Races of Shadowrun

One of the most interesting things about the setting of Shadowrun is unlike its cyberpunk setting there are several races in the world since the return of magic. In addition to playing Humans in the world of 2047 or 2077 depending on what time you decide is best for you. You have the options of Dwarf, Troll, Orc and Elf.

Now for running Cypher System Shadowrun games I and how I intend to handle races I will be pulling from another game system so that I can better make the world feel full and vibrant with the many races of the world of 2077. In a standard Cypher System game you would use race as a Descriptor. I on the other hand am going to grab from the FATE system a rule I picked up in FATE Fantasy. A player may be of any race they wish it will have no bearing on their character other then role play reasons. If a player wishes to embody the elements of their race. Then they have the option of selecting a racial Descriptor.

HUMANS

Humans (Homo Sapiens sapiens) are the first metatype – the one that was around for some thousand years before the awakening. Each new subspecies of metatypes who appeared after the awakening,  (Elves, Dwarfs) and Goblinization (Orks, Trolls) are classified “Metahumans”.

In Cypher Shadowrun nothing changes from the standard normal character creation if you are a human.

ORKS

ORC (homo sapiens robustus) are considered meta-humans, like trolls, elves, and dwarfs. Orks are able to interbreed with humans and fellow metahumans. Despite this, their offspring will be of the race of only one of their parents. No half-breeds exist. They grow much faster than humans, reach maturity at the age of 12, and give birth to an average litter of about four children, though six to eight are not uncommon. Their average life-expectancy is about 35 to 40 years.

Their physical frames are similar to bulkier humans. On average they are larger and stronger than humans. Their mental capacities are considered slightly inferior on average to humans, though they are still not as dull as the average troll. Distinguishing features include large lower canines that protrude from their mouths. Orks have pointed ears that are smaller than those of elves.

ORKs
You gain the following characteristics:
Sturdy: +2 Might Pool
Skill: You are Trained in all Strength based rolls
Skill: Orcs may use Might instead of Int in intimidation related skills.
Skill: Streetwise Orcs are Trained in Streetwise

Inability: Orcs not as quick on the uptake as humans. They have Inability on all Intelligence related checks with the exception of Streetwise

Cybernetic Limits: An Orcs sturdy nature gives him the added benefit of an increased cybernetic limit by one giving +1 Standard Cybernetic. (Cybernetics here)

Additional Equipment: One Moderately priced weapon.

Initial Link to the Starting Adventure:
From the following list of options, choose how you became involved in the first adventure.
1. You are one of the party’s contacts with the Orc Underground.
2. You were Hired as a Body Guard for one of the other players.
3. You are a Shadowrunner and have been the muscle on several runs with another Player.
4. You and one other player are the only survivors of a run gone bad.

DWARF

Dwarfs (lat.: Homo sapiens pumilionis) Dwarfs are on average shorter than humans; their average height is under 120cm. Remarkable features include the dwarfs’ small body size, short legs and full beards. Unlike humans with dwarfism, true dwarfs have upper bodies that are proportionately larger than their lower bodies compared to humans. Their skin color varies in a similar fashion to humans, with colors ranging from white to black. It is assumed that dwarfs have an average life expectancy of well over 100 years, although proof is still forthcoming. In addition, dwarfs clearly have a more efficient immune system than humans do, which makes them resistant to most diseases.

Due to their resemblance to humans, dwarfs face less prejudice from humans than elves, orks or trolls. Many are recognized for their technological prowess and work ethic.

Dwarf
You gain the following characteristics:
Stalwart: +2 to your Might Pool.
Skill: You are trained in Might defense rolls.
Skill: You are Trained in skilled involving technological skill.
Skill: You are practiced in evaluating Structures for strengths and weaknesses
Skill: You are trained in demolition.

ELF

Elves (Homo sapiens nobilis) Adult elves are on the average slightly taller than humans (≈190cm), and they are usually somewhat more lightly built (i. e. thinner with an average weight
of 72kg), but equally strong. Their most remarkable characteristic are their pointed ears. Their skin color varies, similarly as with humans, from white to black. Body hair is sparse but head hair is full and fine. Elven eyes are almond-shaped. Thanks to metabolic testing, it has been shown that Elves have a potential lifespan of several hundred years or more, with certain unexplained genes (usually found in powerfully magical elves) giving some an even longer lifespan a lot of elves – but not all of them – are vegetarian

TROLL

Trolls (Homo sapiens ingentis)Trolls are larger than humans with an average height of about 280 cm (9′ 2″) and an average weight of 225kg (496 lb). Troll’s average height is 2.5 meters (8′ 2″), with an average weight of 300 kg (661 lbs.) but weighing upwards to 350 kg (771 pounds).

In addition to this enormous body size, trolls tend to have tusks and horns (which may or may not have symmetry).Ingentis body proportions differ from sapiens, with the ratio of arm-to-leg length significantly higher in ingentis, giving them an
advantage in melee combat. Trolls have calcified dermal deposits throughout their skin, which can resemble large warts, spines or an armor-plated effect. These dermal deposits make trolls more resistant to physical trauma. It is assumed that trolls have an average life expectancy of approximately fifty years, but this number varies depending on social conditions and environment.

Expression from sapiens to ingentis often gave severe mental trauma, often resulting in psychosis and mental aberration.  Individuals born ingentis do not experience this trauma.

Trolls are still the rarest of the Metahuman races.

Cybernetics can be found Here!