Runner's Companion.pdf - Free

Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9advanced lifestyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150LIFESTYLESThe following section offers optional rules to the Lifestyleoptions presented in the Shadowrun, Fourth Edition core rulebook(p.84). The options add greater depth and variety to theLifestyles selected by characters, making them an integral ratherthan incidental feature of the game.Toys and ToolsIn 2071, having a variety of timesaving appliances, householddrones, and electronic toys is the norm, not the exception,for everyone in a Medium lifestyle or above. Even a Low lifestylemay have second-hand or outdated drones, though they might beprone to frequent malfunctions.Most Low lifestyle or better homes are also fully networked,with wireless capabilities. A central node, accessible in the homeby data terminals or (more frequently) the homeowner’s subscribedcommlink, has replaced the household computer. HomeManagement Software Suites (HMSS) are standard in all homesabove the Squatter lifestyle, although the features, ease of use, andreliability certainly increase with higher lifestyles. The rating ofthe Central Home Node’s (CHN) system, response, signal, andfirewall, as well as the rating of programs it may run and drones orappliances it may subscribe, depend on the Necessities level purchased.Characters may upgrade the ratings of the hardware andsoftware via the normal upgrade rules (see, p. 240, SR4), althoughthe quality of the appliances, drones, and other systems within thehome limits their functionality. Therefore, a character may onlyincrease the system and response rating of the CHN one levelabove the rating of Necessities chosen. The firewall can be raisedindependently, per standard rules.The HMSS are run by the central home node and thereforeare limited by the system rating of the node. Most HMSS includea host of features, including the ability to monitor subscribedsystems (such as the utilities, appliances, and home drones), orderrepairs, schedule maintenance, and alert homeowners to basichome-related hazards or problems (such as fire, carbon monoxide,burglary, air quality, etc) sensed through appropriate sensors(such as a built-in smoke detection system). Higher-end systemsinclude IC and security measures, while a Luxury lifestyle typicallyincludes round-the-clock patrols by a security spider.A hacker who infiltrates the CHN can use it for a varietyof nefarious actions, including monitoring communications,using internal sensors to spy on occupants, accessing home files,manipulating systems subscribed to the node (including drones),and otherwise having fun tormenting residents (or playingPeeping Tom).Comfort FoodA century ago, cooked meals were three dishes in healthy portions,but pre-made food and instant gratification has since reducedit to one all-encompassing meal. Convenience replaced nutrition,and cooking became automated. Who wants to spend an hour ormore in the kitchen after a long workday, when you can quicklymicrowave a Nutrisoy meal or even tell your soy processor what toprepare when you arrive, while you’re still commuting? Corporationspush for more efficient and profitable crop production, focusingon the super-yield crops, such as soy and krill. With rising allergiesand the desire to eat “organic,” several corporations, such as GGW,Ingersoll & Berkeley, Horizon, and Genetique have come up withalternatives for the common metahuman. However, the primarydietary staples for many sprawl citizens remain the same.SoyBetween pollution and corporate desire for easy profitability,soybeans have become the prime focus for mass production.Genetic modification and alternatives to traditional farminghave boosted production of the other staple food sources (rice,corn, wheat, and potato), but with the widespread marketing andpopularity of soy, no one has noticed. Because of overexposure, itis estimated that 1 in 30 have an allergy to soy, a disturbing trendthat continues to grow. There are alternatives to soy, without resortingto the luxury of all “real” food.KrillThese tiny little shrimp have filled the meat vacuum, andaquaculture farms are booming around the world because ofthem. Large silo farms contain millions of these guys swimminghappily in their tank. Come harvest time, the meat from krill canbe blended and pressed together, then sold in a variety of forms,including powder for use in processing units and shakes. Otheranimal protein variants include frog farms and cricket hatcheries.MycoproteinMycoprotein comes from mushrooms called fusarium venenatum.Large volumes can be grown in small spaces and withcheap resources similar to fermenting beer. They are pressed intoshaped meals or powder for processing units. Mycoprotein is thenext best, nutrition-wise, to soy.Central Home NodeAres DoCoMo (Low) Response 1, Signal 2, System 1, Firewall 2Horizon MajorDomo (Middle) Response 3, Signal 3, System 3, Firewall 3Evo LifeManagement Series (High) Response 4, Signal 3, System 4, Firewall 5Evo LifeManagement A-Class Series (Luxury) Response 5, Signal 3, System 5, Firewall 5Home Management Software SuiteLow Rating 1Middle Rating 3HighRating 4, IC rating 3 standardLuxury Rating 5, IC rating 4 standard, with patrolling hackerRunner’s Companion