Shadowrun

Catalyst Game Labs => Official Announcements => Topic started by: JM_Hardy on <02-27-11/2358:20>

Title: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <02-27-11/2358:20>
The PDF version of the Runner's Toolkit is fast approaching--fast enough that the PDF version is available now, and you can make pre-orders for the print version--including the one with the sleek, limited-edition GM screen! But let's say you want a GM screen you want it now, and you want it cheap. Well, does free work for you (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=165&products_id=2712)? Anyway, head over to http://www.shadowrun4.com (http://www.shadowrun4.com) for all the details of the various packages available.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CyberT2000 on <02-28-11/0234:50>
Awesome !  ;D

I just bought the PDF version and it rocks.

One little question : would it be possible to add the large size maps of the sprawl sites ?

The maps in the contact and sprawlsites booklet are quite small and bigger (color) maps would be very cool.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Mara on <02-28-11/0450:54>
Kinda disappointed: while there is a Mystic Adept Attribute Package, there is not a single Mystic Adept Power Package.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <02-28-11/0724:29>
I have only seen previews & the blurb on whats in the Kit, and I have mixed feelings.
the charts are nice, helpful
on the PACKS, good for making quick characters, which with GM's grace can be tweaked after a game when there is more time. I do agree Adepts kinda lost out, and a few other things that seem short changed. But as a tool to quickly make characters ...it works. I have worked up a basic character in 15 minutes using PACKS
maybe an example of the basic character types as shown in Runners Companion: Fire support, close comabt, matrix, magic, etc, using the PACKS
something maybe the devs could post in the forums and the GMs hand out to players

the maps I cannot comment on as I have not seen them yet

on the adventure, it should have been a new adventure that could tie into the SR missions set, encouraging players to check out that aspect of the SR gameline. It isa good mission, just a bit over used with vetern players looking for something new

the contacts & sites is always welcomed, as long it kept fresh & updated

I am not sure which Anatomy of a Shadowrun has been used, as several have popped up in the Forums, and they were very informtive

and where did I get what I got...i won't be a good runner is I talked
null perpirsation, chummer
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: FastJack on <02-28-11/0821:33>
Let's see... FastJack is starting his campaign in two weeks. FastJack has a couple of new players at his table. FastJack is spending money he shouldn't. ;)

Any word on the street date for the physical book?
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <02-28-11/0903:59>
Let's see... FastJack is starting his campaign in two weeks. FastJack has a couple of new players at his table. FastJack is spending money he shouldn't. ;)

Any word on the street date for the physical book?

It'll take some time--these ones have a long shipping journey ahead of them. It will be a couple of months before we can announce a street date.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: FastJack on <02-28-11/0933:07>
Let's see... FastJack is starting his campaign in two weeks. FastJack has a couple of new players at his table. FastJack is spending money he shouldn't. ;)

Any word on the street date for the physical book?

It'll take some time--these ones have a long shipping journey ahead of them. It will be a couple of months before we can announce a street date.

Jason H.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Prime Mover on <02-28-11/1017:23>
So good to finally see this one out the door.  I'm a hard copy guy so I have awhile before I can comment but it looks like good stuff.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Malachi on <02-28-11/1026:25>
Kinda disappointed: while there is a Mystic Adept Attribute Package, there is not a single Mystic Adept Power Package.
A Mystic Adept Power Kit would've been redundant.  The Mystic Adept is a combination Adept and Magician right?  So, all you need to do is select from the Adept Power Kits for the Adept powers you want, then select one or more Spell Kits for the spells you want.  Then you have your Mystic Adept!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <02-28-11/1113:01>
Let's see... FastJack is starting his campaign in two weeks. FastJack has a couple of new players at his table. FastJack is spending money he shouldn't. ;)
FastJack speaking in third person.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Reverendo on <02-28-11/1155:01>
Preorder done  ;D

Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: FastJack on <02-28-11/1214:19>
Let's see... FastJack is starting his campaign in two weeks. FastJack has a couple of new players at his table. FastJack is spending money he shouldn't. ;)
FastJack speaking in third person.
FastJack does that when going over the budget. :P
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Digital_Viking on <02-28-11/1549:58>
FastJack does that when going over the budget. :P
Yes, Digital_Viking does the same. Digital_Viking didn't when he ordered the PDF today...but then Digital_Viking dropped 1800 on a new desktop system.

Digital_Viking forsees much third person discussion
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <02-28-11/1559:08>
Awesome product love the Packs....better this time around then the one we saw on Dumpshock. The best is the sprawl sites with Dowd and stackpole streets.....great placement for those Authors names. If you have not gotten the chance Mr. Hardy I spoke with Mr. Stackpole a few months ago and he said he is interested in doing another Wolf and Raven book set in the 2072 time frame....I understand if this is not possible, but would love to see his work in shadowrun again :)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <02-28-11/1607:58>
Awesome product love the Packs....better this time around then the one we saw on Dumpshock. The best is the sprawl sites with Dowd and stackpole streets.....great placement for those Authors names. If you have not gotten the chance Mr. Hardy I spoke with Mr. Stackpole a few months ago and he said he is interested in doing another Wolf and Raven book set in the 2072 time frame....I understand if this is not possible, but would love to see his work in shadowrun again :)

Thanks for the comments! I'll check in with Mr. Stackpole--Catalyst's relationship with him is good in general, and I'd love to see more of his work too!

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Critias on <02-28-11/1651:00>
Thanks for the comments! I'll check in with Mr. Stackpole--Catalyst's relationship with him is good in general, and I'd love to see more of his work too!

Jason H.
Mmm, Wolf and Raven.  Mmm.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Malachi on <02-28-11/1652:58>
I have worked up a basic character in 15 minutes using PACKS...
This makes me happy.  My target was 30 minutes or less when designing the system.

maybe an example of the basic character types as shown in Runners Companion: Fire support, close comabt, matrix, magic, etc, using the PACKS
something maybe the devs could post in the forums and the GMs hand out to players

That is certainly doable.  I'll see if I can commit some time to it.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <02-28-11/1704:31>
If you like PACKS--and I sure do--give Malachi up there a Rep boost, because he did fantastic work on it.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <02-28-11/1935:34>
Thanks for the comments! I'll check in with Mr. Stackpole--Catalyst's relationship with him is good in general, and I'd love to see more of his work too!

Jason H.
OK, a new Wolf and Raven would totally ROCK!  I've been hesitant to use any of the characters from those stories in my 2070 games...  But did have Jimmy "Spike" Mackelroy show up as the manager of the Seadogs/Mariners after being kicked out of the league for not using the StatSofts that are required by Baseball, with Shadowtalkers commenting about how he ruined/brought dignity back to Baseball by doing so.

Yeah, I think you can pretty much put down a new "Wolf and Raven" as a "Insta-Sell" for fans like myself.  Be a nice return to the fiction market, too.

Edit:  Malachi:  Thumbs up!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <02-28-11/2207:59>
ah man, the forum just loss my post & i can't remember what I wrote

hmm, why isn't there a few packages for changelings? for just those few players who want to play a cat person or lizard man, etc..

PACKS went quick for as i knew what I wanted to create, and PACKS remind me of the 1st ED creation system. Mind you, I have read over the pages several times to get idea what was contained

ah Stackpole....good novels..did he help write the CMP about ARES and the Mech for Desert wars?
think that was the sun of it..

oh, if I get the chance i may post my own version of PACKS made characters
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Raventrickster on <03-01-11/0008:57>
I'm looking forward to seeing runner's toolkit in a hard copy version.  The portions of it that I want really seem like they would be better served in hard copy than digital, which is a bit of a change for me since almost my entire shadowrun library is pdf. 

As for a new wolf and raven novel, all I can say is F*CK YEAH!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Mara on <03-01-11/0357:22>
Kinda disappointed: while there is a Mystic Adept Attribute Package, there is not a single Mystic Adept Power Package.
A Mystic Adept Power Kit would've been redundant.  The Mystic Adept is a combination Adept and Magician right?  So, all you need to do is select from the Adept Power Kits for the Adept powers you want, then select one or more Spell Kits for the spells you want.  Then you have your Mystic Adept!

See, that is the problem: A Mystic Adept is NOT just a combination of Adept and Magician. It is something different, because of
all the weaknesses to its magician side. The problem is not making something that is a combination, it is making something that
is a VIABLE combination as a starting character. I don't mean the "Oh, well, this kinda sucks, but with some XP it will be awesome."
I mean something that straight out of the box is going to be relevant.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: FastJack on <03-01-11/0806:09>
Kinda disappointed: while there is a Mystic Adept Attribute Package, there is not a single Mystic Adept Power Package.
A Mystic Adept Power Kit would've been redundant.  The Mystic Adept is a combination Adept and Magician right?  So, all you need to do is select from the Adept Power Kits for the Adept powers you want, then select one or more Spell Kits for the spells you want.  Then you have your Mystic Adept!

See, that is the problem: A Mystic Adept is NOT just a combination of Adept and Magician. It is something different, because of
all the weaknesses to its magician side. The problem is not making something that is a combination, it is making something that
is a VIABLE combination as a starting character. I don't mean the "Oh, well, this kinda sucks, but with some XP it will be awesome."
I mean something that straight out of the box is going to be relevant.
The key is to use the Martial Arts options in Runners Companion. It allows you to get a nice boost to your Adept abilities without taking away from your Sorcery/Conjuring.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <03-01-11/1447:21>
the MA options are nice for most games, but if you are playing in SR Missions, the martial art options are not allowed
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Malachi on <03-01-11/1533:46>
See, that is the problem: A Mystic Adept is NOT just a combination of Adept and Magician. It is something different, because of
all the weaknesses to its magician side. The problem is not making something that is a combination, it is making something that
is a VIABLE combination as a starting character. I don't mean the "Oh, well, this kinda sucks, but with some XP it will be awesome."
I mean something that straight out of the box is going to be relevant.
Sounds like you have a very specific idea about how you like your Mystic Adepts played, and that's great.  Functionally, the PACKS system can create Mystic Adepts, which I would consider "viable" characters.  However, the very premise of the system is that it allows someone to create a functional character quickly, by presenting the most "common" options in a "plug and play" modular manner.

All that said, I think it would be great if people would write up their own kits for the various categories and post them.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <03-01-11/1557:42>
here is a couple i worked up, they are not finished left open to player choices/ taste/ opinion/ etc..
yes, i did a quick cut  & paste to speed up the process
are they playable? yes
will they survive? hmm, good question

“stock” street samurai
Race: troll
Body :8    agility:4     reaction:3     str:7       cha:3     inti.: 4    Logic:3         will:4
Edge 2   
Active Skills (60): Close Combat Group 2 [20], Exotic Melee Weapon (Elbow Cyber Spur) 5 [20], Exotic Ranged Weapon (Projectile Spur3) 5 [20]
Knowledge Skills (10): Samurai Films 5 [10]
Cyberware (4.8 Ess/25): Cybereyes (3, smartgun link, thermographic vision) [0.4 Ess/3,000¥], full synthetic customized cyberarm (alphaware, w/AGI5, BOD 3, STR5, Evo Kali optimization3, projectile spur3, retractable elbow cyber spur) [0.8/70,000¥], reaction enhancers (2) [0.6 Ess/20,000], wired reflexes (2) [3.0 Essence/32,000¥]
Contacts (5): Cyberware Sales Rep (Connection 3, Loyalty 2) [5]
Active Skills (40): Armorer 5 [20], Heavy Weapons 5 [20]
Cyberware (0.9 Ess/2): Cyberears (3, w/balance augmenter, damper, ear recording unit, sound link, spatial recognizer) [0.4 Ess/7,500¥], cybereyes (4, w/image link, smartlink) [0.5 Ess/2,500¥]
Gear (8): Ares Auxilia Mk32 [8,000¥], armor jacket (w/gel packs2, helmet, SecureTech PPP vitals protector2) (11/10) [2,700¥], ArmTech MGL-12 (w/internal smartgun system, airburst link, 5 flash-bang minigrenades, 5 fragmentation minigrenades, 5 thermal smoke minigrenades) [5,000¥], gyro-stabilization harness [3,000¥], hip pad bracing system [200¥], Ingram White Knight (w/internal smartgun system, 2 100- round belts of tracer ammo) [5,500¥], Stoner-Ares M202 (w/ internal smartgun system, 2 100-round belts of tracer ammo) [11,500¥], bipod [100¥]
Race: 40  atttibutes:200  skills/ gear:150                       20 pts left over (don’t count knowledge skills) to customize

“stock” hacker
Race: elf
Body:3     agility:4    reaction:4    str:3   cha:4    inti.:5   logic:5    will:3
Edge:2
Active Skills (70): Cracking Group 4 [40], Electronics Group 3 [30]
Knowledge Skills (6): Hacker Lore 3 [6]
Contacts (6): Computer Science Professor (Connection 3, Loyalty 3) [6]
Commlink (31,650¥): Fairlight Caliban (Firewall 6, System 6, Response upgraded to 5, w/armor4 (6), cryptosense module4, customized interface4, fetch module4 (3), hardening4 (6), sim module modified for BTL/hot-sim, response enhancer4 (3)) [31,650¥]
Programs (54,500¥): Analyze 5 [500¥], Armor 5 [5,000¥], Attack 5 [5,000¥], Black Hammer 3 [3,000¥], Blackout [3,000¥], Browse 5 [500¥], Biofeedback Filter 5 [5,000¥], Command 5 [500¥], Decrypt 5 [5,000¥], Edit 5 [500¥], Encrypt 5 [500¥], Exploit 6 [6,000¥], Medic 4 [4,000¥], Purge4 5 [500¥], Scan 5 [500¥], Sniffer 5 [5,000¥], Stealth 5 [5,000¥], Track 5 [5,000¥]
Clothing and Armor (400¥): Leather jacket (w/nonconductivity 1) (2/2) [400¥]
Weapons (1,500¥): Taurus Multi-62 (w/weapon commlink2 (disposable commlink4)) [1,500¥]
Misc. Gear (1,950¥): Glasses (1, w/image link) [50¥], hardware kit [500¥], optical tap4 [100¥], premium Matrix service4 (1 year) [1,200¥], 5 sheets of electronic paper [100¥]
Active Skills (32): Archery 3 [12], Close Combat Group 2 [20]
Knowledge Skills (30): BTLs 3 [6], Chop Shops 3 [6], Gang Signs 3 [6], Gang Turf 3 [6], Pimps 3 [6]
Gear (5): Low lifestyle (12 months) [24,000¥], knife [20¥], slingshot2 [30¥], armor jacket (8/6) [900¥], clothing (gang colors) [50¥]
Contacts (8): Gang (Group contact; Connection 2, Loyalty 4; 2-19 members, District area of influence) [8]
Race:30    attributes: 200   skills/ gear: 100            36 pts left over  for customize  (don’t count knowledge skills in cost)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <03-01-11/1608:12>
I love that PACKS discussion is going on, and if you want to learn a little more about this part of the Runner's Toolkit, take a look at the previews (http://www.shadowrun4.com/2011/03/runners-toolkit-preview-focus-on-packs/) just posted on the blog.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: skulldier on <03-01-11/1646:14>
So ready for this to get to my door. And by that, I mean I'm ready to wait another few months to get it in the mail. I managed to talk myself up from the basic, no frills box-set to the box-set, pdf, and LE screen.

But it's got me jazzed about making characters which is the most time-consuming part of my game preparation. PACKS is a fantastic idea and really works with Shadowrun since the archetypes are how most people I know kicked off their shadowrunning back in the day. I'm not jazzed about the archetypes in the SR4A book, but this quick and modular system is looking nice.

Sucks that I'm out of state right now, I gotta download the pdf and get my game prepped for this Sunday...
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Ancient History on <03-01-11/2050:44>
I spent a few minutes writing this up over on Dumpshock, and thought I'd throw it out here, for anyone wondering about the differences between the Original PACKS (http://ancientfiles.dumpshock.com/Docs/PACKS_Platinum.pdf) and the one published in Runner's Toolkit.

My system was broken down into Profiles (collections of skills, augmentations, spells, complex forms, lifestyles and gear), Kits (collections of lifestyles and gear), and Sets (collections of adept powers). Every Profile and Kit had a listed cost in BPs and ¥, and ever Set by a given number of Power Points. Each individual entry and item in my profiles and kits was broken down by BP/ ¥ cost, so you could quickly swap out any individual item - like if you didn't care for a specific skill or piece of gear, you could subtract it out of the total. I made sure to list the limitations of the equipment and the minimum attribute and skill values and qualities you need to make it work within the character generation rules.

NuPACKS (sorry, I couldn't resist) breaks everything down into Sets: Attributes, Skills, Adept Powers, Spells, Complex Forms, and Gear. Costs are given in BP (or Power Points for the Adept Sets). Individual costs are not generally broken out, but builds have a little descriptor that describes why certain aspects were emphasized over others.

So the two are basically similar but have significantly different approaches. NuPACKS does some things PACKS Original™ does not, like the Attribute Sets and the descriptors, which reveal the different design philosophy. I think my Profiles and Kits are much more detailed, but also much more idiosyncratic; NuPACKS is probably more appealing to new players that aren't very familiar with the ruleset. Both are equally plug-and-play, at least as far as I can judge, and I haven't stopped in to see if they made specific reference to rules, gear, and options beyond the main rulebook, or if they were called out like in mine. All told I believe - haven't counted, but the index definitely looks bigger - that NuPACKS offers more Kits overall than I do Profiles, Kits, and Sets. NuPACKS definitely appears to be a much more modular system, since they didn't tie equipment, attribute, spells, complex forms, lifestyles, etc. together like I did.

As an example of the NuPACKS design philosophy (taken from the first preview), the Attribute Sets in NuPACKS are all around 200 BP - the normal maximum number of BP characters can spend in a 400 BP chargen game - but with little to no softmaxing apparent. Options for different Awakened/Technomancer qualities aren't explicitly given, but the BP cost is noted so characters that know about such options should have no difficulty swapping them out if they choose to do so.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <03-01-11/2108:27>
very interesting, as these PACKS i have not seen.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Mara on <03-01-11/2112:40>
AH, as much as I liked your original PACKS(the Gunsel Karcist was a neat idea!), I can say that it came across as
more of a tool for more experienced players. The PACKs we got? It is a much better tool for less experienced
players. Honestly, I see the Runners Toolkit as kind of a tool set for newer players to Shadowrun.

And, it does have Technomancer and Mage builds, just not in the area previewed. In Skill Builds, it does use traits
from other then the core book, they mark the ones with them with an asterisk, and puts a summary of the trait
in the kit.

Of course, other stuff I like in the Runner's Toolkit? The Cheat Sheets for all the stuff, and the Contacts booklet.
I cannot look at it as something for veteran players, of course. I have to look at it as something most useful for
new players.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <03-02-11/1756:25>
Mara brings up a good point.
When the toolkit was being design, were vetern players thought of?
Is this more aimed at new players, bringin more easier into the game?

just wondering the thinking behind the plans....

I will say I disagree with some of the builds in the NuPACKS i see in the preview, but that is more my way of making characters then actual gameplay.
The PLATPACKS didn't worry about attributes, more about skills & gear
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: FastJack on <03-02-11/1913:21>
The PACKS and Anatomy of a Shadowrun are aimed at new players, but the charts, GM screens, maps and everything else are good for veterans as well as newbs.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Ancient History on <03-02-11/1937:07>
I am in no way bashing Malachi's approach; both are valid takes on the subject. The design philosophy differences are very different, but that isn't a diss against NuPACKS.

I had a lot of different concepts when I was writing PACKS, conceptions and base assumptions about what I wanted PACKS to be and what I wanted to communicate to the players, and how I was going to accomplish that. I wanted PACKS to be a modular system for PC/NPC generation, but I also wanted it to be an integrated and flavorful approach, illustrating how skills, augmentations, and gear can play off each other. My Profiles and Kits feature a lot of flavorful stuff, skills and items that require a certain mindset to arrive at. Because one of my primary unstated goals with PACKS was to help teach players how to build their characters. So I included items, skills, and options from every book. I threw in references to fluff material and the occasional Elf Ear Stud [0¥]. I deliberately tackled what I thought were interesting and sometimes out there character concepts and combination of equipment. PACKS, without creating Pornomancers or anything really overpowered, in some ways stretched the system to show people what was possible within the rules, and with a bit of imagination. It also left a lot of things unsaid, and that was deliberate. I didn't want to tell players what a given character had to be or why it was that way; by itemizing everything I made everything optional, and the constraints inherent in the system were minimal. For some that's a flaw("What the heck is a Gunsel Karcist? How does this work?"), for others that's an advantage ("Oooh, Elementalist.")

Malachi's NuPACKS is in many ways much more practical. I say it appears to be more attractive for new players, but that does not mean it is not of benefit to more experienced players. The Kits are more generic, but thus also more iconic and appealing to the average player. The different tiers of skill levels are probably more realistic in terms of what players are looking for. It's more streamlined, more modular, and I believe more aimed at building characters that the player can fill out on their own. If there was a speed trial, and leaving out customizing or minmaxing, I'd say that with the Attribute Kits you could very probably build a 400BP character with NuPACKS faster. The descriptors give players an idea of why certain ratings were chosen for a given character type, which then suggests how they might work to improve their character later. That Malachi put a lot of work into the system is very obvious, and while there are elements of the design where I might have gone a different way...well, I did go a different way...I'm very adamant that Malachi's NuPACKS is at least as viable an approach to tiered character building.

Which hey, we didn't create out of whole cloth. GURPS has been doing something similar for years, and I learned a bit ago that some Shadowrun fans had their own versions of kits and templates eons ago.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Malachi on <03-03-11/1116:29>
Well said AH.  While the 2 products share the same name, the mindset and underlying thought/approach behind them is very different.  When I designed the PACKS system as it is now, I had two primary things in mind: speed of character creation, and ease of use.  More veteran players can use PACKS as a starting point for their characters (to get them outlined in broad strokes) and then tweak all the little details from there.  I should also point out that GM's were also in mind when designing the system.  There are plenty of times (I know) when PC's go a different direction in the adventure and you need "this" kind of character in a hurry.

For example, say you had an adventure all planned out for your characters to sneak into some warehouse to steal the macguffin that gives them the clue to where to find the bad guy.  Your group doesn't have a Hacker so you figure they'll need to do it the "old fashioned way."  The unexpectedly, the group says, "that building has tons of security, we should hire a veteran Hacker to go with us and provide Matrix support."  Or it could be reversed and you have a group of non-combat characters that decide to bring along a little muscle.  Suddenly you need a character with fairly complete stats/skills/gear of a certain skill level.  PACKS allows the GM to grab some appropriate Kits, and quickly build a fairly complete character with all the necessary stats and gear to drop right into the game.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <03-03-11/1150:05>
Oh, man, I could have so used that when my group decided to start taking their barroom contacts "Krunch and Klub" with them on 'Runs!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: thalandar on <03-04-11/1913:57>
Don't understand the Metahuman packs, why does it cost -10 bp to be a troll?  Where is the cost to be a troll figured in?  Right now, I am REALLY NOT a fan of pack because I think trolls are overpowered anyway, but if you make it cost -10 bp to be a troll I'll be swimming in troll power characters.  Please tell me I am missing something!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-04-11/2015:32>
yeah way to go Jason, now only one problem

i want it in hard copy

NOW

 ;D
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <03-04-11/2026:40>
I took the sell sheet (Or promo sheet, whatever you have with the free PDF) to my FLGS for them to pre-order it for me.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Critias on <03-04-11/2048:14>
Don't understand the Metahuman packs, why does it cost -10 bp to be a troll?  Where is the cost to be a troll figured in?  Right now, I am REALLY NOT a fan of pack because I think trolls are overpowered anyway, but if you make it cost -10 bp to be a troll I'll be swimming in troll power characters.  Please tell me I am missing something!
The basic idea as I understand it is that trolls tend to be pretty one-dimensional (thanks largely to some major attribute threshold modifiers!), and come with a bucket of downsides (some GMs ignore them, but the downsides are there).

If your whole group is making nothing but trolls, that means you've got a whole lot of big, ugly, dumb guys (compared to your average, diverse, shadowrun team).  Sure, they can take and dish out a whole lot of physical damage, but it comes at the price of not being as good at everything else that's out there. 
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: thalandar on <03-05-11/0116:58>
Don't understand the Metahuman packs, why does it cost -10 bp to be a troll?  Where is the cost to be a troll figured in?  Right now, I am REALLY NOT a fan of pack because I think trolls are overpowered anyway, but if you make it cost -10 bp to be a troll I'll be swimming in troll power characters.  Please tell me I am missing something!
The basic idea as I understand it is that trolls tend to be pretty one-dimensional (thanks largely to some major attribute threshold modifiers!), and come with a bucket of downsides (some GMs ignore them, but the downsides are there).

If your whole group is making nothing but trolls, that means you've got a whole lot of big, ugly, dumb guys (compared to your average, diverse, shadowrun team).  Sure, they can take and dish out a whole lot of physical damage, but it comes at the price of not being as good at everything else that's out there.

So you are saying I am reading it right and they changed the rules so that it went from costing 40 points to be a troll to giving back 10 points.  Ummm, what downsides.  Ok they have a max charisma of 4 (natural).  Sorry, I think it should cost MORE to be a troll or give them some required allergies or something.

If this is really the case, then I have to say, I am totally unimpressed with a Catalyst product for the first time.  The main reason I bought it was for the Packs.....

Well, I seem to be a minority though so to each there own.  I can see this being an asset to first time players and GM's, so I would recommend it for those just starting the game.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Critias on <03-05-11/0148:59>
It's something I mentioned when I was working on it, trust me.  My own PACK (pun intended) of races didn't make the cut, but I didn't get in until very, very, late in the PACKS process.  I'm not a big fan of elves feeling a little ripped off like they are, myself.

But the important thing to remember is that gaming is already an abstraction and oversimplification in order to promote playability, but that the levels of abstraction and oversimplification are dramatically increased, when one gets into gaming by PACKS.  It's meant to be quick, more than anything else, and it does that by taking a few liberties (especially with metarace selection).  In PACKS, your metatype selection actually lowers some attributes directly, not just changing their potential attributes (like in normal character creation).  Because attributes are out-and-out changed, not just attribute thresholds, the powers that be felt a change in metaspecies cost was appropriate for PACKS, and PACKS alone.

It's certainly not a change to the core book's character creation rules, and the two shouldn't get confused where metaspecies is concerned.  It's for PACKS characters, and the way their set-up works, only.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <03-05-11/0837:29>
So you are saying I am reading it right and they changed the rules so that it went from costing 40 points to be a troll to giving back 10 points.  Ummm, what downsides.  Ok they have a max charisma of 4 (natural).  Sorry, I think it should cost MORE to be a troll or give them some required allergies or something.

If this is really the case, then I have to say, I am totally unimpressed with a Catalyst product for the first time.  The main reason I bought it was for the Packs.....

Well, I seem to be a minority though so to each there own.  I can see this being an asset to first time players and GM's, so I would recommend it for those just starting the game.

I'll admit that this is a complicated one, but it doesn't actually change the rules at all. Here's how it works--when you choose a metatype in PACKS, you make some additions and subtractions to certain attributes based on racial maximums and minimums. We do not have to figure any costs for additions--those are based on racial minimums, and so they just raise the attribute to what it would have been for that metatype with the same expenditure (that is, increasing a human's Body rating to 3 costs 20 BP, and increasing a Troll's body rating to 7 also costs 20 BP).

But the subtractions are different--when you subtract attributes, you are taking away points that have already been paid for in the attribute kit. So by taking a metatype that reduces certain attributes, you need to get build points back for that subtraction. In PACKS, trolls, lose 1 point of Agility, 2 of Charisma, 1 of Intelligence, and 1 of Logic. That's a total of 50 points that they should be refunded.  As the rules state, though, selecting a troll costs 40 BP. So they are being refunded 50 BP, but costing 40 BP, for a net refund of 10 BP, as listed in PACKS. So there's no change in the rules.

Hope that helps.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: thalandar on <03-05-11/1251:51>
So you are saying I am reading it right and they changed the rules so that it went from costing 40 points to be a troll to giving back 10 points.  Ummm, what downsides.  Ok they have a max charisma of 4 (natural).  Sorry, I think it should cost MORE to be a troll or give them some required allergies or something.

If this is really the case, then I have to say, I am totally unimpressed with a Catalyst product for the first time.  The main reason I bought it was for the Packs.....

Well, I seem to be a minority though so to each there own.  I can see this being an asset to first time players and GM's, so I would recommend it for those just starting the game.

I'll admit that this is a complicated one, but it doesn't actually change the rules at all. Here's how it works--when you choose a metatype in PACKS, you make some additions and subtractions to certain attributes based on racial maximums and minimums. We do not have to figure any costs for additions--those are based on racial minimums, and so they just raise the attribute to what it would have been for that metatype with the same expenditure (that is, increasing a human's Body rating to 3 costs 20 BP, and increasing a Troll's body rating to 7 also costs 20 BP).

But the subtractions are different--when you subtract attributes, you are taking away points that have already been paid for in the attribute kit. So by taking a metatype that reduces certain attributes, you need to get build points back for that subtraction. In PACKS, trolls, lose 1 point of Agility, 2 of Charisma, 1 of Intelligence, and 1 of Logic. That's a total of 50 points that they should be refunded.  As the rules state, though, selecting a troll costs 40 BP. So they are being refunded 50 BP, but costing 40 BP, for a net refund of 10 BP, as listed in PACKS. So there's no change in the rules.

Hope that helps.

Jason H.

But BP's are about game balance and you aren't charging the character for the benefit of having +4 to strength and +4 to body, you still need to figure in that.  Otherwise you are going the route of old AD&D where it doesn't give you any benefit to play a human fighter, so no one plays them.  I NEED more game balance in my game as it is, I have power players and regular players and the regular players playing humans already feel short changed.  Trolls only have the draw back of having a lower cap on a couple of atributes.

i was hoping PACKs would help my humanplayers.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <03-05-11/1528:24>
You are charging them. That's why they only get 10 points back for losing 50 points worth of attributes.

PACKS costs are the same as normal character creation costs. To see that, let's compare PACKS to normal character generation, using the Brawler attribute kit, which goes like this:
Body 5, Agility 4, Reaction 3, Strength 5, Charisma 3, Intuition 3, Logic 2, Willpower 3. The kit costs 200 BP.

Then we decide to make this character a troll, and we get the following scores:
Body 9, Agility 3, Reaction 3, Strength 9, Charisma 1, Intuition 2, Logic 1, Willpower 3. We get back 10 BP, so the total cost is 190 BP.

Now let's do character creation the conventional way. We choose the troll metatype, which costs us 40 BP. As a result, we have the following base attributes:
Body 5, Agility 1, Reaction 1, Strength 5, Charisma 1, Intuition 1, Logic 1, Willpower 1

To get to the same level as the character we made with PACKS, we have to make the following adjustments:
Body +4, Agility +2, Reaction +2, Strength +4, Charisma --, Intuition +1, Logic --, Willpower +2.

Combining all those pluses gives us +15. Since attribute costs are 10 BP per point, that means the total costs of making those changes is 150 BP. We add that to the 40 BP cost of choosing to be a troll and get 190 BP, which is the exact same cost that we got through doing it with PACKS.

The elegant thing about PACKS is, nothing in the rules changes. It just does a lot of the math for you so that you can do things quickly and easily. But whether you use PACKS or whether you generate the normal way, the BP cost remains the same. PACKS, then, is not doing anything with BP costs that the SR4A rules didn't already do.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <03-05-11/1930:02>
But does it work with NERPS™?
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Critias on <03-05-11/1959:57>
Everything works with NERPs!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <03-05-11/2010:52>
NERPS™ makes everything better.

BTW, I have a running gag with my group.  They don't know what NERPS™ is.  Every time they hit the store, it's sold out.  I keep this up with one of the characters I write for.

Which, considering that we don't even know what NERPS™ is, makes perfect sense.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Mara on <03-06-11/1103:06>
NERPS™ makes everything better.

BTW, I have a running gag with my group.  They don't know what NERPS™ is.  Every time they hit the store, it's sold out.  I keep this up with one of the characters I write for.

Which, considering that we don't even know what NERPS™ is, makes perfect sense.

Reminds me of the Run back in second edition to steal a NERPS truck...but, of course, they were one of two teams going after
two trucks...they got the Decoy...

Still, I must say, JH, the method for the Metatypes is cool. I admit, when I first saw it, I was a little confused on why Orks cost 0, until
I realized how the math was calculated. Of course, this also hearkens back to the old days of "Racial Modifiers" which really is good for
people coming from the OTHER game company...

Though, you know..I am surprised there is no "Basic Street Survival skills" pack of Etiquette, Perception, Con, Intimidation....I know
I have had people ask me "Why do I need Ettiquette?" Or "I'm not the face..why do I need Con?"
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <03-06-11/1215:49>
Though, you know..I am surprised there is no "Basic Street Survival skills" pack of Etiquette, Perception, Con, Intimidation....I know
I have had people ask me "Why do I need Etiquette?" Or "I'm not the face..why do I need Con?"
Show them, in game, just how important they are.

Just have them meet a gang peacefully, and wait until they say the wrong thing.  Just one wrong thing that shows disrespect.  Even the most peaceful gang can't let something like that slide.  "How were you to know?  Well, that's where the Etiquette skill comes into play, oh, you don't have it, you don't know what will and won't piss them off!"

And for Con...  Well, just pull them over for a broken taillight by a traffic cop.  But don't tell them that's all it is, the cop won't until he has all the ID he wants, and checks over the interior of the car (Plain View Laws) to see if he can nail you for something better than just a ticket.  Make them sweat.  Have him ask questions.  Oh, no Con, they have to default or tell the truth.

Better hope that body in the trunk isn't start to smell.  Or kick if still alive.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <03-06-11/1504:36>
<snip>

Though, you know..I am surprised there is no "Basic Street Survival skills" pack of Etiquette, Perception, Con, Intimidation....I know
I have had people ask me "Why do I need Ettiquette?" Or "I'm not the face..why do I need Con?"

Yeah, there are gaps to fill--and between things on this forum and future PDFs, we'll be looking at ways to fill them!

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Malachi on <03-07-11/1424:35>
You are charging them. That's why they only get 10 points back for losing 50 points worth of attributes.

PACKS costs are the same as normal character creation costs...
Excellent explanation Jason.  I knew some people would be wondering why the metatype costs were all different.  You explained it perfectly.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <04-01-11/1345:34>
just some clarifation, in case I may been doing my PCs wrong the whole time....

I noticed in PACKS for the magic based characters that the cost of magic was figured in with the rest of the attributes. Now does that leave 30 or 40 points unspent on attributes I can now spend on Cha, Will, and such? Or have I been misreading the book the whole time, by not including the magic attribute cost when I am figuring how much I have spent on attributes?

that 200 will only go so far...
and if I have been doing i wrong, then so have bunch of other people.

on side note, I think trolls lose out with the negatives at times.  I was playing around with a troll tank brawler type concept using PACKS, and before I got to the skills  & equipment, he had a Cha 1, Int 1, & logic 1. that 10 point bonus doesn't help much there. I don't like playing characters hurting thart much in the mental department. he would be a mind mage wet dream: all that physical power & nothing mental defend it with. I could see a mage doing control & having the troll attack his teammates. Or a dwarf stare him down....
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <04-01-11/1412:58>
The mage, fine.  But someone like that would be too stupid to intimidate.  I've seen it far too often.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Critias on <04-02-11/0653:58>
just some clarifation, in case I may been doing my PCs wrong the whole time....

I noticed in PACKS for the magic based characters that the cost of magic was figured in with the rest of the attributes. Now does that leave 30 or 40 points unspent on attributes I can now spend on Cha, Will, and such? Or have I been misreading the book the whole time, by not including the magic attribute cost when I am figuring how much I have spent on attributes?

that 200 will only go so far...
and if I have been doing i wrong, then so have bunch of other people.
No, you have been correct.  The 200 bp (or rather, the "half your starting bp") rule is only for the core Physical/Mental stats.  The fact they lump in other stuff for PACKS is an abstraction and simplification, just for PACKS. 
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: wylie on <04-02-11/1712:06>
cool, thanks
just making sure I didn't miss a rule change

seems to me a quick character can be written up with PACKS, ..whether it is one that will survive is the question
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: The Seven on <04-04-11/2058:51>
Quick question that got me confused.

I ordered the RT yesterday on Battleshop (here praying the overseas shipment goes well), but I tried checking it at work (bookstore with lots of international connections, including Baker & Taylor on US) and B&T said the book was "out of stock."

What is this, I don't even.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <04-04-11/2145:51>
Quick question that got me confused.

I ordered the RT yesterday on Battleshop (here praying the overseas shipment goes well), but I tried checking it at work (bookstore with lots of international connections, including Baker & Taylor on US) and B&T said the book was "out of stock."

What is this, I don't even.

The box set hasn't arrived from the printers yet, so no one has it in stock yet. It'll take a bit more time, but before too long we'll get it in stock for anyone who wants it. And of course, the Battleshop will get what it needs to fulfill pre-orders.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: The Seven on <04-04-11/2146:48>
Quick question that got me confused.

I ordered the RT yesterday on Battleshop (here praying the overseas shipment goes well), but I tried checking it at work (bookstore with lots of international connections, including Baker & Taylor on US) and B&T said the book was "out of stock."

What is this, I don't even.

The box set hasn't arrived from the printers yet, so no one has it in stock yet. It'll take a bit more time, but before too long we'll get it in stock for anyone who wants it. And of course, the Battleshop will get what it needs to fulfill pre-orders.

Jason H.

Thank you very much, good sir.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <04-18-11/1528:53>
We keep getting closer to the print release of Runner's Toolkit. The latest milestone is the arrival of a final version of the components and the box at the Catalyst offices, where Randall was kind enough to take some pictures. Those pictures are now up on the Shadowrun4. com blog. (http://www.shadowrun4.com/2011/04/more-runners-toolkit-photos/) Enjoy!

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Critias on <04-18-11/1554:32>
Man, it sure would be cool to have a Runner's Toolkit to run events at at Texicon next month, instead of having to use my Dark Heresy screen again...

*looks innocent*   ;)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <04-18-11/1719:50>
Man, it sure would be cool to have a Runner's Toolkit to run events at at Texicon next month, instead of having to use my Dark Heresy screen again...

*looks innocent*   ;)

Next month is probably pushing it. The boat ain't called the slow boat for nothing …

But speaking of people running games, I wonder if, as part of the whole Toolkit-related paraphernalia, we have a little goodie for demo team people? Hmmmmmm …

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Bull on <04-18-11/1737:04>
Man, it sure would be cool to have a Runner's Toolkit to run events at at Texicon next month, instead of having to use my Dark Heresy screen again...

*looks innocent*   ;)

You know, it IS available in PDF.  You just gotta do some printing and laminating ;)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: FastJack on <04-19-11/0034:42>
Man, it sure would be cool to have a Runner's Toolkit to run events at at Texicon next month, instead of having to use my Dark Heresy screen again...

*looks innocent*   ;)

You know, it IS available in PDF.  You just gotta do some printing and laminating ;)
And, the cheat sheets look beautiful on 100 weight cardstock. (hell on the ink, though...) ;)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Wolfboy on <04-24-11/1907:32>
I would like to have it for the series of games i'm running at Mobicon the weekend of the 20th of may ( http://mobicon.org/ ) but its not absolutely necessary, i'll probably just use a couple of 3 in ring binders again
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Wolfboy on <06-17-11/1953:27>
Mobicon games were a bust, just ask Operator who joined me there, however, i am happy to point out that runners toolkit is now listed as having a store date of july 20th


oh happy days ;D
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <06-17-11/2019:28>
There goes the budget again.

Already got mine pre-ordered at my FLGS/Army Surplus Store.   ;D
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: GeLrIrToCrH on <07-15-11/1349:11>
What's this I hear about a delay?
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <07-15-11/1514:23>
What's this I hear about a delay?

I'll be posting on the blog about this, but the truck carrying the Toolkits to the warehouse experienced a few problems, which resulted in the Toolkit getting to the warehouse slower than expected. This shouldn't affect pre-orders much--they should be going out--but the street date will be unfortunately delayed. But not by much.

Jason H.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: CanRay on <07-15-11/2052:42>
Don't tell me, let me guess, a bunch of Shadowrunner's 'jacked the truck?
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: FastJack on <07-15-11/2302:58>
Don't tell me, let me guess, a bunch of Shadowrunner's 'jacked the truck?
Let's just say FastJack is sittin' pretty on some primo product for those with the nuyen. ;)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Valashar on <07-16-11/0121:31>
I'm guessing someone sent a little pseudo-physical friend to bring about an 'accident' or maybe a few 'gremlins' to the truck. Maybe cause enough of a delay for someone else to get their product to market ahead of the competition.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: AJCarrington on <07-20-11/0924:43>
Received my shipping notification email yesterday...YAY!! ;D
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: grimjaws on <07-20-11/1559:49>
Received my shipping notification email yesterday...YAY!! ;D
As did I, I'll get to use it at GenCon to during the games I run :)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Bull on <07-20-11/1735:24>
Actually, grimjaws...  We'll have GM screens and copies of the cheatsheets for the GMs to use anyway. :)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Mystic on <07-21-11/0518:21>
Actually, grimjaws...  We'll have GM screens and copies of the cheatsheets for the GMs to use anyway. :)

Figures, Gencon gets all the good stuff to use.

 ;)

Not that Origins wasn't nice, I'm just saying.  *walks away whistling"
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: grimjaws on <07-21-11/1419:41>
Actually, grimjaws...  We'll have GM screens and copies of the cheatsheets for the GMs to use anyway. :)
Excellent, I was thinking about the additional bits (primarily maps, though I prefer to run narrative encounters and leave minis to other games).

Also I figure the booth demos won't neccessarily need screens due to the length and simplicity of the encounters. :)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Reverendo on <07-21-11/1636:26>
Received my shipping notification today...hooray!!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Bull on <07-21-11/1809:03>
Excellent, I was thinking about the additional bits (primarily maps, though I prefer to run narrative encounters and leave minis to other games).

Well, the Missions themselves will have maps (or not, depending), but probably won;t always conform to the maps in the Toolkit. 

Welcome to the 6th World events will have copies of the Toolkit for the GMs to use, including the maps.

Booth Demos will use miatures, mainly because minis are dynamic, they draw attention, and they make visualization easier for new players.  Plus we have a nifty Warehouse dio that John Schmidt made for us this year.  And yeah, probably won;t need the screen.

Bull
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Bull on <07-21-11/1809:57>
Figures, Gencon gets all the good stuff to use.

 ;)

Not that Origins wasn't nice, I'm just saying.  *walks away whistling"

Hey, you had copies of a GM screen to use.  Don;t make me hit you with a rolled up newspaper and spray you with the water bottle.  Again.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Valashar on <07-22-11/0202:58>
Mine should be here today sometime. Excellent. Exactly on time for my new group's first session.

Now I just need DotA4 and Unbound to make their appearances and my campaign outline will be golden.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: slapbetcommissioner on <07-24-11/0203:21>
Mine showed yesterday.   It is awesome.  Nicely done I say!
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Prime Mover on <07-24-11/1217:54>
Now I just need DotA4 and Unbound to make their appearances and my campaign outline will be golden.

Yea I'm waiting on rest of artifacts stuff to start my DoTA game as well.  Might be doing fistful of credsticks next weekend have to leave out mention of artifact hunts.

Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: AJCarrington on <07-24-11/1356:52>
My copy arrived yesterday...very pleased!! ;D

AJC
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Mystic on <07-25-11/0427:35>
Figures, Gencon gets all the good stuff to use.

 ;)

Not that Origins wasn't nice, I'm just saying.  *walks away whistling"

Hey, you had copies of a GM screen to use.  Don;t make me hit you with a rolled up newspaper and spray you with the water bottle.  Again.

Just quit using the New York times and Washington Post, OK? If you're gonna do it, use a REAL paper instead of that weak crap.

 ;)
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: grimjaws on <07-25-11/0938:17>
Mine showed up on Saturday, and thank the Fates that it was shrink wrapped. It shipping box had nearly disintigrated under the multiple torrential rains we had. I was out of town the whole weekend and didn't discover it until Monday morning.

The real stand out piece so far are the activity "flashcards." These are a ready reference dream for GMs and new players alike.
Title: Re: Runner's Toolkit--pre-order now! PDF download now! And free PDF GM screen!
Post by: Usda Beph on <10-26-11/1312:03>
This was totally worth the download! Our GM has the boxset and I had to get the PDF after finding the new character creation rules very simple! Kudos gang!