Knife

Knife

Black Lodge Initiate
Adept Hacker
Contact Owner	Archtmag
Owner's Discord Name
Connection	7
Public Contact?	Yes
Archetype	Fixer
Location	Seattle, SSC, Surrounding Areas
Metatype	Human
Gender	Male
Awakened/Emerged	Adept Decker
Age	38
Preferred Payment Method	Services, Information
Hobbies/Vice	Hacking Commlinks, Matrix Games
Personal Life	Vague
Faction	Black Lodge
Aspects	The Cutting Edge Specialty Markets Matrix Master Still Magical AI Expert Trojan Horse Autonomous Power Underworld Connections An Unfriendly Neighbor A Healthy Paranoia

Overview

Knife is an ambitious member of the local Lodge of Nostradamus, hungry for recognition and status. Growing up on the streets of Seattle, Knife learned through painful lessons how to survive, to prosper. Inducted into the Black Lodge when they recognized his drive and talent, not to mention the already impressive network he had been building on his own, he was initially ecstatic. A chance to learn the greatest secrets of the world, an opportunity to make decisions that truly matter. What more could a man want?

More.

As Knife settled into his role of pruning the matrix, silencing threats, and manipulating events, he soon realized an aggravating reality. He wasn't respected. Not truly. Facing the institutional bias of being both an adept and a decker, he found himself treated as an attack dog that performed IT, rather an equal member of his lodge. These frustrations grew and darkened, setting him with a grim resolve. If the old decrepit fossils above him couldn't understand his capabilities, he would show them, one way or another.

Now, in addition to his normal duties, Knife focuses his time on building a power base of his own. Whether to seize advancement, strike back, or a mixture between, the future is uncertain, but a change is coming. Perhaps a few trusted allies will be elevated in his wake. The Lodge (and him) could use having loyal (to him) members who recognize the new paradigm.

Notes for GMs

• Knife is a schemer, relying on a strong power network beneath him. He often has several attendants accompany or shadow him in dangerous events. He recognizes that he's not physically intimidating, so he leverages matrix power, a plethora of minions, and the levers of society to destroy people. He knows also that he is personally vulnerable, and keeps a close eye on those he works with. He doesn't want to die from a knife in the back.

• While ruthless, crafty, and confident, he doesn't quite radiate that suave dread that some in the Lodge do. He hasn't fully shed that nerdy decker inside, and sometimes that it leaks out. He doesn't have confidence or social anxiety issues to be clear, but sometimes his wording is a bit less "stiff" or practiced than his peers. He still loves to subtly threaten and intimidate though. It just feels less like a rich vampire aristocrat doing it.

• He hates people who disparage matrix users. Particularly if they are awakened. He really hates it. He absolutely will hold it in though, unless it's risk free or benefits him somehow.

• He is fascinated with technomancers, and not in the vivisection way. He clearly recognizes the parallel between magic and the resonance, and is eager to work with or employ technomancers. He thinks should potentially be allowed entry to the lodge, the same as any awakened.

• He is wary of AI. Memories of the Crash and CFD weigh heavily in his mind. He feels many in the lodge over emphasize magical threats, and need a more holistic view of things. He definitely does appreciate the power of AI though, and often captures and repurposes AIs that cross his path, bending them to serve his will.

• His matrix persona for when he doesn't have to hide and wants to project "Black Lodge", is a hooded, floating figure, with glowing eyes. Adornment and markings on it can vary a bit. When subtlety or a finer touch is needed though, he changes his persona entirely to fit the situation.

Aspects Description

Aspect	Description
A Healthy Paranoia	Knife will never meet with a runner in-person, unless they have a loyalty of 5 or more with him, or unless he is absolutely required to by Black Lodge mandate. Additionally, measures to reduce traceability inhibit communications. When contacting Knife for the first time in a run, it may take up to 12 hours for him to initially respond. Roll Edge+Loyalty, each hit subtracts 2 hours from this time.
The Cutting Edge	A decker needs the best to succeed. That can be arranged, for a price. +2 to Gear Acquisition tests for electronics
Specialty Markets	Keeping careful watch on the matrix is the surest way to finding rare gear. +2 to Gear Acquisition tests for gear of Availability 16 or greater.
Autonomous Power	Knife is well acquainted with the usage and value of machines. +2 to tests regarding robotics, drones and vehicles.
Matrix Master	Knife has been exploring the mysteries of the technological world for years. It shows. +2 to tests related to the Matrix, those who use it, and its inhabitants.
Still Magical	Though many, colleagues included, dismiss him as merely a hacker, Knife is awakened too. It counts. +2 to Knowledge, Active, and Networking tests related to magic.
AI Expert	Artificial intelligences are both a strong asset and an incredible risk to the world. Someone has to watch. +2 to tests relating to AIs and Sprites.
An Unfriendly Neighbor	The Tír's reach is felt closely in Seattle. Countermeasures are required. +2 to Tests related to elves and the Tírs.
Trojan Horse	So many magical groups outsource their technical security. They really shouldn't. +2 to Knowledge or Networking tests relating to magical groups or research organizations, and dual natured or astral beings.
Underworld Connections	Knife often recruits from the bottom. Talent always rises up. +2 to Knowledge or Networking tests related to gangs, syndicates, and shadowrunners.

Dicepools

Dicepools
Knowledge Checks	7 + Loyalty + Aspects - Notoriety
Active Checks	5 + Loyalty + Aspects - Notoriety
Gear Acquisition Checks	11 + Loyalty + Aspects - Notoriety
Networking Checks	15 + Loyalty + Aspects - Notoriety

Network

Player Characters with this Contact

Name	Loyalty	Chips
Swerve	1	Even

Narrative Significant Runs

Name	GM	Metaplot	Date of Run
Uncle Silas Asks a Favor	Sarcarian		10 April 2085
Scarlet Footsteps	Archtmag	By Royal Decree	5 April 2083
An Innocuous Bank Heist	Aurora		6 February 2083
A Quick Trip to the Store	Archtmag		24 August 2082