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Item Encounters

by Gurth

This is a simple table for randomly determining what kind of building a party might encounter or be looking for. It’s most useful when the players are looking for something specific, like a particular type of shop, and you haven’t determined where (or even if) such a shop exists in the area.

Building Encounters By Security Rating

Roll 2D6 and add the Security Rating of the area to determine the building type. If the result doesn’t make sense for the area or situation, re-roll or choose an appropriate result.

2D6 + Security Rating Building Type
AAA (15+) Corporate headquarters, Government buildings, High-security research facility
AA (13-14) Corporate regional office, Luxury hotel, Private club
A (11-12) Bank, Corporate office, Upscale shop/restaurant
B (9-10) Apartment building, Office building, Standard retail
C (7-8) Pawn shop, Small business, Diner, Clinic
D (5-6) Garage, Warehouse, Cheap hotel, Bar
E (3-4) Brothel, Chop shop, Gang hangout, Squatter building
Z (2 or less) Abandoned building, Toxic waste dump, Completely lawless area

Definitions

Brothel

Brothels in 2055 range from high-class escort services operating out of luxury penthouses to disease-ridden streetwalker operations in condemned buildings. Most fall somewhere in between.

Typical Security:

  • Rating D-E: None, or single bouncer
  • Rating C: 1-2 bouncers, basic locks
  • Rating B: 2-4 security personnel, maglock systems
  • Rating A: 4-8 security, full security system with cameras and panic buttons

Typical Staff:

  • Manager/Madam
  • 2-12 workers (depending on size and rating)
  • 0-4 security personnel
  • 0-2 support staff (cleaners, etc.)

Computer Systems:

  • Rating D-E: None, or Rating 1-2 for basic accounting
  • Rating C: Rating 2-3 for accounting and scheduling
  • Rating B: Rating 3-4 for accounting, scheduling, and security monitoring
  • Rating A: Rating 4-6 for all business functions, security, and client database

Garage

This covers everything from back-alley chop shops to legitimate repair facilities. Many runners maintain relationships with garage owners for vehicle maintenance, modification, and storage.

Typical Security:

  • Rating E: None or watchdog
  • Rating D: Simple locks, maybe a guard dog
  • Rating C: Maglocks, alarm system
  • Rating B: Full security system with cameras and motion sensors
  • Rating A: Rating 4+ security with armed response

Typical Staff:

  • Owner/Manager
  • 1-6 mechanics (depending on size)
  • 0-2 parts specialists
  • 0-4 security personnel

Computer Systems:

  • Rating E: None
  • Rating D: Rating 1-2 for inventory
  • Rating C: Rating 2-3 for inventory and billing
  • Rating B: Rating 3-4 for all business functions
  • Rating A: Rating 4-5 for business plus security monitoring

Typical Services:

  • Basic maintenance and repair
  • Parts sales (legal and otherwise)
  • Vehicle modification
  • Vehicle storage
  • Stolen vehicle processing (chop shops only)

Simsense Arcade

Simsense arcades are common entertainment venues in 2055. They range from family-friendly establishments showing legal BTL-free content to seedy establishments that cater to BTL users and worse.

Typical Security:

  • Rating E: None or single monitor
  • Rating D: 1 security person, basic locks
  • Rating C: 2-3 security, maglock systems, panic button
  • Rating B: 3-5 security, full alarm system
  • Rating A: 5+ security, comprehensive security system

Typical Features:

  • 5-50+ simsense booths (depending on size and rating)
  • Rental desk
  • Snack bar (higher ratings only)
  • Private rooms (higher ratings only)
  • BTL dealers (lower ratings only, usually)

Computer Systems:

  • Rating D-E: Rating 1-2 for basic operations
  • Rating C: Rating 2-3 for operations and entertainment content
  • Rating B: Rating 3-4 for all functions plus security
  • Rating A: Rating 4-6 for all functions, security, and client tracking

Typical Staff:

  • Manager
  • 1-4 desk clerks
  • 0-3 security personnel
  • 0-2 technicians (for sim rig maintenance)

Typical Clientele: The clientele depends heavily on the rating and location:

  • Rating A-B: Corporate wage slaves, middle class families
  • Rating C: Mix of working class and shadowrunners
  • Rating D: Shadowrunners, criminals, BTL users
  • Rating E: BTL addicts, the desperate, criminals

NPC Archetypes for Encounters

When populating these locations, consider using these typical archetypes:

Low-Security Areas (D-E Rating):

  • Gang members
  • Street toughs
  • BTL addicts
  • Squatters
  • Small-time criminals

Mid-Security Areas (C Rating):

  • Shop owners
  • Office workers
  • Security guards
  • Small business owners
  • Working class citizens

High-Security Areas (A-B Rating):

  • Corporate wage slaves
  • Security professionals
  • Business executives
  • Wealthy citizens
  • Corporate agents

Special Locations:

  • Brothels: Manager, workers, security, clients
  • Garages: Mechanics, parts runners, vehicle owners
  • Simsense Arcades: Desk clerks, security, sim technicians, various clientele