Runner's Companion.pdf - Free

Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9advanced contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126Matrix ResourcesMatrix resources are those that exceed the scope of a typicalcommlink and a Matrix address. Groups with an active Matrixpresence run a well-known and well-established node dedicatedto their specific interests. Those with broad reaching resources areinvolved with a range of different Matrix nodes across multiplegrids. Pervasive Matrix integration refers to groups whose Matrixpresence is intrinsic to the Matrix–they might have a spyware utilitythat commonly runs on most nodes, or they might be involvedin the design of common Matrix hardware.Jim decides that Buzzkill, his ex-ganger, is a formermember of the Spikes. Buzzkill left the Spikes with theirpermission, and he still has regular contact with them. Hedecides that their relationship extends to a Loyalty ratingof 2. The Spikes are a well-established gang, but they’re notthe friendliest bunch. In light of this, he chooses to give thegang itself a base Connection rating of 2. Then, Jim considersthe Spikes are a decent-sized group, but not huge. So,he assigns them a Membership modifier of +4. As the gangis only active in Tacoma, he adds a +1 Area of Influencemodifier. The gang doesn’t have an appreciable magical orMatrix presence, so he does not apply either of these modifiers.This leaves the group with a final Connection rating of2(7). Using standard Build Point costs, the group contactcosts (Loyalty 2 + Connection 2 (7) = 9) 9 BP.LARGE GROUPSNote that the same large group can sometimes have differentmodifiers depending on the level of the overall organization aparticular character is in touch with.For instance, the Membership modifier for a character possessinga 10-member Mothers of Metahumans neighborhood chapteras a contact would be different (+1) from one who is connectedto the international leadership of the thousands-strong organization(+8). Similarly, depending on how high up in the widespreadorganization the character’s connections go, the applicable Area ofInfluence modifier might vary. For instance, one character mighthave a local branch office of the Atlantean Foundation as a contact(+2), while another might have the Atlantean Foundation’s boardas a contact (+6 since it’s global in area of influence). Such detailsmust be decided when the contact is chosen, and will limit theinformation and resources the character’s particular group contacthas at hand.SAMPLE GROUP CONTACTSThe Sixth World has a broad range of organizations, andthese are only a tiny sampling. Keep in mind that the same groupswon’t necessarily have the same uses for different characters.9x9Uses: Political and corporate information, distractions, technologicalgearPlaces to Meet: Matrix forums, teahouses, clubsSimilar Contacts: Pendragon Underground, White ResistanceOften, the groups that are directly opposed to the rulingestablishment are the ones who have the most information aboutWhen a Group is not a GroupIt is important to note that an initiatory group(p. 62, SM) or a technomancer network (p. 140Unwired), in which a character is a member, isnot a contact. While the character should knowthe group’s other members, those groups arenot defined with Connection or Loyalty ratings.In that context, unless a gamemaster chooses togrant those NPCs or the group as a contact, it is,instead, a group focused on helping the characteradvance along their chosen path.Conversely, a group contact might help a characterfind an initiatory/submersion group, butit won’t help you initiate/submerge, unless thecharacter later meets the requirements and paysthe karma costs to join. The group contact hasboth a Connection and a Loyalty rating. So, it canhelp a character with your legwork, obtain a rareitem, or perform a favor—though it may expect afavor in return (see Maintaining Contacts, p. 131).them—even better than those on the inside. For obvious reasons,they also tend to be much more willing to part with that informationif they think it will harm their oppressors (justified or not).If you’re working a job against your despotic authorities or simplyfighting the Man, talking to the resistance can be a great place tostart. In a closely controlled environment, groups like this can onlysurvive if they have solid intelligence on their oppressors. Thehardest part in obtaining this information is often proving thatyou’re not another mole.9x9 is an active disruptive force in Hong Kong. Their leadership,consistent membership, and structures have remained amystery to the city’s totalitarian regime. However, their methodsand their causes are well known. They closely focus on destabilizingthe city through an endless series of protests, both violent andnon-violent. Their message has always been the same—enable democracyand remove corporate power. It’s theorized that they use aMatrix-based social networking tool to organize their events.Anarchist Black Cross (AB+)Uses: Government intelligence, criminal records, safe housesPlaces to Meet: Pirate trid stations, condemned buildings, parkinggaragesSimilar Contacts: Anarchist Black Crescent, Black StarIt’s hardly surprising that there are elements in modern societywho cannot cope with society’s oppressions. Founded in 1905,the Anarchist Black Cross devoted its time and resources to protectingRussia against the Cossack Army and offering assistanceto political prisoners and their families. Through the years, AB+has continued this line of work and has updated its services as thetimes have changed. Today, the Anarchist Black Cross providesaid to persecuted anarchists and prisoners of revolutionary groups.This group is eager to help those who have committed crimes becausethe inequalities in society pushed them over the edge.Runner’s Companion