[Koshnek]

This is my first time making a shadow run character, and this is my first PnP RPG too. Feedback would be appreciated. I'm one of possibly two characters Astrally perceptive. In General, I want my character very perceptive and reactive. He should also hit hard. I think I did ok overall, but I probably messed up in places. Like can Knucks stack with my bone density? Does bone density mean killing hands can no longer let my fists do stun damage? Would I be better served keeping that 7th power point?

My GM said my teams background with Ares and Knight errant will cover our license and sin requirements for now. The sinner quality is not negotiable. I must have an Ares weapon.

As a side note, if some one could greatly clarify licenses and sins for me, that'd be amazing. I understand what they do, but (mostly for licenses) not how they work.

If you read the backstory, I appologize for the horrible narration!

Name: Günther Herrmann
Alias: Smash
Race: Troll
Sex: Male
Nationality: German
Lifestyle: 1 mo middle (10000¥), 3 mo low (12000¥)
Karma Spent: 25
Physical Description: 20 years old, 7'6", 385 lbs
Personality/background

[spoiler]Smash and other metahuman children were captured by the triad, forced to fight each other for their captors' amusement. As the children began entering adolescence, the fights became fights for survival. The final bout was a battle royal, and the victor allowed to live (in servitude to the triad). The remaining children, an elf, two orks and Smash we're pitted against one another.

Smash knew the next moments could be his last. Two orks... Manageable, but three would be a crowd. His friend, the elf, had lower chances of surviving by teaming with Smash than going solo or even joining the orks. He could finish the elf, risk him joining the orks or join with him and risk being stabbed in the back by his own team mate.. Terrible options with terrible consequences. That was the moment Shark found Smash... Showed him power... Hunger. He dispatched his only friend immediately. Smash would survive.... But at what cost?

The orks were tough... But they didn't last long. A lucky feint put the first off balance and a quick jab put him on the ground with a twisted ankle and a broken wrist. The second Ork wasn't ready for the power Smash could pack into a punch, and Shark had showed him...something. Something that killed his friend in one blow. Force that should be absorbed by muscle and bone continued unchecked. Two blows to the head, and he was down.

Life... To claim it all that Smash needed to do was to finish the job. He could refuse... But he learned what happens to disobedient dogs long ago. The ork couldn't have his place... Lame horses fare no better. The shark showed no mercy.  Yet still, there is a cost to be paid....

With fifteen years and three kills under his belt, Smash began working for the triad. Not that he had a choice. He wasn't a member of the Circle, but he belonged to it. It wasn't all bad. He had a human sized room to sleep in, enough food to keep him from starving... and master Yang, the first human to ever earn Smash's respect.

A troll adept is a rarity amongst rarities, and the circle would not allow such a valuable resource to be wasted. Most of Yang's business came from teaching triad warriors, so any objections went unspoken when he was "asked" to close shop and instruct Smash exclusively. He, however, did not share the circles views towards metahumanity.

Yang was fair with Smash, if not harsh with training. Smash learned quickly and developed his powers. Yang saw to it that Smash was compensated for his jobs. If he was lucky, Smash would be paid half of what a triad member would receive... But they kept him well supplied. Gear ain't cheap, and Smash was a valuable asset.

3 years later, Smash is a force to be reckoned with. He is set on a mission he knows he can use to fake his own death. Yang sees Smash as a son, and his greatest pupil. He gave Smash all the money he could spare, and bid farewell.

A few more deaths is all that stood between Smash and freedom... A politico causing the triad trouble and his body guard (who happens to be built similarly to smash). An explosion, some fire, and luck should see him free. They were dead either way...

Using what money he saved and the creds Yang gave him, Smash secured passage to Seattle. He would lead a different life. A better life... And no one would have to be sacrificed.

...But Shark is always hungry.

Things have gone well so far. By nineteen, Smash was "employed" by Ares. Knight Errant has been simple, and the pay is better than anything the triad threw Smash's way. He can't complain about being paid to beat unruly humans. He's partnered with an ork and a human. We get paid to work with the humans, and the guy can hold his own, so it's bearable.[/spoiler]
TL;DR Background with triad, maltreatment by humans, escaped to Seatle, works for Knight Errant division of Ares.

Attributes

Body	Agility	Reaction	Strength
5	4	4(6)	7
Willpower	Logic	Intuition	Charisma
5	1	5	2
Edge	Magic/Resonance	Essence	Initiative
5	6	5	11 +3D6

Positive Qualities
Exceptional Attribute (Magic), Mentor Spirit (Shark), Bilingual
Negative Qualities
Sinner (Corporate Limited), Prejudiced (Biased, Human), Gremlins 1

Active Skills

Influence 1	Unarmed Combat 6
Thrown 2	Gymnastics (Parkour) 3
Perception (Visual) 3	Running 2
Assensing 2	First Aid 2

Knowledge Skills ( [Logic + Intuition] x 2 free points)

Triads 4	Organized Crime 2
Identify Street Gang 1	Fixers 1

Language Skills

German N	Mandarin N
English (Milspec) 3

Adept Powers

Power	Cost	Notes
Killing Hands	0	(Shark)
Astral Perception	1
Attribute Boost 2	.5	(Agility)
Combat Sense 1	.5
Critical Strike	.5	(Unarmed)
Improved Reflexes 2	2.5
Enhanced Perception 1	.5
Wall Running	.5

Cyber/Bioware

Cyberware	Essence	Cost	Notes
Bone Density Augmentation 3	.9	15000¥
Sleep Regulator	.1	12000¥

Spells/Complex Forms/Programs

Cyberware	Cost	Notes
XXXXX	XXXXX¥	XXXXX

Gear (70000¥)

Knucks	100¥
Ares LF 70	200¥
Arm Slides	350¥
Smart System (+Smartlink)	2200¥
Silencer	750¥
2 Spare Clips	10¥
20 APDS	240¥
40 Regular	80¥
20 Shuriken	500¥
5 Flashbang	500¥
3 Flash-pak	375¥
4 Fragmentation	400¥
3 Thermal Smoke	180¥
Clothing	700¥
Armor Jacket	1000¥
Shock Frills	250¥
Renraku Sensei	1000¥
AR Gloves	150¥
Subvocal Mic	50¥
Silver Credstick	20¥
Gold Credstick	100¥
Goggles 6	300¥
Lowlight	500¥
Flare Compensation	250¥
Image Link	25¥
Vision Enhancement 2	1000¥
Vision Magnification	250¥
Earbuds	150¥
Audio Enhancement 1	500¥
Spatial Recognition	1000¥
Medkit 3	750¥
Basic Docwagon Contract	5000¥

Vehicles
XXXXX

Handling	Accel	Speed	Pilot	Body	Armor	Sensor	Availability	Cost
XXXXX	XXXXX/XXXXX	XXXXX	XXXXX	XXXXX	XXXXX	XXXXX	XXXXX	XXXXX¥

Contacts Contact C/L Triad Incense Master 1/2 Fixer 2/1 Priorities: A - Metatype [Troll (5)] B - Magic [Adept (Magic 6, one rating 4 active skill)] C - Attributes [16 points] D - Resources [50000¥] E - Skills [18/0]

[Rythymhack]

I do not know if you missed this or not (because it isnt listed) but Shark also adds +2 dice to unarmed.

[Koshnek]

Yeah, I know. I didn't list all my die bonuses... I got some more from adept powers and gear. Sorry bout that : )

[Bewilderbeast]

I'm personally wondering what you're doing with both a Low lifestyle and a Middle lifestyle.

[Imveros]

I'm personally wondering what you're doing with both a Low lifestyle and a Middle lifestyle.

Safe house? Storage Unit? Low Class mistress?

[Koshnek]

Yeah, a safehouse. Additionally, I'm under the impression I'm going to be quickly burned by Ares. I figured I'll end up losing that place.

I am thinking about dropping to adept c and taking attributes b. I would lose 2 First Aid (0) and 3 points of edge (2) and gain... Let's say 1 bod (6), 1 reaction (5[7]), 1 Str (8 ), and 1 Cha (3) or Logic (2). I'm thinking Cha to help with berserk tests and Astral Combat.

I am also considering dropping the bioware. I wanted sleep reg for role play (child), but had to cut the child to fit sinner. I took the bone density being I was losing pp anyhow. That'd put me from [7+2]+1 dmg (bone density) w/ +2 bod for determining DR to [8+1]+1 dmg (knucks) w/ one actual bod. I'm not sure what I'll do with the extra PP or ¥ yet.

With the ¥, I could snag a gold doc contract and get 3 karma back... Or get all 10 karma back and find something to spend 4k¥ on.

I'm thinking one mystic armor to help losing the ware and maybe spell resistance. Or maybe light body 1 or 2 for role play. I could get one point of bod instead of armor and light body for an extra condition monitor and actually be ahead of where I was at with Bone Density. Thoughts? Never having played SR, I'm kinda winging it lol.

[Koshnek]

So I rearranged my character, and this is what he looks like now. I don't think I can get him much better, although I'm still tempted to pick up Mystic Armor 1 and Light Body 1-2 instead of Improved Attribute (Body). I mean... Wall running parkour troll!!

Any suggestions/Critiques are still very much welcome! My Two lifestyles are intentional, my gm said Sinner is mandatory and my lack of ID's/Liscenses will be initially covered by the campaign.

Game Mechanics and notes:
1. I used the following priorities:

A	Troll	5
B	Attributes	20
C	Mag/Res	Adept Mag 4/One rating 2 active skill
D	Resources	50000¥
E	skills	18/0

2. I spent karma on the following:
-24: Positive Qualities
 24: Negative Qualities
-15: Increase Charisma from 2 to 3
 -5: Influence Skill Group 1
 -2: Astral Combat 1
 -2: First Aid 1
 -1: Contacts

3. I spent 2 of 18 skill points on specializations.

4. Here's the background I put together. It's definitely the finest penmanship ever, lol.
[spoiler]Smash and other metahuman children were captured by the triad, forced to fight each other for their captors' amusement. As the children began entering adolescence, the fights became fights for survival. The final bout was a battle royal, and the victor allowed to live (in servitude to the triad). The remaining children, an elf, two orks and Smash we're pitted against one another.

Smash knew the next moments could be his last. Two orks... Manageable, but three would be a crowd. His friend, the elf, had lower chances of surviving by teaming with Smash than going solo or even joining the orks. He could finish the elf, risk him joining the orks or join with him and risk being stabbed in the back by his own team mate.. Terrible options with terrible consequences. That was the moment Shark found Smash... Showed him power... Hunger. He dispatched his only friend immediately. Smash would survive.... But at what cost?

The orks were tough... But they didn't last long. A lucky feint put the first off balance and a quick jab put him on the ground with a twisted ankle and a broken wrist. The second Ork wasn't ready for the power Smash could pack into a punch, and Shark had showed him...something. Something that killed his friend in one blow. Force that should be absorbed by muscle and bone continued unchecked. Two blows to the head, and he was down.

Life... To claim it all that Smash needed to do was to finish the job. He could refuse... But he learned what happens to disobedient dogs long ago. The ork couldn't have his place... Lame horses fare no better. The shark showed no mercy.  Yet still, there is a cost to be paid....

With fifteen years and three kills under his belt, Smash began working for the triad. Not that he had a choice. He wasn't a member of the Circle, but he belonged to it. It wasn't all bad. He had a human sized room to sleep in, enough food to keep him from starving... and master Yang, the first human to ever earn Smash's respect.

A troll adept is a rarity amongst rarities, and the circle would not allow such a valuable resource to be wasted. Most of Yang's business came from teaching triad warriors, so any objections went unspoken when he was "asked" to close shop and instruct Smash exclusively. He, however, did not share the circles views towards metahumanity.

Yang was fair with Smash, if not harsh with training. Smash learned quickly and developed his powers. Yang saw to it that Smash was compensated for his jobs. If he was lucky, Smash would be paid half of what a triad member would receive... But they kept him well supplied. Gear ain't cheap, and Smash was a valuable asset.

3 years later, Smash is a force to be reckoned with. He is set on a mission he knows he can use to fake his own death. Yang sees Smash as a son, and his greatest pupil. He gave Smash all the money he could spare, and bid farewell.

A few more deaths is all that stood between Smash and freedom... A politico causing the triad trouble and his body guard (who happens to be built similarly to smash). An explosion, some fire, and luck should see him free. They were dead either way...

Using what money he saved and the creds Yang gave him, Smash secured passage to Seattle. He would lead a different life. A better life... And no one would have to be sacrificed.

...But Shark is always hungry.

Things have gone well so far. By nineteen, Smash was "employed" by Ares. Knight Errant has been simple, and the pay is better than anything the triad threw Smash's way. He can't complain about being paid to beat unruly humans. He's partnered with an ork and a human. We get paid to work with the humans, and the guy can hold his own, so it's bearable.[/spoiler]
TL;DR Background with triad, maltreatment by humans, escaped to Seatle, works for Knight Errant division of Ares.

== Personal Data ==

Name	Günther Herrmann
Alias	Smash
Metatype	Troll
Ethnicity	German
Age	20
Sex	Male
Height	257cm
Weight	342kg
Street Cred	0
Notoriety	1
Public Awareness	0
Karma	0

== Attributes ==

Body	6(7[Improved Attribute(Body)])
Agility	4
Reaction	5(7[Improved Reflexes 2])
Strength	8
Willpower	5
Logic	1
Intuition	5
Charisma	3
Magic	7
Edge	3
Essence	6
Initiative
Physical	12 +3d6
Martrix (AR)	12 +3d6
Astral	10 +4d6
Composure	8
Judge Intentions	8
Memory	6
Lift/Carry	120kg/80kg
Movement	8/16/+1
Limits
Physical	10
Mental	4
Social	6

== Condition Monitor ==

Physical	12
Stun	11
Overflow	7

== Qualities ==

Positive (-24)
Exceptional Attribute	(Magic)	-14
Mentor Spirit	(Shark)	-5
Bilingual		-5
Negative (24)
Sinner	(Corporate Limited)	15
Prejudiced	(Biased, Human)	5
Gremlins 1		4

== Active Skills ==

Unarmed Combat 6				+2 (Shark)
Thrown 2
Astral Combat 1	(Karma)
Gymnastics 3		(Parkour)	+2
Perception 3		(Vision)	+2	+1(Enhanced Perception)
Running 2
Assensing 2				+1(Enhanced Perception)
First Aid 1	(Karma)
Influence Skill Group 1	(Karma)

== Knowledge Skills ==

German N
Mandarin N
English 3	(Milspec)	+2
Triads 4
Organized Crime 2
ID Street Gang 1
Fixers 1

== Adept Powers ===

Killing Hands		0.0	(Shark)
Astral Perception		1.0
Attribute Boost	2	0.5	(Agility)
Combat Sense	1	0.5
Critical Strike		0.5	(Unarmed Combat)
Improved Reflexes	2	2.5
Enhanced Perception	1	0.5
Wall Running		0.5
Improved Physical Attribute	1	1.0	(Body)

== Contacts ==

Triad Incense Master	C4/L1
Fixer	C2/L3

== Armor ==
   4600¥   Armor Jacket, w/Chemical protection 6, Fire Resistance 6, Shock Frills, and Hidden Arm Slides

     700¥   Clothing

== Melee Weapons ==
      100¥   Knucks

== Ranged Weapons ==
   3480¥   Ares Lightfire 70 w/ Silencer and external smartgun system [smartlink], 2 spare clips, 20 APDS Rounds, and 40 Regular Rounds
     500¥   Shuriken (20)
     400¥   Frag (4)
     500¥   Flash-bang (5)
     300¥   Thermal Smoke (5)
     375¥   Flash-pak (3)
 
== Gear ==
   1000¥   Renraku Sensei (DR3)
     150¥   AR Gloves
       50¥   Subvocal Microphone

       20¥   Silver Credstick
     100¥   Gold Credstick

   2325¥   Goggles R6 w/ Low-light vision, Flare compensation, Image link, Vision enhancement 2, and Vision magnification
   
   1650¥   Earbuds R3 w/ Audio enhancement 1 and Spatial recognizer
   
   1500¥   Medkit R6
   5000¥   Basic Docwagon Contract
    150¥    Stim patch R6
    100¥    Antidote patch R2

== Lifestyle/ID/Nuyen ==
   10000¥   Middle lifestyle, 1 month, (4d6*100)+5000 starting nuyen
   12000¥   Low lifestyle, 3 months

[Insaniac99]

I am completely missing where you list what your PP expenditures are.  I will say if you consider mystic armor, max out your combat sense first.  Combat sense costs the same and beats mystic armor big time.

[Koshnek]

Oops, I edited that in, lol. I copied someone else's format and didn't add my adept powers in, my bad. Why is combat sense better?

[Kincaid]

Oops, I edited that in, lol. I copied someone else's format and didn't add my adept powers in, my bad. Why is combat sense better?

Combat Sense prevents damage while Mystic Armor reduces it.  That said, you still want a reasonable soak roll since you are going to get hit eventually.