From:	"S.F. Eley" <gt6877c@*****.GATECH.EDU>
Subject:	Re: Registration: Fixers
Date:	Wed, 13 Sep 1995 12:28:06 -0400

> Good, I was wondering if someone would begin that one or if I would have
> to do it myself. I'm almost done with "Basement Transactions", I'm having
> a few fellow players and my GM read it over now. Plus I have to add in a few
> rules for some new equipment I added (things like trid scramblers and fiber-
> optic taps).

Hey, I'd like to see that! It'd tie right in the fixer stuff (who needs
more security than a fixer?).. If it isn't going to be posted here soon,
could you e-mail me a rough draft?



> Let's share some ideas Stephen.

Sure. Basically, the image I'm trying to get AWAY from is the one of
all-powerful fixers like Cog in the Secrets of Power trilogy.. Folks who
are well-connected enough to set up gun drops in Great Britain, but who sit
in Seattle and still have time for novice shadowrunners. Nope. Fixers are
impressive to their clients, but one fixer can't do everything.

Right now, I have three basic stats revolving around fixers: Acquisition
skill, Connections, and Reliability. Acquisition is as noted on page 184 of
SRII. It's what the fixer rolls to see if he can find something, but it's
not just for equipment -- there are concentrations, specializations, and
specific applications. Connections is a number that encapsulates all the
fixer's contacts.. I haven't worked this out yet, but it may relate to a
Target Number to see if the fixer can find something or someone specific.
(It should always be dropped in favor of role-playing when the GM feels like
it.) And Reliability is the fixer's rep. It starts as his or her Street
Etiquette, and goes up or down depending on whether the fixer lies to and
backstabs clients or treats them honestly and fairly. It's the Target
Number for determining whether an NPC will refuse to deal with that fixer.

The PC's, of course, will only ever see these stats if one of them happens
to BE a fixer. Considering how many fixers in FASA stuff started as
shadowrunners, or still are, why not play one? It can bring intrigue in the
game to a whole new level -- though it can mess up game balance if the
limits aren't strictly adhered to. "Of COURSE I know where to get Delta
grade cyberware. It's my job to know, right?" Wrong.

What do you think? I have some other theories on types of fixer
(information, equipment, contract) which partly breaks down into Acquisition
specializations and partly influences Connections.. I haven't worked it all
out yet, though, so it'll be posted on later.


Opinions or suggestions highly appreciated.


Blessings,

_TNX._

--
Stephen F. Eley (-) gt6877c@*****.gatech.edu )-( Student Pagan Community
http://wc62.residence.gatech.edu|
My opinions are my opinions. | "There's no reason for it --
Please don't blame anyone else. | It's just our policy."