime Mover on <06-02-16/1112:33>
I think it's a testament to the content that most of the complaints seem fairly tame and personally focused. For me I was pretty happy with the depth we got. (Personal nitpick, wished could have gotten option for return of shifter powers even if for just npc's)
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <06-02-16/1449:35>
(Personal nitpick, wished could have gotten option for return of shifter powers even if for just npc's)
Just for personal clarity, can you be a tad more specific?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Prime Mover on <06-02-16/1558:27>
Dual nature, Regen and vulnerabilities are missing from shifter rules in 5th Ed.  I know there's been a lot of debate over it.  Have reoccurring antagonist, been around my games for several editions.  I've just house ruled standard abilities back in that case, so not end of the world.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Prime Mover on <06-02-16/1606:24>
A lot of the abilities and stats seem to be more balanced towards being a challenge rather then just cannon fodder.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Crimsondude on <06-02-16/1644:31>
The in-character drake text seems inconsistent with previous material.

There's a drake in Clutch who is so powerful that an Adult Dragon pledged their loyalty to him.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: DeathStrobe on <06-03-16/2347:43>
Technocritters are unplayable as written.

Basically their limits make them incapable of doing anything, like say a snake with 0 logic, so 0 data processing, so can't even make a Matrix Perception test, or worse, a dice pool of 10 in cybercombat, which is pretty respectable, but a limit of 1 and only able to do 1 damage with their 1 hit. Meaning at most an Ahi can do 2 damage, and only if it's lucky enough for the target to not get any hits. As a single hit avoids the damage altogether. And let's say they're able to thread infuse attack, with 5 dice, that means they'll only get 1 or if lucky 2 hits, giving them attack 2 or 3, and giving them -2 to sustain the complex form.

And all of them suffer from this in one way or another.

I honestly think the biggest problem with the Matrix is that decks are just too good. Like I can live with really crappy limits for technocritters and technomancers if only decks weren't able to get limits in the 6 to 9 range relatively easily at chargen. And it doesn't help that Matrix stats aren't just used for limits, but also double as DV for matrix attacks, dice pool for resisting being seen, and add bonus init to VR.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: ScytheKnight on <06-05-16/0134:09>
I feel like some of the descriptions were written for people who knew stuff from previous editions and just wanted the latest stats.  .

Agreed, I've finally had to come to the conclusion that this is CGLs vision for 5th Edition, updated rules for the veterans... if you're not? Too bad, go buy our previous edition books so you'll ahve some idea what we're talking about.

Howling Shadows was the end of my Shadowrun game, I've had enough of being treated like a 4th class customer (1st class played previous editions and read German, 2nd class played previous editions, 3rd class are new but read German).
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Li7hium on <06-17-16/0104:23>
Anyone know if the physical book is at Origins?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: BrysenBlue on <06-17-16/1520:03>
From Tumblr (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/144926724471/howling-shadows-cover-art), the cover art, by Victor Moreno:

(http://66.media.tumblr.com/73af19bb6146069f2898062651a398cf/tumblr_inline_o7r82h9LNo1s9c9hj_500.jpg)


What the frag are those?  :o

Maritchoras, I believe.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <06-17-16/1531:44>
Books have been spotted at Origins. Those are martichoras, yes.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Prime Mover on <06-24-16/2006:45>
Didn't see Gorgon in HS, statted anywhere for 5th yet?

http://shadowhelix.pegasus.de/images/thumb/3/38/Critter_Gorgon.jpg/200px-Critter_Gorgon.jpg
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mirikon on <06-27-16/1156:30>
Technocritters are unplayable as written.

Basically their limits make them incapable of doing anything, like say a snake with 0 logic, so 0 data processing, so can't even make a Matrix Perception test, or worse, a dice pool of 10 in cybercombat, which is pretty respectable, but a limit of 1 and only able to do 1 damage with their 1 hit. Meaning at most an Ahi can do 2 damage, and only if it's lucky enough for the target to not get any hits. As a single hit avoids the damage altogether. And let's say they're able to thread infuse attack, with 5 dice, that means they'll only get 1 or if lucky 2 hits, giving them attack 2 or 3, and giving them -2 to sustain the complex form.

And all of them suffer from this in one way or another.

I honestly think the biggest problem with the Matrix is that decks are just too good. Like I can live with really crappy limits for technocritters and technomancers if only decks weren't able to get limits in the 6 to 9 range relatively easily at chargen. And it doesn't help that Matrix stats aren't just used for limits, but also double as DV for matrix attacks, dice pool for resisting being seen, and add bonus init to VR.

Par for the course. They've consistently and thoroughly shat upon anything to do with the Emerged this entire edition. The problems are so systemic that I don't know if they can be fixed without tearing the whole thing down and doing a ground up rewrite of Technomancers and Technocritters so that they can actually not suck as anything other than a pet class. And yes, I said class. While not technically a class system, SR5 has stomped down hard on diversification and people trying to pick up multiple roles, especially in the Matrix arena, so that they are de facto classes.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <06-27-16/2019:35>
Make technocritters' matrix attributes and corresponding mental stats based off of resonance instead of an animal-level mental stat and you're good to go.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: &#24525; on <06-30-16/0140:47>
Make technocritters' matrix attributes and corresponding mental stats based off of resonance instead of an animal-level mental stat and you're good to go.
Um, what? Could you provide an example please?
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Blue Rose on <07-01-16/2319:18>
Make technocritters' matrix attributes and corresponding mental stats based off of resonance instead of an animal-level mental stat and you're good to go.
Um, what? Could you provide an example please?
This is just a quick and dirty workaround.

So, an Ahi, with Logic - and the remaining mental stats at either 1 or 3, would instead use its Resonance of 4 for everything.  ASDF?  All 4.  Trying to hack something?  Roll Resonance + Hacking.  4+5=9, a relevant number of dice.  The Batset actually becomes a little dangerous.  Digits can actually process data and attack.

For bonus points, take Animal Handling and train their skills up.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: AJCarrington on <07-20-16/1520:13>
Looks like this is in the channel...my copy looks to be en route ;D
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mephisto on <07-22-16/1902:23>
Mine too!  ;D

Along with Market Panic.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mephisto on <07-28-16/1916:06>
Son of a frag...! The online shop I ordered from screwed up my address on the package and now it's floating around in the "undeliverable address" metaplane...  >:(

And it wasn't even Battle Shop... :P
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Mephisto on <07-29-16/0137:25>
And now magically the box appeared on my doorstep this evening (with the right address). Yay, lazy postal workers!

At least I have the books...
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Grinder on <08-16-16/0831:42>
The in-character drake text seems inconsistent with previous material.

There's a drake in Clutch who is so powerful that an Adult Dragon pledged their loyalty to him.

Different writers seem to have different ideas/ vision. Or maybe the status quo presented in Clutch is no longer supported by Line Dev/ staff/ writers.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-17-16/0906:52>
The in-character drake text seems inconsistent with previous material.

There's a drake in Clutch who is so powerful that an Adult Dragon pledged their loyalty to him.

Different writers seem to have different ideas/ vision. Or maybe the status quo presented in Clutch is no longer supported by Line Dev/ staff/ writers.

If you mean Ryan Mercury and Azadeh, I don't think the drake is in the superior draconic position. Ryan is powerful for a drake, but he can't match a full dragon. They're both/each in service to the same legacy. Time will tell how long it lasts, given the enemies they've racked up.

Whoops, just looked it up. The dragon is Rainwalker, not Azadeh. And 'sworn fealty' seems pretty clear. My mistake.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <08-17-16/1051:30>
Which is patently ridiculous on the face of it, but whatever.
Title: Re: [SR5] Howling Shadows
Post by: Senko on <09-16-16/0817:11>
I feel like some of the descriptions were written for people who knew stuff from previous editions and just wanted the latest stats.  .

Agreed, I've finally had to come to the conclusion that this is CGLs vision for 5th Edition, updated rules for the veterans... if you're not? Too bad, go buy our previous edition books so you'll ahve some idea what we're talking about.

Howling Shadows was the end of my Shadowrun game, I've had enough of being treated like a 4th class customer (1st class played previous editions and read German, 2nd class played previous editions, 3rd class are new but read German).

I admit I've stopped buying the books at this stage beyond an occasional cheap curiosity (like the seattle one to look at Arcology fluff) its just not worth the money for someone who hasn't played the previous editions. The number of times I've had to question something and the answer has relied on a previous edition now this feedback. Normally I'd probably buy a critter book just for the critter info but the editing has just been so bad I don't feel I can justify it.