Hello!

[Ezram]

I'm new to both Spycraft 2.0 and the board (a former player of RIFTS, GURPS, and current player of D&D and d20 Modern). I wasn't sure where to make this topic, but I have a few questions in any event. Feel free to move this if it's in the wrong place.

1. All I have is the 2005 Hardcover version of Spycraft 2.0 along with the downloaded errata. How far behind the times am I, and will it significantly affect my ability to join and run games both on and offline? What major changes am I missing out on by not using Spycraft 2.2? Is there any other way I can catch up?

2. Is it possible to stat someone up close to Jason Bourne of the "Bourne Identity" and it's subsequent sequels? How about Daniel Craig's portrayal as James Bond from the relatively new Casino Royale?

Thank you for reading, and taking the time to answer my questions. Once again, my apologies if this topic is on the wrong board! 

[Krensky]

Hi and welcome. 

Lets see.  The changes between the book you have and the second printing are, if I remember correctly, in the errata.  However, there's been a number of small pdf supplements released, look at the products page.

Bourne, well I never finished the first book and I haven't seen the movies, but that seems to be what the Amnesia sub plot is for.

As far as Craig's version of Bond, there's been discussion of stating various versions of Bond up, but he's a relatively conventional high level character.  Craig's version might be described as a Fierce Operative Thug with some Faceman levels.

[Ezram]

Thank you for the speedy reply. 

Here's another question for now: is multiclassing largely viable at 4-5 classes over the span of a character's career?

[Krensky]

Do you mean a character with four classes total?

I don't know how viable it is... What are you looking to do with said character?

[Ezram]

A man that joined the military from this youth, gained the skills to be invisible and a killer (Intruder / Soldier), then later on gained the ability to blend in on the streets (Faceman / Pointman?) and, finally, has a bit of vehicle expertise due to evading authorities (Wheelman)

[Gatac]

To answer your question: While the errata do bring your hardcover up to speed, I highly recommend that any new books you or your players buy be either the PDF that's already available or the new hardcover that's coming this Christmas. The reorganisation of the gear chapter alone can save you a lot of grief when you're just trying to wrap your head around the system, though the old book is still useful once you've grok'ed the system and just need a reference.

I'd be tempted to write up movie Jason Bourne as a Wheelman (good in combat, chases and tech) with a predilection for using cover IDs and a good mix of Tradecraft and Unarmed Combat feats. But there's more than one way to skin a cat - the book Bourne is probably more of a Faceman, given that he's more of a blend master than an action hero.

Craig's Bond does look like he'd be pretty well-modelled with a Thug build, yes.

Your character concept doesn't need as much multiclassing as you may think, Ezram. An Intruder build should give you what you look for - first strike combat style, general sneakiness and very good at getaways. The only problem with an Intruder build is that it's a bit fragile, but we're talking Assassin's Creed Altair fragile, not D&D 1st level Wizard fragile. It wouldn't be a problem to build him from four classes, but be aware that this leaves you without the higher-level class abilities and drops your BAB, which may be unacceptable to a combat-focussed character. I really recommend you try it out with an Intruder - you'd be surprised at the cool stuff you can do with one.

Gatac

[Ezram]

I was considering getting the current PDF in any event, but a new version of the game is coming out?  Oh, and if I do buy the PDF, can I move it from this system (i'm on a laptop for the moment) to my home PC?

That link that shows the Thug class, is it from a PDF, and if so, how much does it cost?

As for the BAB conundrum, we pretty much use Fractional BAB, so that isn't an issue. But, i'll take a second look at the class before I make any decisions.

Thanks once again!

[Wolverine]

I was considering getting the current PDF in any event, but a new version of the game is coming out?  Oh, and if I do buy the PDF, can I move it from this system (i'm on a laptop for the moment) to my home PC?

It's not a new version, persay, just the 2005 version with all the errata incorperated and some of the tables moved around.

As for moving the PDF, once you've downloaded it you can do with it as you wish. I have my PDF's on both my PC and a USB memory stick for transport. From memory, the PDF's are water-marked with your name on them.

That link that shows the Thug class, is it from a PDF, and if so, how much does it cost?

The Thug class will be available in the upcoming Ten Thousand Bullets book which is rapidly approaching. It covers street-level missions of a crime and justice flavour and is set in an entirely new city setting designed by Alex Flagg.

[spinningdice]

There's nothing inherent in the file stopping you putting it on multiple machines (I keep a copy on both my PC's and my mobile HDD - mostly in case a disk crashes).

Thug isn't out yet - coming in Ten Thousand Bullets some time next year - however the first 5 levels are available: here along with other goodies.

Out of interest, do you just use fractional BAB or fractional saves & other incremental things?

[Gatac]

A "new" version in the sense that a few more errata will be folded in. But you can buy the current PDF now and get the updated version for free when it comes out. You'll get a watermarked PDF you can freely transfer between computers.

The Thug is from 10k Bullets. I believe the official release date is "When it's done".

I highly recommend you take a good look at all the classes when you have the opportunity. There's a staggering amount of utility in some of these that you'll miss out on if you only take a handful of levels. Multiclassing is a cool thing, but Spycraft classes are less front-loaded than usual. Stand by your class and reap some really cool gamebreakers (that's what we call the 14th level abilities).

Gatac

[Bill Whitmore]

Hello, and welcome to Spycraft.

Oh, and if I do buy the PDF, can I move it from this system (i'm on a laptop for the moment) to my home PC?

What you get is a watermarked PDF, meaning that a sales number and your name is imprinted on each page of the book along the bottom.  You are not prevented from moving the PDF to different computers or even from making copies for your own use, but it is easier for the publisher to track who may have illegally distributed their product.

I actually like it as a form of copy protection as it is completely unobtrusive to the end-user but is still a decent piracy deterrent.

Thanks once again!

You're welcome!

[Ezram]

That's good to hear about the copy protection - some forms of DRM are scary (especially involving PC games).

Out of interest, do you just use fractional BAB or fractional saves & other incremental things?

I just run with Fractional BAB, I haven't thought about using it with saves yet.

I highly recommend you take a good look at all the classes when you have the opportunity. There's a staggering amount of utility in some of these that you'll miss out on if you only take a handful of levels. Multiclassing is a cool thing, but Spycraft classes are less front-loaded than usual. Stand by your class and reap some really cool gamebreakers (that's what we call the 14th level abilities).

Will do. While I like high level abilities that are unique to a class, I also like to have mix and match characters that are viable as well.. Hope this goes according to plan...

[Gatac]

If you need any more help with your character build, feel free to let us know. We do love a good challenge.

Gatac

[foproy]

the book Bourne is probably more of a Faceman, given that he's more of a blend master than an action hero.

add a couple of levels in scout to cover the early years of bournes training.

[Ezram]

Don't forget the Wombosi Chicken Sandwich