<+maximum_mike> Okay, I’m Mike Pondsmith. I’m the guy who killed your Cyberpunk character.Β In my day job, I run R.Talsorian Games.
<~Dan> (Oh, and please hold questions until we get a (done) from our guests. π )
<+maximum_mike> We produce Mekton, Cyberpunk, Teenagers from Outer Space, The Witcher TRPG and Castle Falkenstein RPGs. Among others. Done
<~Dan> ( JGrayatTalsorian, want to introduce yourself? π )
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Hi, all. I’m J Gray, the media ambassador for R. Talsorian Games. Tonight’s all about the Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit, which is debuting at GenCon on August 1st. It’ll also be available online as a digital version, same day, via DriveThruRPG. We’ll have it in stores as soon as possible thereafter.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> (done)
<~Dan> Thanks, guys! The floor is now open to questions!
<~Dan> (Howdy, Jack!)
<+Turtly> Will any of the 2020 source books, namely the Chromebooks, be compatible with red?
<+Eainix> so big question: is this game running on 2077 lore or something else?
<+maximum_mike> Yes. All of them. There will be some adjustments in-world through, as some things will become a lot harder to find in game.
<+Turtly> Awesome! Thank you.
<+maximum_mike> K
<+Quietjedai1> How will the new ability scores/stats match against the old ones? Namely dexterity/reflex being split now
<+maximum_mike> No, 2077 lore is running on THIS game.
<+RaineSheppard> What’s the differences between global cellular connection, a city wide grid and the island/local networks?
<~Dan> (Question pause, please! π )
<+maximum_mike> RED is a continued timeline from 2013 to 2077. Think of it as Empire Strikes Back in between Star Wars and Return of the Jedi.
<+maximum_mike> I will ask that you guys let me finish one question befor I start another one. I’ll say (done) when I’m ready to take another one.
<+maximum_mike> (done)
<~Dan> Questions may resume!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> I think Mike’s asking for one question at a time so he can focus on the answer. I know its a bit different from normal procedure.
<+maximum_mike> Quiet next. Stats will be much the same, but ATT is gone (anyone can buy being good looking inthe Dark Future) and DEX/REF are split because REF was a monster stat.
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: No problem! We’re flexible. π
<+maximum_mike> (done)
<~Dan> maximum_mike: Do you have a character sheet that we can see?
<~Dan> (Oh, sorry — there was an unanswered question up there. My bad!)
<+maximum_mike> Raine. I won’t go into the details of how nets work. Lets say that in RED, most nets are LANs or airgapped. There are a few city wide grids, but these are rare. (done)
<+LaggingDice> The Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit is not the actual Cyberpunk Red, right? Do you have a release date for that? Or am I confused?
<+maximum_mike> Dan: Jay will see if we can post a character sheet on our website.
<+maximum_mike> (done)
<~Dan> Thanks, maximum_mike!
<+maximum_mike> Jumpstart is an entry level kit. There are a lot of new players who have come into the game via 2077, and we’re trying to make things simpler to grasp since there’s a lot of background.
<+maximum_mike> The Core Book will follow later in the year. An exact date is still undetermined, as we and CDPR are still coordinating release stuff.
<+maximum_mike> (done)
<~Dan> (Welcome to #randomworlds, VelvetSanity!)
<+Turtly> Do you guys have any new lore books, like Night City in comparison, in the works, or at least thinking on it? Thanks!
<~Dan> (Welcome to #randomworlds, mib_uw29ul!)
<~Dan> ( mib_uw29ul: You can set your name with the /nick command; e.g., /nick Dan )
<+maximum_mike> Turtly. We already have a book called Black Chrome in the works. It’s a Chromebook but a lot more. It helps players work out how to buy, sell and get stuff in the RED period.\
<+maximum_mike> (done)
<+RaineSheppard> Is there a future for special “alternative” universes in Cyberpunk Red, like When Gravity Fails (as an example of the 2020 past)?
<+maximum_mike> We also have several other projects in the works too.
<+Turtly> Thank you.
<+maximum_mike> Raine: RED is tied into the central timeline from 2013 to 2077. So there will be no alternate timelines. (done)
<+Eainix> so what classes can we expect from Red?
<+maximum_mike> Eanix. All of the basic ones. But there are some changes. Cops are now Lawmen, because they cover a much larger area than an city cop. Several Roles (Corps, Nomads, Rockers for example, have alternate Special abilities that are more useful in the RED part of the timeline.(done)
<+LaggingDice> Mike, I saw you handle controversy around 2077 with courage and conviction, do you have any advice on dealing with clickbait-happy press coverage? Do’s and don’ts maybe?
<~Dan> (wb, CyrusB!)
<+CyrusB> hey π got a little sidetracked, but I made it
<~Dan> π
<+maximum_mike> Dice: Yeah. Ignore it unless they lie. I worked in journalism. I have come out of that experience with standards.(done)
<~Dan> (CyrusB: maximum_mike is taking a question at a time, so please wait for a (done) from him before adding a question of your own. Thanks! π )
<+RaineSheppard> Will the Jumpstart Kit include vehicle combat rules (ie: hard points and such)?
<+CyrusB> will do
<+Quietjedai1> How will humanity be handled in RED given comments on elective surgery, gender reassignment and advances in prosthetic limbs
<+maximum_mike> Raine. Jumpstart has no vehicle combat. Otherwise, the book would be three times as long. (done)
<+ArdentPurpleToo> I have a question for the pile: How has the style and thematic direction changed with the new edition if at all? 2020’s presentation is definitely couched in the aesthetics of the era and a lot of books have an “in your face” POV (Screwheads) that’s not really as common these days.
<+mib_uw29ul> Is there a chance that after 2077 game is out, expansions and what not are done. That cd project commissions for a cyberpunk 2077 RPG , like Witcher. Or would you say Red is already “compatible” to 2077 game. .. another way to ask this question ” is cyberpunk RED an in between edition for a 2077 one in the future
<~Dan> (Please hold questions until we get a (done) from maximum_mike. Thanks!)
<+maximum_mike> Quiet. I have actually been able to go into more of the actual psychology of cyberpsychosis this rev. There’s a reason why there are difference.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Mike’s got a lot of questions to go through here.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Patience, please.
<+maximum_mike> BTW, guys, I can only type so fast. If you want to get answered, I need you to let me finish one before I get another.
<+maximum_mike> (done)
<+VelvetSanity> What have the Nomads been up to since 2020, and are the Totem Warriors still around? π
<+maximum_mike> ASrdent. It;’s still in your face. It’s just 2019 level in your face.(done)
<+maximum_mike> mb. I can’t say right now. Patience.(done)
<~Dan> maximum_mike: Maybe you should wait and give us a (done) when you’re all caught up, then we’ll go back to one question at a time?
<+maximum_mike> Velvet. The Nomads are a HUGE part of the RED time. They have a lot more power than ever before. They are the glue holding the war-torn society together. This gives them a central position that is more than just guys in cars.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+Quietjedai1> Could you elaborate a little on how the humanity stat( effects of certain cyberware/surgery) has changed? And what that means for cyberpsychosis
<+CyrusB> ^^
<+maximum_mike> Quiet. Cyberpsychosis is driven by underlying mentality of the character. Repairing lost stuff or bringing your physical body into line with your mental concept is far less likely to trigger it. On the flip side, events and traumas can actually affect your overall HUM now.
<~Dan> (Welcome to #randomworlds, theblackgoat!)
<+maximum_mike> I’m not going to go into it in detail right now (it’s about 3 pages of psych talk), but suffice it to say it’s far more nuanced than before.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+Eainix> I remember a lot of wacky cyberware in some of the chromebooks, like rollerskates in your feet that can kick you up to 60 mph or an arm augment that gave you an anywhere pillow. Do we have any examples of such things in RED so far or is that down the line?
<+Quietjedai1> Thank you mike, very much appreciated.
<~Dan> (I want an anywhere pillow!)
<+maximum_mike> Eanix. There will be hangovers from the 2020 period, but that’s because that stuff is still in the warehouses. But RED is a far more chaotic and straightforward time, There’s a lot less sill y stuff when people are trying to get enough to eat and there are almost no stores anymore.
<+maximum_mike> So if you can find a Fixer willing to look for an arm pillow, and you want to pay a ridonculous price for it, be our guest.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+RaineSheppard> What’s your personal favorite change (mechanics or otherwise) that’s been made from 2020 to Cyberpunk Red?
<+Quietjedai1> ^^
<+Eainix> personally I just want those skates π
<+RaineSheppard> (Skates were awesome!)
<+maximum_mike> Raine: Netrunning. It’s now playable. I managed to bring the Netrunner out of the Gibson “fly all over cyberspace” age into the “hack it on the spot or die” age.
<+theblackgoat> Style over substance… makes playing online a bit more challenging. Specially using just voice.. have U guys seen many roll20 campaigns .. and do you have Any advice for online referees to “sell” the style bit. Has online tRPG influenced the way you guys designed Red
<+CyrusB> really excited about the new netrunning
<+maximum_mike> This means the ‘Runner is now with the party. This was important, since the runner is an integral part of physical missions in 2077 too.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+RaineSheppard> (Sweet answer!)
<~Dan> theblackgoat: maximum_mike is taking one question at a time. Please watch for a (done) from him before asking a question. Thanks! π
<+AndyC> I wore out copies of Near Orbit and Deep Space, and have FFG’s Android RPG on the couch next to me. Are the off-Earth settlements still there, and will RED explore them?
<~Dan> (Welcome to #randomworlds, mib_h55e0h! You can set your name with the /nick command; e.g., /nick Dan )
<+maximum_mike> Andy. LEO and Luna are still inhabited, but the Highriders have cut themselves off from most of Earth. Red will go there, but it will be a very different place thanin the older books.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+VelvetSanity> Was the whole world turned upside down or did North America get the brunt of it, and how is the rest of the world coping?
<+maximum_mike> Velvet. The world gets trashed, but N.Am gets hit worst. Read RED Jumpstart of a detailed breakdown.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+LaggingDice> Mike, will you be around the booth at GenCon to sign copies?
<+Quietjedai1> Does that mean netrunning will be more Shadowrun 5e in regards to hacking?
<+maximum_mike> Jay, you can answer Quiet’s question best.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+theblackgoat> What’s your opinion on online tRPG, any advice for online referees, has the trend influence game design?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Lagging: We’re going to schedule time for Mike to sign autographs but we’re still working out specifics. Check at the booth at GenCon and we’ll try to have something posted.
<+maximum_mike> Goat. It’s a lot like old school around the table gaming, but with more toys. Used tio be online games wedre like this–text strings. This is far cooler.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+SaulSchimek> Will the Jumpstart Kit have a corporation/organization outline template. I seem to remember a mention of such. Thank you.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Quiet: There are similarities. Both Shadowrun and Cyberpunk have moved towards more “practical” hacking but there’s mechanical differences in the system. We like to think the system presented in the Jumpstart Kit preserved the concept of Netrunning/hacking as unique and interesting while making it faster and integrating it with the flow of regular combat.
<~Dan> (Howdy, SavAce! Long time no see!)
<~Dan> (wb, theblackgoat!)
<+SavAce> (Hey!)
<+maximum_mike> Quiet. Both RED and 2077 are more about onsite hacking.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+CyrusB> Is the entirety of Night City the setting for Red or is it focused on a specific section of Night City?
<~Dan> (SavAce: PM)
<+maximum_mike> Cyrus. Night City and many miles around. It will even go to other cities.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+Quietjedai1> Given TotR is approximately 10-15 years after 2020 is there still a strong 80’s synth vibe or has it evolved to be more in line with mainstream interpretation of cyberpunk aesthetics?
<+maximum_mike> Quiet. It’s a mix. In many ways, we defined that genre with 2020 and it’s heavily reflected in 2077 as well. In short, we kinda made the mainstream. Now it’s what people seem to see as “cyberpunk.”
<+maximum_mike> In fact, we both (CD and RT) found that if we didn’t lean into that 80’s vibe, people felt cheated.
<+CyrusB> (^^ yes!)
<+maximum_mike> It’s why the huge glowing collars are STILL HIGH CYBERPUNK fashion. 30 years later.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+RaineSheppard> Will there be mechanics for Netrunners to write their own programs? Some point-buy balance thing perhaps?
* ~Dan turns on some synthwave as a Q&A soundtrack
<+maximum_mike> Raine: No comment for now. Spoilers.
<+SaulSchimek> Well with the RetroWave movement coming about in music now..I can only imagine it would still be there in some way
<+AndyC> Yeeessssss….
<+maximum_mike> Dan. I never thought I would see the rebirth of Outrun and Sythwave.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+RaineSheppard> (Cool cool. I’ll just wait and hope. Heh!)
<+CyrusB> (Outrun… lol)
<+Turtly> (Outrun, yes please.)
<+maximum_mike> Blue and violet and orange EVERYWHERE.
<~Dan> π
<+maximum_mike> (done. Next question)
<+VelvetSanity> I donβt remember seeing any info detailing the transportation and logistics industries in 2020, what are those industries like in Red? (Iβm a RL truck driver, so this is a professional interest question π )
<+maximum_mike> Five minutes. Love to hang out more, but my Art Director is here and chewing on my leg.
<+SaulSchimek> *puts on the Michael Oakley*
<+JGrayatTalsorian> In case people want to get a feel for some of the style of Red: (Link: https://i2.wp.com/rtalsoriangames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CPRJumpstartKitRulebookCoverRGB.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)https://i2.wp.com/rtalsoriangames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CPRJumpstartKitRulebookCoverRGB.jpg?w=750&ssl=1 The rulebook cover.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> For the Jumpstart kit.
<+Turtly> Thanks π
<~Dan> Quick note: If you’ve enjoyed this Q&A and would like to treat me to a coffee or two, you can do so at (Link: https://www.ko-fi.com/gmshoe)https://www.ko-fi.com/gmshoe π
<+SaulSchimek> Will the Jumpstart Kit have a corporation/organization outline template? I seem to remember a mention of such. Thank you.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Velvet asked about logistics and transportation in Cyberpunk Red.
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: Can you stick around and field more questions, or do you need to leave as well?
<+SaulSchimek> oops
<+JGrayatTalsorian> If Mike doesn’t mind, I can put in a bit more time.
<+SaulSchimek> my bad
<+maximum_mike> Velvet. Ooo, you’re gonna love this. Most of the RED economy is based on roll-on-off trucking, containers and container shipping! It’s the Nomad’s secret weapon.
<+maximum_mike> I LOVE container shipping. I even snuck it into Mekton.
<+maximum_mike> (done. Last question?)
<+AndyC> Trucker’s kid here … I may have audibly squealed.
<+Trug> As someone who works in that industry, I appreciate you, Mike.
<+VelvetSanity> So itβs been taken over by the Nomads? YES!!! (J, can you give me some basics later on what those industries were like in 2020, please? π )
<+RaineSheppard> (Thank you for providing the time you could, Mike. It’s been a huge honor to interact with you)
<+Quietjedai1> Thank you Mike for all of it
<+Turtly> Thanks Mike β€
<+SaulSchimek> *tips hat to mike*
<+AndyC> Thanks so much for your time, Mike. Hope to meet you next week!
<~Dan> maximum_mike: Thanks for joining us!
<+maximum_mike> Andy, Trug. imagine a world where container shipping got inturrupted by a global war. And now MILLIONS of cointainers are out there. Most without manifests…
<+maximum_mike> Yeah, I knew you’d see it…
<+Quietjedai1> *Shudders* So much free piracy
<+VelvetSanity> Thanks for this, and Iβm sorry I missed meeting you at E3 (I finally thought to ask where you guys were about 5 minutes before you left)
<+Trug> Love it!
<+AndyC> It’s not piracy, jedai. It’s SALVAGE.
<+maximum_mike> Thanks for having me. I’d hang a bit longer, but my AD is a dangeous woman with a kukri. TTG.
<+Turtly> Heh.
<+CyrusB> Thanks Mike! Can not wait
<+JGrayatTalsorian> I’ll stick around to finish out. I might have a few answers that are just “can’t say” but I’ll do my best.
* ~Dan chuckles
<+maximum_mike> Later gang!
<~Dan> Take care!
<+Turtly> See ya Mike.
<+Trug> 55555555555555555
<+SaulSchimek> that’s okay
<+SaulSchimek> LAter mike
<+Trug> Whoops, sticky keys
<+VelvetSanity> Later, Mike
<+theblackgoat> Jgray how did your character died last time Mike killed it ? π
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: Do you want to stick with the one question at a time format?
<+RaineSheppard> Haha!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Saul, I did see your question. The answer is, the idea of building your own Corp/org is something that there’s room for in Red but the Jumpstart Kit is basic rules. There’s no org templates.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: I can go to your normal Q&A.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> theblackgoat: Are you kidding? I can’t get into Mike’s weekend ‘kill’ game. Too exclusive.
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: Okay! Everyone, feel free to post your questions, but please watch for question pauses!
<+SaulSchimek> JGray: great. I’m already working on ideas for two smaller orgs Was curious π
<+Turtly> What’s your favorite new thing about RED, Gray?
<~Dan> (brb)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> My favorite thing? Mmm. That I get to be part of it.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Its an honor to work on a new edition of such a classic. It truly is.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Also, the layout’s pretty snazy.
<+Turtly> Haha, I bet.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> You don’t need to wait for me to say done. π
<+RaineSheppard> Has martial arts been more streamlined, or are they still separated by style types?
<+Quietjedai1> What is your favourite role?
<+Quietjedai1> How has playtesting and years of feedback influenced the process?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> RaineSheppard: Not something I can speak to.
<+RaineSheppard> Is initial money in character creation still based highly on your primary roles skill rank?
<+Turtly> (Ohh, good question Raine)
<+VelvetSanity> Whatβs the most spoilers question you guys have ever been asked since CDPR started working on 2077? (Donβt want an answer to it, just curious what the question was)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Quietjedai1: I’m fond of the Rockerboys but I was raised in the 80s and that’s hardcore 80s right there. And as for years of feedback – you’re right. We’ve had tons, which helped us decide on things like splitting Reflex, removing hit locations from the Jumpstart Kit, and streamlining Netrunning.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> We worked out rules, stress tested them hard, worked on them again, stress tested them again.
<+VelvetSanity> *spoilery. Stupid autoincorrect
<~Dan> (back)
<+Turtly> (wb dan!)
<+AndyC> JGray, how complete would you say the Jumpstart Kit is? Is it something I can use to run an ongoing game with until the full book arrives?
<~Dan> (Let’s give JGrayatTalsorian a question pause while he catches up. π )
<+JGrayatTalsorian> RainSheppard: Keep in mind I’m here to talk about the Jumpstart Kit, which uses pregens. Money spending isn’t a factor in the customization you can do there. You can customize their Lifepath and their sta load out.
<~Dan> (Welcome to #randomworlds, eraser!)
<~Dan> (Welcome to #randomworlds, notevenagoat!)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> VelvetSanity: I’m sure people have asked Mike all sorts of things. No one asks me about 2077. I obviously don’t know anything. When I visited CDPR I wasn’t allowed out of the cafe.
<+Trug> So, I saw a tangential question, but for people who can’t be at the con, will there be an option for buying signed jumpstart kits?
<~Dan> (Question pause, Trug. π )
<+Trug> (apologies!)
<~Dan> (No worries. π )
<+JGrayatTalsorian> AndyC: Honestly, I think you could run a pretty solid campaign with just the Jumpstart Rules. The GM might need to make a few judgement calls here or there but its a fairly full system.
<~Dan> ( JGrayatTalsorian: Just give me a (done) when you’re caught up. π )
<+JGrayatTalsorian> (done)
<~Dan> (Questions may resume!)
<+Trug> (see above)
<+VelvetSanity> Sounds like itβd be pretty easy to use 2020 as a fallback/guide to help fill in gaps in the Jumpstart rules?
<~Dan> (Howdy, jcfiala!)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Signed kits? No. We don’t do that. We believe signing is something that should be special, not something you sell as an option on your website. It doesn’t have any personal attachment then.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> VelvetSanity: I’d say so, yes. It would certainly fill in any gaps you find.
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: Can you describe the setting a bit? I’m only familiar with Cyberpunk 2020 second hand, so I don’t know how it’s changed for Red.
<+VelvetSanity> Oh good, I was worried Iβd goofed in suggesting just that to someone on the 2077 server π
<+notevenagoat> I really hope you do one of the “how to play cyberpunk” videos for RED. the 3 vid series you did helped so much.
<+Turtly> (You are a goof:))
<+RaineSheppard> Will there be a good assortment of NPCs to work with in the Jumpstart Kit?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: Sure. The present in the Jumpstart Kit is 2045. The 4th Corporate War has passed. It really screwed up the world. The NET was destroyed and global communications and shipping were decimated. It isn’t post-apocolyptic but think Europe after WW2 except there’s no money coming from outside to help rebuild.
<+VelvetSanity> (Be glad Iβm too lazy to pull my laptop out and join the name shenanigans on the 2077 server, turtly π )
<~Dan> (Howdy, Silverlion!)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> But the world IS rebuilding. Things are moving forward, slowly. Obviously, by 2077 things are much more solid.
<+Turtly> (You wouldn’t dare, Velvet.)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> notevenagoat: If the world will slow down I’ll be glad to make some videos for the Jumpstart Kit. Though I think there’ll be less of a need for it.
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: I take it that the war was conventional?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: Well, the Highriders didn’t get involved. That’s the folks living in orbit. And that’s good. No one dropped rocks on the planet. A bioweapon wiped out Hong Kong. Night City itself was the site of a small nuke. Very small, exploded high up, so it didn’t decimate the city but it did wipe out the center.
<~Dan> Ouch.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> RaineSehppard: You can easily use the pregens as NPCs. Plus there are several templates which are easily altered to make new NPCs.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> (done)
<+VelvetSanity> Was it the nuke that wiped out City Center, or did Arasaka Tower coming down do enough damage to bring down the surrounding buildings?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Yes.
<+SaulSchimek> Occasional Ortillary strikes too
<+JGrayatTalsorian> The nuke took down the tower and did a number to the surrounding area. The Tower coming down chain reactioned to destroy other buildings. Radioactive fallout etc etc.
<~Dan> Ortillary? Orbital artillery?
<+VelvetSanity> gotcha
<+VelvetSanity> Yep
<~Dan> Cool.
<~Dan> What, if any, are the big tech changes between 2020 and Red? Or has the war stymied tech growth?
<+SaulSchimek> ‘Rods From God’. that sort of thing. but nothing WMD class
* ~Dan nods
<+eraser> how is damage handled, is it a static number of boxes like 2020, or a derived stat more in the v3 style?
<+RaineSheppard> Envisioning the Akira graphic novels that took place after the big boom.
<+SaulSchimek> ^^ not far off
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: The war didn’t stymie growth so much as the aftermath. The megacorps had monopolies on pretty much everything and they were hurt hard by the war. Plus communication was severely damaged. The NET was wiped out which means a lot of data was lost.
<+AlistairDoctor> I believe someone mentioned that the corporate center became the new combat zone. Is that true? If so, why? What led to anyone wanting to remain in the corp center at that point?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Add to that a complete distruption of global shipping and suddenly it doesn’t matter if you can build a fancy computer since you can’t get the rare earth metals you need.
<~Dan> I assume the NET was the big VR network?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Right.
* ~Dan nods
<+JGrayatTalsorian> (pause questions please)
<~Dan> (AlistairDoctor: Sorry, didn’t see you come in! Welcome to #randomworlds!)
<~Dan> (And yes, question pause!)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> So, the big change in tech isn’t so much that its innovated, though there are things present in Red that were either not present in 2020 or rare at the time, but that its patchwork. Everyone might have tech device A which is really cool but only because someone found a big stockpile of A. But they might have tech device A while living in tents.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> And, of course, there’s innovation that comes from desperation. Using things in new ways.
<+RaineSheppard> (Dan, thank you for doing all this. Major awesomeness)
<~Dan> (You’re very welcome! π )
<+JGrayatTalsorian> eraser: In the Jumpstart Kit, there’s a hit point pool.
<+SaulSchimek> Materials Reclamation Nomad Packs, ahoy
<~Dan> (If any of you wan to follow me on Facebook, you’ll get the announcements of all upcoming Q&As. (Link: https://www.facebook.com/dan.davenport.92)https://www.facebook.com/dan.davenport.92 )
<~Dan> *want to
<+RaineSheppard> Nomads will definitely shine in this age.
<+VelvetSanity> Umm. Didnβt Nomads already do that in 2020? π
<+Turtly> (Wants to buy Dan coffee, but is broke :()
<~Dan> (Turtly? I appreciate the thought. π )
<+VelvetSanity> Sorry, Dan, Iβm allergic to Facebook
<~Dan> (Turtly: even)
<+JGrayatTalsorian> The other thing is tech advancement is more regional. So, you might have a corp operating in a city area or even a regional one. And it could be they operate more traditionally and even have some supply routes they worked out with the Nomads.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> So, they might have the next big toy on the market just in time for Christmas… but maybe its just a reskinned version of an old toy that they can finally make again.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> (done. Questions away!)
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: Were you able to upload a character sheet?
<+eraser> new for 2045, it’s the tickle me blackhand doll
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: Yeah. This is Forty, the Rockerboy included with the Jumpstart Kit. (Link: https://rtalsoriangames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RockerboySheet.jpg)https://rtalsoriangames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RockerboySheet.jpg
<+SaulSchimek> JGray: That last bit fits into an idea I’m working on, so that makes me happy π
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: Using the sample character there, can you give an example of task resolution?
<+SaulSchimek> random stats for the character….intertesting
<+RaineSheppard> That design is very bold. I like it!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: Sure thing. The system remains core Interlock for task resolution. Stat + Skill + 1d10 vs either a DV (difficulty value) or an opposed check.
<~Dan> Ah… So that Roll column is to randomly roll for the attribute set for the character?
<+VelvetSanity> Ooh, character sheets…now youβve got me thinking about the spreadsheet chargen/sheet me and a couple of others on the 2077 Discord put together for 2020…is there any way I could get appropriate info to start building a Red version if we wait to release it until the full version of Red comes out?
<+RaineSheppard> My wife says she loves the new sheet design!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> So, Forty’s broken her guitar. She needs to get it working before her big show. She doesn’t have the Basic Tech Skill so she just rolls 1d10 + Tech, which we’ll say is 6. She does have a Luck pool of 5 and this is super important to her, so she spends 4 Luck to boost the roll by 4. She rolls a 7. 7 + 6 (Tech) = 13. Add the Luck spent and that’s 17.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Thank you! Our team worked hard on the style of the book. Our art director, Jaye Kovach, spent months working with the layout artist to get the right styles.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: You can choose your Stat spread but a random roll is also possible.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> VelvetSanity: I’m afraid I can’t share information about the core rulebook at present.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> If only because its still a work in progress.
<~Dan> Is there any limit to Luck spending?
<+SaulSchimek> Hey, that’s fair
<+JGrayatTalsorian> BTW, trivia! Rockerboys are Rockerboys no matter their gender because they’re named after James “Rockerboy” Manson, a protest musician who was beaten to death by the cops during a concert. On stage.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dan: Don’t spend more than you have available.
<+VelvetSanity> Ok
<+AlistairDoctor> I believe someone mentioned that the corporate center became the new combat zone. Is that true? If so, why? What led to anyone wanting to remain in the corp center at that point?
<+Quietjedai1> What do the “new” stats do?
<+VelvetSanity> Digging for salvage, getting your hands on some bit of repairable tech that had been in one of the corporate buildings, possibly hard drives with salable data?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> AlistairDoctor: I can’t go into specifics on Night City’s layout beyond saying a) sometimes people go where there’s no rules or to the only place that’s left to them. and b) the corporate center was home to a LOT of good stuff before it blew up. Everyone’s looking to score.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Quietjedai1: Which stats?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> In specific.
<+VelvetSanity> looking at that character sheet sample, Iβm guessing the Reflexes/Dexterity split?
<+VelvetSanity> The rest look the same
<+AlistairDoctor> Theres also Cool and Will
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dexterity represents body movement. Reflexes is hand/eye coordination and so forth.
<~Dan> I’m always glad to see that split.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Cool is now a “how do I effect people” stat. Empathy is more receptive than active. Will is mental fortitude.
<~Dan> (Although I would have reversed the names, I think.)
<+Quietjedai1> Will is new
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Ironically, in Witcher it is reversed, Dan.
<+VelvetSanity> So, dexterity would be for dodging and dancing, while reflexes would be hotwiring a car?
<~Dan> Heh. Go me! π
<+JGrayatTalsorian> You’d hotwire a car with Tech.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Dexterity would be for dodging and dancing. Reflexes would be for pick pocketing and shooting.
<+eraser> what does will do?
<+VelvetSanity> gotcha
<+AlistairDoctor> Yeah, I gotta say, dexterity just screams βhandsβ to me.
<+RaineSheppard> Resist torture eraser?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> eraser: How well can you focus? How well can you resist interrogation. Fear. It takes over for Cool so Cool can do what a lot of people always thought Cool did.
<+VelvetSanity> also not panicking when things go wrong
<~Dan> What does Cool do?
<+eraser> ok so the more defensive aspects of cool classic
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Will is defensive, yeah. Cool is active. Persuasion is an example of a Cool Skill.
<+RaineSheppard> Ooo…do we still do showdowns with Cool?
<~Dan> Ah. So Cool is Fonzie cool? π
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Aaaaaaay.
<~Dan> π
<+VelvetSanity> Iβm guessing a showdown/standoff would be cool vs will?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Showdowns aren’t something I can talk about at the moment.
<+Trug> This may have been mentioned, and I apologize if so (life is getting in the way of important things like IRC), but will the roles have their special abilities a la 2020 (like the Rockerboy’s ability to influence crowds.)
<~Dan> (Welcome, Guest! You can set your name with the /nick command. π )
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Trug: Not in the Cyberpunk Jumpstart Kit. We thought long and hard about it and we decided the special skills would add a layer of complexity to what’s supposed to be a newbie friendly “play out of the box” set. That being said, they’re absolutely in the core rulebook and being worked on as we speak.
<+Trug> Woo!
<&Silverlion> (Hi Dan)
<+VelvetSanity> When I hear βshowdownβ I always think two gunfighters in the middle of the street at high noon like in old westerns π
<+AlistairDoctor> I noticed that one of Fortyβs weapons is a βvery heavy pistol.β Will most of the firearms have generic names in the jumpstart?
<&Silverlion> I just remember Friday Night Firefight, and the PC a friend was playing freeze. That was interesting.
<&Silverlion> Also, they killed someone with their .38 later. Since that was all they could affor (Decker)
<&Silverlion> But I was alive in the three black book era. π
<+SaulSchimek> *queue For A Few Dollars More theme*
<+JGrayatTalsorian> AlistairDoctor: Yes. Because, remember, your gun can be anything in the Red era. There aren’t stores selling the latest model from Remington. Its whatever you can get your hand on. So we kept it simple.
<+AndyC> I gotta get to bed. Dan, thanks for putting this on! JGray, thanks for all your answers and time tonight. Everybody else, have a better one!
<+SaulSchimek> or what anyone with a Lathe and micro fac can come up with
<+eraser> marksmanship is a catch all ranged weapon skill then?
<~Dan> Sleep well, AndyC!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> eraser: For the Jumpstart Kit, yes.
<+VelvetSanity> Ok, time for me to bounce back to discord. Laters
<+JGrayatTalsorian> The goal was to make this beginner friendly and easy to work with.
<&Silverlion> So Tech has stalled?
<~Dan> Bye VelvetSanity!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Silverlion: Global innovation isn’t quite what it used to be. Don’t think of it as stalled. Think of it as innovating on the streets instead of the corporate R&D department.
<+RaineSheppard> Good night AndyC and VelvetSanity
<&Silverlion> Ah. See. I like that better.
<+SaulSchimek> The impression I get is it depends on where you are at. steady supply lines aren’t a thing in the setting…yet
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Or if there are steady supply lines they’re more likely regional and even then there’s going to be missed shipments because the Nomad transports couldn’t fight off the raiders.
<&Silverlion> I always kinda felt, that on the streets the characters should be cooking up their own gear. From deck, guns, whatever.
<~Dan> Who do the PCs work for if the corps are out of the picture?
<+SaulSchimek> be nice to your techie π
<&Silverlion> Indeed.
<+RaineSheppard> …your Medtech is an asset too.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Techs are cool. Honestly, I sort of think its like things have gone back to the Victorian era in a way. Where you have a tinker coming around fixing your stuff rather than you just throwing it away.
<+AlistairDoctor> Ha! Maybe Mike shoulda called it Cyberpunk Green.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> And Dan: The Corps aren’t gone. They’re evolved. They’re no longer the global dominating, all powerful force they once were. But they still exist. Maybe there’s a branch of Biotechnica still operating in your city. They have as much right to the name as anyone, yeah?
* ~Dan chuckles
<+JGrayatTalsorian> As for who are you working for?
<+AlistairDoctor> But seriously, I think thats pretty cool.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Maybe you’re doing a job for a Nomad pack. Maybe you’re working for a local civic organization. Maybe you’re working for one of these little Corps.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Or… maybe you’re working for yourself.
<~Dan> I see. Cool.
<+notevenagoat> With the fall of the net and how disconnected cities seem to be, how is that affecting the media role?. we rely on internet to make celebrities.. also, i take it there is local “analog” radio/tv stations but there wouldnt be any nationalwide channels…
<&Silverlion> Or each other in a player group. Techie can make you x, but needs Y and Z..to do it. You needd X
<+SaulSchimek> need to bow out. for the night. Work in the morning. But I’ve let my groups know about what was said about RED
<~Dan> Bye, SaulSchimek!
<~Dan> Come by any time!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> notevanagoat: You said it. Things have gotten local and regional again.
<+RaineSheppard> I’m picturing Max Headroom style of media reporters.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Independent medias have a chance.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Which means there’s a battle over the airwaves, too. The FDC isn’t going to come around and tell you who can use what bandwidth. You fight for it.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> FCC.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Probably time to see if there’s a last question or two. I do have to work in the morning.
<+notevenagoat> It reminds me a bit of Cuba situation with media.. where there is a network of people bringing hard drives with the latests shows from the us, and ‘fixers’ go house to house “renting out” the drives and charnging for gigs copied.
<~Dan> Any last questions for JGrayatTalsorian?
<+notevenagoat> is going to be really interesting for Media and Rockers to get that same “global” feel. I like it.
<~Dan> JGrayatTalsorian: Anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to bring up?
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Sure. The Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit is a “beginner box” style product. It’ll come with two booklets, one covering the rules, one covering lore and providing adventures and GM advice. There’s also four 11×17 maps, marked with a standard square grid pattern. There’s an EZ Reference Handout with the rules in one easy location.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> There’s also six pregens: rocker, solo, tech, fixer, netrunner, nomad. Each has their own character sheet like the one you see here. There’s double sided “standees” to use with the maps.
<+JGrayatTalsorian> And, in the physical version, d6s and d10s designed and crafted by Q Workshop with a Cyberpunk theme.
<~Dan> Nice!
<+RaineSheppard> Sounds awesome!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> It’ll retail for 29.99. Digital version will be 15.00. We’ll debut it at GenCon at our booth (1852) and it’ll be live on DriveThruRPG when the doors open at GenCon (10am eastern, I believe).
<+JGrayatTalsorian> We’ll get it into stores as soon as possible after.
<~Dan> Thanks very much for joining us, JGrayatTalsorian!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Thanks for having me!
<~Dan> And thanks again for arranging to have Mike come by as well!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> No problem at all.
<+RaineSheppard> Yes, thank you very much.
<~Dan> Again, if any of you would like to treat me to a virtual coffee, you can do so at (Link: https://www.ko-fi.com/gmshoe.)https://www.ko-fi.com/gmshoe. Thanks!
<+notevenagoat> Thank you for your time, good luck with all! stay safe in the streets
<~Dan> Now, if you’ll give me just a minute, I’ll get the log posted and link you!
<+AlistairDoctor> Thanks J!
<~Dan> And by the way, you’re all welcome to stay and hang out with us!
<+JGrayatTalsorian> Everyone, don’t forget how amazing Dan is for hosting this.