Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Character creation and critique => Topic started by: 8-bit on <08-25-14/2021:47>
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Name: Terrence Smith
Alias: 8-bit (of course)
-- Priorities --
Metatype C (Dwarf)
Attributes D
Magic E
Skills B
Resources A
-- Karma Expenditure --
50 Total
-16 in Qualities
-10 for 20,000 nuyen
-11 for Contacts
-10 to raise Reaction to 2
3 Left
-- Attributes --
Body 3
Agility 3 (4)
Reaction 2 (4)
Strength 3
Willpower 5
Logic 6 (8)
Intuition 5
Charisma 1
Edge 2
Essence 4.16
Initiative - 11 + 1d6
Matrix Initiative (AR) - 11 + 1d6
Matrix Initiative (Cold-Sim) - Data Processing + 5 + 3d6
Matrix Initiative (Hot-Sim) - Data Processing + 5 + 4d6
Physical Condition Monitor - 10
Stun Condition Monitor - 11
Physical Limit - 5
Mental Limit - 9
Social Limit - 4
-- Qualities --
Codeslinger - Hack on the Fly (-10 Karma)
Photographic Memory (-6 Karma)
SINer Corporate Born - Ares (+25 Karma)
-- Skills --
Electronics 5
Cybercombat 6 (+2 Devices)
Electronic Warfare 6 (+2 Sensor Operations)
Hacking 6 (+2 Devices)
Longarms 6 (+2 Shotguns)
Con 6 (+2 Fast Talk)
-- Knowledge/Language Skills --
English N
Japanese 6
High Threat Response Times 6 - Professional
Matrix Security 6 - Professional
Safehouses 2 - Street
-- Gear --
Mossberg AM-CDT w/ Internal Smartgun System, Gas-Vent 3 System, Spare Clip, Foregrip - 100 Gel Rounds, 100 Regular Ammo - 2,555 nuyen
3 Meta Links - 300 nuyen
Renraku Tsurugi Cyberdeck w/ Subvocal Mic, AR Gloves, Browse, Encryption, Signal Scrub, Baby Monitor, Armor, Wrapper, Fork - 215,565
1 Rating 6 Directional Jammers - 1,200 nuyen
2 Rating 6 White Noise Generators - 600 nuyen
Micro-transceiver - 100 nuyen
1 Rating 6 Bug Scanner - 600 nuyen
Rating 4 Fake SIN - 10,000 nuyen
3 Silver Credsticks - 60 nuyen
1 Gold Credstick - 100 nuyen
Alphaware Rating 2 Cybereyes w/ Image Link, Flare Compensation, Low-Light Vision, Smartlink, Thermographic Vision - .24 Essence - 16,800 nuyen
Alphaware Datajack - .08 Essence - 1,200 nuyen
Alphaware Rating 2 Mnemonic Enhancer - .16 Essence - 21,600 nuyen
Alphaware Sleep Regulator - .08 Essence - 14,400 nuyen
Rating 2 Cerebral Boosters - 63,000 nuyen
2 Rating 4 Fake SINs - 20,000 nuyen
3 Rating 4 Fake Licenses (Cyberdeck) - 2,400 nuyen
Platelet Factories - 17,000 nuyen
Alphaware Rating 2 Reaction Enhancers - 31,200 nuyen
Rating 1 Muscle Toner - 32,000 nuyen
2 Silver, 1 Gold Credsticks - 140 nuyen
Clothing w/ Electrochromic Clothing - 650 nuyen
Armor Jacket w/ Nonconductivity 4, Sensor Array Rating 4 - 10,030 nuyen
Sensor Array Contains: Capacity 4 Camera w/ Low-light Vision, Thermographic Vision, Vision Magnification, Vision Enhancement; Laser Range Finder; Motion Sensor; Rating 4 Radio Signal Scanner; Ultrasound; Capacity 3 Laser Microphone w/ Audio Enhancement 3; Olfactory Sensor; Atmosphere Sensor
Biomonitor - 300 nuyen
Medkit (Rating 6) - 1,500 nuyen
Low Lifestyle w/ Special Work Area (1 Month) - 3,600 nuyen
Remaining Money - 3100 + (3d6 x 60) nuyen
-- Contacts --
Joseph - Fixer
Connection 6, Loyalty 1
Someone that 8-bit has only met through the Matrix. Joseph doesn't trust 8-bit, nor vice-versa, however they appreciate doing business with each other.
Frederick Solbourn - Fence
Connection 4, Loyalty 3
Have yet to think of a backstory, but at least I listed him.
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So, what do you guys think? I know my cyberdeck isn't the best that money can buy, but I wanted to try and have Priority A be Skills, as it's just so useful. As far as I can tell, I'm not missing anything. For anyone curious, this guy was a Spider for an Ares host, but he failed to protect the system from some well prepared runners and he jacked out and left the rest of the facility people to die, rather than risk his own life for a hopeless cause.
Changes are in Bold.
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What race are you? I first thought Dwarf, but then I got to your Charisma of 8.
Having a corporate SIN generally means you still work for (or at least you haven't been fired from) the corp. I can't imagine Ares kept you on after you bailed on your coworkers. They would probably assign you a criminal SIN at that point. I can't see you paying taxes to Ares after all that went down.
Hosts is sort of a trap specialization of Hacking. You will most often be hacking devices. I'd be tempted to take the Cracking group at 6 and break it once you're in-game if you want to. You can probably get away with lower Software and Hardware ratings, although those are both nice skills.
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For Priority D, those Attributes seem way off. But metatype C for elf would give you an Edge of 4 (also note that you can only spend those points on Edge - you can't spend metatype points on your core Attributes).
Some people like to have a lavish overallocation of resources in their favorite area (I like A in Attributes myself), so you may or may not keep Priority A in skills. But you only need Priority: B (which would free Priority A up for resources). The electronics skill group at 5, the three hacker skills plus specializations for 21 skill points, and 15 skill points to round out the character in other areas.
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I literally copied this template from an Elf setup and forgot to change Charisma. I feel like an idiot.
It is Dwarf at Metatype C, no magic. I apologize for that, I forgot to proofread.
@Kincaid
I see, so what kind of backstory would you think would fit having a Corporate Born SIN? I mean, being a Shadowrunner seems like you broke away from a company anyway, and I would kind of like to keep him as an Ex-Spider.
Thanks for pointing out that bit about Hacking. I'll change to devices, but I'll think about your suggestion for Cracking.
@Glyph
Yeah, well, I messed it up. If you read the revisions I made, it will make more sense.
I personally like A for attributes on Adepts, and A for skills on everyone else. I'm reluctant to take A for resources. What would it really get me? The next better deck doesn't seem that amazing to me; the only other thing I can think of is using it to get some combat 'ware. I just feel like outside of a good deck, a decker doesn't need much. I'll think about it though.
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Applauds for spending points on Contacts. I think too many people overlook that. The guy looks solid. And I'm with ya on A Skills - I do that a lot too.
You might want to consider dumping some perception and getting sensors then using your EWar. That would free points for other stuff. But, I see you have cyber eyes so you may want to keep the perception.
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Applauds for spending points on Contacts. I think too many people overlook that. The guy looks solid. And I'm with ya on A Skills - I do that a lot too.
You might want to consider dumping some perception and getting sensors then using your EWar. That would free points for other stuff. But, I see you have cyber eyes so you may want to keep the perception.
Yeah, I like spending points for Contacts, especially on people with low Charisma. Those contacts can do things you can't. I'll be honest, I cringe everytime I see a contact without the maximum 7 Karma in it. Maybe it's just me, but I honestly think that you can either do better by getting better connection (which equals better stuff), or better loyalty (which equals lower prices + less chance of them selling you out).
How does that sensor thing work? I personally like being able to see well with my own eyes, but I am curious as to how sensors would work for that sort of stuff. On the cybereyes, I generally wouldn't take them, but I'm shoving so much stuff into them, it costs less essence this way. I also had some cash to spare, so I didn't mind spending the extra money.
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I'm reluctant to take A for resources. What would it really get me?
Cerebral boosters, reaction enhancers, a few decent fake SINs with licences, a modded car, some extra here and there... a lot actually.
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I recommend maxing Logic and getting a Cerebral Booster if possible. A high Logic is very important to Deckers, especially when they usually end up being the go-to person for every Logic-related skill. The one I posted in the Face/Decker thread (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=17819.msg314574#msg314574) took Exceptional Attribute (Logic) and Cerebral Booster 2 to start with a 9. That means every Logic skill he can default is at 8 dice, and anything he can spare 2 Karma to buy at skill level 1 is 10 dice.
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@ZeldaBravo
All right, I'll see what I can get by swapping Resources and Skill priorities, I'll post again when I have a list of changes.
@Fedifensor
So, what you're telling me is that Deckers become the repairmen of the group? When I change Resources around, I'll probably be getting some Cerebral Boosters, but I'll probably skip the Exceptional Attribute (Logic). Logic is pretty strong though, so I'll see what I want to change.
Thanks everyone for your quick suggestions, I really appreciate the advice.
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So, what you're telling me is that Deckers become the repairmen of the group? When I change Resources around, I'll probably be getting some Cerebral Boosters, but I'll probably skip the Exceptional Attribute (Logic). Logic is pretty strong though, so I'll see what I want to change.
Take a look at page 90 of the core rulebook. There are more skills associated with Logic than any other skill*. However, aside from the Hermetic Mage (who generally needs his skill points for magic skills), Deckers, Riggers, and Technomancers, no one takes Logic at 5 or higher**. There's just too many other attributes that need points.
* Agility comes in second, but a lot of them are weapon skills - and you generally don't need more than two weapon skills unless you're a combat specialist.
** Oddly, some archetypes take Logic at 4, even though they lack Logic-based skills at any decent level (I'm looking at you, Sprawl Ganger and Covert Ops Specialist). My take is that if you're not getting at least a 7-die pool out of the investment, you shouldn't rely on the skill during a typical run.
Generally, I see no more than two Logic-oriented characters in a Missions game, and sometimes you're lucky if you can get one. The group I GM for periodically has one Rigger, no Decker (though the Rigger is saving up for the cheapest deck), and no one else with a Logic higher than 3. So, yes, Deckers often become the repairmen...and the medics, and the knowledge specialists, and the B&E specialists (they can do everything except Locksmith, which is based off Agility).
Exceptional Attribute is something some people like, and some people avoid like the plague. Personally, since die pools are Attribute + Skill, and there's a LOT more skills than attributes, I like getting my main attribute as high as possible - particularly if it is Agility or Logic. Even without that, Cerebral Booster 2 is absolutely worth the 63,000 nuyen investment. It may force you to use a lower-quality deck or cut out other 'ware purchases, but the 2 extra dice on all Logic-based tests makes up for it. Speaking of which, when choosing your Resources level, don't forget that Resources can be turned directly into stats via Cerebral Booster, Muscle Augmentation, Muscle Toner, and similar 'ware items. Bioware is better than Cyberware for this purposes, as the lower Essence hit is more than worth the extra cost.
Edge is also important, though it's the thing most likely to be skimped on. If you have a low Edge at character creation, try to set aside enough Karma to at least get it to 3 after a few missions - you'll need it.
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Skills at Priority B:
Electronics 5
Cybercombat 6 (+2 Devices)
Electronic Warfare 6 (+2 Communications, or Sensor Operations, haven't decided yet)
Hacking 6 (+2 Devices)
Longarms 6 (+2 Shotguns)
Perception 6 (+2 Visual)
Con 6 (+2 Fast Talk)
However, this leaves me 6 points over. I'm debating which one to remove. I like Con, because I don't wanna be completely inept if I have to deceive someone (remember, I have a Charisma of 1). I also like Longarms, since I kind of want to be the sit in the back, brick enemy guns, and have a huge shotgun to deal with anyone who gets to me kind of decker. Plus, who knows, someday I might be on Matrix Overwatch and have a convenient Sniper Rifle handy. That leaves Perception. Now, I'm pretty reluctant to let that one go, but from what I understand you can view things through Sensors. If someone can explain to me how that works, then I might give up Perception and just keep Electronic Warfare with Sensor Operations Specialty.
Resources at Priority A (Just stuff that's added to the current gear) - 470,000 nuyen (175,670 nuyen to spend)
Rating 2 Cerebral Boosters - 63,000 nuyen
2 Rating 4 Fake SINs - 20,000 nuyen
3 Rating 4 Fake Licenses (Cyberdeck) - 2,400 nuyen
Platelet Factories - 17,000 nuyen
Alphaware Rating 2 Reaction Enhancers - 31,200 nuyen
I have 42,070 nuyen left to spend. Any suggestions are welcome.
I'm also considering moving a point from Willpower to Logic. Seems like a good choice to me, what are your guys ideas?
@Fedifensor
Yes, I know there are more skills tied to Logic than any other, but the thing is, most of those almost nobody uses. For example, medics. Unless I'm specialized in First Aid (and I'm talking like rank 6 in First Aid) and Rating 6 Medkit is gonna do better with First Aid. Repairs are ... well, not extremely well covered in the books. Most of the time, I would think people would want a contact that can fix what they think needs fixed. Maybe not, so I guess that's useful.
Yes, that's mostly what I want to use the extra money for, is subtler combat augmentations that will help, however those things are so damn expensive. Like, Muscle Toner, which I want, is 32,000 nuyen per rating; so level 2 is 64,000 nuyen. That is a ton of money for a side augmentation as opposed to Cerebral Boosters that I'll actually use.
Finally, the Edge part. Yes, I love Edge; I'm slightly addicted to Humans due to how much Edge they can get. However, sometimes you gotta compromise, and this is one of those times.
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You are right about perception, your sensors will do the same job. And you can have both logic and willpower at 6 if you want. Otherwise moving a point of willpower to logic is a good idea.
If you want to get some bioware then get it used, minor essence hit for a huge discount. Get a datajack too, they are really good.
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Is the CHA 1 important for your idea of the character? Personally, I don't like "dumping" any stat to 1, but that's just preference. You don't really need the 3 in STR, so maybe swap a point so both are 2/2? Will free some contact karma, too.
Also, while LOG is really important for you, INT is very important, too (for Matrix Search / Perception / Defense) but can't be pushed by augmentations. I'd put the 6 into INT and have WIL and LOG at 5 with cerebral boosters.
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Is the CHA 1 important for your idea of the character? Personally, I don't like "dumping" any stat to 1, but that's just preference. You don't really need the 3 in STR, so maybe swap a point so both are 2/2? Will free some contact karma, too.
It is impossible because this character is a dwarf, str3 is their racial minimum.
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Oh, didn't notice that, thanks!
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You are right about perception, your sensors will do the same job. And you can have both logic and willpower at 6 if you want. Otherwise moving a point of willpower to logic is a good idea.
If you want to get some bioware then get it used, minor essence hit for a huge discount. Get a datajack too, they are really good.
The only bioware that I can get used are the Platelet Factories. Everything else is Cultured, which in my mind is impossible to get used, since it is grown specifically for it's host (aka you). I think a lot of people would agree with that. I already have a datajack in my main post. I'll drop the perception, but how should I configure the sensors? Do I get rating 6 with a bunch of stuff? I'm assuming it will cost a bunch, but I do have some excess cash. Do I drop the cybereyes if I do this? Where do the sensors go, on my Clothes?
Is the CHA 1 important for your idea of the character? Personally, I don't like "dumping" any stat to 1, but that's just preference. You don't really need the 3 in STR, so maybe swap a point so both are 2/2? Will free some contact karma, too.
Also, while LOG is really important for you, INT is very important, too (for Matrix Search / Perception / Defense) but can't be pushed by augmentations. I'd put the 6 into INT and have WIL and LOG at 5 with cerebral boosters.
While I tend to not like having a Charisma of 1, I'm working with Priority D for Attributes here. So, out of all the stats, Charisma is a little lower on my list. It does help kind of give him the loner feeling who spends most of his time on the Matrix.
Also, I agree that Intuition is very important, but I think 5 is enough for now. Logic is honestly used more. I should point out that Defense uses Willpower, not Intuition.
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Sorry, I meant the bioware ON TOP of what you have. I agree that cultured bioware can't be bought used.
Sensors usually go to the helmet or you can use a handheld scanner (or both). You might also want to buy a spy drone to be on a lookout or to scout ahead. They are pretty cheap and can be controlled via AR/commlink. Cybereyes are purely your choice, I'd keep them.
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I should point out that Defense uses Willpower, not Intuition.
Depends on the action. Hack on the Fly is defended with INT for example.
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Sorry, I meant the bioware ON TOP of what you have. I agree that cultured bioware can't be bought used.
Sensors usually go to the helmet or you can use a handheld scanner (or both). You might also want to buy a spy drone to be on a lookout or to scout ahead. They are pretty cheap and can be controlled via AR/commlink. Cybereyes are purely your choice, I'd keep them.
No problem, just a little miscommunication. In terms of sensors, does this replace my normal vision? Like, how does my using Electronic Warfare help me perceive stuff, since I'm not jumped into a device (unless I wanna shell out a little bit for a control rig). I do like the Cybereyes though, so I'll keep them.
I should point out that Defense uses Willpower, not Intuition.
Depends on the action. Hack on the Fly is defended with INT for example.
Ah, well it makes sense because it's how perceptive you are of someone trying to stealthily hack you. However, your point is made, but it just goes to show you need all 3 (Willpower, Intuition, and Logic). Working from a limited attribute pool, I think I'll stick to maxing out Logic.
Once I get all my purchases done, I'll edit the first post with the changes I've made.
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My decker is actually pretty similar in most areas to yours, far less optimized, though... I love throwing 18 dice (with Codeslinger & Hot Sim) for Hack on the Fly but I'm always sad when I have to do Matrix Perception with "just" 11 dice.
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In terms of sensors, does this replace my normal vision? Like, how does my using Electronic Warfare help me perceive stuff, since I'm not jumped into a device (unless I wanna shell out a little bit for a control rig). I do like the Cybereyes though, so I'll keep them.
They don't replace your vision but augment it just like the smartlink does. You'll get a little radar at the corner of your vision for motion detector, a microphone will show you where the sound comes from, camera will highlight detected stuff, MAD scanner will put an ARO on detected ware or a gun, etc., etc. Imagine living in the first person shooter game.
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Updated the first post with the changes. The changes are in bold, but I'll list them down here for easy reference. I took some liberties with the sensor array, as it doesn't technically list putting sensors into armor. However, it does list that Sensor Arrays take up a Capacity of 6, so I put them in my Armor Jacket. I also put them at Rating 5, as the book lists that Cyberlimbs can take Rating 5 Sensor Arrays, and an Armor Jacket is about the same size.
Skills B
Resources A
Agility 3 (4)
Reaction 2 (4)
Willpower 5
Logic 6 (8)
Essence 4.16
Initiative - 11 + 1d6
Matrix Initiative (AR) - 11 + 1d6
Physical Limit - 5
Mental Limit - 9
Social Limit - 4
Electronics 5
Cybercombat 6 (+2 Devices)
Electronic Warfare 6 (+2 Sensor Operations)
Hacking 6 (+2 Devices)
Longarms 6 (+2 Shotguns)
Con 6 (+2 Fast Talk)
Rating 2 Cerebral Boosters - 63,000 nuyen
2 Rating 4 Fake SINs - 20,000 nuyen
3 Rating 4 Fake Licenses (Cyberdeck) - 2,400 nuyen
Platelet Factories - 17,000 nuyen
Alphaware Rating 2 Reaction Enhancers - 31,200 nuyen
Rating 1 Muscle Toner - 32,000 nuyen
Armor Jacket w/ Nonconductivity 4, Sensor Array Rating 5 - 12,050 nuyen
Sensor Array Contains: Capacity 5 Camera w/ Low-light Vision, Thermographic Vision, Vision Magnification, Vision Enhancement 2; Laser Range Finder; Motion Sensor; Rating 5 Radio Signal Scanner; Ultrasound; Capacity 3 Laser Microphone w/ Audio Enhancement 3; Olfactory Sensor; Atmosphere Sensor
Again, to everyone thanks for your advice. I've never made a decker before, so you guys really helped.
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I also put them at Rating 5, as the book lists that Cyberlimbs can take Rating 5 Sensor Arrays, and an Armor Jacket is about the same size.
I don't think that this works.
It might be the same size category, but if you compare the little space you have in the Armor Jacket when wearing it and how much space you have in a whole Cyberlimb.
I'd go with something like 3, 4 tops.
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I don't think that this works.
It might be the same size category, but if you compare the little space you have in the Armor Jacket when wearing it and how much space you have in a whole Cyberlimb.
I'd go with something like 3, 4 tops.
Well, considering an Armor Jacket has Capacity 12, and a full Obvious Arm has capacity 15, I'd say they have a similar amount of space. However, you are probably right, so I'm changing it to rating 4. I would think it's higher than 3, as a small device the size of a smartphone that you hold in your hand has a rating of 3.
Armor Jacket w/ Nonconductivity 4, Sensor Array Rating 4 - 10,030 nuyen
Sensor Array Contains: Capacity 4 Camera w/ Low-light Vision, Thermographic Vision, Vision Magnification, Vision Enhancement; Laser Range Finder; Motion Sensor; Rating 4 Radio Signal Scanner; Ultrasound; Capacity 3 Laser Microphone w/ Audio Enhancement 3; Olfactory Sensor; Atmosphere Sensor
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Yeah, after researching a bit more, 4 sounds the most resonable to me as well.
Shouldn't the Laser Mic have a Rating of 4, as that is the Rating of the Sensor Array (and thus a capacity of 4, which you don't seem to need but which it has because of the array)?
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Yeah, after researching a bit more, 4 sounds the most resonable to me as well.
Shouldn't the Laser Mic have a Rating of 4, as that is the Rating of the Sensor Array (and thus a capacity of 4, which you don't seem to need but which it has because of the array)?
Stuff can be up to rating 4 I believe. Also, don't need Rating 4, since the Audio Enhancement 3 puts Laser Mic at 12R availability.