From:	Protokol13 Protokol13@********.com
Subject:	Heavy Armor
Date:	Fri, 26 Feb 1999 11:29:40 -0500

David Buehrer wrote:

> >>>

> ...IMHO. Shadowrun is a game of running and hiding in the shadows. Not
> stepping into the spotlight. IMHO heavy armor is a spotlight; avoid
> it, go around it, but don't try to go through it.
>
> Also, heavy armor is a wonderful GM tool. When encountered it's the
> GM's way of saying, "You're going to have to use your brain to get out
> of this one," or "You've been caught. Surrender now, let the bad guy
> tell you his plan, make your escape, and *then* defeat him."
>
> ... As it stands now when the PCs encounter heavy armor their
> first thought is, "Oh shit." It's impressive as hell and demands that the
> PCs use their heads...

>>>

That is very true... It has to be taken into consideration that whether or not
the runners are heavily armed, they are still "living in the shadows".
Running around with big guns, and gunning down security vehicles, and blowing
up large vehicles is a big no-no. After all, there's always someone who will
have more resources than even the best runner, and I doubt anyone wants to
attract the wrath of a very powerful person.

I find that making things close to impossible, should be a must in some
situations. It forces runners to think, rather than shoot. I had some
adventures, that ended up in bloodbaths because players didn't get the "hint",
that they shouldn't take on powerful opposition. The players were really mad
at 1st, but they soon realized that I really did give them a chance. The only
ones that survived were the ones that were thinking, rather than shooting like
wild men. Let's just say that they have a new view of my adventures now, they
actually are a lot more fearful of areas where anyone would be fearful. I
felt sorry for the "bloodbath", but if I let them off easy they would've never
learned. The only problem is that it can be quite easy to kill of players
with things such as heavy armor, and powerful magics. It has to be also be
taken into consideration that players should trust the GM as a fair judge,
with a little favor for his players. In some situations it should also be
possible to give players a chance against heavily armored characters or
vehicles... Sensors, armor weakspots, etc...

-=PrOtoKol13=-
ICQ: 17589925