Shadowrun

Shadowrun General => Gear => Topic started by: Teknodragon on <09-11-10/1344:23>

Title: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-11-10/1344:23>
Something I do for my characters when I buy fake SINs, is to pick a name appropriate to the rating.  For example, rating 1's might have names like 'Jenny Horse,' 'Janet Doe,' 'Misty Lake' while rating 5 or 6 would have names such as 'Jennifer Merin,' 'Bernice Meyers,' or 'Marion T. Benning.'

It just seems to make for better RP, in my mind.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Irian on <09-11-10/1356:34>
Personally, I would always prefer Names like "Jane Smith" - simply because a cop will more likely remember hearing the name "Letita van Hammelbach" than "Jane Smith" and searches will be slowlier if there are dozens of people with similar or equal names... :-) Of course, this also depends on the character (and, as a related question, I think it's harder to order a SIN with a given name instead of a generic one which fits your description).
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-11-10/1421:05>
Personally, I would always prefer Names like "Jane Smith" - simply because a cop will more likely remember hearing the name "Letita van Hammelbach" than "Jane Smith" and searches will be slowlier if there are dozens of people with similar or equal names... :-) Of course, this also depends on the character (and, as a related question, I think it's harder to order a SIN with a given name instead of a generic one which fits your description).

A good approach there, too, with the same underlying reasons I used-- the name is more likely to make the one examining the SIN to go 'hey, wait a minute...' when the rating is low.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: rockstar on <09-11-10/1607:53>
tbh my team just splash out on rating 6 anyway. we tend to use celebrity/tv character names for them anyways. theres something kinda amusing about micheal jackson and paris hilton sharing a hotel room together
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: FastJack on <09-11-10/1714:18>
I always like to use Remington Steele.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: DarkLloyd on <09-12-10/0201:15>
heh, it's usually Jack Burton for my Riggers, Ashley Campbell (Ash) or Snake Plisken for my sams, and Ed Greenwood for my mages.

But other popular choices are jack o'neil, jane cobb, Fox mulder, Micheal meyers, Kai allard-liao, Morgan Kell..... etc etc etc.
But thats just when I want to be lazy, i actually come up with names "off the cuff" that sound like real people rather easily.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Doc Chaos on <09-12-10/0312:37>
In my group we ruled that SINs come with a randomly picked name (picked by the GM that is) and if we want that name change, it costs extra (since most fake SINs arent created, just changed so they fit the buyer better).
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Irian on <09-12-10/0318:21>
And if they are created, they are probably not created "on the fly" but in a longer process. So you surely can't go into a forger's shop and say "Two Hannibal Lectors and one Peter Meiers, please."
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Tex Muldoon on <09-12-10/2028:33>
I always a title, like "Lord" or "Sir" don't know why. Cops never bothered me.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Kubz on <09-12-10/2344:55>
I always a title, like "Lord" or "Sir" don't know why. Cops never bothered me.

tex should be bothered more often.  makes life interesting.  i personally like the dumb name approach for low rating fake SINs.  "You are john galt?!  Get back here rusty shackleford!!  Nice moo moo ms. johnson!"  course i havent really considered very serious names.  i am now tho...
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: FastJack on <09-13-10/0854:02>
Ideally, you should choose old celebrities. No one remembers people like Charlie Chaplin, Mae West or Henry Fonda, so it should be safe to use their names... ;)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Mystic on <09-13-10/1041:26>
John Wayne, Charles Norris, and Steven McQueen are also ones I've used.

However, a word of the wise. If you are going to use a name, make sure the ethnicity matches up. Nothing peakes a law enforcement-type's interest like a caucasion with a name like "Jackie Chan".

 8)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Tex Muldoon on <09-13-10/1143:41>
I always a title, like "Lord" or "Sir" don't know why. Cops never bothered me.

tex should be bothered more often.  makes life interesting.  i personally like the dumb name approach for low rating fake SINs.  "You are john galt?!  Get back here rusty shackleford!!  Nice moo moo ms. johnson!"  course i havent really considered very serious names.  i am now tho...
In my line of work I need to blend it. Besides I dump SINs like they are going out of style. I only keep 2 on hand for emergencies.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Usda Beph on <09-13-10/1250:30>
heh, it's usually Jack Burton for my Riggers, Ashley Campbell (Ash) or Snake Plisken for my sams, and Ed Greenwood  for my mages.

But other popular choices are jack o'neil, jane cobb, Fox mulder, Micheal meyers, Kai allard-liao, Morgan Kell..... etc etc etc.
But thats just when I want to be lazy, i actually come up with names "off the cuff" that sound like real people rather easily.
I have a great blackmail picture of Ed trying to slip R.A. Salvatore the tongue at the Drzz't 20th anniverasry party. Now Which Author I could blackmail I do not know! ???

As for names well I am very fond of names that sound dirty. Like:
Dumas Fuker
Ima Hooker (character from the March trilagy)
Hu Flung Pu
Richard Black

You know fun names.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-13-10/2127:43>
I've always named the faked SINs for my players myself. Sometimes for story reasons, sometimes to pick on players. Like giving the big bad troll a name like Poindexter.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: The Cat on <09-14-10/0448:54>
I've always allowed for a few factors in Fake SINs.  If they had the time, money and will to either have it made, loads of time to look through the selection (basically window shopping a SIN), or make a "something like this" request they can pretty much get whatever they're after.  If they're in a bit of a hurry or skimping on cash I grab the nearest phone book and randomly select,  If they have nearly zero spare time and are taking whatever they can afford, I come up with some insane name usually blending the most outlandish names I've heard on TV recently (Well, Mr. Kanye Swift, it seems you have no warrants for your arrest....).

One thing my group strives for is that all their fake SINs have the same initials and they prefer that they all have the same fake first name (oft times their character's real first name).  Nothing blows a cover faster than answering to "Hey, Frank!" when you've just announced you name is Morty or checking into a hotel where your target is staying and you luggage monogram is wrong.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Kontact on <09-14-10/0537:55>
The rating of a Fake SIN doesn't really reflect on the name given because, regardless of the level, if someone checks and finds out your SIN is fake, then it's not a Fake SIN anymore, it's a burned Fake SIN.

Anyway, it's not a matter of "Street trash have rating 1 Fake SINs" so much as "no one has a rating 1 Fake SIN because it spontaneously combusts the first time anyone lays eyes on it."

Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: FastJack on <09-14-10/0909:43>
The rating of a Fake SIN doesn't really reflect on the name given because, regardless of the level, if someone checks and finds out your SIN is fake, then it's not a Fake SIN anymore, it's a burned Fake SIN.
Unless you're a Face and bluff your way out (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=187.msg4922#msg4922) ;)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Chaotic Insane on <09-14-10/1808:52>
Ed Greenwood = Pervert Santa. He grabbed Salvatore's ass. He's my hero.

Now Salvatore's <i>sons...</i> :3 *cough*

I shouldn't be allowed anywhere near naming things ever. They'll walk away with the weirdest ass names ever. Just take the real life stuff I've named: My goldfish is the only one with a somewhat normal name (Salem), my cat's Galahad, the bearded dragon's Falthazur, my old Betta was Malice, I used to have a tank full of Neons before I moved all named after the Great Old Ones, my laptop is Gozirra (it's a 17"), the old one was Skankzilla or Skankazoid or something (it was evil), my iPod is Aoide... The closest thing to NORMAL I'd probably use is video game characters (Harry and Heather Mason, Henry Townshend, Walter Sullivan, Claudia Wolf, Dahlia and Alessa Gillespie, Yuri Hyuga, Alice Elliot, Albert Simon...).
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: FastJack on <09-14-10/1852:53>
See, now I'm perfectly normal. I don't have any pets (apartment living), so I just name my electronics. The PC is Galadriel, the laptop is Arwen, my smartphone is Éowyn, my iPod is Goldberry, various flash drives named Frodo, Bilbo, Samwise. Oh, and my Xbox is 'The Shire'.

What?  8)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Chaotic Insane on <09-14-10/1901:42>
I think if I started going into book characters I'd get hit with one. XD Dad knows firsthand how rabid of a Raistlin Majere fangirl I am. I have borrowed Dalamar and Laurana for names before though.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Kontact on <09-15-10/0545:34>
Unless you're a Face and bluff your way out (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=187.msg4922#msg4922) ;)
I guess a R1 SIN could also be a vehicle for Edge rolls.  Only thing better than being pretty or lucky is being both. ;)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-23-10/1500:10>
I like to use names from this list. http://incompetech.com/gallimaufry/mstnames.html
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: KarmaInferno on <09-23-10/2249:13>
Tom Cruise.

Because my character appears to be Tom Cruise.

I've also used John Lynch.




-karma
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Katerchen on <09-25-10/1112:30>
I like names from old movies, specially if the character has an interest knowledge skill like old movies or movies of the 20th century.

That doesn't mean names like Indiana Jones. More like:

Neil McCauley (movie: Heat)
Vincent Hanna (also Heat)
Michael Faraday (movie: arlington road)
Dean Keaton (movie: The Usual Suspects)
Roger O. Thornhill (movie: North by Northwest)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Longshot23 on <10-10-10/0635:49>
When I first got hold of NSRCG3, I did up a bunch of concept characters.  Here's what I had:

Name                       Callsign        Based on

Fiona Cale                  Britomart     Street mage
Annalise Cash             Muse          Combat decker
Svetlana Kadisheva      Iridium        Covert Ops
Karyn Madine             Strafe         Mercenary
Jennifer Owen/
       Sarah Connor       Fey Fae      Face
Luke Grey Lake          Sunray        Weapons Spec
Dieter Keitel               Samnite      Street Samurai
Joshua Mulcahey         Auric           Mercenary
Alisdair MacGregor       Forge         Tech-Wiz
Jack Grissom              Donner         Vehicle Rigger
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: inca1980 on <10-13-10/1339:02>
One name, and one name alone is sufficient.........McLovin
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Chaotic Insane on <10-13-10/1404:29>
Code's SINs are Vaklav Havlik (one of the weapon demo dudes for Vlad The Impaler on Deadliest Warrior). I intended that to technically be his real name and the fake sin more of a fake American citizenship and all that since he's an illegal. Its not like he ever goes by anything other than Coderizon ANYWAY.

Then there's Kazimir Hyuga (Kazimir is the name of a horse (http://chaoticxinsane.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d2ug98y) for an art based play-by-post if you will of mine, Hyuga is the last name of the main character in Shadow Hearts)

And Sanem Aylin (Both horses (http://monochrome-night.deviantart.com/gallery/26363860#/d2tuxlv) again. XD For HARPG again. I breed Russian horses on there, so why not?)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Usda Beph on <10-15-10/0737:21>
Getting Usda his first "IN GAME" fake SIN. Going to have the name "Armon Hammier"
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Devil on <10-15-10/1525:22>
I make up my own. I try to make them normal names that don't stand out too much, but not so average as to arouse suspicion. This way the name is not very memorable, but is highly believable.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Dakka on <10-15-10/1559:39>
I like the names from the short fiction pieces in the chapter introductions of various books like SueZ Q, Slammo!, and Turbo Bunny.  I'd think a name like Bruce Wayne would stand out more than Batman personally.  This is why when I realized the heavy gun angle my current character was taking I bought a SIN and changed his name to Dakka.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Bradd on <10-15-10/1903:03>
Oh, I didn't realize that Dakka was supposed to be the "real" name tied to his sin! I figured it was just a new code name you were running under.

In Shadowrun, I usually give my PCs a real name and a professional handle, then I ignore the handle. :) Sorta how the Fantastic Four have code names, but they have public identities, so folks just call them by their real names, especially Reed. I guess I'm not much of one for secret identities. My current PC (White Rabbit) is a rare exception to that – she's inspired by enigmatic, badass femme fatales like Alice, Hit Girl, Black Widow, and Trinity – and even I don't know what her real name is yet.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Sichr on <10-18-10/1124:12>
Oni, Street sam, Close combat - KARATE expert.

Real (SR) Name: Giagi Sintai
Alias (Given to him by his teammates): Miagi Hentai

:)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Chaotic Insane on <10-18-10/1412:45>
Code's one of those ones where I knew his handle before I knew his name. He just plain old doesn't like his real name so he made up his own and ran with it (quite literally).
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Usda Beph on <10-19-10/1041:54>
Yeah not the same for Usda. His first was going to be a retread of My Minotaur: Vastio (Big) Adustus (Brown) Domare (Cow) roughly translated freom a English/Greek translation book.

Usda was going to be initials Ulysis Samual David Alexander, But the initials were just funner to make a name out of!
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Kot on <11-15-10/1129:51>
Heh. Imagine someone getting a fake sin by the name of Johnson. :P
That should be a good one to pull at an annoying teammate who burns through his fake sins too fast.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Nomad Zophiel on <11-15-10/1927:29>
Yeah not the same for Usda. His first was going to be a retread of My Minotaur: Vastio (Big) Adustus (Brown) Domare (Cow) roughly translated freom a English/Greek translation book.

Usda was going to be initials Ulysis Samual David Alexander, But the initials were just funner to make a name out of!

Oh Bulldrek (no pun intended). He's 100% United States Dairy Association Beef and you know it.  ;D
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: LonePaladin on <01-30-11/0404:25>
Especially if he's a minotaur.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: RdMarquis on <01-30-11/0441:40>
My current character uses a fake SIN with the name Travis Bell. Mostly because it's a reference to the surreal video game Killer7. But, it sounds like a real name, too.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Ultra Violet on <01-30-11/1402:41>
I have a Fake SIN question:
What if I had a really good fake SIN, with everything, fake medical data, fake financial data, a fake life (like fake purchases data, apparent hobbies/friends/family) and fake employment.

Do I have to pay real taxes for that fake Life?

And can I get payed real money by my fake employment? For instance the boss of a huge company or Corp don't know every employee personal, all they know is in form of data files, and data can be fixed or hacked. In Reality it is a common form of fraud. And Unwired said that fraud and data theft is on the top of the digital crimes.

Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: LonePaladin on <01-30-11/1426:26>
Heck no, why would you want to pay taxes? Just get your friendly neighborhood hacker to rig the numbers so that it looks like your fake self paid. It'll probably cost a lot less. That, or have him cook the numbers in a way so that the tax stuff comes out nearly even, so even if you do pay taxes, it's a trifling amount.

As for getting an income, well, that's a little trickier. Sure, it might be possible to have this person on an actual payroll, but that means they'll be showing up on an employee list in HR, and they've got ways to track productivity that'll eventually show this person isn't coming in to work. For the crunchy bits, I'd say that drawing an income from a fake ID would subject this ID to a test every time the paychecks are written up, with the employer's dice pool based on the size of the company and how much is being paid out. (You don't want to be drawing a fake paycheck from Ares.)

There are ways around this, naturally, but if a company is actually paying money to a non-productive employee, they tend to sit up and take notice eventually. If an employee's on the list, but not impacting the payroll, they would probably assume it's an artifact, or an ex-employee that just didn't get removed from the database. Happens all the time, and if it's not costing them money, who cares?

In addition, this payment would have to go to a bank account, linked to the fake ID or channeled through it to another ID. That would be a point of vulnerability; sure, the account would show regular activity, lowering the chance of the bank asking questions, but if the company writing the check started getting suspicious, then the ID's activity would come into question.

All of this could be covered up, sure, but the hacker doing so would want a cut of the proceeds. Given the risk -- a monthly (or bi-weekly) chance of discovery would mean high risk, and the hacker would ask for a larger percentage as a result.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: FastJack on <01-30-11/1625:39>
I have a Fake SIN question:
What if I had a really good fake SIN, with everything, fake medical data, fake financial data, a fake life (like fake purchases data, apparent hobbies/friends/family) and fake employment.

Do I have to pay real taxes for that fake Life?

And can I get payed real money by my fake employment? For instance the boss of a huge company or Corp don't know every employee personal, all they know is in form of data files, and data can be fixed or hacked. In Reality it is a common form of fraud. And Unwired said that fraud and data theft is on the top of the digital crimes.


Yes. With the fake money from your fake job. ;)

I'm sure the fake SIN will show that you're completely up to date with paying your taxes.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: thalandar on <01-30-11/2208:28>
I aways liked the list from the GI Joe Cartoon/Action figure line:
http://www.joeheadquarters.com/rollcall_joes.shtml
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Ultra Violet on <01-31-11/1116:10>
 ???
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: FastJack on <01-31-11/1202:36>
???
I believe he meant that he likes using the roll call for names on Fake SINs...
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: thalandar on <01-31-11/1739:05>
Yeah, what Fastjack said....   :P

Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: theKernel on <02-05-11/1101:36>
personally in my games we never go over the names because we are assuming(depending on rating) that they're believable names. Such as mike hunt or jack mehoffski  :P
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: inca1980 on <02-07-11/1332:14>
Depends on your GM.  I would assume you can just tuck that into Life-style costs....but maybe a glitch on some test that pertains to your SIN or your daily life would force you to pay up some taxes.
 
"You're at the shop with your Colt Manhunter all broken apart and you're trying to install an internal smartgun system to it.  All of a sudden it dawns on you....you forgot to turn in your taxes!!  That's almost 500 freakin nuyen!!....guess you're gonna have to reconsider doing that snatch'n'grab run you just turned down!".   

That might be the result of some critical glitch you made on an Amorer roll.  I know i know, it's supposed to just reset the accumulated hits....but GM can has the right...nay!....duty!... to throw in some extra adversity...especially if you CG'd on a decent sized DP!
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: theKernel on <02-07-11/1335:55>
Depends on your GM.  I would assume you can just tuck that into Life-style costs....but maybe a glitch on some test that pertains to your SIN or your daily life would force you to pay up some taxes.
 
"You're at the shop with your Colt Manhunter all broken apart and you're trying to install an internal smartgun system to it.  All of a sudden it dawns on you....you forgot to turn in your taxes!!  That's almost 500 freakin nuyen!!....guess you're gonna have to reconsider doing that snatch'n'grab run you just turned down!".   

That might be the result of some critical glitch you made on an Amorer roll.  I know i know, it's supposed to just reset the accumulated hits....but GM can has the right to throw in some extra adversity...especially if you CG'd on a decent sized DP!
Not to be rude but isn't that kind of a lame way to make a player do a run? "Sorry dude but your taxes are messed up and the IRS is coming at you for back taxes" "OK OK I'll do the run!" I mean theres got to be better consequences on SINs and stuff.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: inca1980 on <02-07-11/1741:54>
Or you just pay up 500 nuyen....there's still always choices.  Or don't pay....now you're SIN is flagged.  The point is that players should always be guessing at what the consequences of their actions or their rolls are gonna be.  Otherwise they can just metagame their way through everything.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Ultra Violet on <02-07-11/1745:34>
Not to be rude but isn't that kind of a lame way to make a player do a run? "Sorry dude but your taxes are messed up and the IRS is coming at you for back taxes" "OK OK I'll do the run!" I mean theres got to be better consequences on SINs and stuff.
Actually it is a brilliant idea for rich and lazy Endgame-Runners. Always better as "Your Mr. J. called, come and meet him..."
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: theKernel on <02-07-11/1755:10>
I get what you're saying now, I thought of it as a begining player, not a runner that has been around for a while. I'm sorry ;D
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Raventrickster on <02-16-11/1425:51>
My current runner Cale 'Black Cat' Kuroneko is half Japanese and half mixed culture white Californian.  He has 2 sins at the moment (just starting out) his primary day to day sin which he uses pretty much purely for lifestyle is Sam Fisher (I couldn't resist, he's a stealth/samurai cross and the name just fit).  His other other sin which he mostly uses en route to and from runs is John Honda (most people in North America can't tell Japanese from Chinese anyways and he's mixed race which will make it that much harder).  Both are perfectly reasonable names to go with mid rating SINs.  What will make life interesting is if I ever get around to getting a DocWagon contract for him, since then I'll need to decide which SIN to tie it to.

Other Characters and their SINs

Name                                     SIN                   Description
James 'Tank' Abrams              James Brown  - Black Troll Weapons specialist
John Johnson 'Wheels'           Greg Taylor    - Caucasian Human paraplegic rigger
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Charybdis on <02-16-11/2324:16>
I always like to use Remington Steele.
I can't believe nobody picked up on this reference >:(! It was Pierce's best work  8)!
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Charybdis on <02-16-11/2331:04>
I'm a big proponent of seperate names for SINs.

However, I can't use just a generic John Doe, due to personal history. A friend of mine and I were picked up for, errr, loitering shall we say? After hours, juvenile, him very drunk, no ID on us...

Cop: What's your name:
Him: Charles Brown
Cop: Really. Charlie Brown?Your name is Charlie Brown? You think I'm a peanut?!
Him: No...shherioushly offisher...I'm Charles Brown
Cop: Don't be a smart-a$$. What's your real name?!
Him: I promishe! I"m Charlie Brown.. I mean..Charlesh...I mean...
Cop: That's it. You two, in the van....

So, while generic names like Richard Hamilton, Helen Taylor, Bob Simpson etc certainly make the grade... I just can't bring myself to either extreme of highly memorable (and thus, ridiculous) like Gannon von Nachtor to overly anonymous like Jim Smith.

I prefer a happy medium*

*Preferably Brunette, tall, and predicting nocturnal activities in the future. *ba-doom*CHING*

Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: LonePaladin on <02-17-11/1139:12>
I've got a little booklet full of names floating around here somewhere, one of those "what to name your baby" things. If I can find it, I'm going to hand it out to my players to give them something to pick first names from for their IDs.

This thing has some oddities in it, I can remember that. It was a list of all the names given to kids in this state in '09, and includes things like "Yunalesca" and "Iamunique".
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Charybdis on <02-17-11/1713:18>
This thing has some oddities in it, I can remember that. It was a list of all the names given to kids in this state in '09, and includes things like "Yunalesca" and "Iamunique".
Why do I think that kids with these names should have been more accurately labelled like:
- Trailerpark McBogan
- Mimom Zasmoker
- Udad Heebroke

Seriously, these kids have cause for justifiable homicide and emancipation rights. Parents handing out these names have been smoking wayyyyy to much weed and drinking more than their fair share of shoe-polish-moonshine.....
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Rockopolis on <02-21-11/1131:35>
I'm reminded of H Beam Piper; in the future, after all the racial intermixing, there's red headed filing characters named Oscar Fujisawa.  Do you suppose Shadowrun naming conventions have changed to that extent?  Are there people with 1337 names?
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: LonePaladin on <02-21-11/1240:06>
I know that ethnic intermingling has expanded to such an extent that there are people with really weird mixes, things like "Pedro Nguyen", or "Pyotr Nwakaego". (That last one is Nigerian.)

As for people getting names in leet, I'm not so sure. Yes, it's prevalent enough that it warrants its own dialect specialization in the language skills, but names? Someone may make his shadow-alias something like "DeathKnight13", but I really don't see someone's legal name going this route.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Rockopolis on <02-21-11/1321:40>
Now I'm picturing People VS. 1337 0n3, landmark Supreme Court case...
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Dakka on <02-21-11/1330:28>
I know that ethnic intermingling has expanded to such an extent that there are people with really weird mixes, things like "Pedro Nguyen", or "Pyotr Nwakaego". (That last one is Nigerian.)

As for people getting names in leet, I'm not so sure. Yes, it's prevalent enough that it warrants its own dialect specialization in the language skills, but names? Someone may make his shadow-alias something like "DeathKnight13", but I really don't see someone's legal name going this route.

The bold part is the problem.  Most SINless have no "legal" name.  As far as Fake SINs go I have no problem with them being things like DeathKnight13, Box-Karr, or Dakka.  :)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <02-21-11/1553:46>
Someone legally changed their middle name to "Megatron" IRL.

But, for one of my characters, he used his real name for his fake SIN.  "John Quincy Public".
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: aimlessfreak on <02-21-11/2209:04>
I know that ethnic intermingling has expanded to such an extent that there are people with really weird mixes, things like "Pedro Nguyen", or "Pyotr Nwakaego". (That last one is Nigerian.)

As for people getting names in leet, I'm not so sure. Yes, it's prevalent enough that it warrants its own dialect specialization in the language skills, but names? Someone may make his shadow-alias something like "DeathKnight13", but I really don't see someone's legal name going this route.

The bold part is the problem.  Most SINless have no "legal" name.  As far as Fake SINs go I have no problem with them being things like DeathKnight13, Box-Karr, or Dakka.  :)

You have a point there, its all about style so its just a matter of time before people start naming there kids names like that
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Rockopolis on <02-21-11/2229:41>
I wouldn't mind "Johnny Cash".
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <02-21-11/2233:48>
I wouldn't mind "Johnny Cash".
Distinctive Style:  "Man In Black".
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Man Who Walks At Night on <03-02-11/2323:34>
I've always allowed for a few factors in Fake SINs.  If they had the time, money and will to either have it made, loads of time to look through the selection (basically window shopping a SIN), or make a "something like this" request they can pretty much get whatever they're after.  If they're in a bit of a hurry or skimping on cash I grab the nearest phone book and randomly select,  If they have nearly zero spare time and are taking whatever they can afford, I come up with some insane name usually blending the most outlandish names I've heard on TV recently (Well, Mr. Kanye Swift, it seems you have no warrants for your arrest....).

One thing my group strives for is that all their fake SINs have the same initials and they prefer that they all have the same fake first name (oft times their character's real first name).  Nothing blows a cover faster than answering to "Hey, Frank!" when you've just announced you name is Morty or checking into a hotel where your target is staying and you luggage monogram is wrong.

Luggage monogram? really?  Sorry, that made me laugh :)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <03-02-11/2330:32>
It's the little things that trip you up.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Man Who Walks At Night on <03-02-11/2334:05>
It's the little things that trip you up.

Very true, I just don't see any of my runners carrying around luggage with monograms on hehe.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Charybdis on <03-03-11/0602:22>
It's the little things that trip you up.

Very true, I just don't see any of my runners carrying around luggage with monograms on hehe.
And why wouldn't these monograms simply be keyed to a Fake Sin PAN change?

I'm Johnny Cash
Luggage = JC, Drivers License updates, License Plates shift over (Knight Rider style) :)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: aimlessfreak on <03-03-11/0721:18>
Thats assuming that they even have proper luggage.  Most runners i've seen have duffel bags and back packs :P
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Sid on <03-03-11/0741:46>
I'm Johnny Cash
Luggage = JC, Drivers License updates, License Plates shift over (Knight Rider style) :)
Do they actually have license plates any more? Considering how all-pervasive wireless is, and how the method of spoofing your car registration is a chip, I would have said 'no' ...
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Rockopolis on <03-03-11/0928:22>
Don't they have Morph Plates in Arsenal?
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: aimlessfreak on <03-03-11/0929:50>
I think so, I don't have my copy with or I'd check
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <03-03-11/1146:58>
They do.  The plates aren't numerical any more, but I see them more as barcode-like, similar to what you see with the Delorian after it's flying upgrade.

Morphing Plates hardwire meshed with Spoof Chips are a must-buy for 'Runners.

Arsenal, Page 105, BTW.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Man Who Walks At Night on <03-03-11/1153:34>
Thats assuming that they even have proper luggage.  Most runners i've seen have duffel bags and back packs :P

That was exactly my point :)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: aimlessfreak on <03-03-11/1714:31>
They do.  The plates aren't numerical any more, but I see them more as barcode-like, similar to what you see with the Delorian after it's flying upgrade.

Morphing Plates hardwire meshed with Spoof Chips are a must-buy for 'Runners.

Arsenal, Page 105, BTW.

I agree competely
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <03-03-11/1856:14>
Well, Army Surplus is cheap and easy.  Even if it doesn't blend into high-end hotels well.

Then again, a good, high-ranking officer's uniform with a "Private" carrying the bags might make it work perfectly.  It's all about presentation.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: aimlessfreak on <03-03-11/1858:09>
Well, Army Surplus is cheap and easy.  Even if it doesn't blend into high-end hotels well.

Then again, a good, high-ranking officer's uniform with a "Private" carrying the bags might make it work perfectly.  It's all about presentation.

very true
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Charybdis on <03-03-11/1930:04>
Well, Army Surplus is cheap and easy.  Even if it doesn't blend into high-end hotels well.

Then again, a good, high-ranking officer's uniform with a "Private" carrying the bags might make it work perfectly.  It's all about presentation.
very true
So true indeed as to be utilised in my next Hotel Run. I like it :)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <03-03-11/1956:26>
Just make sure that both the officer and the private can walk in lockstep, otherwise anyone that knows what to look for will break the scene in a second.

It's the little things, as I've said.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: aimlessfreak on <03-03-11/1957:49>
And that the only time the private is in front of the Gen. is to open the door or something like that
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <03-03-11/2001:41>
And that the only time the private is in front of the Gen. is to open the door or something like that
"PRIVATE!  OPERATION BULLET-SPONGE!"
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Charybdis on <03-03-11/2039:42>
And that the only time the private is in front of the Gen. is to open the door or something like that
"PRIVATE!  OPERATION BULLET-SPONGE!"
'Corporal Meatshield, I think we both know what your job is here, correct?'
'Sir, yes sir!'
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <03-03-11/2050:53>
OT, but for some reason I'm reminded of an issue of "Punisher Max" that had Nick Fury taking off his belt and beating a four-star general like his pappy should have over a very, very stupid thing.

Well, one, he put The Punisher in a bad situation, and Nick likes the vigilante for some reason.  Two, the plan they put together was so idiotic that even I (A Civvie Puke) thought it was a bad idea.  And, three, he was called away from his hookers, "The kind that charge a lot by the hour."
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: aimlessfreak on <03-03-11/2258:56>
OT, but for some reason I'm reminded of an issue of "Punisher Max" that had Nick Fury taking off his belt and beating a four-star general like his pappy should have over a very, very stupid thing.

Well, one, he put The Punisher in a bad situation, and Nick likes the vigilante for some reason.  Two, the plan they put together was so idiotic that even I (A Civvie Puke) thought it was a bad idea.  And, three, he was called away from his hookers, "The kind that charge a lot by the hour."

Its time like that that make me love Fury
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <03-03-11/2303:26>
OT, but for some reason I'm reminded of an issue of "Punisher Max" that had Nick Fury taking off his belt and beating a four-star general like his pappy should have over a very, very stupid thing.

Well, one, he put The Punisher in a bad situation, and Nick likes the vigilante for some reason.  Two, the plan they put together was so idiotic that even I (A Civvie Puke) thought it was a bad idea.  And, three, he was called away from his hookers, "The kind that charge a lot by the hour."

Its time like that that make me love Fury
I smiled seeing him (Old style WWII Nick Fury, too, BTW) pop into the Marvel Max universe.  I knew massive levels of bad assitutde was about to happen.

Punisher Max is a good Shadowrun "Sourcebook" series, as well.  It shows a person living under the radar with insane amounts of firearms and how he does it smartly.  Also, it demonstrates various forms of surveillance, tactics (Not sure how good they are, but hey, better than what you see in the movies!), and just how much ass one person can kick when really pissed off.

Same storyline, someone was about to approach and hurt a little girl that was about the same age as The Punisher's daughter before she was gunned down.  He'd already been beaten so badly he couldn't stand...

You can guess what happened.

I have to find those comics again now.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Netzgeist on <05-02-11/1128:05>
All my character's had Fake SIN that are named after someone else. My actual face broadcasts the identity of a certain Nicolas Machiavelli, and my Technomancer responds official calls in the name of Ada Lovelace...
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: KarmaInferno on <05-03-11/0105:35>
Punisher Max is a good Shadowrun "Sourcebook" series, as well.  It shows a person living under the radar with insane amounts of firearms and how he does it smartly.  Also, it demonstrates various forms of surveillance, tactics (Not sure how good they are, but hey, better than what you see in the movies!), and just how much ass one person can kick when really pissed off.

Same storyline, someone was about to approach and hurt a little girl that was about the same age as The Punisher's daughter before she was gunned down.  He'd already been beaten so badly he couldn't stand...

You can guess what happened.

I have to find those comics again now.

Not just Max. There was a short run Punisher Armory series that greatly influenced my Shadowrun thinking back in the day.



-k
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <05-03-11/1125:18>
Punisher Max is a good Shadowrun "Sourcebook" series, as well.  It shows a person living under the radar with insane amounts of firearms and how he does it smartly.  Also, it demonstrates various forms of surveillance, tactics (Not sure how good they are, but hey, better than what you see in the movies!), and just how much ass one person can kick when really pissed off.
Not just Max. There was a short run Punisher Armory series that greatly influenced my Shadowrun thinking back in the day.
-k
Yes, but it is very, very, VERY hard to find them now.  It took me...  Seven years, three cities, and a trip to the US to get my collection.

Very useful, however, and does give a lot of ideas, as well as image ideas for weapons and other equipment that Shadowrunners might use.  Especially considering that they're likely to be working "On The Cheap" so the High-End (Or beyond, as we are talking "Microchip-Aided Punisher" here) Equipment he shows off would be in the Discount Bin at the Crime Mall, perfect for Shadowrunners to use.

In addition, a few pages are dedicated to training and "Off Time" practices which are great for characters to take into consideration between 'Runs.  Too many GMs forget that there are often weeks if not months between Shadowruns at times.  What do the characters do with their time off?

One of the rules I implemented was that everyone had to have at least one knowledge skill that was a "Hobby Skill".  The Pre-Fab characters come with one, after all), and if they don't explicitly state what they're doing, that's all they do.

"Wait, you spent all month watching JUST Urban Brawl?"
"Sure, the College Playoffs were happening in Russia.  I had to pirate a LinguiSoft and I don't think I understood the announcers too well, but it was really interesting how the game is played over there, did you know..."
"You can stop talking now.  Really.  Stop.  I have a Uzi."
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: LonePaladin on <05-03-11/1709:54>
"You can stop talking now.  Really.  Stop.  I have a Uzi."
Quoted. Sigged. Grinned at. +1'd.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <05-03-11/1734:08>
Thank you, thank you!  I'm here all week!  Try the veal!

All of my characters have hobbies, lives, people they meet, hangouts, the whole nine-yards.  A lack of playing means that I never get to show those things.  :(

But, as an example:  Nas watches NASCAR, Combat Biker, and has his buddy from upstairs over to watch all the Seattle Mariners/Seadogs Baseball games as the wife doesn't like the sport and has her own shows to watch (Nas also has a better 'Trid and sound system.).  He's got a few bars he hangs out at, some of which are for business as well as pleasure.  Sometimes, he just drives around Seattle, trying to learn new ways, traffic patterns, construction sites, and so on.  He also maintains a written correspondence with his Brother in Texas through some Smugglers that his Brother knows, despite living in the Light.  On rare occasions, and sometimes as additional payment for services, he'll speak out about the dangers of drug abuse at Sam's Surgery and Deli on behalf of the owner.

Maybe I put too much thought into my characters?
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: LonePaladin on <05-03-11/1827:46>
Heck, if only I could get the other players in my game to put this much into it. Most of them are new to SR, though, so I'm just giving them time, letting them figure out the setting and mechanics.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Rockopolis on <05-06-11/2112:32>
Man, I wish I could put that much that much thought into my characters.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <05-07-11/1249:06>
Currently working on what Pup the Dog Shaman (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=3520.0) does with his downtime and such.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Charybdis on <05-08-11/1913:16>
When I was playing twice a week, my Gun-Fu physad (aka Crossfire) got a lot of backstory and downtime

Note: This was before Fallout: New Vegas came out...

Born into a middle-class Las Vegas crime family (Mafia goodfella and a showgirl), odds were good that he would end up on the wrong side of the law. When his mother was killed in an unrelated drive-by, and his father went rogue (and was 'forcibly retired'), he left Las Vegas as a teen and hitched his way across America several times (getting into various levels of trouble on the way).
His first real run left him spending two years in an unlisted corporate detainment facility.
As a shadowrunner in Seattle (and an orphan), he has a soft spot for disadvantaged kids and during downtime volunteers at the local 'Y' to teach first aid, self-defense, languages and assistant-coach some sports teams.
He refuses to share board with shadowrunners (keeps work and home very separate), and maintains a middle-class home and FakeID (R7+)  in the outer suburbs, regularly heading into the hills with a beat-up 4wd and a rucksack.
Through nefarious means, he is still in contact with some shady people in Las Vegas, but with his good looks and charisma (thanks, mom!) he makes it easy to add new contacts to the roster, both legitimate and criminal.
During campaign, he also qualified as an ambulance-paramedic and volunteer firefighter, and he dreams of buying a thousand-acre ranch in the Rockies to retire to.

One day I might post the novellas for his downtime activities... once I dig them out of the archives ;)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Petal on <05-20-11/1346:06>
Usually my SINs are names with the same initials for newbie runners. To show they don't know much. 

But the people that know their stuff, they have more complicated names.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <05-20-11/1823:05>
FYI:  Spy Games dictates EXACTLY what is in each rating of a Fake SIN, which I appreciate a whole hell of a lot!
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Petal on <05-22-11/2133:57>
That's the newest book, right? I still have to buy that one.  :D
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <05-23-11/0108:57>
That's the newest book, right? I still have to buy that one.  :D
It's a bit flawed for Crunch, but the Fluff is damn fine!  And, as I said, it spells out EXACTLY what level of Fake SIN will give your datatrail.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <06-13-11/1746:37>
Currently working on what Pup the Dog Shaman (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=3520.0) does with his downtime and such.
OK, Pup has a pretty simple life.  He mostly meditates, studies magic, walks the streets to get a good view of them, visits his favorite strip club ("The Healthy Spirit"), and cooks.  He typically pays the kids in his apartment squat for whatever meat they can catch, and tries to figure out how to substitute flavors.  Currently, he's working on perfecting Cat A La Tang, the Ghetto equivalent of Duck A L'Orange.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: George on <06-14-11/1535:16>
In my group we tend to put a lot of detail in SINs with rating of 4 and higher. Hobbies, Likes, Dislikes, Style, MMO-rank and so on.

We even reuse them quite often, if we managed to get the SIN out a run untempered, because "age" brings life to SINs.

As with names, 4 and above get buyer pick, below seller pick or extra fee.

I personally like "Corban Dallas" .... yep, "Multipass"  ;)
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Red Canti on <07-28-11/0807:19>
I like to use the names of musicians and characters in songs. So Johnny B. Goode or Dick Valentine or something like that. Though the reason one gets away with using these names is that they've forgotten the bands, which is a little saddening.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <07-28-11/1221:16>
On trick I like from the "Reacher" series is that he uses baseball players names from his childhood.  I mean, honestly, who remembers the shortstop for the Yankees from 1972?
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Red Canti on <07-28-11/1240:15>
On trick I like from the "Reacher" series is that he uses baseball players names from his childhood.  I mean, honestly, who remembers the shortstop for the Yankees from 1972?
Probably a good idea to make sure not to use a team that's local, less chance of someone recognizing the name and blowing your cover. Along with avoiding sports bars in general.
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <07-28-11/1258:41>
On trick I like from the "Reacher" series is that he uses baseball players names from his childhood.  I mean, honestly, who remembers the shortstop for the Yankees from 1972?
Probably a good idea to make sure not to use a team that's local, less chance of someone recognizing the name and blowing your cover. Along with avoiding sports bars in general.
He's "Walking The Earth", so not that big an issue.  And that's just one of his tricks.

No, really, the guys told me this is lightish red.  Not pink at all!
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: CanRay on <08-19-16/1622:20>
"You can stop talking now.  Really.  Stop.  I have a Uzi."
Quoted. Sigged. Grinned at. +1'd.
Glad to see this is still a Sig!  ;D
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: RowanTheFox on <08-20-16/0313:14>
Names I've used in both playable characters and fanfic characters. None of my characters ever run with less than a rating 4 fake SIN.

Real Name: Diana Eaglesight
Handle: Mouse
Fake SIN name: Sarah Peacecloud

Real Name: Margaret MacLellan
Handle: Maisie
Fake SIN Name: Mary Murdoch

Real Name: James Abbot
Handle: Watson
Fake SIN Name: John Ashwood

Real Name: Gregor Harlech
Handle: Taliesin
Fake SIN Name: William Fulhardie (Foolhardy)

Real Name: Amaelah Harlech
Handle: All-Seer
Fake SIN Name: Amy Weber
Title: Re: Fake SINs and names
Post by: Senko on <08-20-16/0937:20>
I tend to vary it a bit depending on the rating myself.

1-2: Random name.
3-4: GM picks a common name for you NOT John Smith or similar ones.
5-6: pick a specific name for yourself with GM approval.

My reasoning is if your just buying the low levels then you get what your given the fixer's not going to really care if your a blue eyed, blond haired man with the name Apunda Dong because any proper check is going to burn it anyway. Its just a quick and dirty thing to dodge automatic checks and pop up a "Valid" result.

In the mid-range your paying for a reasonably solid ID so they'll go "here's what we've got that match's your requirements" it wont be a perfect match but it'll be close e.g. the blue eyed blond could be Lars Nilsson it'll stand up to a bit of prodding but a determined check will still find its not you. However they avoid the names that are too common e.g. introducing yourself as "Dr John Smith" will get most people reacting with a "Really" because its too generic a name and will actually stand out a bit more in their minds than Bruce Campbell or Don Kojinski. Their not as bad as introducing yourself as "Sparkleface Vlad Kingdong Mahukabak" but they will draw a bit more attention than a less common name that sort of fits.

At the top range the ID's are customized to fit you near perfect match's for biometric data, detailed histories, etc and I just don't see a fixer conveniently having that on hand so you can just walk in, pay and walk out. You need to give them time to pull strings, adjust histories and insert the correct data into the new ID for you. that kind of expensive purchase and detailed existence is going to be custom designed to match you and for that kind of price having the fixer set it up with the name the client wants makes sense to me. Maybe its a private, cover identity where they want a name that will register with them. Maybe they want a specific ID to pass as Lord Borg of Mlakistan as part of some bizzare plan and the very name itself is going to be an identifier to their contact. Either way there isn't going to be an identity that match's at a lvl 5/6 range just sitting around for them to buy they will need to wait for it to be created. The GM approval is less of a "You name is stupid and you can't have it" than it is a "This would put the fixer at risk so they're not going to make it".