| From: | "Jeremy \"Bolthy\" Zimmerman" <jeremy@***********.COM> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: smugglers? |
| Date: | Tue, 12 May 1998 16:42:32 -0700 |
> From: Robert Watkins <robert.watkins@******.COM>
> To: SHADOWRN@********.ITRIBE.NET
> Subject: Re: smugglers?
> Date: Tuesday, May 12, 1998 4:27 PM
>
> Jeremey "Bolthy" Zimmerman writes:
> >You know, that reminds me of something I was sorta wondering last night
> >while perusing the R2 (I start a lot of my posts like this, don't I?):
> >
> >Has anyone ever actually had their character purchase a T-Bird? I
thought
> >I'd just take the engine and the chassis, without any options, and see
how
> >much it would cost. I think I almost lost control of my bowels when I
> >realized it would be well over a million nuyen. I mean, I think I may
be
> >safer saving up for that beta grade VCR-3 than to get a T-Bird. I'm
> >surprised there are any smugglers who use a t-bird. =T
>
>
> You've just stumbled on the best kept secret in SR smuggling: either most
> smugglers have stolen T-Birds, or their operation is bankrolled from
> somewhere.
>
Okay. I kind figured one, but I hadn't thought of the other. I just
remember the first SR novel I ever read (don't remember the title... )
there was a T-Bird pilot, and he didn't seem like he did either of those.
And I guess I don't know that either of those options really appeal to me
in terms of my own character.
> Personally, I have the Mafia controlling much of the smuggling in North
> America, with the Yak having a large slice of the market for Seattle and
Cal
> Free State, the Carib League having a lot of the market in and around
> Florida, and various Amerindian crime groups assisting the Mafia
elsewhere.
> Most smugglers are 'independent' in that the Mafia puts up the money to
get
> the T-Bird as a loan (with large repayments out of the profit from each
> smuggling run), with a few where the Mob actually runs it.
>
> The scene is fairly neat for the Mafia: They are usually the suppliers
and
> purchasers of the contraband (at least at the wholesale level), and this
way
> they get cheaper-than-usual transportation as well.
>
I really like that... I don't know that I'd be willing to let my rigger get
entangled in the mob... but it does make for some campaign stuff. I guess
I may just have to cack someone off and steal their t-bird.
