Thursday, May 16, 2013

[Q&A] Jason M. Hardy (Shadowrun 5e)

[19:02] <+JasonMHardy> Hi, I'm Jason Hardy, I'm the current Shadowrun line developer! Shadowrun has been around for more than twenty years, and it's a blend of cyberpunk and fantasy with a nice noir feel running throughout!
[19:02] <+JasonMHardy> We're releasing the Fifth Edition of Shadowrun this year, along with all sorts of other games, including a deck building game.
[19:02] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[19:03] <~Dan> Thanks, Jason!
[19:03] <~Dan> Would anyone like to start us off with a question?
[19:03] <+technoshaman> Has the aspect of magic vs technologyb change much in the new edition or is the same? Like will the be any tech using magic or vise versa with samples like PDAs using magic books or scrolls stored like files or firearms casting spells?
[19:04] <+JasonMHardy> That aspect hasn't changed a lot. Storing formulae electronically is definitely a thing, and there are electronic repositories of spells.
[19:04] <+JasonMHardy> Firearms will not, however, cast spells. There is still a difference between the weapons-based people and the spellcasting types.
[19:05] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[19:05] <+technoshaman> ahhh
[19:05] <~Dan> Here's a pre-submitted question:
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[19:05] <*Thanaeon*> I love the idea of Shadowrun, like its setting a lot and think it does a lot right. However, there's one big problem I have with it: while the core game is kind of medium-crunch, when you add in all the moderately detailed sub-systems (magic, summoning, astral, rigging, hacking...) the whole becomes bloated enough that it gets really heavy on the GM. On light of this, how much of an effort does Shadowrun 5 make to streamline things compared to fourth edition?
[19:05] <~Dan> (Howdy, Gemini! Shadowrun Q&A in progress!)
[19:06] <+JasonMHardy> That was one of the main focuses of SR5--trying to get the moving parts to work together. Matrix was changed significantly so that it felt more like the other systems in the game.
[19:07] <+JasonMHardy> Once you understand one process in the game--say, combat--you should have the basics of how to use the other systems. There are differences and technicalities, of course, but you should be able to move more easily between the different areas of the game.
[19:07] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[19:08] <~Dan> Now, as I recall from our previous discussion, you mentioned that cyberdecks are back in this edition. Can you address the game and setting justifications for this?
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[19:09] <~Dan> (Howdy, fant! Shadowrun Q&A in progress!)
[19:09] <+fantomx11> awww yeeeah
[19:10] <+JasonMHardy> Sure. The basic gist of it is that the megacorporations that dominate the Shadowrun landscape decided that a free and open Matrix was not meeting their needs. So they decided to control it more.
[19:10] <~Dan> (The game design reasons, I mean.)
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[19:10] <+technoshaman> what would be the difference in mechanics of the Matrix rules between the editions?
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[19:10] <~Dan> (Question pause after tech's question, pleaqse.)
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[19:10] <+JasonMHardy> Ah. Well, I'll finish the in-universe question, then get to the game design question as they are somewhat related.
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[19:10] <~Dan> Welcome, mib_4d7e1t, Arctic, FlyT, Pharoah!
[19:11] <+Arctic> thanks mate
[19:11] <+mib_4d7e1t> thnks very much
[19:11] <~Dan> mib_4d7e1t, you can set your name with the /nick command.
[19:11] <+Pharaoh> Thank you
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[19:11] <~Dan> (To those just arriving: we have a question pause in place while Jason gets caught up with the open questions.)
[19:11] <+JasonMHardy> Anyway, with more control, the Matrix became harder to hack. The protocols were more difficult to access, as the corps were not sharing them. So a new tool was needed to hack them, and the hackers of the Sixth World gave the new tool a familiar name--the cyberdeck.
[19:12] <+JasonMHardy> The game design reason was two-fold (at least): First, because as a game mechanic we felt this better reflected the way we thought the corps would work the Matrix.
[19:12] <+JasonMHardy> And second, it gave hackers a chance to be a little more unique and distinct again, to be the people who could do things that others just couldn't do.
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[19:13] <+JasonMHardy> The fact that we got to use the term "deckers" again was a nice bonus.
[19:13] <~Dan> (To those just joining: You can set your names with the /nick command. :) )
[19:13] <+Arctic> cyberdecks are back?
[19:13] <+JasonMHardy> (done with that one--I'll do technoshaman's one now)
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[19:14] <~Dan> Arctic: They are. I'll PM you Jason's explanation.
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[19:14] <+JasonMHardy> The Matrix is significantly revised. The basis for it was that we wanted Matrix tests to have more Simple Tests instead of Extended Tests, and we wanted Matrix Tests to involve skill + attribute like other tests, rather than getting dice through programs.
[19:15] <~Dan> (Welcome, solonarii and PalosApep!)
[19:15] <~Dan> (Oh, if anyone's interested, #rpgnet2 is open for general chat during the Q&A.)
[19:15] <+JasonMHardy> It also is written in ways to help end users understand the systems a little more.
[19:15] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[19:16] <~Dan> Okay! For all of those who just joined us, the "(done)" means that Jason is caught up with questions and ready for more. Anyone have any? :)
[19:16] <+FPXI> Will there be rules for converting characters from 4th edition to 5th, and can we expect soem mor eplayer rules for other metatypes in suupplemental material?
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[19:16] <~Dan> (Welcoem, Critias!)
[19:17] <+Critias> Howdy.
[19:17] <~Dan> (Here for the Q&A, I presume? :) )
[19:17] <+JasonMHardy> Yes, there will be a character converter. I've been working on it this week!
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[19:17] <+xyphoid_> so this matrix change is an in-setting change driven by mechanical goals?
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[19:17] <+Critias> (Here to listen in, yeah)
[19:17] <~Dan> (Welcome, Finrod!)
[19:17] <+JasonMHardy> And there will be a Runner's Companion-type book later in the edition to support other metatype characters.
[19:17] <+xyphoid_> (i'm waaay behind on my SR - it sounds like previously the setting got changed to reflect real-world tech a bit more?)
[19:18] <~Dan> (Jeez, Jason, you're a popular guy! :D )
[19:18] <+technoshaman> yeah, if i remember correctly, 1 and 2 edition matrix rules were kinda hard to follow
[19:18] <+JasonMHardy> @xyphoid: Yeah, that's pretty much correct. We actually had the idea of what we wanted to do a while ago, so we started planting the seeds for it several books ago.
[19:18] <+JasonMHardy> And also, since I haven't said it yet, oh crap it's Critias.
[19:18] <+JasonMHardy> I mean, hi Critias!
[19:18] <+Critias> Nice to see you too, boss.
[19:19] * ~Dan chuckles
[19:19] <+technoshaman> hmmmm
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[19:19] <~Dan> Would it be correct that you've taken a "best of both worlds" approach to decking vs. wireless Matrix?
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[19:19] <~Dan> (Welcome, NotW!)
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[19:20] <~Dan> (Welcome, mib_8iyg5g! You can set your name with the /nick command.)
[19:20] <+JasonMHardy> That's certainly the intent. We want a lot of the good things the wireless Matrix introduced, but we also wanted cyberdecks and increased motivation for hackers to be out in the field. We hope we got the balance right!
[19:21] <~Dan> Sounds like you're on the right track. :)
[19:21] <+FPXI> How has charatcer building and leveling been handledd in the new edition? Is it similar to the old edition with both BP and karma or has it been simlified into a single system? If it has how so?
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[19:21] <+JasonMHardy> It's essentially a single system, though character creation in the core book is a priority system.
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[19:22] <+JasonMHardy> The priority system includes Karma that you earn to buy attribute and skill ratings, at the same cost you would spend when you earn Karma after runs.
[19:22] <~Dan> (For those just arriving: The floor's open to questions! :) )
[19:22] <+JasonMHardy> That means you can carry over some Karma from creation if you need to, and it carries over smoothly.
[19:23] <+NotW> Yay
[19:23] <+JasonMHardy> We'll have more character creation options in future books, but for now it's priority. And in playtesting it seemed to move nice and quick.
[19:23] <+technoshaman> a lot of people, like myself who played Mass Effect and other video games and watch several scifi films has seen holographic interface and holo-weapons and wondered will see anything like that in setting or did i miss these already?
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[19:25] <+Someguy503> Haha 5th edition!
[19:25] <+JasonMHardy> The holographic interface is there, with the augmented reality objects that can overlay everything. Holo-weapons--well, not immediately. Some of that is a desire not to be derivative of cool video games.
[19:25] <+Someguy503> How do you guys plan to speed up character creation. are you still having the point buy system?
[19:25] <~Dan> (Welcome, ZoneDancer, mib_ml64wt, Someguy503! mib_ml64wt, you can set your name with the /nick command.)
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[19:26] <+technoshaman> just missed the answer someguy :)
[19:26] <+NotW> Besides Dodger, will be seeing the return of any other older characters in the Shadowrun fiction? (<- Was told to ask this question)
[19:26] <+JasonMHardy> Through the priority system. It tends to make things move faster than point-buy, based on playtesting.
[19:26] <+Someguy503> siofsdklkjlk
[19:26] <+Someguy503> sorry about my tardiness then xP
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[19:26] <~Dan> Someguy503: [19:23] <+JasonMHardy> We'll have more character creation options in future books, but for now it's priority. And in playtesting it seemed to move nice and quick.
[19:26] <+JasonMHardy> @NotW: Simple answer: Yes. The next question is, which ones?
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[19:27] <+JasonMHardy> New novels are coming later this year, and new novellas are on the way, and we have sourcebook fiction, so we have plenty of opportunities for all sorts of characters to emerge.
[19:27] <+Someguy503> sounds good, i'd love an easy pick up and play ability that allows for vast customization.
[19:27] <~Dan> (Welcome, PGoodman13!)
[19:28] <+Guest696> whats the biggest difference/change from 4th to 5th?
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[19:28] <+Arctic> What geographic settings, outside of Seattle, will there be sourcebooks for?
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[19:28] <+solonarii> ^^^^^^
[19:28] <~Dan> (Question pause after Arctic's question, please.)
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[19:28] <~Dan> (Welcome, Abstruse!)
[19:29] <+NotW> Will we see any significant changes to magic in Shadowrun either mechanically or setting wise?
[19:29] <+JasonMHardy> @Guest696: I'd say two things: First, the overall Matrix revision. Second, the addition of limits. In Fourth Edition, the Force of a spell acted as a hit cap on your dice roll. Now, all rolls have some sort of limit, which you can circumvent with Edge.
[19:29] <+JasonMHardy> On a slightly less major level, skills can now be raised to 12 instead of 6.
[19:30] <~Dan> (For the recent arrivals: Please hold your questions during a question pause. Questions can resume when Jason catches up and gives us a "(done)". Thanks! :) )
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[19:30] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: Good question. Denver, definitely. Missions Season 5 will be set in Chicago, so there will be updated material about that. And thanks to some special plots coming up, you're going to get a lot of information about Boston. Now I have to pick on some non-U.S. cities.
[19:30] <+Someguy503> well that'll cut down on the 36 dice thrown at a time.
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[19:31] <~Dan> (Welcome, Winterhawk11!)
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[19:31] <+Winterhawk11> Thanks. Am I supposed to be hearing something? Because I don't hear anything. :)
[19:31] <+Arctic> I would definitely like to see more detail given to places outside North America.
[19:31] <~Dan> (Nope. All text. :) )
[19:31] <+Winterhawk11> Cool :)
[19:31] <+JasonMHardy> @NotW: We're trying to emphasize the flavor of the traditions a little more, but the biggest magic change is probably the addition of preparations, which allow you to imbue spell qualities into some sort of object for later triggering.
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[19:32] <~Dan> (Quick note to new arrivals: #rpgnet2 is open for general chat.)
[19:32] <~Dan> (Welcome, Panda!)
[19:32] <+solonarii> yay thaumaturgy!
[19:32] <+Arctic> Ah ok, like a sword that bursts into flame on command?
[19:32] <+JasonMHardy> Oh, and back to @Arctic: I forgot to mention that the e-book line will be getting more adventurous with exploring settings. We haven't decided what will be covered yet, though.
[19:32] <+Arctic> :)
[19:33] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: Not exactly--the spell isn't recurring or anything. But you could have an item set to trigger with a fireball at a really inopportune time.
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[19:33] <~Dan> (Welcome, Richard_Hughes!)
[19:33] <+JasonMHardy> Okay, I think I covered the outstanding questions so …
[19:33] <+Arctic> I'd put a fireball in my bullet.
[19:33] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[19:34] <+technoshaman> Has the magic system changed from earlier editions to 5e and any changes in the fluff as well? Like any new spells or spell changes and has the spirt world changed any (if memory is correct)?
[19:34] <~Dan> Okay! Questions can resume, folks!
[19:34] <+JasonMHardy> And also, hey there PGoodman13
[19:34] <+Abstruse> How is the metaplot going to be developed? Are you going to stick to the 4e style of shoving a lot of it off to the Missions adventures, or will you go back to the 1st-3rd method of developing it in sourcebooks or event books?
[19:34] <+PGoodman13> Hola, boss.
[19:34] <+Winterhawk11> Heya, Jason :)
[19:34] <+Panda> When is SR Crossfire card game & SR5 slated for release?
[19:35] <~Dan> (Question pause after Panda's question, please. :) )
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[19:35] <~Dan> (Welcome, smackweasel!)
[19:35] <+JasonMHardy> @technoshaman: The spell lineup hasn't changed drastically, though we did try to dial back the Control spells a little. There is not a lot of information in the core book about the spirit world, but there is more detail about how magicians relate to spirits. And vice versa.
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[19:36] <+JasonMHardy> I take it that Winterhawk11 is the illustrious creator of Winterhawk, right?
[19:36] <+Winterhawk11> Dunno how illustrious, but yeah, it's me. :)
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[19:37] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: It will be in sourcebooks and Missions both. We will have a significant plot book coming out not long after Fifth Edition debuts that will follow up on some elements of Storm Front.
[19:37] * +Abstruse does happy dance
[19:37] <+Richard_Hughes> JasonMHardy - are you specifically addressing the HackAStack, AgentSmith, and DropOut matrix exploits?
[19:37] <+JasonMHardy> The Deep Shadows books--with plot, setting, and other info will continue to be major vehicles for plot info.
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[19:38] <+JasonMHardy> Oh, and thanks to Shadowrun Online, the Boston setting book will have some major plot information. Some good fun there.
[19:38] <~Dan> (Howdy, AWOLJoe!)
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[19:38] <+AWOLJoe> (Oooh, Shadowrun 5e!)
[19:38] <~Dan> (Welcome, Horlix!)
[19:39] <+Arctic> Are there any active wars going on in the Shadowrun world of 5th Edition? Namely South East Asia, Amazonia-Aztlan, Eastern Europe, Russia-Yakut? (BTW this forum is a great privilege to be a part of)
[19:39] <+smackweasel> What about source material for the large corporations,
[19:39] <+smackweasel> any source book on release for them
[19:39] <+JasonMHardy> @Panda: If I give out specific release dates, a squadron of mountain gorillas descends upon my home and uses my feet as back-scratchers. So I have to be careful.
[19:39] <+Arctic> cyber gorrilas
[19:39] <~Dan> (Just a reminder that we have a question pause, folks -- please wait for a "(done)" from Jason before further questions. Thanks!)
[19:39] <+Arctic> awakened cyber gorrillas
[19:39] <+JasonMHardy> But SR5 should debut this summer, and Crossfire is on track to do the same.
[19:39] <+PGoodman13> Your feet? They're letting you off easy lately or something?
[19:40] <+JasonMHardy> @Richard Hughes: First a caveat: It's really tough to anticipate every clever things players come up with.
[19:40] <+Richard_Hughes> But are you ATTEMPTING it?
[19:40] <+Panda> I'd assume mid-late summer since summer is in two weeks for you guys and there isn't a set date yet?
[19:40] <+Richard_Hughes> Are you acknowledging that those are problems and taking a shot at removing them from possibility?
[19:41] <+JasonMHardy> But one of the advantages of the new design of the Matrix is yes, such things should not happen. We are definitely trying to control that.
[19:41] <+Richard_Hughes> Good. Those sucked. Thank you.
[19:41] <+Someguy503> harsh
[19:41] <+Someguy503> but honest
[19:41] <&Le_Squide> I assume the same goes for super-huge social pool builds and the like?
[19:41] <+JasonMHardy> @Panda: Well, all I can say right now is that SR5 is really far along in the process. Really really really really far along.
[19:42] <+Arctic> :)
[19:42] <+smackweasel> :)
[19:42] <+JasonMHardy> @Le_Squide: Yes. The limits mechanics we introduced help with that, since some dice pool modifications can be changed to limits modifications. Relevant adept powers were adjusted too.
[19:42] <~Dan> (brb -- please continue)
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[19:43] <+FPXI> Would it be a safe bet to guess that the book might actually be out in the next few weeks? Maybe :)
[19:43] <+Someguy503> just missed it, he said summer.
[19:44] <+JasonMHardy> @PGoodman13: Apparently you have never been dangled by your feet by multiple Awakened cyber mountain gorillas (h/t Arctic). It's not fun, and my head keeps bumping the ground.
[19:44] <+JasonMHardy> @FPXI: I can hear the gorillas approaching. I've already said too much.
[19:44] <+NotW> Which cities are slated to get a "book" treatment?
[19:44] <+Winterhawk11> Not to mention the talking-to you get from your wife for letting all those mangy gorillas rampage through the house, right? :)
[19:44] <+Someguy503> ehhh i thought we were on a question pause
[19:45] <+JasonMHardy> I think I'm (done) with the ones through NotW's latest.
[19:45] <+Someguy503> Shadowrun's have always been about the gear it seems. are there any new mechanics that'll help me turn my Ares Predator IV into a handcannon of despair (or just really customizing any type of gear to really make it "my own")?
[19:45] <+Arctic> *Sets up position to snipe awakened cyber mountain gorrillas and protect the VIP*
[19:45] <~Dan> (back)
[19:45] <+technoshaman> Will we have a chance to play other types of player groups besides runners like law enforcement, coperate goons, bounty hunters and the like?
[19:45] <+JasonMHardy> @NotW: We're not going to do too many city-only books, as they tend not to sell well. Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and Denver will get good coverage. Vladivostok is about to get an e-book.
[19:45] <+Abstruse> Can  you give us anymore information on how Limits will work as a game mechanic? Or will we have to wait for the book?
[19:46] <+Arctic> Are there any active wars going on in the Shadowrun world of 5th Edition? Namely South East Asia, Amazonia-Aztlan, Eastern Europe, Russia-Yakut?
[19:46] <+Someguy503> There's a small info on limits in the shadowrun preview Abstruse
[19:46] <+Richard_Hughes> Are you planning on shifting the damage paradigm back to the 1/3/6/10 thing from 1st-3rd edition?
[19:46] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: Not in the core book. We're coming awfully close to 500 pages as is, so I don't have space for it, unfortunately. But look for more customization options in the future.
[19:46] <~Dan> (Question pause after Richard_Hughes's question, please.)
[19:46] <+Arctic> I look forward to Vladivostok a lot.
[19:47] <+Someguy503> I had a my friends play a lone star group once techoshaman, not the cleanest of cops...
[19:47] <+Abstruse> I saw. Just a basic definition though and I'm highly intrigued at the first attempt of curtailing the "roll of thunder" dice rolling I've dealt with since '92.
[19:47] <+JasonMHardy> @Technochaman: Yeah, I'd like some of those options. We have a novella coming out before long focused on a DocWagon team, so I'd like to complement that with other ways of playing, but we'll see how to fit that in.
[19:47] <+Abstruse> When I started my 3rd Ed campaign about 7 months ago, I specifically bought 200d6 off Amazon.
[19:48] <+smackweasel> :)
[19:48] <+smackweasel> sometimes it nice to roll a lot of dice tho
[19:48] <+Abstruse> Apparently, that's what Edge will be for :p
[19:48] <+Someguy503> Fine by me reallly.
[19:48] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: Each test will have an associated limit. For gear-based tests, it's usually based on the gear you are using; you also have three limits based on your attributes. If you roll more hits than the applicable limit, you can't count them--unless you useEdge.
[19:49] <+FlyT> My players really miss the fact to throw mounts of dice... karma+group karma .. many times.. ohhh good old times!
[19:49] <+Abstruse> The game unfortunately died out after only a few sessions, but now when anyone sees I have a dice bag about to burst with identical d6s, they always ask "GURPS or Shadowrun?"
[19:49] <+FPXI> Could you elaborate on any changes that have been made to the magic system? I'm particularly interested in any changes made to summoning, or drain, or spell diversity.
[19:49] <+Someguy503> My friends would play with the dice and throw them at each other :T
[19:49] <+JasonMHardy> It makes, we hope, for balance--along with raising your dice pools, you have to pay attention to keeping your limits up.
[19:49] <+Someguy503> dice pyramids
[19:49] <+Someguy503> oh the dice pyramids....
[19:49] <~Dan> (Quick reminder: We have a question pause on until we get a "(done)" from Jason. Thanks! :) )
[19:50] <+JasonMHardy> @smackweasel: I like lots of dice too. But I also like to keep things somewhat under control …
[19:50] <+Someguy503> ^ this
[19:50] <+smackweasel> yeah, its always about getting the balance :)
[19:51] <+JasonMHardy> @FPXI: Summoning is largely unchanged, though spirits are dialed back a little, notably in their use of individual Edge (they can't do it).
[19:51] <+JasonMHardy> Drain has been rebalanced, with one of the goals to keep it from being too easy to knock everyone out with stun-based spells.
[19:52] <+PalosApep> ^^^ nice
[19:52] <+JasonMHardy> The diversity of spells in SR5 is similar to what it is in 5--some tweaks, a few more Health spells, but a lot of the classics continue on.
[19:52] <+JasonMHardy> Okay, scanning, scanning, scanning …
[19:52] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[19:52] <+Someguy503> I hope orgasm is on the core book, just saying
[19:52] <+Abstruse> Are the game mechanics going to be tied less to the specific timeline so that those of us with a thing for 2050s can use the new streamlined system? It was very hard to do with 4e. And I promise not to talk about Shadowrun 2050.
[19:52] <+smackweasel> Nice Nice, i run a large wargaming/roleplaying centre and been building the hype up for SR5
[19:52] <+JasonMHardy> But re-ask things I may have missed.
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[19:53] <+FPXI> Wonderful. I never thought magic needed to be tweaked much but i figured it was a question that might otherwise go unasked. I'm glad to hear thigns are staying about the same.
[19:53] <+smackweasel> Corporation Sourcebooks?
[19:53] <+Arctic> Are there any active wars going on in the Shadowrun world of 5th Edition? Namely South East Asia, Amazonia-Aztlan, Eastern Europe, Russia-Yakut?
[19:53] <~Dan> JasonMHardy: What is the bleeding edge of technology as of the current time in 5e?
[19:53] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: It's really tough to make a non-timeline specific version of SR, due to the evolution of the gear. The core book, however, provides generalized background, without too much time-specific data.
[19:53] <~Dan> (Question pause.)
[19:54] <+JasonMHardy> @smackweasel: Yeah, that's on the agenda. Don't want to wait too long to give some updates to the megacorps, especially since there are things set in motion that are going to shake them up. Especially if you play both SR5 and Shadowrun Online.
[19:54] <+Abstruse> The gear's never the hard part. I have no problems saying "That hasn't been invented yet." It's stuff like AR/wireless Matrix, UMT, etc. that made it hard to translate.
[19:55] <+smackweasel> oh nice!!!!
[19:55] <+JasonMHardy> @Dan: It's a funny thing--what had been the bleeding edge, nano-technology and genetech is going to run into some problems. The tech companies are going to find themselves in some uncomfortable places.
[19:56] <+Kei> oooooh, shadowrun talk
[19:56] <+Arctic> ok, interesting
[19:56] <+xyphoid_> is Healthy Glow still a spell
[19:56] <+AWOLJoe> I have an addendum to the magic questions: Are different magical traditions going to be distinguished in a wider variety of ways than 4e's "drain stat + type of spirit you can summon"?
[19:57] <~Dan> (Question pause, guys. :) )
[19:57] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: The Amazonia-Aztlan war just wrapped up. Eastern Europe is always on a simmer, if not outright war. But not too many full-out conflicts. We'll have to do something about that …
[19:57] <+JasonMHardy> @xyphoid: Not in the core SR5 book, no.
[19:57] <+AWOLJoe> (Huh, I;d seen a "done" earlier)
[19:57] <+Arctic> good stuff
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[19:58] <+JasonMHardy> @AWOLJoe: Not in detail in the core book, but we'll look to give more options for traditions in a splat book.
[19:58] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[19:58] <+Abstruse> What's your release schedule looking like for the "Core sourcebooks" (cyber, guns, Matrix, magic, vehicles/drones)? Are you shooting to get them all out quickly or pacing them out at a few months between releases? Not counting unavoidable printing issues, of course.
[19:58] <+FPXI> Has there been any expansion of drone building? I frequently ahve pplayers who want to play riggers but really want to customize their drones?
[19:58] <+Someguy503> What does 5th edition offer for newer players wanting to try out shadowrun? as in what tools will there be for simplicity and better integration of new players into the system? When I first played my players had to have as much knowledge of the system as the GM did to keep the game going at a nice pace.
[19:58] <~Dan> (Welcome, mib_cly7k9! You can set your name with the /nick command.)
[19:58] <~Dan> (Question pause.)
[19:59] <+Arctic> *comment: I would love, just love, to see another 6th world almanac style book, but one that was specifically about geographic campaign setting, as opposed to a timeline or history.
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[19:59] <+solonarii> I loe that idea arctic
[19:59] <+solonarii> love
[19:59] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: spacing them out for a few months, ideally. We don't want to make people wait a year or anything for, say, the combat book, but we also don't want to overload people. Or the writers or playtesters.
[20:00] <+FPXI> i also love that idea
[20:00] <~Dan> (Welcome, AaroninSD!)
[20:00] <+JasonMHardy> So we'll take at least some time to get them out.
[20:00] <+Someguy503> They should have 6th world advertisements in the core book.
[20:00] <+Abstruse> @Arctic Check out the Shadows of...series from 3rd Ed. There was one for North America, Asia, and Europe (Latin America got killed because of delays and the new edition).
[20:00] <+Someguy503> I just crave fluff. its an unfortunate hobby of mine.
[20:00] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: Geo-books are a puzzle. We have some plans to experiment to see what people respond to, then when we find it, we'll explore all sorts of places.
[20:01] <+Critias> Mmmm, fluff.
[20:01] <+Arctic> Thanks Abtruse, yeah I have them
[20:01] <+Someguy503> err not hobby, more so  problem
[20:01] <+PGoodman13> Yeah, let's not overload the writers....
[20:01] <+solonarii> The Shadows of Europe is probably my favorite book from 3rd edition
[20:01] <+JasonMHardy> I want to take a minute to recognize some of the awesome Shadowrun freelancers--they all did heroic work on this book. Critias wrote the introductory short story in the book, PGoodman13 wrote about critters, drugs, toxins, and other fun things, and Winterhawk11 contributed a short story as well.
[20:01] <+Abstruse> I'm partial to...well, all of them. I had to re-enforce my bookshelf solely because of Shadowrun books.
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[20:02] <+JasonMHardy> They are awesome, and their chapters were a pleasure to read.
[20:02] <+Abstruse> Universal Brotherhood, though...I recommend that book to people as a novel, it's so good.
[20:02] <+Arctic> You guys are doing game design right, by letting the community in to help.
[20:02] <+Critias> D'aww.  Gonna make me blush, boss.  ;)
[20:02] <+JasonMHardy> @Solonarii: Shadows of Europe had very cool stuff in it.
[20:03] <+Winterhawk11> Jason's great to work for. He doesn't even use the whip unless he really has no other choice. :)
[20:03] <+smackweasel> defo
[20:03] <+Someguy503> eh sometimes the community helps to much and breaks the system... sometimes people cant agree on things...
[20:03] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: We tried. Had lots of great playtesting help. And lots of comments from playtesters. Sooooo many comments …
[20:03] <&Le_Squide> Will there be an Ares Predator V?
[20:03] <+JasonMHardy> @Winterhawk11: You're just out of range, is all.
[20:04] <+JasonMHardy> @Le_Squide: Absolutely!
[20:04] <+technoshaman> what are the updates if any on cybertech and biotech in both mechanics and storywise (like newer tech and progess level)?
[20:04] <+Winterhawk11> :D
[20:04] <+FPXI> Has there been any expansion of drone building or customizing? I frequently have players who want to play riggers but really want to customize their drones.
[20:04] <+Arctic> is there a pause?
[20:04] <+Someguy503> there was
[20:04] <~Dan> (There is.)
[20:04] <+NotW> I paused :)
[20:04] <+Someguy503> ^
[20:05] <+JasonMHardy> @technoshaman: Not too much new, more re-balancing of what was there. Changed some stats, raised some costs, that sort of thing.
[20:05] <+JasonMHardy> @FPXI: Drone customization is not in the core book, but we plan a Rigger book to come out, um, somewhat sooner than it usually does in an edition cycle …
[20:05] <+Kei> gah, I have avaoided talk of this game forever and now I run into it in #rpgnet T_T
[20:06] <+Abstruse> HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
[20:06] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[20:06] <+Someguy503> What does 5th edition offer for newer players wanting to try out shadowrun? as in what tools will there be for simplicity and better integration of new players into the system?
[20:06] <+Someguy503> join us Kei
[20:06] <+Abstruse> Haaahahahhaaha...sorry, that was hilarious...
[20:06] <+Arctic> Why even make a 5th Edition? 4ed was very good and its still fresh and well supported.
[20:06] <+Someguy503> join usss
[20:06] <+Abstruse> Does the opening up of Jackpoint from the end of Storm Front mean we're going to get more of a Shadowland vibe from the shadowtalk? Old familiar faces and a bigger collection of characters?
[20:06] <+Abstruse> One of us! One of us!
[20:06] <+Kei> the IV never left the vein, Someguy
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[20:06] <~Dan> (Question pause.)
[20:07] <~Dan> (Welcome, crimsondude!)
[20:07] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: We like 4e, but it has been around for about eight years. That gave us a lot of time to see some things we wanted to change, or different directions we wanted to take. And this seemed like a good time to explore those directions!
[20:07] <+PalosApep> you still did not kill off Technomancers though :(
[20:08] <+solonarii> thank god for that
[20:08] <+solonarii> I love my tachnomancer
[20:08] <+Someguy503> beats expansions. and hey technomancers are cool.
[20:08] <+NotW> <- Wouldn't spend $.01 on 4th edition, is enticed to coming back for 5th
[20:08] <+solonarii> tech*
[20:08] <+Arctic> Wow has it really been that long :D
[20:08] <+Winterhawk11> <feeling very old right about now>
[20:08] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: The major things for newer players will be the Introductory Box Set. It will have a simplified set of rules that still reflect SR5 mechanics, but easier to jump into.
[20:08] <+Arctic> yeah winter.
[20:08] <+Someguy503> i'll have to get that
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[20:09] <&Le_Squide> (are we still on questionpause or not?)
[20:09] <+Someguy503> yes
[20:09] * +PGoodman13 IS very old right now compared to a lot of you.... :)
[20:09] <~Dan> (Welcome, mib_uwom0r! You can set your name with the /nick command. :) )
[20:09] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: JackPoint will not be quite as wide open as Shadowland, but it will be more open. Part of that is because we decided a greater diversity of voices was needed--we need the professionals, but we also need a little bit more of the crazy.
[20:09] <+Winterhawk11> yeah, there's that...
[20:09] <+Abstruse> I really liked what 4e tried to do with the rules and it's pretty much 50/50 over which mechanics I prefer. But the metaplot for 4e? I...have gone on record in Dumpshock and on AICN about my opinions on that where I was allowed to curse a lot. Storm Front brought me back.
[20:09] <~Dan> (PGoodman13: Ditto...)
[20:09] <+FPXI> Storm Front brought you back?
[20:09] <+Abstruse> What, Plan9 wasn't crazy enough?
[20:09] <+JasonMHardy> @PalosApep: No, we're keeping technomancers. They're fun! But hopefully a little more balanced with deckers.
[20:10] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: Plan 9 was crazy enough. But he was so lonely sometimes!
[20:10] <+Kei> yeah balance is my issue but concept is awesome
[20:10] <+Abstruse> Yes. It's...not as good as the 1st-2nd ed sourcebooks were at their best (but honestly, what books are?), but it's a really, really good book and brings a lot of that feel back to the game that was sorely missed.
[20:11] <+JasonMHardy> Okay I think I'm
[20:11] <+PGoodman13> What in Storm Front brought you back? I like hearing that.
[20:11] <+JasonMHardy> (done)
[20:11] <+Someguy503> whats the favorite runner you've made :3c ?  Also directed towards @PGoodman13 and @Critias
[20:11] <+solonarii> They shouldn't be balanced with deckers though...
[20:11] <+solonarii> Specifics on any technomancer changes(either mechanically or otherwise)? you've stated that the matrix has received a big change, so I'm guessing the matrix's most natural users will have a big change too?
[20:11] <&Le_Squide> So, my group had a problem in 4:
[20:11] <&Le_Squide> A light pistol pointed at even a relatively unarmored PC didn't feel mechanically dangerous. The chance of a killing or even seriously wounding hit was very low.
[20:11] <+Arctic> Will there be some crossover between Shadowrun and Earthdawn? For example, a sourcebook for Ukraine that reveals the ruins of Barsaive?
[20:11] <&Le_Squide> Is that working as intended, or will that be changed in 5e?
[20:11] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: Occult investigator/face. I love those two archetypes, so combining them was a blast.
[20:12] <+Abstruse> The first chapter felt like all of 4e's metaplot. Dry, cold, boring. But I've also never been big on the Aztlan/Amazonia plot anyway once Horrors were out of the picture.
[20:12] <+Someguy503> im guessing he talked to spirits somehow?
[20:12] <~Dan> (Question pause.)
[20:12] <+Abstruse> But after that, the personalities shined through again. It was back to a "Here's the posts as the events happened" rather than people commenting in hindsight.
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[20:12] <+JasonMHardy> @solonarii: Yes, with programs changing, technomancers and complex forms had to change too. We took their name seriously--in many ways they are more like magicians of the Matrix.
[20:12] <+solonarii> YAY!
[20:13] <+Critias> Hrm?  Uhh...I dunno.  I gotta go with Kincaid, my burn-out mage/private eye, right now.  Writin' him gets me in a certain groove, so he sticks in my head whenever I'm working on some Kincaid stuff.
[20:13] <+solonarii> pretty much exactly what I wanted to hear.
[20:13] <+PGoodman13> @Someguy503 Which edition? I've been playing a long time.
[20:13] <+Abstruse> It felt like Bug City or Portfolio of the Dragon or any of those old sourcebooks I loved.
[20:13] <+NotW> The trend in 3rd and 4th edition was to "Anglo-ize" much of Shadowrun where 1st and 2nd had more prominent Native cultures or alien metahuman cultures. Any chance the 5th edition setting will have more emphasis on non-western cultures?
[20:13] <+Someguy503> any, just a notable character you liked
[20:13] <+Someguy503> everyone loves a hard boiled detective it seems. i suppose its very noire and cyberpunk
[20:14] <+JasonMHardy> @Le_Squide: Ha! I had the same problem. One of the mandates of 5e was to make it a little more possible to kill someone quick with a gun. That was done with an increase in damage values and changes to Called Shot.
[20:14] <+PGoodman13> Overall, the one I'm having the most fun with is Thomas McAllister, my vampire-hunting college professor.
[20:14] <+Someguy503> you all have been watching too much blade runner
[20:14] <+Someguy503> :D
[20:14] <+Abstruse> No such thing as too much Bladerunner.
[20:14] <+JasonMHardy> We had to be careful, of course--the things that can easily kill NPCs can also kill PCs, so we tried not to get out of control.
[20:14] <+Abstruse> That's like saying I've re-read the Dresden Files books too many times.
[20:14] <+Arctic> PC death is good in Shadowrun.
[20:14] <~Dan> (If it bleeds, PCs kill it.)
[20:14] <+PalosApep> ^^ yup
[20:15] <+Critias> (I really gotta read those, some day)
[20:15] <+JasonMHardy> I'd like to echo what Abstruse said about Blade Runner.
[20:15] <+Abstruse> Except Harlequin. Until he got stats. Grrrrr...
[20:15] <&Le_Squide> Do you want a PC runner to feel threatened if a rent-a-cop gets the lucky drop on him and is pointing a light pistol at his back, or do you assume that's a No Sweat situation for combat oriented characters?
[20:15] <+FPXI> i just couldn't dig on Storm Front at all. I like my shadowrun in the shadows. The big fights with dragons and countries and what not--that kind of metaplot where big players make loud moves turns me off
[20:15] <+Someguy503> There's a SEVERE problem with that dna
[20:15] <+Abstruse> I want to thwack you on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper for doing that.
[20:15] <+Someguy503> dan*
[20:15] <+Someguy503> Harlequinn
[20:15] <+JasonMHardy> @Le_Squide: I always want PCs to feel nervous …
[20:16] <+FPXI> oh manya giving the big players stats that's always a gamble, but i like having it as a reference.
[20:16] <+Abstruse> BTW, if anyone has problems wrapping their heads around Harlequin as a character, use The Doctor as a template. Every GM I've ever said that to suddenly gets him.
[20:16] <+Someguy503> oh also Goodman, I didnt read that. That's awesome. Was he a biologist?
[20:16] <+solonarii> Harlequin is soooooo not The Doctor. LOL
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[20:17] <+Someguy503> a character with the ability to railroad the characters into oblivion
[20:17] <+JasonMHardy> I like to give stats, because if it exists, it should have stats. Because then it can die.
[20:17] <+PGoodman13> He's a virologist, actually. If you haven't read Another Rainy Night, you should. I like to see sales numbers trickle up. :)
[20:17] <+Abstruse> No, but there's similar tropes in play.
[20:17] <+AWOLJoe> (I've personally seen Harlequin as being more like Q on a good day...)
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[20:17] <~Dan> I agree, Jason. If it doesn't have stats, it doesn't exist in game terms, IMO.
[20:17] <+xyphoid_> Oh man being able to kill Harlequin miight get *me* back into the game
[20:17] <+Someguy503> Well I figured as much since Vampirism is a disease. Does he do ghouls on the side?
[20:17] <+solonarii> Q I can agree with way more than the Doc
[20:17] <+xyphoid_> so high five
[20:17] <+Abstruse> They've statted him twice in 4e.
[20:17] <+PGoodman13> @Xyphoid_ Good luck with that.
[20:17] <+JasonMHardy> @xyphoid: Bull will happily sign up on that team.
[20:17] <+FPXI> I tend to liek the if it has stats then its real philosophy, but on the other hand i liek my metaplot characters as setting and plot device more than actual characters
[20:17] <+Abstruse> Once in one of the PDF-only sourcebooks and once in Storm Front.
[20:18] <+Arctic> can i ask a Q?
[20:18] <+FPXI> but i don't have to sue the stats as a gm so i like the decision to give people stats
[20:18] <+JasonMHardy> I think I'm (done).
[20:18] <+Arctic> Will there be some crossover between Shadowrun and Earthdawn? For example, a sourcebook for Ukraine that reveals the ruins of Barsaive?
[20:18] <~Dan> Fire away, Arctic!
[20:18] <+technoshaman> Are there any plans to introduce andriod type PCs or are they already in the setting/game?
[20:18] <+FPXI> If I recall they sort of exist in 4e
[20:18] <+solonarii> <NotW>: The trend in 3rd and 4th edition was to "Anglo-ize" much of Shadowrun where 1st and 2nd had more prominent Native cultures or alien metahuman cultures. Any chance the 5th edition setting will have more emphasis on non-western cultures?
[20:18] <~Dan> What is the status of space travel currently in Shadowrun?
[20:19] <+solonarii> I thought his question was really good, and deserves an answer
[20:19] <+PGoodman13> @Someguy503: He actually set up a clinic for the Infected in Houston. I hope to show off more of that as I get more of his story told.
[20:19] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: No plans immediately for Earthdawn crossovers, especially since the two game licenses are not joined by the same company at the moment. Sorry.
[20:19] <+Arctic> Oh yeah that makes sense
[20:19] <+technoshaman> who's question solonarii?
[20:19] <+Abstruse> BTW, @Critias, Dresden Files is basically Shadowrun without the cyberpunk. It's the single best urban fantasy series I've ever read. Definitely check it out. He's basically Dirk Montgomery but he can cast spells.
[20:19] <+JasonMHardy> @technoshaman: Not really androids, but we have fun plans for artificial life.
[20:19] <+solonarii> Notw's I copy and pasted it
[20:19] <+Someguy503> Ehhh Srun is more D&D thuogh.
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[20:20] <+Someguy503> like
[20:20] <+crimsondude> Heh
[20:20] <+technoshaman> hmmmm
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[20:20] <+Someguy503> Tolkien Fantasy as oppose to just storybook
[20:20] <+Critias> (Oh yeah, I've heard.  My wife owns 'em all, I just haven't gotten around to reading 'em yet.  Folks have made a bunch of comparisons between that series an' my novella, I just...yeah.  Been too busy this year for some "for fun" reading, y'know?)
[20:20] <+Abstruse> Consider it research then.
[20:21] <+FPXI> @technoshaman I believe there are rules in a source book for 4e to use "brains in a jar" to power robots with skill wires. Basically an android.
[20:21] <+JasonMHardy> @NotW: Oooo, sorry I missed that question! It is a good one! Yes, we want to emphasize other cultures, and I believe the art for SR5 reflects that. Our art director in particular is keen to re-emphasize the Native American element. You should see the illustration of Cheyenne in the core book …
[20:21] <+Abstruse> If I can read the friggin' Drizzt books before my D&D campaign, you can read the Dresden Files books before writing Shadowrun :p
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[20:21] <+Someguy503> @jason any chance you might've heard that Shadowrun Returns has a feature that will allow me to make 5th edition character sheets with my in game characters? if no someone should work on that!
[20:21] <+solonarii> :D
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[20:22] <+Someguy503> ShadowrunOnline should consider this too
[20:22] <+Critias> (The "Year of Shadowrun" is keepin' all of us plenty busy, trust me.  There's been talk in my local group of a Dresden Files RPG game, that'd probably push me over the edge and get me to crack 'em open, I think)
[20:22] <+Someguy503> <_<
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[20:22] <~Dan> (Welcome, ravensoracle!)
[20:22] <+Someguy503> ah that's the fate system. very different from Shadowrun i'll tell you that much Critias
[20:22] <+Abstruse> @JasonMHardy So when are we going to find out what the deal is with the..thing...from the end of Storm Front...the massive spoiler thing that looks like the single best metaplot element since the bugs that I don't want to ruin...
[20:22] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: Hmmm … I think that would be tough for them to pull off. The different natures of computer game and tabletop game means that the characters and rules are different. But maybe at GenCon we can all put our heads together …
[20:23] <+Someguy503> haha im aware. I just noticed on a gameplay the stats looked a lot like the standard character sheet :)
[20:23] <+technoshaman> do you know if the guys over at Hero Lab will update there character generator for 5e?
[20:23] <+FPXI> Are there any plants to make rules for Ais as playable characters?
[20:23] <~Dan> (Reminder: Question pause. :) )
[20:23] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: The first two books after SR5 will be an adventure called Splintered State and a sourcebook called Stolen Souls. You'll get more details about what happened in the last chapter of Storm Front.
[20:24] <+Abstruse> @Someguy503 I'm just talking about the Jim Butcher novels. Fate's a bit too rules-lite for my tastes as an RPG. But if you're a fan of the novels, the OUR WORLD sourcebook is an amazing primer for the game.
[20:24] <+JasonMHardy> Elements from these plot lines will have large effects on both the tabletop line and Shadowrun Online.
[20:24] <+NotW> Thanks Solonarii
[20:24] <+JasonMHardy> @technoshaman: Yes, Hero Lab is planning on updating to 5e. I've been keeping them updated with rules!
[20:25] <+AWOLJoe> (I wonder if all of the Shadowrun 5e sourcebooks will be abbreviated as SS...)
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[20:25] <+Abstruse> @JasonMHardy Whoever came up with that idea deserves a raise. Shadowrun was the game that got me into gaming due mostly to how awesome the metaplot was. And I've been sorely disappointed with 4e's offerings up until the last year or so.
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[20:25] <+JasonMHardy> @FPXI: It's something I'm thinking about. It's complicated, but there are some appealing aspects to doing it. It won't happen immediately, though.
[20:25] <+Someguy503> @AwolJoe oh god they could've easily made a new logo.
[20:26] <+Abstruse> @JasonMHardy That single hook completely and utterly sold me. That concept is just so...so...Dowd/Hume/Findley...
[20:26] <+Guest696> all books going forward will be 5th, right?
[20:26] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: Glad you like the idea! I'll pass along the compliments!
[20:26] <+Someguy503> Someone get me Jordan Weisman's number!
[20:26] <+JasonMHardy> @Guest696: The print books, yes. There will be some 4e ebooks coming, including Parazoology 2 and EuroWars Antiques.
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[20:26] <~Dan> [20:25] <+JasonMHardy> @FPXI: It's something I'm thinking about. It's complicated, but there are some appealing aspects to doing it. It won't happen immediately, though.
[20:27] <~Dan> (Jason: Did you see my space travel question?)
[20:27] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: I was just preparing some stuff for the Shadowrun Returns guys today. Maybe I'll drop him a suggestion …
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[20:28] <+JasonMHardy> @Dan: Man, did I forget to answer the space travel question? I answered it in my head! That's worth something, right?
[20:28] <+PGoodman13> Someone was mentioning atmosphere in the sourcebooks. I know that was one thing that Jason emphasized to me a lot when I got back in the freelancing saddle, and it's one of the things he's really let me go to town with in my work.
[20:28] <+Someguy503> I'm sure they're almost done, they're just on the consumer phase of it i would bet
[20:28] * ~Dan chuckles
[20:28] <+JasonMHardy> Anyway, manned flight has not gotten too far. There is a colony on the moon and a colony on Mars.
[20:28] <~Dan> Is that just due to all the chaos on earth?
[20:28] <+Someguy503> Corporations
[20:29] <+JasonMHardy> There are a number of fun things in orbit, namely the satellite where the Corporate Court meets.
[20:29] <+solonarii> It's due to the corps not wanting anyone else to find out about those crazy skeletons they found on mars
[20:29] <+solonarii> oh wait... that's a dead metaplot
[20:29] <+solonarii> my bad
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[20:29] <+solonarii> :p
[20:29] <+Arctic> yeah i like zurich orbital, its unique
[20:29] <+Abstruse> Are there any chances of getting some sort of Cliff's Notes to the metaplot say 6 months or so after major books/Missions adventures are released? One thing that drove me NUTS reading STORM FRONT was trying to figure out what the hell Prop 23 was.
[20:29] <+PGoodman13> And it's one of the things I've been wanting to bring back myself. I mean, I'm 47 years old and I can now say that I've been playing this particular game for more than half my life.
[20:29] <+JasonMHardy> Yeah. Though the corps have a mass driver, and they've been working on a space elevator. They just don't always cooperate on these initiatives well.
[20:29] <+Arctic> q pause?
[20:29] <+Someguy503> Space is hard because too much technology makes the game more Space Sci Fi and detracts from the cyberpunk city noire aspect
[20:29] <~Dan> (Hmm... Are you caught up, Jason?)
[20:30] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: With each SR5 book, I'll try to assume people don't have 4e books, so they'll get you up to date on what you need to know.
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[20:30] <+JasonMHardy> I think I'm mainly caught up.
[20:30] <+Arctic> How do the internal politics of the Great Dragons impact upon the campaign setting in 5th ed?
[20:30] <~Dan> (Then let the questions resume! :) )
[20:31] <+JasonMHardy> But I'll echo what Someguy503 said--we don't want to get _too_ space-y. SR works best on Earth.
[20:31] <+solonarii> Ok real talk Jason. are there any possible plans to explain those crazy mars findings when they first landed there? it's been one of the most intersting things about shadowrun that I ever found out. and it was never brought up again. As far as I can tell at least
[20:31] <~Dan> (As an aside, talking in bold is fun. I think I'm going to start yelling all the time IRL.)
[20:31] <+Arctic> yeah we like that.
[20:31] <+PGoodman13> And it was definitely something I wanted to bring back.
[20:31] <+solonarii> I know that plot is old as balls, so I understand if no one cares.
[20:31] <+Arctic> It makes you look like an alpha male Dan
[20:31] <+Abstruse> But what about the new stuff for SR5? I don't play Missions since I write my own adventures mostly, so I missed out completely on the Harlequin/Ghostwalker thing and had to have a commenter on my column explain it to me. Is there going to be some way for people who don't do organized play to keep track of the plot developments?
[20:31] * ~Dan chuckles
[20:32] <+mib_uwom0r> What are the exact changes in the nature of the Infection or Infected describd in Storm Front ? There weren't game info about it
[20:32] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: Great dragons always have an effect, but after their recent clashes they're going to go back to the shadows a little more. They'll have some stress to deal with, especially Celedyr and Ghostwalker.
[20:32] <+JasonMHardy> @solonarii: You know, that hasn't been on my radar. Hmmmmmm …
[20:32] <+solonarii> :D
[20:33] <+Abstruse> @Dan I'm now picturing you as Steve Carell in ANCHORMAN shouting "WHY ARE WE YELLING?!"
[20:33] <~Dan> LOL!
[20:33] <+Someguy503> What do you do if you "accidentally" made a deal with a dragon. Over the phone/matrix, with him in human form, or other wise?
[20:33] <+PGoodman13> Oooh, something I know the answer to....
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[20:33] <~Dan> ("LOUD. NOISES.")
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[20:34] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: It's something I'll need to work on--I'll see what I can do to provide the info that's needed. Though part of me likes to leave gaps …
[20:34] <+Abstruse> @Someguy503 Most deals with dragons, you don't realize you're dealing with a dragon until it's too late. Especially with Lofwyr and the late Dunkelzahn from published adventures.
[20:34] <+PGoodman13> The Infected are having a tough time of it. I don't want to give to much of it away, though some of it will be turning up in the SR5 core book.
[20:34] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: Burn all your SINs, change your name, move to a new continent.
[20:34] <+Someguy503> @abstruse do you think an attourney could help?
[20:34] <+Critias> And some in fiction.  :)
[20:35] <+Abstruse> @JasonMHardy Leave gaps to make me buy the books, by all means. I just don't want to read 40% of a chapter of a sourcebook going "What the <bleep> is Prop 23?!" again.
[20:35] <+Abstruse> @Someguy503 How much nuyen do you have?
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[20:35] <+PGoodman13> @Abstruse: He probably doesn't have enough.
[20:35] <~Dan> (Welcome, Huh!)
[20:35] <+Abstruse> @PGoodman13 Does anyone, really?
[20:35] <+Arctic> Shadowrun does not seem to be as 'dystopian' as it used to be. Could you comment on that?
[20:36] <+PGoodman13> Are we reading the same books?
[20:36] <+Someguy503> When stuck between buying a crate of c4 and a good lawyer i'm curious as to which to go for
[20:36] <+Abstruse> Shift in genre from cyberpunk to post-cyberpunk, IMO.
[20:36] <+Someguy503> might be your GM.
[20:36] <+Critias> Heh.
[20:36] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: An attorney could help, especially once Lofwyr gets his law license.
[20:36] <+Arctic> Its my interpretation.
[20:36] <+Someguy503> I know I like to go full Pink Mohawk.
[20:36] <+Abstruse> Black Trenchcoat for life!
[20:37] <+Someguy503> @JasonMHardy thanks, i'll look into it.
[20:37] <~Dan> Yes, about that... Would you say that Shadowrun (and cyberpunk in general) has become "retro-future" now?
[20:37] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: It's interesting--I know people who think it's not dystopian enough, and some people think it's too dystopian.
[20:37] <+smackweasel> and when he does, all those PPI cl;aims he will get back
[20:37] <+JasonMHardy> I follow the advice of our arti director, and let Blade Runner be my spirit guide.
[20:37] <+smackweasel> nope it means we got older :P
[20:38] <+Someguy503> Nah, Retro Future would be like Cyberpunk 2020's art style. Spandex and bulky cars.
[20:38] <+Someguy503> Its all about art direction really
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[20:38] <+Abstruse> For the record, until that officially licensed $250 million feature film of 2XS becomes a reality, watch the pilot episode of LEVERAGE. It's pure black trenchcoat Shadowrun. And even showrunner John Rogers (who has worked for WotC as a game designer) admits Shadowrun was an influence on the show.
[20:38] <+JasonMHardy> @Dan: I think to some degree it has, because in many ways we are not predicting the future. Shadowrun diverged from the real world 20 years ago, so it's going to be a different beast.
[20:38] <+solonarii> I think it's not as dystopian as it used to be. but it's also a little more realistic. the world has settled(relatively) into it's new age. the upheaval of that change isn't messing things up nearly as badly.
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[20:38] <+NotW> Shadowrun can't be all bladerunner and cyberpunk or you lose the fantasy side, which could use more emphasis imo
[20:39] <+Arctic> It seems to me that the world of the 2070s was a new golden age, the world has adapted to the issues of the 6th world and are doing just fine. Sure its a fascist-capitalist nightmare, but things don't seem that bad.
[20:39] <+JasonMHardy> At the same time, I think it can keep having a contemporary or future feel by reflecting the lives we live now, just through a warped, distorted mirror. I think there are plenty of delicious fears that have come into the world that Shadowrun can play with.
[20:39] <+Arctic> Yeah I think Solonarii has it right
[20:39] <+solonarii> but it's opened up the world to be more complex. it's not all doom and glom with neon lights. now it's a real world
[20:39] <+solonarii> :)
[20:39] <+NotW> :)
[20:39] <+Someguy503> True facts, most people dont notice the fantasy at times. I swear the fact that a character is a dwarf or an elf is just a sidenote like the color of their hair. What matters to the players is that they're a johnson...
[20:40] <~Dan> What would you say is the nature of Shadowrunners as of 5e? Way back in 1e, they were the good guy underdogs, but I've heard that they became quite a bit less heroic in later editions.
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[20:40] <+Someguy503> not to criticize you guys, I mean i love the lore
[20:40] <+FPXI> I actually think towad the end of 4th edition has become a little less dark though. There is plenty of doom and loom on the horizion which is all fine and well but not enough emphasis has been put ont he doom and gloom of everyday life imop...and that is something
[20:40] <+JasonMHardy> It's a tough balance between all the aspects of the game, but yeah, some coo magic plots should happen.
[20:40] <+FPXI> that the older books really emphasized more i think.
[20:41] <+Abstruse> I think Shadowrun's actually gotten more dystopian as the editions moved on. It's just gotten a better PR department since it's more closely mirroring our own reality of cameras everywhere and no online privacy.
[20:41] <+JasonMHardy> @Dan: I think they're a mix. I don't want to lose the good-guy underdog role, which I think became a little blurred over. But not all shadowrunners are like that--there are some psychos and mercenaries out there, too.
[20:41] <+NotW> I really miss Bob Charrette's fantasy take on Shadowrun of making old folklore like Irish folk stories or Tribal legends become truth of reality
[20:41] <+JasonMHardy> I like having that mix.
[20:41] <+Critias> What's funny is that we've got threads right here on rpg.net where folks are insisting, instead, that it's gotten too dark, rivaling Warhammer 40k in "grimdark."
[20:41] <~Dan> JasonMHardy: *nod*
[20:42] <+PGoodman13> @mib_uwom0r: In some ways, the Infected are getting boned. They feel the hunger pains more acutely, they're more sensitive to sunlight, they've got a full-blown terrorist organization making them look worse.
[20:42] <+FPXI> Ya I think the meta plot itself is a bit too dark and the day-to-day setting a little bit too bright
[20:42] <+Kei> I have always run shadowrun kinda noir-ey with the neon-pop being something of a thin veil to cover rampant corruption, corporate manipulation, and a morally bankrupt populace. plus the shadowrunners have ranger from evil to moneyhungry. except for shamans and adepts which kind of come off as weirdos
[20:42] <+Arctic> Kill em all, I say.
[20:42] <+smackweasel> thanks for you time JasonMHardy good night everyone
[20:42] <+FPXI> i'd liek to see a bit of the emphasis shifted back to the street levelt
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[20:42] <+JasonMHardy> Thanks smackeasel!
[20:42] <+FPXI> less michaelbaysplosions
[20:43] <+Someguy503> See the way I like my cyberpunk (which many people wouldnt consider it) is a dystopian world in the midsts of chaos. But the Punk aspects comes from characters who THRIVE in the chaos. The world is going to shreds and these guys are enjoying their live fast die hard lifestyle. The heroes are colorful and vibrant as opposed to the oppressive corps and coglike
[20:43] <+Someguy503> masses
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[20:43] <+Abstruse> One thing I've always loved about Shadowrun is the complete grey-and-grey morality. Aside from the obvious Big Bads of Invae, Horrors, Toxics, Shedim, etc., every single entity is presented as having his/her/their/its own morality, motivations, and goals.
[20:43] <+JasonMHardy> @FPXI: The goal is that even in the big storylines, there is a chance for street-level runs. Not an easy goal, but we'll keep working on it.
[20:43] <~Dan> As to the grimdark... How dystopian can you get when magic exists, really?
[20:43] <+Someguy503> have you SEEN 40k or World of Darkness?
[20:43] <+Abstruse> @Dan Bug spirits.
[20:44] <~Dan> Okay, fair point.
[20:44] <+AWOLJoe> (FPXI: Actual quote from my last Shadowrun session: "Baysplosions is not a magical tradition!")
[20:44] <+Abstruse> @Dan Read Universal Brotherhood and 2XS.
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[20:44] <+Arctic> Yeah, magic is by its nature a bit camp.
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[20:44] <+JasonMHardy> @Someguy503: Ha! I have a story in the SR5 book that's pretty much about that theme exactly--the vibrancy of independence vs. the greyness of the cogs.
[20:44] <+Someguy503> heck lovecraft had magic.
[20:44] <+FPXI> @AwolJoe I like your group already.
[20:44] <~Dan> True, but Lovecraftian magic is dark by design.
[20:44] <+solonarii> @dan, SUPER DYSTOPIAN you should read more dark fantasy.
[20:44] <~Dan> Shadowrun magic is based on high fantasy magic.
[20:45] <+Arctic> Yeah its unknowable
[20:45] <+Someguy503> @JasonMHardy I'd love to see it. My favorite part about the books is the fluff and the stories.
[20:45] <+solonarii> I think you're putting your own bias onto SR magic Dan
[20:45] <+NotW> Agreed with Dan, Shadowrun fantasy has its roots in High Fantasy though it has wandered away
[20:45] <+JasonMHardy> One of the things I plan to do in SR5 is have books that emphasize particular types of runs, like extractions, datasteals, etc. I hope that that emphasis will pull us into more street-level action.
[20:45] <+Abstruse> I really, really wish the Earthdawn and Shadowrun licenses were tied together and constantly held by the same company instead of the Shadowrun and BattleTech licenses.
[20:45] <+AWOLJoe> @FPXI I have so many good stories, and we're only a little ways in...
[20:45] <+Arctic> fireballs coming out of the fingertip is high fantasy.
[20:46] <+lordokaos> @JasonMHardy Glad you guys at CLG are keeping SR alive!  So looking forward to 5th
[20:46] <+Someguy503> The magic in SR is practical and non flashy. It states in the books that the media has to portray it as over the top and heroic.
[20:46] <~Dan> Well, let me rephrase: I think that Shadowrun's magic adds a touch of wonder to the setting that mitigates the cyberpunk darkness.
[20:46] <+FPXI> I liek the sound of those kinds of street level ideas.
[20:46] <+Guest696> more policlubs as bad guys please
[20:46] <+FPXI> I've felt that even shadowrun games that end up fighting big bads, really live or die on street level runs
[20:46] <+Abstruse> Not saying CGL's done a bad job with BattleTech. I haven't played that in years and only barely kept track. But the worlds were so tied together, it makes me a little sad there's not going to be crossovers anymore.
[20:46] <+NotW> I didn't like the turn Shadowrun took with Earthdawn, preferred Shadowruns history more based on old folk tales and legends
[20:47] <+Huh> Magic is a natural resource. Use coloured by the wielder
[20:47] <+Someguy503> Wonder isn't necessarily a good thing. Curiosity killed the cat. and mages fighting for knowledge and power can lead to some grisly things.
[20:47] <~Dan> True.
[20:47] <+JasonMHardy> @lordokaos: Glad to hear it, and I hope you'll have fun with it!
[20:47] <+Abstruse> I'm in the minority. I like dragons and IEs.
[20:47] <~Dan> A quick general pause, folks.
[20:47] <+FPXI> What can we expect in the way of campaign books for 5e? My group has really enjoyed dawn of the artifacts but the 4th book in the series was a little more heavy on hooks and les son plot and I've seen a lot of the other books head that direction.
[20:47] <+FPXI> I'd like to see more of what happened in the first edition of dawn of the artifacts
[20:48] <~Dan> First of all, I'd like to thank all of you for making this the most successful Q&A we've had, by far.
[20:48] <+Someguy503> whatever Im gonna go get dinner. Good luck on 5th edition Jason.
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[20:48] <+solonarii> What FPIX said
[20:48] <+Arctic> I'll take credit for that, Dan. +5 Karma.
[20:48] <+JasonMHardy> Thanks to all who showed up! You guys are cool!
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[20:48] <~Dan> Second, while the Q&A technically ends at 9, Jason, you are more than welcome to hang out and continue to field questions as long as you like.
[20:48] <+Arctic> Thanks for the session, gentlemen.
[20:49] <~Dan> And finally, is there anything we haven't covered that you'd like to bring up, Jason?
[20:49] <+mib_uwom0r> Thank you all
[20:49] <+Abstruse> Damn! And I was only three karma away from upgrading my Computer skill...
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[20:49] <+NotW> It isn't even 7 Seattle time yet ;)
[20:49] <+JasonMHardy> @FPXI: I'm planning more linked adventures a la Dawn of the Artifacts, so I hope that will work for you! I also want to keep tweaking what we're doing with campaign books. I think there were good things, but there is more we can do with them.
[20:49] <+JasonMHardy> I can't stay much beyond 9, but I appreciate everyone for hanging around!
[20:50] <+Horlix> Us idlers were enjoying this too. Thanks guys for answering all the questions we hadn't asked.
[20:50] <+JasonMHardy> I think we've covered most of the stuff. We released a new preview of SR5 today--head over to shadowruntabletop.com to find it!
[20:50] <+Abstruse> @JasonMHardy Use Bug City, Portfolio of a Dragon, and Renraku Arcology Shutdown as a blueprint and you'll always get my money.
[20:50] <+FPXI> Wondeful. Thanks for answering all the question. I really did feel that even though the first sections were more linear in Dawn of the artifacts the story was well thought out and made the experience a little better than the more hook heavy campaign books.
[20:50] <+Huh> Does anybody know how big a part of the fanbase use the campaign books and the linked adventures? Percentage-wise?
[20:50] <+lordokaos> @jason any word who from CLG, specifically the SR crew, will be at GenCon this year?
[20:50] <+JasonMHardy> Also, hey Crimsondude and anyone else I should have said hey to but missed.
[20:50] <~Dan> Oh, one other note: I do hope that all of you will feel welcome to stick around if you like the place. We're a friendly bunch and are always happy to meet new people! :)
[20:51] <+PGoodman13> The HMHVV virus itself is changing as magic rises, etc. And the Infected are, of course, being dragged along with it. For instance, the Essence Drain power has evolved  a bit over the editions, and going into 5th that hasn't changed. In some ways, it's a little more powerful.
[20:51] <+JasonMHardy> @Abstruse: Dude, you just named like my three favorite sourcebooks of all time. I'm so with you.
[20:51] <+PGoodman13> OTOH, some of the powers used by the Infected cause them to burn through Essence a little faster.
[20:51] <+lordokaos> @Abstruse right on!  I'm with you on that
[20:51] <+Abstruse> Oh, BTW, I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Darryl Mott Jr. and I write for Ain't It Cool News's Tabletop column under the name Abstruse.
[20:51] <+JasonMHardy> @Huh: That's a good question. I need to check some sales numbers.
[20:51] <~Dan> It's an honor to have you here, Abstruse!
[20:52] <+NotW> Tir Tairngire bumps out Bug city (which takes 4th) for me.
[20:52] <+Arctic> As a final comment, I would ask you to open the Shadowrun world up even further. Detail some geographic regions that have been ignored so far. Ukraine, South East Asia, and New Guinea all seem ripe for fleshing out. Really looking forward to learning more about Vladivostok. Less North America, more World.
[20:52] <+Critias> Tir Tairngire for 4th place?  FOR SHAME.
[20:52] <+JasonMHardy> @lordokaos: Lessee--me, Bull, e-book developer Peter Andrew, Critias, Winterhawk11, and many other freelancers.
[20:53] <+NotW> No, Bug city for 4th
[20:53] <+NotW> Tir Tairngire is a tie with Portfolio of a Dragon for me for 1st
[20:53] <+JasonMHardy> @Arctic: Keep an eye on the ebook line--we'll definitely be opening up the world there. If things go well, we'll move some of that content to print, a la the two Runners Black Books.
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[20:53] <+Abstruse> The honor's all mine.
[20:53] <+Critias> Whew.  That's more like it.  :)
[20:54] <+AWOLJoe> Hey, I happened to get my current Shadowrun GM on the phone, and this may have kind of been answered earlier with the Earthdawn question, but he was wondering if there would be any sort of picking up the old "return of the Horrors" metaplot of old-school Shadowrun.
[20:54] <+NotW> Arctic, check out Target Smuggler Havens for 2nd edition Vladivostok if you haven't already
[20:54] <+lordokaos> @JasonMHardy Awesome!  I will be hoping to get my book signed there by you this year. :)  Been playing since 1st, love every edition of the game
[20:54] <+JasonMHardy> Critias, I'm gonna burn the Tir to the ground next time you're not looking. Just for fun.
[20:54] <+Abstruse> Though I probably should've said something in the begining because I interrupting writing this week's column to pop in here...and, you know, anything you say can and will be held against you and all that :p
[20:54] <+Critias> I'm always looking.
[20:54] <+Critias> Always.
[20:54] <+JasonMHardy> @lordokaos: Make sure you come to the SR seminar on Friday. We usually have a good crop of folks there.
[20:55] <+Huh> I'm always conflicted reg. Tir Tairngire. Do I use the new or the classic. Both are cool, but the facistoid elf place keeps edging out the new stuff.
[20:55] <+JasonMHardy> Damn your all-seeing eye!
[20:55] <+lordokaos> @jasonmhardy Will do!
[20:55] <+crimsondude> New isn't that far from Classic TT
[20:55] <+Abstruse> I can't rank sourcebooks. TT's up there as well. So is Universal Brotherhood, Dragons of the Sixth World, Aztlan...and now I'm just reading off all the titles from my bookshelf :p
[20:55] <+JasonMHardy> And of course I believe Jordan Weisman will be doing a Shadowrun Returns seminar at GenCon, so check him out too!
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[20:56] <+Critias> Writers love signin' stuff.
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[20:56] <~Dan> Abstruse: I sent you a PM.
[20:56] <+Critias> We get to feel like big shots for a few days.  ;)
[20:56] <+NotW> New lacks all the political intrigue of a court of Immortal Elves plotting against each other while working together to fight the entire world. Shadowrun plot hooks galore
[20:56] <+crimsondude> I was driving through Portland last week and told Critias that Uber Peace Force or not, that city is a terrorist paradise
[20:56] <+ObjectiveTwo> What's this chat about, I'm not sure if I joined the right one :P
[20:56] <+Winterhawk11> It's about over, I think. :D
[20:56] <~Dan> ObjectiveTwo: Shadowrun 5e. :)
[20:56] <+crimsondude> One of its nicknames is Bridgetown, FFS. Think about that for a sec
[20:56] <+ObjectiveTwo> ah, thanks
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[20:57] <+Critias> I did what I could with Land of Promise to flesh out the new Council, and still get political intrigue and plots.  It's just also a bit more approachable, a bit less "dialed up to 11," in an effort to make the setting someplace shadowrunners can actually, like, shadowrun.
[20:57] <+Critias> So it's not just a cool book to read but one that hardly ever matters in gameplay.
[20:57] <+JasonMHardy> Oddly enough, that's about where I want to Tir to be--intrigue-filled, but approachable.
[20:58] <+FPXI> i actually liked Land of Promise quite a bit, a lot more than like Storm Front or War!, so good work with that Critas.
[20:58] <+Critias> Cool, glad to hear it.
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[20:58] <+Critias> Check out the "Elven Blood" adventure pack, too.  It's a very strong tie-in product with LoP.
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[20:58] <+Abstruse> Land of Promise was my "maybe Shadowrun's getting cool again" book after the pure hate I felt after Shadowrun 2050.
[20:58] <+crimsondude> SR's 25th anniversary falls around the time the game timeline should be in 2076. That has many, many reasons to be a fun year.
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[20:58] <+FPXI> will do
[20:58] <+Huh> I still find a bit of joy to see my players get cold-sweat when I mention the possibilities of running in the Tir.
[20:59] <+Abstruse> I was disappointed in LoP solely because it only focused on the new stuff rather than talking about the previous rulers.
[20:59] <+crimsondude> Elven Blood is awesome as Hell
[20:59] <+PGoodman13> @FPXI: Was there anything in particular that you disliked about Storm Front? As one of the contributors, I always like it when people like the books I'm in. :)
[20:59] <+crimsondude> There's a whole book on them, though—TT
[20:59] <+PalosApep> A lot of fun to run and play
[20:59] <+Abstruse> Oh, and CanRay shows up just as I start bad-mouthing Shadowrun 2050. I was doing so VERY well before then! I promise!
[20:59] <+Critias> I was already a couple thousand words over my project spec.  I made it as big as I could make it, trust me.  The historian in me wanted it to be way bigger!
[20:59] <+Critias> And the historian in me is, uhm, a lot of me.
[20:59] <+JasonMHardy> Hey CanRay!
[20:59] <+Abstruse> LoP needed 256 pages.
[20:59] <+Critias> S'up Ray.
[21:00] <+CanRay> Just as long as you don't badmouth the Matrix Chapter.  ;-)
[21:00] <+CanRay> Hello folks!  We're pelting Jason tonight?
[21:00] <+CanRay> ...
[21:00] <+NotW> Yeah, the new rulers just don't have the "history" of the old ones. Definitely could use some more Lugh of the Sure Hand or Professor X Laverty
[21:00] <+CanRay> With questions, that is?
[21:00] <+AWOLJoe> Oh, someone I recognize from my recent Dumpshock forum trawl!
[21:00] <+CanRay> I mean, it's not like he's Mitch or anything.  ;)
[21:00] <+Winterhawk11> Among other things, @CanRay... :)
[21:01] <+PGoodman13> You missed the gorillas, Ray.
[21:01] <+Critias> Well, the old-timers were ousted for years before I got to write anything.  I didn't wanna retcon that decision away, so I made due with what I could.  I'm just glad folks dug it, and I got the e-book a green light in the first place.  :)
[21:01] <~Dan> Wecome, CanRay!
[21:01] <+Abstruse> The Matrix chapter is the one I badmouth the most. :p
[21:01] <+solonarii> The old rulers had their time, bringing them back would've been a mistake
[21:01] <+CanRay> Making due with what we have is a Cyperpunk tradition!  :D
[21:02] <+CanRay> It's why I write the books I do.  ;)
[21:02] <+NotW> You don't have to retcon it away, just return the old timers to doing what they were doing before coming out in Tir Tairngire (They were running the future country behind aliases from the Shadows)
[21:02] <+Abstruse> But we went through this on Dumpshock like a year ago. And the new stuff is really impressing me.
[21:02] <~Dan> Welcome as well, Eldarianne!
[21:02] <+CanRay> Or they ran to the other Tir.  Or they're in Seattle being long-distance Johnsons...
[21:03] <+Huh> What IS Mr.Surehand getting up to these days?
[21:03] <+Abstruse> Hiding.
[21:03] <+Eldarianne> thanks !
[21:03] <+Abstruse> And scheming. I don't think it's possible for Lugh to not scheme.
[21:03] <+PGoodman13> About 6'5" if memory serves....
[21:03] <+Critias> Hiding and/or getting hunted, for sure.  Maybe more, depending on some rumors about other Princes, etc, etc.
[21:04] <+Abstruse> So who came up with the idea about Orange Queen?
[21:04] <~Dan> JasonMHardy: Has the bit about metahumans giving birth to humans gone by the wayside now?
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[21:04] <+Abstruse> Whoever that is, I owe them a beer. That was awesome.
[21:04] <+CanRay> "Dairy Queen" was already used.
[21:04] * ~Dan chuckles
[21:04] <+Huh> What idea in specific?
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[21:05] <+CanRay> If no one is going to take credit for it, I'm nicking it!  Free Beer is the best beer!!!
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[21:05] <+JasonMHardy> @Dan: For the most part. There are exceptions, but generally metatypes reproduce their own metatype.
[21:05] <+Abstruse> From Storm Front.
[21:05] <+Winterhawk11> Thanks for a great chat, JasonMHardy and everyone else! I'm off to do the food thing. Take care, all.
[21:05] <+Abstruse> It was the conclusion to the Dragon Civil War thing.
[21:05] <+PGoodman13> Was that Scott or Devon? I've slept since then....
[21:05] <+Critias> See ya 'hawk.
[21:05] <~Dan> Bye, Winterhawk11!
[21:05] <+Huh> Her being sent backpacking?
[21:05] <+CanRay> Take care, '
[21:05] <+PGoodman13> Night, 'hawk
[21:06] <+CanRay> 'Hawk.
[21:06] <+Abstruse> Exactly.
[21:06] <+CanRay> Bleh, typing is horrible tonight.  Arm's still recovering.  Sorry.
[21:06] <+Winterhawk11> <engage lurk mode>
[21:06] <+Huh> Agree, that was a good idea
[21:06] <+JasonMHardy> Later Rat1
[21:07] <+Huh> I wonder if Hestaby enjoys couch-surfing
[21:07] <+CanRay> @JasonMHardy:  What's up next for SR5?
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[21:07] <+JasonMHardy> Splintered State and Stolen Souls! Then some splat action.
[21:08] <+PGoodman13> Okay, I've gotta fly. I'm way overdue for some bedtime story action, and the young
[21:08] <+Critias> Later Patrick!
[21:08] <+crimsondude> She's the Hobo Darkseid of SR
[21:08] <+PGoodman13> ;uns are getting restless
[21:08] <~Dan> Bye, PGoodman13! Thanks for stopping by!
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[21:08] <+PalosApep> thanks all it was interesting
[21:08] <~Dan> wb, ObjectiveTwo!
[21:08] <~Dan> Don't be a stranger, PalosApep!
[21:08] <+ObjectiveTwo> ?
[21:08] <+AWOLJoe> Oh, one last question if you have the time, Jason!
[21:09] <+CanRay> Bye Patrick!
[21:09] <+JasonMHardy> Sure, one more for the road!
[21:09] <~Dan> wb = welcome back :)
[21:09] * +CanRay hands Jason his drink.
[21:09] <~Dan> FYI, Jason -- I'll have the log posted shortly and will send you the link.
[21:09] <+AWOLJoe> You mentioned earlier that Harlequin opened up a clinic for the Infected in Houston... does this mean wer're gonna see some more details about that city?
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[21:09] <+AWOLJoe> (is currently in a 4e game set in 2070s Houston)
[21:10] <+JasonMHardy> @AWOLJoe: No immediate plans for Houston details. So many cities in the world!
[21:10] <+JasonMHardy> All right, I need to run. Thanks again, all! It was fun!

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