Shadowrunning 101

Greeting chummers, as I understand it there are a lot of green runners out there who don't know what to expect when they start running the shadows. With all those trid flicks it's hard to separate fact from fiction. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's not like the trid at all. I asked a close associate and long-time shadowrunner, Static, to fill all you wannabe's and greenhorns in on how to start a successful career in the shadows.

<<Captain Chaos April 25, 2062; 8:20PM>>

Hoi chums. I'm doing Cap a favor by sending info your way, so pay attention. You might live to spend that nuyen. As all experienced runners know, Mr. Johnson is who hires us to do things they don't want, or can't, do themselves. Getting in contact with a Mr. Johnson, or Johnson, is how we get work and how we get paid. Sorry chums, no beautiful ladies stumble into a bar and beg for your help. The easiest way to find a Johnson is to get in contact with a fixer and let them know that you're available for work, along with your skill set. It's important to not exaggerate your skill set, at least not too much, otherwise you might end up over your head and get geeked.

I can hear you now, you're asking me what a fixer is; well stop interrupting me and I'll tell you. A fixer is the guy, or gal, that we runners turn to for things we can't get ourselves; jobs, weapons, tech, or even contacts. All of these have a cost and certain fixers specialize in specific fields. The good news is that a fixer's reputation is their livelihood, so they're not likely to skrag you unless the nuyen is enough for them to retire. Fixers basically know everyone in the shadows and bring the people with the wants together with the people with the needs. Just because your fixer may be on the level doesn't mean that the Johnson he set you up with will be, so be cautious. It should be noted that fixers usually get a finder's fee for setting a Johnson up with a team.

Now you're asking specifics about Johnsons. Didn't I tell you to stop interrupting me? Drek. Johnsons are the people who hire us. There's three types, professional, street, and private. Professional Johnsons are the most common Johnson you'll likely work for. These Johnsons work for corporations, governments, or anyone with a huge amount of assets. These Johnsons deal with shadowrunners for a living. Their affiliation with their employer is often a secret to provide deniability. This Johnson has deep pockets, but will have to file expense reports and answer to superiors. An experienced negotiator, he or she will not part with a single nuyen, unless they see it as absolutely necessary. These Johnsons have the ability to geek you if you frag with them. Street Johnsons don't usually make a living dealing with runners, but they do have a lot of experience with the shadows. They typically work for a syndicate or policlub. They can be professional, like corporate Johnsons, and have the ability to make your life drek if you screw them. Street Johnsons are usually amateurs who need runners for something personal. They're usually nervous and jumpy. Don't be fooled though, professional and street Johnsons might pretend to be a private one.

Now, once you get a job don't run off and do it right away. You gotta do some legwork. What's legwork you ask? I told you to stop interrupting and asking your gonk headed questions! So, legwork is where you go and find out everything you can about the job you're about to take. You might want to ask about your Johnson, the location, security, well, you get the idea. Ask around, but don't give away too much info, otherwise your target might get it in their head that somethings going on and beef up security. You'd hate to think you're going up against a couple of rent a cops and show up to a heatwave. Remember to plan, but don't over-plan. You have to keep things open if something doesn't go the way you thought it would. Always plan a getaway and a backup getaway. I can't tell you how many times this saved my hoop. Now, go do the job and try not to get bagged and tagged.

After the run, you want to meet Mr. Johnson and get paid. That's the whole point, right chums? It's important to stay alert and watch for an ambush. You're Johnson might be straight, but someone you just ran against could have gotten word of the meet. Scout the location and have someone 2020 hindsight. Plan an escape. If the mission was more difficult than expected, you can renegotiate your fee, or make some sort of deal for the future. Maybe he or she can toss more work your way later. Be polite, be professional.

After the meet, it's a good idea to lay low and keep quiet. Someone is usually unhappy with your career choice and may be looking to make an example of you. A safe-house is a great place to relax, but don't get too relaxed; you're laying low, not vacationing. It's still possible to get ambushed or hunted down, especially if the run you just went on was like Chinese take out. Another option is to skip town. You can even do some work, as long as it isn't too noisy. The purpose of lying low is to recover and not get geeked. Do not act like a fraggin' bakebrain and brag to everyone about the job you just pulled! Not only will it ruin your rep, but you will get dusted in no time at all.

Once you feel the heat has died down and you're physically and mentally ready for your next run, contact your fixer and let them know you're ready for work. Repeat this cycle over and over, until you make enough nuyen to retire. Stay professional at all times. Good luck in the shadows. It's not glam, but it's a living.

<<Static April 25, 2062; 11:47PM>>