Meet the Team
These characters represent different approaches to life in the shadows, showcasing how the archetypes, mechanics, and storytelling elements from our tutorial series come together to create compelling, three-dimensional personas. Each character demonstrates different aspects of character creation, development, and integration into the shadow community.
"Razorback" Chen
Ork Street Samurai
Former Corporate Security
Combat Skills
Cyberware
Primary Weapons
• Monofilament Katana (heirloom from his sensei)
• Fichetti Security 600 (backup/concealed carry)
Protection
• Ballistic Mask (intimidation factor)
• Combat Helmet (for serious business)
Background
Former Knight Errant security officer who discovered his unit was being used to eliminate witnesses to corporate crimes. When he refused to participate in the execution of a family, he was marked for termination. He escaped with help from a shadowrunner team, but his partner and mentor didn't make it out. Now he uses his corporate security training to protect people the system has abandoned.
Key Contacts
Motivations & Goals
"Ghost" Martinez
Human Decker
Former Corporate Programmer
Matrix Skills
Matrix Gear
• Attack 6, Sleaze 5, Data Processing 4, Firewall 3
• Agent, Armor, Biofeedback Filter, Hammer, Stealth programs
• Cyberjack (direct neural interface)
Physical Gear
• Electronics toolkit (rating 6)
• Ares Light Fire 70 (personal protection)
• Armor vest (discrete protection)
Background
Brilliant programmer who worked for Renraku's Matrix security division until she discovered the corp was using her code to spy on its own employees' families. When she tried to blow the whistle, they framed her for corporate espionage. She went underground and now uses her insider knowledge to help other corporate victims while staying one step ahead of her former employers.
Key Contacts
Motivations & Goals
Character Development
Elena "Moonbeam" Crow Feather
Elf Shaman
Urban Mystic
Magical Arts
Spells Known
• Invisibility (Infiltration assistance)
• Detect Life (Reconnaissance)
• Stunbolt (Non-lethal takedowns)
• Physical Mask (Disguise magic)
• Cleanse (Environmental healing)
Magical Equipment
• Grandmother's Dreamcatcher (Sustaining Focus)
• Urban Totem Items (subway tokens, street art)
• Medicinal herbs and reagents
Background
Grew up on the Salish-Shidhe reservation before moving to Seattle for university. She was studying environmental science when she awakened during a toxic spill cleanup. Her shamanic mentor taught her to find spirits in the urban environment - the city spirits, traffic flow spirits, and neon totems that make up the modern magical landscape. She runs to fund her community clinic in the Barrens.
Key Contacts
Motivations & Goals
Spirit Allies
Marcus "Silvertongue" Webb
Human Face
Former Corporate Negotiator
Social Arts
Bioware
Social Tools
• Designer clothing for any social situation
• Expensive jewelry and accessories
• High-end commlink with social analysis software
Defensive Gear
• Fichetti Tiffani Needler (holdout pistol)
• Subdermal armor (invisible protection)
Background
Former Horizon corporate negotiator who specialized in hostile takeovers and damage control. He left the corp life when he discovered his team had been manipulating him with BTL addiction to ensure loyalty. Now clean and independent, he uses his corporate contacts and social skills to give the little people a voice in negotiations with the powerful.
Key Contacts
Motivations & Goals
Relationship Network
"Gearhead" Thompson
Dwarf Rigger
Former DocWagon Pilot
Technical Skills
Rigging Gear
Vehicle Fleet
• Yamaha Rapier (stealth infiltration bike)
• Azura Viper (extraction/combat helicopter)
• Modified DocWagon ambulance (medical support)
Drone Squadron
• 2x Horizon Flying Eye (surveillance)
• 1x Evo Proletarian (heavy support)
• Multiple spy/micro-drones for reconnaissance
Background
Former DocWagon emergency pilot who lost her job after refusing to abandon a pickup in gang territory. The corp claimed it was "economically unfeasible" to risk company assets for a low-value customer. She kept the ambulance when she left and now provides medical transport for the shadow community. Her military father taught her that you never leave anyone behind.
Key Contacts
Motivations & Goals
Vehicle Relationships
Jin "Quicksilver" Watanabe
Human Physical Adept
Former Corporate Courier
Physical Arts
Adept Powers
Infiltration Gear
• Climbing gear and rappelling equipment
• Lockpicking tools and electronics kit
• Stealth suit with thermal dampening
Weapons
• Shuriken and throwing knives
• Shock gloves (non-lethal takedowns)
• Collapsible staff (concealable reach weapon)
Background
Former data courier for Mitsuhama who awakened during a high-speed chase through downtown Seattle. His newfound abilities helped him escape, but MCT branded him a security risk. Now he uses his courier knowledge of corporate buildings and his enhanced physical capabilities to help shadowrunners infiltrate the places he once protected. He follows the "Way of the Invisible" - strike from the shadows, leave no trace.
Key Contacts
Motivations & Goals
Advancement Goals
Building Your Own Characters
These examples showcase how the mechanical elements from our tutorial series combine with rich backstories and clear motivations to create compelling characters. Notice how each character:
- Has clear personal stakes: Each character has reasons beyond money for their shadowrunning
- Represents their archetype: While fitting the mechanical role, each has unique personality and approach
- Connects to the setting: Their backgrounds tie into Shadowrun's corporate world and social issues
- Has room to grow: Each character has advancement goals and relationship development opportunities
- Fits team dynamics: Their skills complement each other while their personalities create interesting interactions
Character Creation Tips
- Start with motivation: Why does this person risk their life for money?
- Connect to the world: How has the Sixth World shaped their life experiences?
- Balance competence and vulnerability: Great characters are good at some things and struggle with others
- Plan for growth: Where do you want this character to be in 20 sessions?
- Create relationships: Contacts aren't just resources - they're people who matter to your character
Remember: The best Shadowrun characters are shaped by the unique combination of high technology and ancient magic, corporate power and street-level desperation, that defines the Sixth World. Let these contradictions create interesting internal conflicts and external challenges for your characters.