Shadowrun

Catalyst Game Labs => Official Announcements => Topic started by: JM_Hardy on <03-12-11/0003:34>

Title: Parazoology out now!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <03-12-11/0003:34>
The latest PDF-only product, Parazoology, is out now, with 30 critter write-ups--21 classics, 9 new ones! It's available on the Battleshop (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2716) and at Drivethrurpg (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=89305&src=FrontPage). Here's the summary if you're looking for more info:

Beware the Beasts

The Awakening had a dramatic effect on the world, and those effects have not stopped shaking things up. Across the Sixth World, magic and other environmental factors continue to twist and distort all variety of living things, and the results can be deadly—or useful, to those who know how to harness the powers let loose in the animal kingdom.

Parazoology brings several critters from earlier editions of Shadowrun into Fourth Edition, while also introducing brand-new beasts. Inside you’ll find the stealthy and predatory cactus cat, the mind-altering stone toad, the horrific sea wolf, and twenty-seven other critters. Complete with full-color illustrations and game statistics for every beast, Parazoology provides a host of challenges, dangers, and potential resources for your Shadowrun game.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Mäx on <03-12-11/0444:43>
Is there really no shadow talk at all in this release , like the sample success?
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Chaemera on <03-12-11/0556:37>
There's a Jackpoint page at the beginning, but no, there is no shadowtalk/jackpointer commentary in the meat of the book. And in this case, I don't miss it.

In Mil-Spec Tech, it felt tacked on and out of place half the time, and I would have rather had the space dedicated to an in-depth explanation of some of their choices, common optional load-outs, etc. For the little pdf's, you need the space, badly. In a book, you have room for the commentary & done right, it adds to the book. Done wrong, it feels hackneyed & thrown in out of customer expectations. Like the random "this is a great place to have sex" debates thrown into War. Sorry, could've done without knowing where Kat o' Nine Tales lost her virginity.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: FastJack on <03-12-11/1045:44>
I think the Vorpal Beaver might give Drop-Bears a run for their money.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: CanRay on <03-12-11/1124:58>
Sorry, could've done without knowing where Kat o' Nine Tales lost her virginity.
Fits her character perfectly, however.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Mäx on <03-12-11/1252:09>
There's a Jackpoint page at the beginning, but no, there is no shadowtalk/jackpointer commentary in the meat of the book. And in this case, I don't miss it.
Maybe it's just me missing the old Paranormal animals of * books, but i think that shadowtalk add a ton to a book like this.
But i guess its understandable why it's missing, adding it for all the crittesr would have probably made the book too big.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: CanRay on <03-12-11/1312:02>
Also, JackPoint has a much more limited number of posters, a lot of whom never leave a city.  So, what would they know about Snowmoose and New Boar?
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Bull on <03-12-11/1505:56>
(>) A Snowmoose bit my sister once.  No realli! She was Karving her initials on the moose with the sharpened end of an interspace toothbrush given her by Svenge - her brother-in-law - an Oslo dentist and star of many Norwegian movies: "The Hot Hands of an Oslo Dentist", "Fillings of Passion", "The Huge Molars of Horst Nordfink"...
(>) Bull

(>) We apologize for the fault in the Shadowtalk.  Those responsible have been sacked.
(>) Fastjack

(>) What the hell are you two on about?
(>) Slamm-0!

(>) *facepalm*  Fraggin' kids today...
(>) Bull
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Crimsondude on <03-12-11/1600:53>
So instead of focusing on what's NOT in the book ...

I like it. I can't believe some of these didn't make it into RW in the first place.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: CanRay on <03-12-11/1754:49>
(>) A Snowmoose bit my sister once.  No realli! She was Karving her initials on the moose with the sharpened end of an interspace toothbrush given her by Svenge - her brother-in-law - an Oslo dentist and star of many Norwegian movies: "The Hot Hands of an Oslo Dentist", "Fillings of Passion", "The Huge Molars of Horst Nordfink"...
(>) Bull

(>) We apologize for the fault in the Shadowtalk.  Those responsible have been sacked.
(>) Fastjack

(>) What the hell are you two on about?
(>) Slamm-0!

(>) *facepalm*  Fraggin' kids today...
(>) Bull
That would have been perfect!
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Bull on <03-12-11/2008:57>
I hope to have some fun with Slamm-0! down the line.  Him and Bull aren't exactly on the same page as far as what being a Decker/Hacker means.  For even more fun, we need a "3rd generation" Shadowtalker to play with, someone really young.  Bull's in his 40's, Slammo's in his late 20's...  We need a 16 year old punk that the two of them can both be irritated with :)
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: wylie on <03-12-11/2046:40>
I hope to have some fun with Slamm-0! down the line.  Him and Bull aren't exactly on the same page as far as what being a Decker/Hacker means.  For even more fun, we need a "3rd generation" Shadowtalker to play with, someone really young.  Bull's in his 40's, Slammo's in his late 20's...  We need a 16 year old punk that the two of them can both be irritated with :)

will a young 20 year old work?
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Tagz on <03-12-11/2246:20>
I hope to have some fun with Slamm-0! down the line.  Him and Bull aren't exactly on the same page as far as what being a Decker/Hacker means.  For even more fun, we need a "3rd generation" Shadowtalker to play with, someone really young.  Bull's in his 40's, Slammo's in his late 20's...  We need a 16 year old punk that the two of them can both be irritated with :)
/dev/grrl ?
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: CanRay on <03-12-11/2255:42>
Don't get some people started about her...
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Tagz on <03-12-11/2258:18>
That's why I suggested her.  I think a lot of people might like more experience runners face-palming at her.  :)
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: CanRay on <03-12-11/2300:33>
Let's just say that I suggested I give her the same treatment I've given my other characters, and no one felt sorry for her.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Angelone on <03-13-11/1146:16>
I think the Vorpal Beaver might give Drop-Bears a run for their money.

I say with complete certainty that you sir are wrong.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Critias on <03-13-11/1449:21>
I hope to have some fun with Slamm-0! down the line.  Him and Bull aren't exactly on the same page as far as what being a Decker/Hacker means.  For even more fun, we need a "3rd generation" Shadowtalker to play with, someone really young.  Bull's in his 40's, Slammo's in his late 20's...  We need a 16 year old punk that the two of them can both be irritated with :)
The problem is there being a good reason for a 16 year old punk to be on Fastjack's proverbial "list," good enough to be on Jackpoint.

There are times I really, really, miss the much-less-exclusive shadowtalker days.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Fortinbras on <03-14-11/1137:32>
I think the Vorpal Beaver might give Drop-Bears a run for their money.
And now another episode of Leave It to Vorpal Beaver. Starring Hugh Beaumont as "Oh God, they're everywhere!", Barbra Billingsly as "My eyes! They're eating my eyes!" and Jerry Mathers as the horror which haunts the souls of men.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Wesley Street on <03-14-11/1206:54>
There are times I really, really, miss the much-less-exclusive shadowtalker days.

That could easily be solved by bringing in more guest posters. The precedent is already there: Change Agent, Zoned, and DefCon5 in Feral Cities, Nuyen Nick and Facet in Runner Havens, Khan-a-Saur in Seattle 2072...

What I don't want to see is a return to the unfunny "in-joke" posters that plagued 3E. Dr. Evil ("Sharks with frikkin' lasers on their heads?") and Neo ("There is no spoon.") are the worst offenders but there were others.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: FastJack on <03-14-11/1347:50>
There are times I really, really, miss the much-less-exclusive shadowtalker days.

That could easily be solved by bringing in more guest posters. The precedent is already there: Change Agent, Zoned, and DefCon5 in Feral Cities, Nuyen Nick and Facet in Runner Havens, Khan-a-Saur in Seattle 2072...

What I don't want to see is a return to the unfunny "in-joke" posters that plagued 3E. Dr. Evil ("Sharks with frikkin' lasers on their heads?") and Neo ("There is no spoon.") are the worst offenders but there were others.
Except the Hong Kong Cavaliers from Shadows of Asia. They can appear whenever they want. ;)
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Critias on <03-14-11/1406:56>
There are times I really, really, miss the much-less-exclusive shadowtalker days.

That could easily be solved by bringing in more guest posters. The precedent is already there: Change Agent, Zoned, and DefCon5 in Feral Cities, Nuyen Nick and Facet in Runner Havens, Khan-a-Saur in Seattle 2072...
Oh, trust me, we are.  And it was at least halfway from me harping at Jason about it, I think.   ;D
Quote
What I don't want to see is a return to the unfunny "in-joke" posters that plagued 3E. Dr. Evil ("Sharks with frikkin' lasers on their heads?") and Neo ("There is no spoon.") are the worst offenders but there were others.
Yeah, none of us wants that.  A little humor is a good thing (and necessary, I'd argue, just because playing games is supposed to be fun)...but not quite to that extent.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Man Who Walks At Night on <03-14-11/1612:42>
Yeah, none of us wants that.  A little humor is a good thing (and necessary, I'd argue, just because playing games is supposed to be fun)...but not quite to that extent.

Just keep the "jokes" in the shadowrun setting. Instead of relying on movies or jokes which is based on current RL events, then they need to be grounded in the setting of the game, then they are perfectly valid and funny :)
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Crimsondude on <03-14-11/1857:03>
I don't think it's telling tales out of school to mention that there is a whole slew of canon 4E Helix posters from the French and German SR books/translations. Some of them are really cool, too.

As far as I can tell, Seattle 2072 is supposed to be a ShadowSea file instead of JackPoint. I actually like what Steve Kenson did in that book a lot.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: CanRay on <03-14-11/1906:05>
Yeah, none of us wants that.  A little humor is a good thing (and necessary, I'd argue, just because playing games is supposed to be fun)...but not quite to that extent.

Just keep the "jokes" in the shadowrun setting. Instead of relying on movies or jokes which is based on current RL events, then they need to be grounded in the setting of the game, then they are perfectly valid and funny :)
Pop Culture references age badly.  Very badly.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Critias on <03-14-11/1922:48>
Yeah, none of us wants that.  A little humor is a good thing (and necessary, I'd argue, just because playing games is supposed to be fun)...but not quite to that extent.

Just keep the "jokes" in the shadowrun setting. Instead of relying on movies or jokes which is based on current RL events, then they need to be grounded in the setting of the game, then they are perfectly valid and funny :)
Pop Culture references age badly.  Very badly.
They sure yabba-dabba-do.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Crimsondude on <03-14-11/2029:41>
Hey, Transmetropolitan's not dated!
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Bull on <03-14-11/2105:41>
Hey, Transmetropolitan's not dated!

It is a little, actually.  It's also not really pop culture, because it's too much of a niche.  ;)
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: CanRay on <03-14-11/2231:48>
Hey, Transmetropolitan's not dated!
It is a little, actually.  It's also not really pop culture, because it's too much of a niche.  ;)
A lot of the issues it deals with are almost as old as recorded history, so it's hard for all of it to get dated.  Some of it, yeah.

I was introduced to it Post-9/11, so I had to keep looking at the date it was published, wondering how this wasn't getting censored and such...
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: hobgoblin on <03-15-11/1853:23>
I think the Vorpal Beaver might give Drop-Bears a run for their money.
also known as a bad tempered organic woodchipper?
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: Crimsondude on <03-15-11/2258:44>
Hey, Transmetropolitan's not dated!

It is a little, actually.  It's also not really pop culture, because it's too much of a niche.  ;)
It's a joke, son! You're built too low for an ork. Went over your head!

Either that or my sense of humor sucks. I mean, I know one of the references is probably just in my head, but ... yeah.
Title: Re: Parazoology out now!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <03-15-11/2320:30>
It's a joke, son! You're built too low for an ork. Went over your head!

Either that or my sense of humor sucks. I mean, I know one of the references is probably just in my head, but ... yeah.

Your sense of humor can't suck too much, given that you just quoted part of my favorite Foghorn Leghorn line ever.

Jason H.