Character Creation Checklist

Character Creation Checklist!
It's character creation time! Before you make your characters I ask that everyone have a look through the material on the site; I know that it's quite extensive, but that's part of why it's important. There are plenty of resources here that should help you to make a fun and viable character, as well as a lot of material about the campaign world. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom and click to check Older Posts, sorting by category also helps.

I'm also asking that people try to use what's available here, and not make any off-the wall special requests. Feel free to run anything by me of course, but understand that I'll be strongly disinclined to approve a Great dragon with toxic potency or anything of the sort. With the races available, and with perks in play there are plenty of great options for building your character.

That said, while I've put a lot of thought into the material and campaign, I only have limited empirical evidence as to what works or how things might interact with anything I missed. As a result, the game will be running in light play-test mode, especially as things evolve. I may have to adjust things to maintain balance and function; as a quick example, the Digital Tracing system may need some adjustments for balance, but should be workable.

I haven't looked at the web enhancement edges and flaws too much recently, so it's probably best to stick to the companion and not to build your character around them. Many were poorly-constructed, redundant, or broken (cyclic magic). Some are fine though, so just run them by me.

Dan made a really good post on creating a workable character. It was mostly spot on, so I'm linking it. Give it a read before you begin. Dan's How To Create A Workable Character.

Be sure to have a look around the sections even if you viewed them previously. I've made quite a lot of changes. In the case of perks I saved some of the best for last. Keep a particular eye out for perks when building character versatility. I probably should also specify that white-hat leanings are preferable.

Character Creation Information

Basic information
Build points: 120 +bonuses
Edges and Flaws: You can balance these against each other as you like. You may also buy edges with build points or net up to 5 BP by taking flaws
Availability for starting equipment: 12
Characters receive 2 Backgrounds at character creation
Characters receive 4 free Perks at character creation, and may purchase more for 5 BP each.

Now the Checklist!

Backstory
Character backstories are always desirable, so let's have them. Your character's backstory should include at least a bit of character history and goals, as well as a significant event or two. You should also answer the following character and backstory questions. Including or referring to them in your backstory is a fine idea, though I'd also appreciate it if you answer them in list format as well. Each question is worth 1 Build Point if answered in detail.

1. What motivates your character to do missions, or excites your character about missions?
2. What are your character's ethics?
3. How did you get your Laplace ID?
4. Which of the other player characters do you know?
5. Where does your character live?
6. How do your backgrounds fit into your backstory?
7. Who are your contacts and how did you meet them? This doesn't have to be complicated if you have a lot of them.

Equipment
You should make sure that you have a proper loadout. Equipment can make or break a shadowrunner, especially with recent advancements in technology. Gain one BP for each question you answer affirmatively.

1. Have you purchased and configured your Comp?
2. Have you purchased and configured your Shields?

Skills and Versatility
It's always a good idea to make a character capable of contributing across a wide variety of situations. One really should be prepared for anything ranging from high-level espionage to a sudden ambush by raiders, or even being asked an awkward question by mall security. If you're a mage, then variety in your spells is a good way to build versatility. If you're not a mage, then you have that many more points to spend on skills, perks, and equipment. Building a versatile character is a complex process, but here are at least a few points to consider. 1 BP for each answered affirmatively. 

1. Do you have a credible means of sneaking?
2. Do you have a credible means of information gathering, such as Etiquette, Investigate, or Computers (for research and digital tracing).
3. Can you subdue an opponent quietly or non-lethally (preferably both)?

Character artwork would also be appreciated, although it awards no points. Have fun designing, read through the material, and please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. (feel free to comment through the site as well.)