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Basement Transactions

by Bryan Linn Schuler

Introduction

Contrary to popular belief, not all shadowrunners conduct their business in the darkest corners of the urban sprawl. Many prefer to keep their operations out of sight, sometimes literally underground. This article explores the world of basement-level operations - the kind of discrete, low-profile transactions that keep the shadows alive.

The Nature of Basement Operations

Basement operations are typically small-scale, conducted in relatively secure locations away from prying eyes. These might include actual basements, warehouses, abandoned buildings, or even mobile operations conducted from vans or trucks. The key characteristics are:

  • Discretion: Limited visibility to passersby
  • Control: The operator controls the environment
  • Security: Easier to screen clients and maintain security protocols
  • Flexibility: Operations can be relocated relatively easily

Types of Basement Operations

Fencing Operations

Fencing stolen goods is one of the most common basement operations. A fence provides a vital service to shadowrunners by converting stolen goods into liquid assets (nuyen). The fence typically operates from a fixed location with good storage facilities and security.

Typical Setup:

  • Secure storage area for goods
  • Basic security system (Rating 3-4)
  • Communication equipment for contacting buyers
  • Transportation for moving goods

Services Offered:

  • Purchase of stolen goods (typically 25-50% of street value)
  • Liquidation of difficult items
  • Information on potential buyers
  • Storage services (for a fee)

Risks:

  • Law enforcement surveillance
  • Theft by other criminals
  • Betrayal by associates

Chop Shops

Chop shops specialize in stolen vehicles, breaking them down for parts or modifying them for resale. These operations require more space and equipment than simple fencing operations.

Typical Setup:

  • Garage or warehouse space
  • Vehicle lifts and tools
  • Welding equipment
  • Parts storage
  • Documentation forgery equipment

Services Offered:

  • Vehicle disassembly
  • Parts sales
  • Vehicle modification
  • VIN number changes
  • Registration forgery

Risks:

  • Specialized law enforcement attention
  • Large physical footprint
  • Need for skilled labor
  • Disposal of leftover materials

Doc Wagon Knockoffs

These underground medical facilities provide healthcare to those who can’t (or won’t) access legitimate medical services. They range from relatively clean operations to barely-sanitary back-alley surgeries.

Typical Setup:

  • Basic medical equipment
  • Pharmaceutical supplies
  • Recovery beds
  • Privacy screens
  • Disposal methods for medical waste

Services Offered:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Cyberware installation
  • Bioware installation
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Records falsification

Risks:

  • Medical complications and malpractice
  • Lack of legal protections
  • Disposal of recognizable remains
  • DEA/FDA attention for drug supplies

Arms Dealers

Basement arms dealers provide weapons, ammunition, and related equipment to those who need them. These operations require careful security due to the valuable and dangerous nature of the merchandise.

Typical Setup:

  • Secure storage vault
  • Display area for merchandise
  • Testing facilities (for some dealers)
  • Communication equipment
  • Security measures (Rating 4-6)

Services Offered:

  • Weapon sales
  • Ammunition sales
  • Weapon modifications
  • Special orders
  • Information on weapon availability

Risks:

  • ATF raids
  • Robbery attempts
  • Accidental discharge/explosions
  • Ballistic tracing of weapons

Data Havens (Micro-Scale)

Small-scale data storage and brokering operations provide secure storage for sensitive information and act as intermediaries for information sales.

Typical Setup:

  • High-security computer systems
  • Redundant data storage
  • Communication encryption
  • Physical security measures
  • Power backup systems

Services Offered:

  • Secure data storage
  • Information brokering
  • Matrix access
  • Data recovery
  • Communications relay

Risks:

  • Decking attacks
  • Physical raids
  • Data corruption
  • Betrayal of client confidentiality

Security Considerations

All basement operations share certain security needs:

Physical Security

  • Access Control: Limited entry points, screening of visitors
  • Surveillance: Cameras covering all approaches
  • Barriers: Reinforced doors, window bars, safe rooms
  • Alarms: Silent alarms to security services
  • Escape Routes: Multiple exits for emergency evacuation

Operational Security

  • Client Screening: Vetting new customers carefully
  • Information Control: Limited sharing of operational details
  • Communications Security: Encrypted communications, burner commlinks
  • Cover Stories: Legitimate business fronts
  • Record Keeping: Minimal, coded, or encrypted records

Personnel Security

  • Trustworthy Staff: Careful hiring and vetting
  • Compartmentalization: Staff know only what they need to
  • Loyalty Maintenance: Fair treatment and competitive pay
  • Exit Strategies: Plans for staff who leave

Basement operations exist in a legal gray area (or often, solidly illegal territory). Operators must consider:

  • Zoning Laws: Operating a business from a residential area
  • Business Licenses: Lack of legitimate permits
  • Tax Evasion: Unreported income
  • Specific Violations: Weapons offenses, drug charges, receiving stolen property, etc.

Game Mechanics

Setting Up a Basement Operation

Costs:

  • Location: 500-5,000¥/month depending on size and security
  • Equipment: Varies by operation type (5,000-50,000¥)
  • Security: 2,000-10,000¥ for basic systems
  • Working Capital: Varies by operation (10,000-100,000¥)

Time:

  • Finding location: 1-4 weeks
  • Setting up: 1-8 weeks depending on complexity
  • Building clientele: Ongoing, 2-6 months to establish

Skills Required:

  • Etiquette (Street)
  • Negotiation
  • Relevant technical skills (Mechanics, Medicine, etc.)
  • Street-level contacts

Operating the Business

Income:

  • Varies widely by operation type and success
  • Fencing: 500-5,000¥/week
  • Chop Shop: 1,000-10,000¥/week
  • Medical: 500-3,000¥/week
  • Arms Dealer: 1,000-20,000¥/week
  • Data Haven: 500-5,000¥/week

Expenses:

  • Rent and utilities
  • Supplies and inventory
  • Security costs
  • Bribes and protection money
  • Staff salaries (if any)

Risks:

  • Law enforcement attention
  • Criminal competition
  • Customer betrayal
  • Equipment failure

Adventure Hooks

For Runners

  • The Middleman: A reliable fence has been arrested; runners need to find a new outlet for their goods
  • Hostile Takeover: A rival gang is moving in on the local chop shop
  • Medical Emergency: After a run goes bad, the team needs underground medical attention
  • Arms Race: The regular arms dealer has been compromised; new source needed urgently
  • Data Recovery: Important information stored at a data haven needs to be retrieved before it’s destroyed

For Gamemasters

  • Protection Racket: The local syndicate wants protection money from basement operators
  • Undercover Operation: Law enforcement is running a sting on basement operations
  • Turf War: Different criminal organizations fighting over control of underground economy
  • Supply Chain Disruption: Key suppliers have been arrested or killed
  • Gentrification: Urban renewal is forcing basement operations to relocate

Conclusion

Basement operations form a vital part of the shadowrun ecosystem, providing essential services that can’t be obtained through legitimate channels. Understanding how these operations work can help players and gamemasters create more realistic and engaging shadowrun scenarios.

* The best fence I ever worked with operated out of his grandmother’s basement. Nobody suspects the sweet old lady upstairs of being part of a multi-million nuyen stolen goods operation.
* Dodger

* That’s all well and good until granny decides she wants a bigger cut. Then you’ve got problems.
* FastJack

* I knew a street doc who ran his operation out of a converted cargo container. He could pick up and move to a new location in under an hour if things got hot. Smart guy.
* Trauma

* Yeah, until one time he forgot to properly secure the anesthesia tanks during a move. Lost a patient and had to skip town. Not so smart after all.
* Bull

* Anyone know a good arms dealer in the Seattle area? My regular guy got popped by Lone Star last week.
* Gunner

* Nice try, officer.
* The Smiling Bandit