Learning Something

Sometimes the party needs a clue, a lead, or something to go on in order to track down the enemy, to solve the case, or whatever.

What I've seen is that groups tend to rely on 1 or 2 methods they're used to, then tend to get lost, forgetting what else can be done. Hopefully this will help them.


Computers: Using a computer to search out the matrix is a great way to learn where someone is or more about him. It can also help find out about special events or dates.

Beat the Streets: Sometimes you need to gather information about a topic by going around and asking people on the streets. This is a use of etiquette or gather information if you want to make a new skill for it. The TN is based on the area you're asking and the level of information (asking people on the streets about the events in a corporate meeting is pretty tough, but easier if you ask around that corporation's break room).

Investigate the Scene: Searching a crime scene is important if you want to learn things about what happened. I suggest creating the intelligence based skill: Investigate in order to search for and analyze clues. They can provide leads. When in doubt- re-check the crime scene. This can also mean breaking into a home or office for clues.

Magic: Psychomancy(metamagic), Astral Tracking, Divining (metamagic), Search (spirit power), Mind read (spell), Detect Lie (spell), Assensing- these can all reveal information about people or places and what happened and perhaps provide clues into what to do next.

Knowledge: Having the relevant knowledge skill is always useful. I suggest making a knowledge: triva type of skill that has a higher TN (+4) but is almost always relevant in a situation, or that can suppliment any other knowledge skill roll. Knowing that what you're looking at may be involved in Moloch worshippers makes those few points in knowledge:fringe cults worth it and makes the mission a bit easier.

Contacts: Have contacts who know things instead of just sources to buy cheap equipment. It helps. You might have to call in some favors sometimes, but it's worth it.

Stakeout: When cops are out of ideas they stakeout a suspect. Use your surveillance equipment and watch him for a while (all day maybe)- perhaps even on the astral, and see what he's up to. He might just lead you to the clues you need!

Go with your Gut: Hey, are you a Lone Star officer? No! You're a shadowrunner. Maybe you should just take a chance and jump that guy. He's probably guilty! It's not like you have to worry about preponderance of evidence or something like that. If you make a mistake, try again! :)

Of course, you could just snipe out cops from the roof or steal semi-trucks and blast through civilians with it in an attempt to trigger the next cut-scene, but is that really going to help?