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Message no. 1
From: TalonMail@***.com TalonMail@***.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 08:56:42 EDT
Sommers <sommers@*****.umich.edu> wrote:
>Read Ragnarok and check out Talon, Steve Kenson's character. Initiate mage

>with a nice weapon foci and ally spirit, and still has some space for

>cyberware. Headphone radio and tacom I think, maybe a few other small things.

Funny thing is Talon didn't have any cyber for the longest time then I
realized just how difficult it was to live in the mid-21st century without at
least a datajack. I mean, its like not having a phone or e-mail these days;
you can do it, but it's damned inconvinient at times. All things considered,
I'm surprised more mage-types don't have at least a little cyberware as a
matter of course. The stuff is just SO convienient to have. Plus guys like
Talon just love to have all the latest toys : )

Steve Kenson

Talon Studio
http://members.aol.com/talonmail
Message no. 2
From: Patrick Bierlein prbierlein@******.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 13:16:36 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: <TalonMail@***.com>
To: <shadowrn@*********.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2000 8:56 AM
Subject: Re: Talon's cyberware


> Sommers <sommers@*****.umich.edu> wrote:
> >Read Ragnarok and check out Talon, Steve Kenson's character. Initiate
mage
>
> >with a nice weapon foci and ally spirit, and still has some space for
>
> >cyberware. Headphone radio and tacom I think, maybe a few other small
things.
>
> Funny thing is Talon didn't have any cyber for the longest time then I
> realized just how difficult it was to live in the mid-21st century without
at
> least a datajack. I mean, its like not having a phone or e-mail these
days;
> you can do it, but it's damned inconvinient at times. All things
considered,
> I'm surprised more mage-types don't have at least a little cyberware as a
> matter of course. The stuff is just SO convienient to have. Plus guys like
> Talon just love to have all the latest toys : )

Oh I have to agree. I like to play mages, and I think everyone I've made
(only 2... haven't been in SR for that long ^_^), has had at least some
cyber... for the most part a smartlink so he doesn't have to rely totaly on
magic. Though I never really put any thought into a datajack.

Of topic a little... Steve, I do hope you plan to write more on Talon. I
think he's become my favorite character so far in the novels, and I'd love
to read more about him. Keep up the good work.

Patrick
Message no. 3
From: Gurth gurth@******.nl
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 19:32:57 +0200
According to TalonMail@***.com, at 8:56 on 26 Apr 00, the word on the
street was...

> Funny thing is Talon didn't have any cyber for the longest time then I
> realized just how difficult it was to live in the mid-21st century without at
> least a datajack. I mean, its like not having a phone or e-mail these days;
> you can do it, but it's damned inconvinient at times. All things considered,
> I'm surprised more mage-types don't have at least a little cyberware as a
> matter of course.

Probably because most people playing magicians fall into the "Magic is
_everything_" category of players. Anything that takes away points from
your Magic is instantly deemed bad, even if it means you can do other
useful (or cool) stuff as a result.

> The stuff is just SO convienient to have. Plus guys like Talon just
> love to have all the latest toys : )

For a time, I used to play what I called a technomancer: a magician trying
to find the best blend of magic and technology. He had some cyberware
(about 2 Essence worth, mainly stuff like cybereyes, boosted reflexes,
etc.) and also used non-cyber technology where he thought it was handier
than magic. Mainly, this meant electronics, but he also kept claiming that
he could cast fireballs really well. (When he needed one, he pulled out a
WP grenade, set the detonator to "Impact" and tossed it to the target...)

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
"There are millions of people who've got nothing to say to each other,
and who do it on mobile phones" --Ian Hislop, on Have I Got News For You
-> NAGEE Editor * ShadowRN GridSec * Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
->The Plastic Warriors Page: http://shadowrun.html.com/plasticwarriors/<-

GC3.1: GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ UL P L+ E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+
PE Y PGP- t(+) 5++ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
Incubated into the First Church of the Sqooshy Ball, 21-05-1998
Message no. 4
From: Jamz JamzTheMan@****.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 12:55:53 -0500
> > Sommers <sommers@*****.umich.edu> wrote:
> > >Read Ragnarok and check out Talon, Steve Kenson's character. Initiate
> mage
> >
> > >with a nice weapon foci and ally spirit, and still has some space for
> >
> > >cyberware. Headphone radio and tacom I think, maybe a few other small
> things.
> >
> > Funny thing is Talon didn't have any cyber for the longest time then I
> > realized just how difficult it was to live in the mid-21st century without
> at
> > least a datajack. I mean, its like not having a phone or e-mail these
> days;
> > you can do it, but it's damned inconvinient at times. All things
> considered,
> > I'm surprised more mage-types don't have at least a little cyberware as a
> > matter of course. The stuff is just SO convienient to have. Plus guys like
> > Talon just love to have all the latest toys : )
>

I've played my CyberMage for years now and love the addition of cyberware. I've been able
to keep it under 1 point and with 5 grades of Initiation, I can say I haven't had any
problems. With betaware, I've been able to put in a optical datajack, cybereyes (with all
the goodies), smartgun link, skillwires & chipjack. (for 1 point)

Next addition: Forearm blades as a weapon focus! ;)

I agree that SR is a world where most mages don't equate a datajack as 1 less die they can
roll but as a convenience of life. Even though people know cigarettes cause cancer,
millions smoke anyways. Contacts may be a hassle sometimes but millions wear em. Cyberware
may be a little invasive but....

Jamz
Message no. 5
From: Deirdre M. Brooks xenya@********.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 12:26:34 -0700
Gurth wrote:
>
> Probably because most people playing magicians fall into the "Magic is
> _everything_" category of players. Anything that takes away points from
> your Magic is instantly deemed bad, even if it means you can do other
> useful (or cool) stuff as a result.

My problem wasn't that I was against mages with cyberware - my problem
was a GM who was against mages with cyberware and her husband who'd
whine up a storm when anyone did something with a character he
personally would not do.

> > The stuff is just SO convienient to have. Plus guys like Talon just
> > love to have all the latest toys : )
>
> For a time, I used to play what I called a technomancer: a magician trying
> to find the best blend of magic and technology. He had some cyberware
> (about 2 Essence worth, mainly stuff like cybereyes, boosted reflexes,
> etc.) and also used non-cyber technology where he thought it was handier
> than magic. Mainly, this meant electronics, but he also kept claiming that
> he could cast fireballs really well. (When he needed one, he pulled out a
> WP grenade, set the detonator to "Impact" and tossed it to the target...)

I think "technomancy" is a good way to go if you don't have a group or
GM who will cry "powergamer" for trying to be logical. :-)

--
Deird'Re M. Brooks | xenya@********.com | cam#9309026
Listowner: Aberrants_Worldwide, Fading_Suns_Games, TrinityRPG
"If you loved me, you'd all kill yourselves today."
-- Spider Jerusalem | http://www.teleport.com/~xenya
Message no. 6
From: vocenoctum@****.com vocenoctum@****.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 16:11:13 -0400
On Wed, 26 Apr 2000 08:56:42 EDT TalonMail@***.com writes:
> Funny thing is Talon didn't have any cyber for the longest time then
> I
> realized just how difficult it was to live in the mid-21st century
> without at
> least a datajack. I mean, its like not having a phone or e-mail
> these days;
> you can do it, but it's damned inconvinient at times. All things
> considered,
> I'm surprised more mage-types don't have at least a little cyberware
> as a
> matter of course. The stuff is just SO convienient to have. Plus
> guys like
> Talon just love to have all the latest toys : )

That was Rune's thing too, has a few datajacks (for getting everything
you can out of that Eurocar and the sub-vocal link and the display link,
and... :-)
and a few otehr little things.
http://members.xoom.com/vocenoctum/secondary/rune.htm

Now, Mr. Kenson, when do we get some stats on Talon? and did he take
Geasa? and doesn't wearing armor without a shirt chafe?

:-)

Vocenoctum
<http://members.xoom.com/vocenoctum>;

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Message no. 7
From: vocenoctum@****.com vocenoctum@****.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 16:17:10 -0400
On Wed, 26 Apr 2000 13:16:36 -0400 "Patrick Bierlein"
<prbierlein@******.com> writes:
> Of topic a little... Steve, I do hope you plan to write more on
> Talon. I
> think he's become my favorite character so far in the novels, and
> I'd love
> to read more about him. Keep up the good work.

Well, only 3 books per year, I think Steve said his next ones not until
next year. <sigh>

I think Kenson is one of the best rpg writers right now, and like his
stuff. Can't wait to see more.

Vocenoctum
<http://members.xoom.com/vocenoctum>;

________________________________________________________________
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Message no. 8
From: TalonMail@***.com TalonMail@***.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 17:16:52 EDT
In a message dated 4/26/00 3:08:05 PM, "Patrick Bierlein"
<prbierlein@******.com> writes:
>Of topic a little... Steve, I do hope you plan to write more on Talon. I
>think he's become my favorite character so far in the novels, and I'd love
>to read more about him. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, Patrick. You'll be pleased to hear that I'm going to be working on
another novel featuring Talon & Co. over the summer, slated for release in
mid-2001. After final draft approval of the manuscript, I'll post a sample to
my website.

Steve Kenson

Talon Studio
http://members.aol.com/talonmail
Message no. 9
From: Angel Ramos T. angelramos@*****.net
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 22:32:57 -0400
Steve wrote:
Thanks, Patrick. You'll be pleased to hear that I'm going to be working on
another novel featuring Talon & Co. over the summer, slated for release in
mid-2001. After final draft approval of the manuscript, I'll post a sample
to my website.


Cool! Can wait to read it.
Now, talking about implanting a magic character reading your comments, has
made me realize that I should consider some basic stuff. I would discuss it
with my SM (Shadow Master) as we like to call it.

See ya

Angel Ramos
Message no. 10
From: Gurth gurth@******.nl
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 11:13:06 +0200
According to Deirdre M. Brooks, at 12:26 on 26 Apr 00, the word on the
street was...

> My problem wasn't that I was against mages with cyberware - my problem
> was a GM who was against mages with cyberware and her husband who'd
> whine up a storm when anyone did something with a character he
> personally would not do.

Let me guess: the GM's name starts with an I... ;)

> I think "technomancy" is a good way to go if you don't have a group or
> GM who will cry "powergamer" for trying to be logical. :-)

Me too, but I've seen very few SR players take that route. Most try to
keep their Magic rating up at all cost, and try to do everything with
magic even if there is a better (cheaper, handier, easier, less Draining,
whatever) way as well.

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
"There are millions of people who've got nothing to say to each other,
and who do it on mobile phones" --Ian Hislop, on Have I Got News For You
-> NAGEE Editor * ShadowRN GridSec * Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
->The Plastic Warriors Page: http://shadowrun.html.com/plasticwarriors/<-

GC3.1: GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ UL P L+ E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+
PE Y PGP- t(+) 5++ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
Incubated into the First Church of the Sqooshy Ball, 21-05-1998
Message no. 11
From: Rat winterhawk@*********.net
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 08:45:29 -0700
> From: TalonMail@***.com

>
> Thanks, Patrick. You'll be pleased to hear that I'm going to be working on
> another novel featuring Talon & Co. over the summer, slated for release in
> mid-2001. After final draft approval of the manuscript, I'll post a sample to
> my website.
>


Does this mean they're firing up the novel line again? Oh
happy day! :)

If so, would it be possible for you to give us any details on
things like publisher, how many books in a year, and that
sort of thing?

Thanks!
--Rat, who's happy at the thought of having more to read

=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>=>
Rat - winterhawk@*********.net http://www.magespace.net
Winterhawk's Virtual Magespace - Shadowrun Fiction and More!
DOD#1211 1999 K1200RS - "Dunkelzahn"
"The pickles are staring at me..."
<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<=<
Message no. 12
From: TalonMail@***.com TalonMail@***.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 12:17:35 EDT
vocenoctum@****.com wrote:
>Now, Mr. Kenson, when do we get some stats on Talon? and did he take

>Geasa? and doesn't wearing armor without a shirt chafe?

Um, it was really hot in the factory where the ant spirits set up their nest?
Yeah, that's the ticket...

As for Talon's stats, if FASA ever does another Prime Runners-like book (only
cool this time <grin>), I'd gladly write up Talon for it. Maybe I'll put a
character sheet for him up on my website. I do have a pretty good idea what
his game stats are, after all.

Steve Kenson

Talon Studio
http://members.aol.com/talonmail
Message no. 13
From: Deirdre M. Brooks xenya@********.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 12:15:34 -0700
Gurth wrote:
>
> Let me guess: the GM's name starts with an I... ;)

*koff* I was trying not to invoke that.

> > I think "technomancy" is a good way to go if you don't have a group or
> > GM who will cry "powergamer" for trying to be logical. :-)
>
> Me too, but I've seen very few SR players take that route. Most try to
> keep their Magic rating up at all cost, and try to do everything with
> magic even if there is a better (cheaper, handier, easier, less Draining,
> whatever) way as well.

So I've noticed. Nothing wrong with taking a few hits to magic, right?
I've heard the argument that a mage wouldn't do this, and I have no
response, since logic has already departed the conversation.

--
Deird'Re M. Brooks | xenya@********.com | cam#9309026
Listowner: Aberrants_Worldwide, Fading_Suns_Games, TrinityRPG
"If you loved me, you'd all kill yourselves today."
-- Spider Jerusalem | http://www.teleport.com/~xenya
Message no. 14
From: Dvixen dvixen@****.com
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 14:29:22 -0700
>Does this mean they're firing up the novel line again? Oh
>happy day! :)
>
>If so, would it be possible for you to give us any details on
>things like publisher, how many books in a year, and that
>sort of thing?

Last I heard, there are 3 more books due to come out with Roc, and then
they switch publishers.

Roc seems quite content to delay the SR books on a whim. *sigh*
--
Dvixen - dvixen@****.com - Vrianna
Gallery - http://members.home.com/dvixen
Herkimer's Lair - http://shadowrun.html.com/hlair
"What's your sign?" - "Trespassers will be shot."
Comments/Questions accepted, flames dropped into the abyss.
Message no. 15
From: Gurth gurth@******.nl
Subject: Talon's cyberware
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 09:58:41 +0200
According to Deirdre M. Brooks, at 12:15 on 27 Apr 00, the word on the
street was...

> > Let me guess: the GM's name starts with an I... ;)
>
> *koff* I was trying not to invoke that.

Notice how I carefully avoided mentioning the rest :)

> > Me too, but I've seen very few SR players take that route. Most try to
> > keep their Magic rating up at all cost, and try to do everything with
> > magic even if there is a better (cheaper, handier, easier, less Draining,
> > whatever) way as well.
>
> So I've noticed. Nothing wrong with taking a few hits to magic, right?

I don't see the point of doing something for its own sake, or of blinding
yourself to other options when they are there.

> I've heard the argument that a mage wouldn't do this, and I have no
> response, since logic has already departed the conversation.

Agreed... This is another of the things I get annoyed by -- "<class/race/
archetype/whatever> doesn't do that!" makes no sense. The real world
doesn't work that way, so why should a game?

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
"There are millions of people who've got nothing to say to each other,
and who do it on mobile phones" --Ian Hislop, on Have I Got News For You
-> NAGEE Editor * ShadowRN GridSec * Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
->The Plastic Warriors Page: http://shadowrun.html.com/plasticwarriors/<-

GC3.1: GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ UL P L+ E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+
PE Y PGP- t(+) 5++ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
Incubated into the First Church of the Sqooshy Ball, 21-05-1998

Further Reading

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