Shadowrun 2050 - Back to (old) school

The year is 2050. Magic is back, but still new - for most - and most of it is still unknown.

• Probably SR4 Anniversary
  • If you don't know the rules, quick-start rules are available for free
  • Feel free to ask for help for character creation
  • Probably using the same magic rules for all traditions
  • Some metamagic techniques, etc. may not yet be available easily
• Starting point will probably be around 2050, Seattle

The characters for this campaign will be starting Shadowrunners, with at least a bit of connection to the criminal underworld. A sararīman (wage slave) fresh from a corp is not suited, but one who has already spent the last 6 months running from his corp and already had to do some shady jobs to survive might just be. The characters will (most likely) have at least heard some of the others names already - or, preferably, already know some of them. Defining the connection web between the characters will be part of session zero.

Ideally, characters will be more “broad” than overspecialised, so please avoid min-maxing and simply create “round” characters. Characters will be built with the 400 build point system.

Social abilities will play a major role. TV Series like 'Burn Notice' or 'Leverage' are good inspiration, so it is heavily suggested that every character has at least some ways (aka “skills”) of dealing with people that don't involve force. Not everyone has to be a 'face', but nobody should start stuttering when someone asks a dangerous question.

Since this is the early 2050, equipment, magic, etc. might be limited, but exceptions can be available with good reason. Part of the fun of this campaign will be to explore the hidden things in the Shadowrun universe and use them against your enemies before they become common knowledge.

If someone wants to play a decker, be welcome, we will find a way to make it work, if not, a suitable connection will exist that takes over this in the background.

Metahumans are of course totally acceptable, metavariants (mostly) as well (just be aware that they are somewhat rate, so you might stick out). Not available currently are Changelings (no SURGE yet), HMHVV infects (might happen during gameplay, though), AIs (don't exist… yet), Technomancers (same), non-metahuman sapients & free spirits, let's keep this a bit more down to earth for starters. The “latent Dracomorphosis” quality could be taken but it's positive effects would not come into play for quite a while (but there might be interested parties, who want to… acquire… such a character, one way or another).

Somewhere between Pink Mohawk and Black Trenchcoat - it's also a bit up for discussion. Personally I take inspiration from series like 'Burn Notice' and 'Leverage', especially for the more social aspects, but in the end, it's still Cyberpunk and sticking it to the man can be a great motivator, so if the characters start out a bit rough around the edges that's preferable over polished professionals without any emotions.

Shadowrunning is a job, but your life is not (only) your job. Of course there will be runs, but characters should also chase their own goals, have their own problems, friends, enemies, etc. and all the stories that come from that.

Reputation & Street cred will be an important factor and knowing who's who in the streets never hurts. Connections will also play an important role and it's assumed that the characters will pick up quite a few on their few (as well as enemies).

Story will depend heavily on the characters' motivations, goals, backgrounds, etc. and be influenced by the big changes happening in the world around you - or you influencing them, let's see. Official adventures will be avoided, but will happen in the background or around the characters.

• Gm Notes (only for me, sorry)