Life Modules
in ShadowrunThis system starts similar to the Point Buy system, in that characters start with 750 Karma, to build their character (note that this is lower than the Point Buy method due to the benefits of the various modules that are part of this method). Rather than just picking attributes, skills, and the like, though, players choose various Life Modules to represent their characters' lives to this point - their background, their skills, etc. Each Life Module has a Karma cost that is deducted from the total; the points invested in each module reflect specific and relevant skills or abilities.
When using this method, the first thing to do is select a metatype and deduct the cost of this from your Karma; the cost for each metatype is listed in the Metatype Cost Table (RF 64). Set your attributes at the minimum level for your selected metatype. Then you need to choose Nationality and the specific region you hail from in that nation. All of these packages cost 15 Karma. Once you have made your selection, make the appropriate adjustments to your attributes and skills, as noted with each Nationality and Region/Demograpic. Note that there is no Karma bonus when taking a Region/Demograpic with a negative quality, or Karma cost when taking a region with a positive quality or with bonuses to skills or attributes. All these costs and bonuses are already calculated into the Karma cost of the module. When a Karma cost or bonus is listed with a quality, it is there to denote the level of that particular quality, not the cost the character must pay.
Note that no active skill may be raised above 7 in this system. If a module is selected that would raise an active skill above 7, the module can be selected, but ranks in a skill over 7 are lost. Knowledge skills can be raised to a maximum of 9. If a skill group is selected but previous selections have made skills in the group have different value, simply add one rank to each skill in the group.
Note that Magic or Resonance abilities are not included in any of the Life Modules, so characters who want to follow those paths should buy those features at some point in the character creation process for the costs listed on (RF 64). They receive the attributes as listed with those qualities.
When using this method, the first thing to do is select a metatype and deduct the cost of this from your Karma; the cost for each metatype is listed in the Metatype Cost Table (RF 64). Set your attributes at the minimum level for your selected metatype. Then you need to choose Nationality and the specific region you hail from in that nation. All of these packages cost 15 Karma. Once you have made your selection, make the appropriate adjustments to your attributes and skills, as noted with each Nationality and Region/Demograpic. Note that there is no Karma bonus when taking a Region/Demograpic with a negative quality, or Karma cost when taking a region with a positive quality or with bonuses to skills or attributes. All these costs and bonuses are already calculated into the Karma cost of the module. When a Karma cost or bonus is listed with a quality, it is there to denote the level of that particular quality, not the cost the character must pay.
Note that no active skill may be raised above 7 in this system. If a module is selected that would raise an active skill above 7, the module can be selected, but ranks in a skill over 7 are lost. Knowledge skills can be raised to a maximum of 9. If a skill group is selected but previous selections have made skills in the group have different value, simply add one rank to each skill in the group.
Note that Magic or Resonance abilities are not included in any of the Life Modules, so characters who want to follow those paths should buy those features at some point in the character creation process for the costs listed on (RF 64). They receive the attributes as listed with those qualities.