©2016 The Topps Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Matrix and Shadowrun are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of The Topps Company, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. Catalyst Game Labs and

the Catalyst Game Labs logo are trademarks of InMediaRes Productions, LLC. Printed in the USA.

Under License From

®

There are cracks in the world.

They’re slender, dark, and often cold,

but they are the only things that

keep you hidden. Keep you alive.

They are the shadows of the world,

and they are where you live.

You are a shadowrunner, thriving in the

margins, doing the jobs no one else can. You have

no office, no permanent home, no background

to check. You are whatever you make yourself.

Will you seek justice? Sow seeds of chaos? Sell

out to the highest bidder? It’s up to you, but this

much is certain—if you do nothing, the streets

will eat you alive.

You can survive—even flourish—as long as

you do what it takes. Sacrifice part of your soul

for bleeding-edge gear. Push the limits of your

will learning new and dangerous magic. Wire

yourself into the Matrix, making your mind one

with screaming streams of data. It’ll cost you

something—everything does—but you can make

it worth the price.

SHADOWRUN, FIFTH EDITION is the newest

version of one of the most popular and

successful role-playing worlds of all time—a

fusion of man, magic and machine in a

dystopian near-future. With rules for character

creation, magic, combat, Matrix hacking,

rigging, and more, you have everything you

need to face the challenges of the Sixth World.

F I F T H E D I T I O N

27000

Sam

ple

file

SHADOWRUN >noun

Any movement, action, or series of such made incarrying out plans which are illegal or quasilegal.

WorldWide WordWatch2050 archive

Sam

ple

file

ANOTHER NIGHT, ANOTHER RUN 8INTRODUCTION 14THE BATTLE FOUGHT 16LIFE IN THE SIXTH WORLD 20EVERYTHING HAS A PRICE 20

Magic: Paying with Your Mind 20MegaCorps: Paying with Your Self 21‘Wares: Paying with Your Soul 23Shadows: Paying with Your Blood 23

WHERE TO RUN 24North America 24Central America 26South America 26Asia 26Europe 27Africa 27Australia and OceanIa 27

A DAY IN YOUR LIFE 27People You Know 27Doing the Dirty Work 28The Meet 28Legwork 29The Plan 29Do It 29Wrap It Up 29

WHAT YOU MIGHT BE DOING 29THE OPPOSITION 30

The Corps 30The Big Ten 31

Organized Crime 33Gangs 34Academics 35Mana Chasers 35Politicos 36The Law 38Beneath the Surface 38Off the Job 39Money 39The Matrix 39Music 39Trideo 40Sports 40Food 41Sex 41Staying Healthy 42Getting Around 43

SHADOWRUN CONCEPTS 44THE GAME & YOU 44

The Gamemaster & You 44HOW TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN 44

Hits & Thresholds 44Buying Hits 45Glitches 45Tests and Limits 46

Success Tests 47Opposed Tests 47Extended Tests 48Extended Tests & Glitches 48Teamwork Tests 49Trying Again 49

Time Passing 49Combat Turns 49Actions 49

YOUR CHARACTER 50Metatype 50Attributes 51

Physical Attributes 51Mental Attributes 51

Special Attributes 52Initiative and Condition Monitors 52

Initiative 52Initiative Dice 52Condition Monitors 52

Skills 52Qualities 53Magic 53Matrix 53

Augmented Reality 53Virtual Reality 54

Gear 54Cyberware 54Bioware 55

Contacts 55Lifestyle 56

EDGE 56Edge Effects 56Regaining Edge 56Burning Edge 57

GIRLS WITH GUNS 58CREATING A SHADOWRUNNER 62STEP ONE: CHOOSE CONCEPT 62STEP TWO: CHOOSE METATYPE 65

Metatype & Special Attributes 65Mental and Physical Attributes 66

STEP THREE: CHOOSE MAGIC OR RESONANCE 68STEP FOUR: PURCHASE QUALITIES 71POSITIVE QUALITIES 71NEGATIVE QUALITIES 77STEP FIVE: PURCHASE SKILLS 88

What the Numbers Mean 88Restricted Skills 89Knowledge and Language Skills 89

STEP SIX: SPEND YOUR RESOURCES 94Cyberware and Bioware 94Lifestyle 95Starting Nuyen 95

STEP SEVEN: SPENDING YOUR LEFTOVER KARMA 98

Contacts 98STEP EIGHT: FINAL CALCULATIONS 100STEP NINE: FINAL TOUCHES 103CHARACTER ADVANCEMENT 103

Attribute and Skill Tables 105Learning complex forms 106Learning Magic 106Qualities 106

SKILLS 128SKILL TYPES 128

Active skills 128Knowledge skills 128Language skills 128Using Skills 128

SKILL GROUPS 129SKILL RATINGS 129

Specializations 129Defaulting 130Combat Active Skills 130

Archery 130Automatics 130Blades 130Clubs 131Exotic Ranged Weapon 131Heavy Weapons 132Longarms 132Pistols 132

Throwing Weapons 132Unarmed Combat 132

Physical Active Skills 133Disguise 133Diving 133Escape Artist 133Free-Fall 133Gymnastics 133Palming 133Perception 133Running 133Sneaking 133Survival 133Swimming 134Tracking 134

USING GYMNASTICS 134Climbing 134Rappelling 134Climbing Failures and Glitches 134Jumping 134

USING ESCAPE ARTIST 135USING PERCEPTION 135USING RUNNING 136USING STEALTH SKILLS 136

Using Disguise and Impersonation 136

USING SURVIVAL 136USING SWIMMING 137

Holding Your Breath 137Treading Water 137

USING TRACKING 137SOCIAL SKILLS 137

Con 138Etiquette 138Impersonation 138Instruction 138Intimidation 139Leadership 139Negotiation 139Performance 139

USING SOCIAL SKILLS 139Social Modifiers 139

Using Social Influence Skills 139Using Performance 141Using Etiquette 141

Etiquette & Glitches 141Using Instruction 141Using Leadership 141

MAGICAL SKILLS 142Alchemy 142Arcana 142Artificing 142Assensing 142Astral Combat 142Banishing 142Binding 142Counterspelling 142Disenchanting 142Ritual Spellcasting 142Spellcasting 143Summoning 143

RESONANCE SKILLS 143Compiling 143Decompiling 143Registering 143

TECHNICAL SKILLS 143Aeronautics Mechanic 143Animal Handling 143Armorer 143Artisan 143Automotive Mechanic 143Biotechnology 144Chemistry 144

Computer 144Cybercombat 144Cybertechnology 144Demolitions 144Electronic Warfare 144First Aid 144Forgery 144Hacking 145Hardware 145Industrial Mechanic 145Locksmith 145Medicine 145Nautical Mechanic 145Navigation 145Software 145

BUILDING & REPAIRING 145USING FORGERY 145USING NAVIGATION 146

VEHICLE SKILLS 146Gunnery 146Pilot Aerospace 146Pilot Aircraft 147Pilot Walker 147Pilot Exotic Vehicle 147Pilot Ground Craft 147Pilot Watercraft 147

Devising New Active Skills 147KNOWLEDGE SKILLS 147

CHOOSING KNOWLEDGE SKILLS 147Knowledge Skill Specializations 148

STREET KNOWLEDGE 148ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE 148PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE 148INTERESTS 148USING KNOWLEDGE SKILLS 148LANGUAGE SKILLS 150

Language 150LINGOS 150USING LANGUAGE SKILLS 150

Social Skills and Language 151USING ATTRIBUTES 152

ATTRIBUTE-ONLY TESTS 152Composure 152Judge Intentions 152Lifting/Carrying 152Memory 152

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE 154COMBAT 158THE BASICS 158

Combat Turn Sequence 1581. Roll Initiative 1582. Begin Initiative Pass 1583. Begin Action Phase 1584. Declare & Resolve Actions of Remaining Characters 1595. Begin New Combat Turn 159

Initiative 159Initiative Attribute 159Initiative Score 159Initiative Passes 159Changing Initiative 160Initiative and Edge 160Delaying Actions 161Timed Items & Initiative 161

Movement 161Standard Movement 161Sprinting 162Running Modifiers 162Action Phase 163

Matrix Actions 163

TABLE OF CONTENTS

>> TABLE OF CONTENTS <<

2 SHADOWRUN CORE RULEBOOK

Sam

ple

file

Free Actions 163Call a Shot 163Change Linked Device Mode 163Drop Object 163Drop Prone 164Eject Smartgun Clip 164Gesture 164Multiple Attacks 164Run 164Speak/Text/Transmit Phrase 164

Simple Actions 164Activate Focus 164Call Spirit 164Change Device Mode 164Change Gun Mode 165Command Spirit 165Dismiss Spirit 165Fire Bow 165Fire Semi-Auto, Single-Shot, Burst Fire or Full-Auto 165Insert Clip 165Observe in Detail 165Pick Up/Put Down Object 165Quick Draw 165Ready Weapon 165Reckless Spellcasting 165Remove Clip 166Shift Perception 166Stand Up 166Take Aim 166Take Cover 166Throw Weapon 166Use Simple device 166

Complex Actions 167Astral Projection 167Banish Spirit 167Cast Spell 167Fire Full-Auto Weapon 167Fire Long Burst or Semi-Auto Burst 167Fire Mounted or Vehicle Weapon 167Load and Fire Bow 167Matrix Actions 167Melee Attack 167Reload Firearm 167Rigger Jump In 167Sprint 167Summoning 167Use Skill 167

Interrupt Actions 167Block 168Dodge 168Hit the Dirt 168Intercept 168Parry 168Full Defense 168

Accuracy 168Armor 168

Armor and Encumbrance 169Specialized Protection 169Armor Penetration 169

Damage 169Types of Injury 169Physical Damage 169Stun Damage 169Wound Modifiers 169Exceeding the Condition Monitor 170Special Damage Types 170

Elemental Damage 170Acid Damage 170Cold Damage 170Electricity Damage 170Fire Damage 171

Falling Damage 172Fatigue Damage 172Fatigue from Running 172Fatigue from Environments 172Hunger, Thirst, and Sleep Deprivation 172

Combat Resolution 172Combat Sequence 173Grazing Hit 173

RANGED COMBAT 173Ranged Attack Modifiers 173Environmental Modifiers 173

Environmental Modifiers Compensation 173Visibility 174Light/glare 174Wind 174Range 175Recoil 175Progressive Recoil 175Single Shots 176Vehicle and Drone Mounted Weapons 176

Situational Modifiers 176Attacker Firing from Cover with Imaging Device 177Attacker Firing From a Moving Vehicle 177Attacker in Melee Combat 177Attacker Running 178Attacker Using Image Magnification 178Attacker Using Off-Hand Weapon 178Attacker Wounded 178Blind Fire 178Called Shot 178Previously Aimed with Take Aim 178Wireless Smartgun 178

FIREARMS 178Firing Modes 178

Single Shot 178Semi-Automatic 178Semi-Automatic Burst 179Burst Fire 179Long Burst 179Full-Auto 179Suppressive Fire 179

Shotguns 180Choke Settings 180

PROJECTILES 181Thrown weapons 181

Shuriken 181Throwing Knife 181Grenades 181

Grenade Launchers, Rockets, & Missiles 181

Projectile Triggers 182Determine Scatter 182Blast Effects 182Blasts in a Confined Space 183Multiple Simultaneous Blasts 183

BOWS 183Crossbows 183Gunnery 183

Drone Gunnery 183Sensor Attacks 184

Sensor Targeting 184MELEE COMBAT 184

Reach 186Attacker Making Charging Attack 186Attacker Prone 187Called Shot 187Character Has

Superior Position 187Character Using Off-Hand Weapon 187Environmental Modifiers 187Friends in Melee 187Opponent Prone 187Touch-Only Attack 187

Melee Damage 187Multiple Aattackers 187

Simple Bonus 187Melee Teamwork 188

DEFENDING IN COMBAT 188Ranged defense 188Melee Defense 188

Defender Inside a Moving Vehicle 188Defender Prone 189Defender Unaware of Attack 189Defender Wounded 189Attacker has longer Reach 189Defender has longer Reach 189Defender Receiving a Charge 189Defender has Defended Against Previous Attacks 189Firing Flechette on Narrow Spread 189Firing Flechette on Medium Spread 189Firing Flechette on Wide Spread 189Attacker Firing Full Auto Burst 190Attacker Firing Long Burst or Full-Auto 190Attacker Firing Burst or Semi-auto Burst 190Defender in Melee Target of Ranged Attack 190Defender Running 190Defender/Target Has Good Cover 190Defender/Target Has Partial Cover 190Targeted by an Area-Effect Attack 190

Cover 190Active defenses 190

Full Defense 191Dodge 191Parry 191Block 192

SPECIAL ACTIONS 192Surprise 192

Surprise and Perception 192Surprise Tests 192Ambushing 192Surprise in Combat 193Effects of Surprise 194

Interception 194Knockdown 194Subduing 195Called Shots 195Multiple Attacks 196Dead Man’s trigger 197

BARRIERS 197Shooting Through Barriers 197Destroying Barriers 197Penetration Weapons 198Body Barriers 198

VEHICLES 198Vehicle Combat 198Vehicle Stats 199Vehicle Tests 199

Modifiers 201Pilot has Impaired Visibility 201Piloting in Limited

Light Conditions 201Pilot Unaware of Event 201Pilot Wounded 201Piloting a Damaged Vehicle 201Piloting Using AR/VR 201

Crashes 201VEHICLE COMBAT 202

Tactical Combat 202Movement Rates 202Actions 202Free Actions 202

Change Linked Device Mode 202Simple Actions 202

Use Sensors 202Use Simple Device 202

Complex Actions 203Control Vehicle 203Fire a Vehicle Weapon 203Make Vehicle Test 203Ramming 203

Chase Combat 203Chase Ranges 203Determine Chase Environment 203

Chase Actions 204Catch-Up/Break Away 204Cut-Off 204Ram 204Stunt 204

Passenger Actions 205Attacks Against Vehicles 205Vehicle Damage 205Evasive Driving 205Called Shot on Vehicles 205Damage and Passengers 205

HEALING 205First Aid 205Natural Recovery 206

Stun Damage 207Physical Damage 207

Glitches & Healing 207Medicine 207Medkits and Autodocs 208Magical Healing 208Physical Damage Overflow 209Stabilization 209

ROOFTOPS & RAINBOWS 210THE MATRIX 214WIRELESS WORLD 214

Matrix Basics 217Virtual Visions 217The Population of the Matrix 218

Personas 218Devices 219Files 219Hosts 219Matrix Authentication Recognition Keys 219

The Matrix: For You and Against You 220

Grids 220Looking Down: Grid Overwatch Division 221

Augmented World 221Life with a Commlink 221Shadowrunning with a Commlink 223

The Digital Underground 223Deckers 223Technomancers 223

(MIS)USING THE MATRIX 224CRACKING THE MATRIX SPINE 224

Matrix Skills 226Using Computer 226

>> TABLE OF CONTENTS <<

SHADOWRUN CORE RULEBOOK 3

Sam

ple

file

Using Cybercombat 226Using Electronic Warfare 226Using Hacking 226Using Hardware 226Using Software 226Using Resonance 226

Matrix Attributes 226Attack 227Sleaze 227Data Processing 227Firewall 227Files & Matrix Attributes 227

Cyberdecks 227Deck Configuration 227Reconfiguring Your Deck 228

Matrix Damage 228Bricking 228Repairing Matrix Damage 228Non-Devices and Matrix Damage 229Biofeedback Damage 229Dumpshock & Link-Locking 229

User Modes 229Augmented Reality 229Cold-Sim Virtual Reality 229Hot-Sim Virtual Reality 230

Making Connections 230Noise 230Illegal Actions 231Overwatch Score and Convergence 231Direct Connections 232PANs and WANs 233

Grids 233Grids on a Run 233The Public Grid 233Local Grids 234Global Grids 234

Devices and Personas 234Devices 234Persona 235

Matrix Perception 235Spotting Duration 235Running Silent 235Noticing Hackers 236

Recognition Keys 236Owners 236

Matrix Actions 237Brute Force 238Change Icon 238Check Overwatch Score 238Control Device 238Crack File 238Crash Program 238Data Spike 239Disarm Data Bomb 239Edit File 239Enter/Exit Host 239Erase Mark 239Erase Matrix Signature 239Format Device 239Full Matrix Defense 240Grid Hop 240Hack on the Fly 240Hide 240Invite Mark 240Jack Out 240Jam Signals 240Jump Into Rigged Device 241Matrix Perception 241Matrix Search 241Reboot Device 242Send Message 242Set Data Bomb 242Snoop 242

Spoof Command 242Switch Interface Mode 243Trace Icon 243

PROGRAMS 243Program Listing 243

Common Programs 245Hacking Programs 245

Agents 246HOSTS 246

Host Archives 247Host Attributes 247Host Convergence 247Intrusion Countermeasures 247

Security Response 247Types of IC 247

Acid 248Binder 248Black IC 248Blaster 248Crash 248Jammer 248Killer 248Marker 248Patrol 248Probe 248Scramble 248Sparky 248Tar Baby 249Track 249

TECHNOMANCERS 249Technomancer Life 249Resonance 249

Resonance Signatures 250Resonance Actions 250

Call/Dismiss Sprite 250Command Sprite 250Compile Sprite 250Decompile Sprite 250Kill Complex Form 250Register Sprite 250Thread Complex Form 250

Living Persona 250Rebooting Your Living Persona 251Using Mundane Electronics 251

Threading 251Killing Complex Forms 251

Fading 251Resonance Library 252

Cleaner 252Diffusion of [Matrix Attribute] 252Editor 252Infusion of [Matrix Attribute] 252Static Veil 252Pulse Storm 252Puppeteer 252Resonance Channel 252Resonance Spike 253Resonance Veil 253Static Bomb 253Stitches 253Transcendent Grid 253Tattletale 253

Sprites 254Compiling a Sprite 254Compiled Sprite Tasks 254Registering a Sprite 254Registered Sprite Tasks 256Sprite-Technomancer Link 256Decompiling Sprites 256

Sprite Powers 256Camouflage 256Cookie 256Diagnostics 257Electron Storm 257Gremlins 257

Hash 257Stability 257Suppression 257Watermark 257

Submersion 257Increased Resonance 257Access to the Resonance Realms 257Echoes 258

Sprite Database 258Courier Sprite 258Crack Sprite 258Data Sprite 258Fault Sprite 258Machine Sprite 258

THE DANGER OF SIDE JOBS 260RIGGERS 264FREE AS A BIRD 264

The Game is Rigged 264Riggers in the Shadows 264

BEING THE MACHINE 265More than Metahuman 265The Control Rig 265Complete Control 265

Control Override 265Rigging Skills 265Rigging and You 266

Taking the Jump 266VR and Rigging 266Rigging and Limits 266Noise and Rigging 266Physical Damage 266Matrix Damage 266Jumping Out 266Riggers and Deckers 266

Rigger Command Console 266Noise Reduction & Sharing 267Data Processing & Firewall 267Group Command and Jumping Around 267PANs & WANs (Rigger Style) 267Electronic Warfare for Riggers 268Getting Hacked 268Getting Dumped 268

Drones 269Drones in the Matrix 269Pilot Programs 269Autosofts 269Drone Combat 270Drone Perception 270Drone Infiltration 270Drone Initiative 270Repairing Drones 270

A LITTLE SHADOW MUSIC 272MAGIC 276INTRODUCTION 276MAGIC BASICS 278

Magic 278Magical Skills 278Force 278Inherent Limit: Astral 278Drain 278Power Points 278

TRADITIONS 279The Hermetic Mage 279The Shaman 279

MAGICAL LODGES 280PERCEIVING MAGIC 280SORCERY 281

Spellcasting 281Step 1: Choose Spell 281Step 2: Choose the Target 281Step 3: Choose Spell Force 281Step 4: Cast Spell 281Step 5: Determine Effect 282Step 6: Resist Drain 282Step 7: Determine Ongoing Effects 282Glitches 282

SPELL CHARACTERISTICS 282Combat Spells 283

Acid Stream 283Toxic Wave 283Punch 283Clout 284Blast 284Death Touch 284Manabolt 284Manaball 284Flamethrower 284Fireball 284Lightning Bolt 284Ball Lightning 284Shatter 284Powerbolt 284Powerball 284Knockout 284Stunbolt 284Stunball 285

Detection Spells 285Analyze Device 285Analyze Magic 285Analyze Truth 286Clairaudience 286Clairvoyance 286Combat Sense 286Detect Enemies 286Detect Enemies, Extended 286Detect Individual 286Detect Life 286Detect Life, Extended 286Detect [Life Form] 287Detect [Life Form] 287Detect Magic 287Detect Magic, Extended 287Detect [Object] 287Mindlink 287Mind Probe 287

Health Spells 287Antidote 288Cure Disease 288Decrease [Attribute] 288Detox 288Heal 288Increase [Attribute] 288Increase Reflexes 288Oxygenate 288Prophylaxis 289Resist Pain 289Stabilize 289

Illusion Spells 289Agony 290Mass Agony 290Bugs 290Swarm 290Confusion 290Mass Confusion 290Chaos 290Chaotic World 290Entertainment 290Trid Entertainment 90Invisibility 291Improved Invisibility 291Mask 291

>> TABLE OF CONTENTS <<

4 SHADOWRUN CORE RULEBOOK

Sam

ple

file

Physical Mask 291Phantasm 291Trid Phantasm 291Hush 291Silence 291Stealth 292

Manipulation Spells 292Animate 292Mass Animate 292Armor 292Control Actions 292Mob Control 292Control Thoughts 293Mob Mind 293Fling 293Ice Sheet 293Ignite 293Influence 293Levitate 293Light 293Magic Fingers 294Mana Barrier 294Physical Barrier 294Poltergeist 294Shadow 294

COUNTERSPELLING 294Spell Defense 294Dispelling 295

RITUAL SPELLCASTING 295Step 1: Choose Ritual Leader 295Step 2: Choose Ritual 296Step 3: Choose the Force of the Ritual Spell 296Step 4: Set Up the Foundation 296Step 5: Give the Offering 296Step 6: Perform the Ritual 296Step 7: Seal the Ritual 296Ritual Failure 296Glitches 296

RITUALS 296Curse 297Prodigal Spell 297Remote Sensing 297Ward 297Circle of Protection 298Circle of Healing 298Renascence 298Watcher 298Homunculus 298

Learning Spells 299CONJURING 299

Summoning 300Step 1: Choose Spirit Type & Force 300Step 2: Attempt Summoning 300Step 3: Resist Drain 300Glitches 300

Binding 300Banishing 301Spirit Basics 301

Spirit-Summoner Link 302Spirit Range 302

Spirit Services 302Unbound Spirit Services 302Bound Spirit Services 302Spirits and Edge 304

ENCHANTING 304Alchemy 304

Step 1: Choose a Spell 304Step 2: Choose Spell Force 304Step 3: Choose the Lynchpin for the Preparation 304Step 4: Choose Preparation Trigger 305Step 5: Create the Preparation 305

Step 6: Resist Drain 305Glitches 305The Finished Preparation 305

Using a Preparation 305Artificing 306

Step 1: Choose Focus Formula 306Step 2: Obtain the Telesma 306Step 3: Prepare the Magical Lodge 306Step 4: Spend Reagents 307Step 5: Craft the Focus 307Step 6: Resist Drain 307

Artifact Assensing 307Disenchanting 307

Disjoining 307ADEPTS 308

Using Powers 308Adept Powers 308

Adrenaline Boost 308Astral Perception 309Attribute Boost 309Combat Sense 309Critical Strike 309Danger Sense 309Enhanced Perception 309Enhanced Accuracy 309Improved Ability 309Improved Physical Attribute 309Improved Potential 309Improved Reflexes 310Improved Sense 310Killing Hands 310Kinesics 310Light Body 310Missile Parry 310Mystic Armor 310Natural Immunity 311Pain Resistance 311Rapid Healing 311Spell Resistance 311Traceless Walk 311Voice Control 311Wall Running 311

THE ASTRAL WORLD 312Auras & Astral Forms 312Astral Signature 312Astral Perception 312Astral Projection 313

Astral Movement 313Manifesting 314Staying Astral 314

Astral Detection 314Astral Combat 315Astral Tracking 315

MANA BARRIERS 315Getting Around Mana Barriers 316

Astral Intersections 316REAGENTS 316

Harvesting Reagents 317FOCI 318

Focus Types 318Enchanting Foci 318Metamagic Foci 319Power Foci 319Qi Foci 319Spell Foci 319Spirit Foci 320Weapon Foci 320

MENTOR SPIRITS 320Mentor Spirit Archetypes 320

Bear 321Cat 321Dog 321Dragonslayer 321Eagle 322

Fire-Bringer 322Mountain 322Rat 323Raven 323Sea 323Seducer 323Shark 323Snake 324Thunderbird 324Wise Warrior 324Wolf 324

INITIATION 324Initiate Powers 325

Increased Magic 325Metaplanar Access 325Metamagic 325

ALL THE ANGLES 328GAMEMASTER ADVICE 332ROLE OF THE GAMEMASTER 332PRE-GAME CONSIDERATIONS 332

Know Your Players 332Know Yourself 333Group Rules and Boundaries 333Group Template 334Final Thoughts 334

DESIGNING A RUN 335The Hook 335Background 335Scenes 336Scene Types 336

Social 336Investigation 336Action 337

Build Backward 337Transitions 337Write the Background 338

Opposition 338Be Appropriate 338Give Equal Opportunities 338Have Stats For Easy Access 338

Plot Hole Check 339Game Extras 339

Document Hand-Outs 339Maps 339Props 339Music 340

Run Templates 340DataSteal 340Assassination or Destruction 340Extraction or Insertion 340Misdirection 341Protection 341Delivery 342

Random Run Tables 342Job Type 342Meet Locations 342MacGuffins 343Employers 343Twists 343

NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS 343Description 343Personality 344Background 344Motivations 344Stats 346

Full Build 346Story Build 346Improvised Build 346

Roleplaying the NPC 347Know Their Purpose 347Stay Focused on Players 347Let Them Go 347

GAME MANAGEMENT 348

Shadowrun’s Three Worlds 348Spotlight Time 348

Character Skills 348Player Personality 348Step In 349

Pace 349Handling surprises 349

Relocate 350Replace 351Remove 351

Running Scenes 351Investigation 351Social 352Action 352

CAMPAIGNS 353Campaign Plots 353Plot Pacing 353Plan to Finish 354Data Management 354Campaign Time and Character Advancement 354Alternate Campaigns 354

Street Scum 354High Life 354Military or Mercenary 355DocWagon 355Criminal Syndicates 355

SECURITY IN THE SIXTH WORLD 355High Threat Response 356

HTR Team Response Time 356Countering Physical Threats 356

Cover 356Suppression 357Ambushes 357Traps 358

Countering Matrix Threats 358Access Limitation 358PANs and WANs 358Hosts and IC 359GODs and Spiders 360Wired Security 360

Countering Magic Threats 361Tactics for Mundanes 361Contracted Magical Security 361Magical Barriers 361Critters and Spirits 361Drones 362

Security Devices 362Landscaping 362Barriers 362Doors, Windows, & Locks 363Sensors and Scanners 364Automated Defenses 366

IDENTIFICATION 366System Identification Number (SIN) 366

Issuing a SIN 367Licenses 367

Fake SINs 367Checking a Fake SIN 368Burned SINs 368

DROP-IN LOCATIONS 368Hell-Hole Bar 368Secret Research Station 369Nova-Hot Club 369Mom-and-Pop Shop 369No-Tell Motel 370Large Corp Office 370Hospital or Clinic 370High-End Residential 371Derelict Building 371

REPUTATION 372Street Cred 372Notoriety 372Public Awareness 372

LIFESTYLES 373

>> TABLE OF CONTENTS <<

SHADOWRUN CORE RULEBOOK 5

Sam

ple

file