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Message no. 1
From: Riffs <rivchin@****.RUTGERS.EDU>
Subject: atmosphere
Date: Wed, 1 Feb 1995 16:44:38 EST
Hi all!
As you all know, I am new to SR, and I have some questions about what is
exactly allowed in the world of 2053. I am still running Elven Fire which
is set in Seattle, and the question came up of what weapons the characters
are allowed to have visible (not conced). Are there gun-toting runners
walking down the street on the average day in Seattle? What kind of law
enforcement is present at all tims? Are there cameras and stuff hidden
near sidewalks to capture wrong-doers? After seeing Demolition Man, these
kinds of things don't seem to far fetched anymore. Anyway, I ruled that
if runners don't want to attract any undue attention to themselves, they
better make a good effort to conceal their weapons. No AK-98s. They both
packed Ares Predators and Palm Pistols with concealable holsters.
Also, about using contacts: during the adventure, the runners went back
to one of their apartments and simply used a vidphone to contact all of
their contacts (they both have middle lifestyles). It seemed okay to me, but
it was too easy perhaps? Are they really supposed to pound the pavement (it
seems pretty archaic to me)?
Thanks for you advice,


----------riffs "Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"
"I think so, Brain, but where will we find a
duck and a hose at this hour?"
Message no. 2
From: Gurth <gurth@******.NL>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 1995 12:21:28 +0100
>As you all know, I am new to SR, and I have some questions about what is
>exactly allowed in the world of 2053. I am still running Elven Fire which
>is set in Seattle, and the question came up of what weapons the characters
>are allowed to have visible (not conced).

Anyone carrying a visible weapon on the street would be a target for Lone
Star target practice in my game (take note, you guys! :)

>Are there gun-toting runners walking down the street on the average day in
Seattle?

Nope. Gun-toting _gangers_ come out at night, mostly.

>What kind of law
>enforcement is present at all tims? Are there cameras and stuff hidden
>near sidewalks to capture wrong-doers?

Lone Star Security Services patrols the streets, but how much and how often
depends on the neighborhood. I don't think there are cameras on every street
corner. That might be the case in luxury-class areas (where all the high
corp folks live), but those areas are also heavily patrolled, and anyone
walking outside (especially at night) will likely get questioned, searched,
questioned again, and searched again anyway. Not to mention beaten up if he
doesn't belong there.

>better make a good effort to conceal their weapons. No AK-98s. They both
>packed Ares Predators and Palm Pistols with concealable holsters.

Sounds OK, though I doubt a palm pistol would be any kind of firepower. You
can easily conceal an SMG or a small shotgun under a longcoat.

> Also, about using contacts: during the adventure, the runners went back
>to one of their apartments and simply used a vidphone to contact all of
>their contacts (they both have middle lifestyles). It seemed okay to me, but
>it was too easy perhaps? Are they really supposed to pound the pavement (it
>seems pretty archaic to me)?

Both would be OK. It sort of depends on what kind of contact they visit: to
talk to a squatter I don't think they could give him a call, but I also
don't think they can walk into a Mr. Johnson's office without calling for an
appointment first.


Gurth@******.nl - Gurth@***.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
Just cause you don't like it don't mean it ain't no good
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Message no. 3
From: Gareth Owen <glowen1@*****.NHS.GOV.UK>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 1995 13:03:28 +0000
>
> Lone Star Security Services patrols the streets, but how much and how often
> depends on the neighborhood. I don't think there are cameras on every street
> corner. That might be the case in luxury-class areas (where all the high
> corp folks live), but those areas are also heavily patrolled, and anyone
> walking outside (especially at night) will likely get questioned, searched,
> questioned again, and searched again anyway. Not to mention beaten up if he
> doesn't belong there.

I agree mostly, but think that in a luxury class area, you won't get
stopped if you look the part. The corp execs, etc would not take
kindly to LS stopping them every time they walk down the street.
i.e. if you're in a london fog greatcoat and armani suit, everythings
fine, wear the ubiquitous armoured long coat and you're gonna get
hassled. It's one of those occasions when looking right is of prime
importance. The 'Grey Man' principle.

> > Also, about using contacts: during the adventure, the runners went back
> >to one of their apartments and simply used a vidphone to contact all of
> >their contacts (they both have middle lifestyles). It seemed okay to me, but
> >it was too easy perhaps? Are they really supposed to pound the pavement (it
> >seems pretty archaic to me)?
>
> Both would be OK. It sort of depends on what kind of contact they visit: to
> talk to a squatter I don't think they could give him a call, but I also
> don't think they can walk into a Mr. Johnson's office without calling for an
> appointment first.

Again, I agree, but also note that some things can only be said face-to-face.
You never know who's monitoring your vid phone. Scrambled line? Yeah right.

GLO

--
Gareth Owen | Mail: glowen1@*****.nhs.gov.uk
Sytems Programmmer | Phone: (UK) 0495 765021
Gwent Health Authority | "Reboot it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure"
Message no. 4
From: Robert Watkins <bob@**.NTU.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 1995 00:42:35 +0930
>
> >As you all know, I am new to SR, and I have some questions about what is
> >exactly allowed in the world of 2053. I am still running Elven Fire which
> >is set in Seattle, and the question came up of what weapons the characters
> >are allowed to have visible (not conced).
>
> Anyone carrying a visible weapon on the street would be a target for Lone
> Star target practice in my game (take note, you guys! :)
>
The same here, but it's a question of what's visible, at times.
For example, a pistol could probably be hidden without the omnipresent
concealable holsters. A SMG, maybe, if you're wearing a large jacket or an
overcoat. For some reason, some players don't realise that Panther Assault
Cannons just don't hide well. (I had one player who hid one inside a
telescope carry-case, though. Worked well until customs asked him to open
it up. :) )

> >Are there gun-toting runners walking down the street on the average day in
> Seattle?
>
> Nope. Gun-toting _gangers_ come out at night, mostly.
>
Depends where you are. In the really bad parts of the Barrens, yeah, but in
these places, the gangers have replaced the law, mostly. Gun fights may
break out during the day, and runners may be involved (especially in
suburbs, breaking down doors, etc) but no runner likes the light.

> >What kind of law
> >enforcement is present at all tims? Are there cameras and stuff hidden
> >near sidewalks to capture wrong-doers?
>
> Lone Star Security Services patrols the streets, but how much and how often
> depends on the neighborhood. I don't think there are cameras on every street
> corner. That might be the case in luxury-class areas (where all the high
> corp folks live), but those areas are also heavily patrolled, and anyone
> walking outside (especially at night) will likely get questioned, searched,
> questioned again, and searched again anyway. Not to mention beaten up if he
> doesn't belong there.
>
If you get hold of the Seattle Sourcebook, it has security ratings listed.
D or less will see only minimal patrolling, so as long as the runners
aren't too loud, they'll be okay. Of course, these are the areas the gangs
control, and they don't tend to like heavily armed runners all that much
either.

> >better make a good effort to conceal their weapons. No AK-98s. They both
> >packed Ares Predators and Palm Pistols with concealable holsters.
>
> Sounds OK, though I doubt a palm pistol would be any kind of firepower. You
> can easily conceal an SMG or a small shotgun under a longcoat.
>
> > Also, about using contacts: during the adventure, the runners went back
> >to one of their apartments and simply used a vidphone to contact all of
> >their contacts (they both have middle lifestyles). It seemed okay to me, but
> >it was too easy perhaps? Are they really supposed to pound the pavement (it
> >seems pretty archaic to me)?
>
> Both would be OK. It sort of depends on what kind of contact they visit: to
> talk to a squatter I don't think they could give him a call, but I also
> don't think they can walk into a Mr. Johnson's office without calling for an
> appointment first.
>

Just because you call someone, doesn't mean they can give you the info. If
it's Hot Stuff (TM), the contact will probably want a physical meet (this
can be good for a plotline, if you get desperate... an old contact calls
for a meet, but never shows up, or shows up dying. Don't do this unless
you're prepared to replace it, though). Also, "contacts are people to, ya
know?" They go out for meals, they (may) work during the day, they take
vacations, they have hot dates and get annoyed at runners who call them in
the middle of the night.

Finally, they may not know. Or they may need time to get the info. If they
don't know, I tend to set my players out on "The Street" looking for info.
They don't like doing it this way (it is slower, and more noticable), but I
also lower the target numbers a bit, to compensate. You probably wouldn't
get the real juicy stuff this way, but pumping people for info is old-time
spy stuff. And gives people a new look at the Interrogation skill that
doesn't involve thumbscrews.

--
Robert Watkins bob@**.ntu.edu.au
Real Programmers never work 9 to 5. If any real programmers
are around at 9 am, it's because they were up all night.
Message no. 5
From: Shadowdancer <BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Wed, 1 Feb 1995 20:26:18 EST
Riffs writes:


> are allowed to have visible (not conced). Are there gun-toting
runners
> walking down the street on the average day in Seattle? What kind
of law
> enforcement is present at all tims? Are there cameras and stuff
hidden
> near sidewalks to capture wrong-doers? After seeing Demolition
Man, these
> kinds of things don't seem to far fetched anymore. No AK-98s.
>They both
> packed Ares Predators and Palm Pistols with concealable holsters.

First, law enforcement depends on the area of the city you are in.
Downtown Seattle will be very strictly enforced. Street patrols and the
whole nine meters. But there are no cameras(maybe in the corps). I
would NOT carry exposed weapons or even concealed ones. But in
the Barrens, cops do not appear if they can help it. But I still would
not tote weapons openly unless you look like you can kill inside of
.05 sec.

> Also, about using contacts: during the adventure, the runners
went back
> to one of their apartments and simply used a vidphone to contact all
of
> their contacts (they both have middle lifestyles). It seemed okay to
me, but
> it was too easy perhaps? Are they really supposed to pound the
pavement (it
> seems pretty archaic to me)?
> Thanks for you advice,
>
Let them do it. Most contacts will be able to have access to
vidphones, though would not be able to be viewed. Only thoughs that
would not have access to vidphones, or are not home, or does not
wish to be seen would the characters have to track down. A GM plus:
Lone Star wire taps on the vidphones. Bet your runners will not think
of that.



------------------------------
||||| Today's Quote |||||
------------------------------
"Why does the sun come up, hmm?
Or are stars just pinholes in the curtain of night?
Who knows."
-Juan-Sanchez Phililobos Ramirez, Highlander
Shadowdancer<BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Message no. 6
From: Marc A Renouf <jormung@*****.UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 1995 21:05:16 -0500
On Wed, 1 Feb 1995, Shadowdancer wrote: [on the topic of contacting one's
contacts...]

> Let them do it. Most contacts will be able to have access to
> vidphones, though would not be able to be viewed. Only thoughs that
> would not have access to vidphones, or are not home, or does not
> wish to be seen would the characters have to track down. A GM plus:
> Lone Star wire taps on the vidphones. Bet your runners will not think
> of that.

Actually, just calling all of your contacts is kinda lame. Some
people will not want to be called. They will want dead-drops, blind
matrix accounts, dummy LTG #'s, non-descript bags left in monorail
station lockers, etc... This adds a lot to the overall atmosphere of the
game and adds alot of character to the game.

Marc
Message no. 7
From: Gurth <gurth@******.NL>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 1995 13:57:28 +0100
>The same here, but it's a question of what's visible, at times.
>For example, a pistol could probably be hidden without the omnipresent
>concealable holsters. A SMG, maybe, if you're wearing a large jacket or an
>overcoat. For some reason, some players don't realise that Panther Assault
>Cannons just don't hide well. (I had one player who hid one inside a
>telescope carry-case, though. Worked well until customs asked him to open
>it up. :) )

My players tend to hide such things in big suitcases. Disassembled if it
doesn't fit right away.

>If you get hold of the Seattle Sourcebook, it has security ratings listed.
>D or less will see only minimal patrolling

You need Sprawl Sites to know what the security code letters really mean, of
course.


Gurth@******.nl - Gurth@***.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
Just cause you don't like it don't mean it ain't no good
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P? !L !3 E? N++ K- W+ -po+(po) Y+ t(+) 5 !j R+(++)>+++$ tv+(++) b+@ D+(++)
B? e+ u+@ h! f--(?) !r(--)(*) n---->!n y?
Message no. 8
From: "Thomas W. Craig" <Craigtw1@***.COM>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 1995 12:35:45 -0500
Got Vidphone tapped by NSA. In game.
Tom
Message no. 9
From: Shadowdancer <BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 1995 14:29:21 EST
Marc writes:

> > Let them do it. Most contacts will be able to have access to
> > vidphones, though would not be able to be viewed. Only thoughs
that

> Actually, just calling all of your contacts is kinda lame. Some
> people will not want to be called. They will want dead-drops, blind
> matrix accounts, dummy LTG #'s, non-descript bags left in monorail
> station lockers, etc... This adds a lot to the overall atmosphere of
the
> game and adds alot of character to the game.

True, but calling is quicker and easier. I also did not say use it for
every contact. Plus, most players are not bright (unless they
research unexhastingly or are GMs also). It is great fun to let them
do the lame thing, then wire tap the phone, disguised individual,
vidphone is actually hollow with an assassin inside, anchored spells,
etc. Much fun if you are into hurting characters that do not seem to
learn.


------------------------------
||||| Today's Quote |||||
------------------------------
Spurs are borken.
Wired-3 is shot.
Two bullets left in the SMG.
Body is overstressed.
Lofwyr is pissed.

No Fear.

Shadowdancer<BRIDDLE@*****.VINU.EDU>
Message no. 10
From: Renegade <a018907t@*********.SEFLIN.LIB.FL.US>
Subject: Re: atmosphere
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 12:25:37 -0500
[Replies about contacting Contacts *snipped*]

Also remember that Contacts are just that, Contacts. Not extrememly good
friends just people you know that can get you information. They'll turn
on you in a heartbeat for the right price. They also don't want to do
your legwork for you all the time because they have lives of their own.
They might get fustrated and make a quick anonymous call to Lone Star ;-)

Just my 0.02Y

------------------------------------------------
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And is heard no more." - Macbeth, Act V Scene V
Renegade William Shakespeare
a018907t@*********.seflin.lib.fl.us
jricker@*******.fsu.edu

Further Reading

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