Shadowrun #25 - Downtown

1. Get This Thing Out of My Head, Downtown

Items

Iron Key

Keywords

Cyberware, Head Computer, Matrix Systems, Rust Stilettos

Enemies

*1 Karma point equals 8 Experience (EXP) points

Daley Station marks the point where the game effectively takes off your training wheels and really begins. The world is now much larger and far less linear than it has been up to this point. Before exploring the numerous downtown sites, focus first on diffusing the cortex bomb.

Warm Welcome

As soon as you enter in the main concourse at Daley Station, two Ferocious Orcs begin blasting you. You can avoid some damage by running down the stairs and to the right, which causes one of the Orcs to lose sight of you. Once defeated, the orc on the right engages in a last dying conversation. If you Talk to him, he tells you that the *RUST STILETTOS* always finish a job. He also drops the IRON KEY.

After proceeding down the stairs, you are greeted by a dog. This is the talking variety, and it tells you that you best seek out the Dog soon. These clues still should not make a whole lot of sense.

The Great Dr. Maplethorpe

Head SE through the main concourse and into the city marketplace. You will see a lot of businessmen and numerous stands with meat and produce for sale. Nobody says anything interesting, so avoid the pedestrians and head NE across the street. Continue crossing the street onto the next screen (avoid the cars) and head SE once you get to the curb. Do NOT go up the stairs of the building after the crosswalk, as there is a small hit squad up there that can easily destroy you.

Wrap around the corner and enter the office building on the next screen. You are met by a receptionist who wants to know the reason for your visit. Ask her about *Cortex Bomb* and she will offer to let you see the doctor for 2,000 nuyen. There is no other choice at this point, so fork over the money and head on in.

Dr. Maplethorpe (who again knows your name) asks what he can do for you. Ask him about *Cortex Bomb* and he will go ahead and disarm the explosive. Once it is disabled, he informs you that he sells *CYBERWARE*, which is equipment that augments Jake's abilities. If you probe Maplethorpe a bit, he reveals that Jake's head computer, which apparently houses some valuable data, was created by *MATRIX SYSTEMS*. Also of interest, Maplethorpe will sell you Slap Patches for 100 nuyen when asked about *Heal*.

Now, the goodies. On tables at the bottom of the screen, you can purchase cyberware. Right now, Maplethorpe will be selling Sdefeat SOFTWARE and BOOSTED REFLEXES. Sdefeat Software costs 3,000 nuyen and teaches you the Leadership sdefeat. Leadership allows you to better command Shadowrunners so that they remain with you for a longer period of time. The Boosted Reflexes are the real winner, however. They boost Jake's firing rate and let you deal damage at a much faster rate with any weapon. Probably the best investment you can make in the game. Unfortunately, the Boosted Reflexes cost 15,000 nuyen. Unless you cleared out the arena, you probably do not have this much money. Save up for a bit and come back as soon as you do. This should be the very next purchase after you have bought the Shotgun and Mesh Jacket in Old Town.

Jake, the Hacker

With Jake's head computer and datajack now working properly, you can access various computers to enter the Matrix. If a computer has a label when you place the cursor over it, it is likely accessible. To enter, Use the cyberdeck on the computer. The cyberdeck is found in Glutman's office in the first area in case you do not currently have it.

The Matrix takes place in overhead view. When Jake logs in, an avatar of himself is placed inside the virtual world. The avatar uses Jake's health, which is represented by the first bar on the bottom left corner of the screen. The bar below that represents Jake's active memory (sort of like RAM), which stores the data you retrieve on each trip into the Matrix. The data is processed and purged when you exit, so this bar resets each time you enter. You add data to Jake's memory by pressing the A-button when at a directory or datastore. You can exit the Matrix at any time by pressing the X-button. You should make sure to do this if your life is low, as it is possible to be defeated inside the Matrix.

There are two types of matrix levels. Data and CPU. Data levels are virtual information warehouses. You will often obtain a data file once you have transferred the information inside. Many times, you will also earn nuyen from the hacked account, as all money exists electronically. Stealing money through the Matrix is actually one of the best ways to earn it.

CPU levels are often much larger and more difficult than pure data levels. This level will have a main CPU that can be reprogrammed or destroyed in order to affect some object in the outside world. For example, destroying or reprogramming a CPU may allow you to access an elevator or disable a security alert. Destroying the CPU also eliminates all local ICs. CPU levels sometimes have data stores (and accounts with nuyen) that you can also pilfer.

To protect the data and CPUs, the Matrix implements ICs (Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics), which are invisible guardians that sit on various tiles. On each tile, your cyberdeck will relay a message at the top of the screen telling you how many ICs reside on the eights squares around Jake. You have no indication as to which tile the ICs are on, so maneuvering through them requires some guesswork. If you run into an IC, you will lose a substantial amount of life. You can, however, attempt to combat and destroy the ICs. To do so, press the B-button whenever you receive a message alerting you to ICs and you will attack the square directly in front you.

When try to attack, one of three things can happen

1. There will be no IC in front of you, so nothing happens (1 HP life loss)
2. You destroy the IC successfully
3. You attack the IC, but are not able to destroy it (larger life loss)

Before entering the Matrix, you should boost your Computer sdefeat to level 6. A higher computer sdefeat increases the chances of successfully defeating an IC when attacking. It is quite invaluable and does not take long to max.

Okay Computer

Now that Jake can enter the Matrix, invest some time in raising the Computer sdefeat. Once you have done this, there are a couple of computers you can hack into for some nice money. The first is in Glutman's office back on Tenth Street. That computer yields 1,000 nuyen and a data file. The other is in a warehouse down by the docks in the Downtown area (a little more discussed below). That computer gives you 2,000 nuyen. This guide will note any other times when you can hack into computers, especially for money. For a complete listing, see the "Computers You Can Hack For Nuyen" section of the Appendix.

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2. Exploring Downtown, Downtown

Items

none

Keywords

none

Enemies

*1 Karma point equals 8 Experience (EXP) points

Downtown is a huge area with many different sub-areas to explore. The map below tries to help clear up some of the confusion. One location to keep in mind is the hotel, which is the only place in Downtown to restore your life and use karma. You can find it by taking the SW exit from the marketplace. Take the SW street again at the intersection, then head NW. The hotel will be on the right and costs 50 nuyen per night (location E below). Alternatively, you can always go back to the caryards and sleep for free.

The map below is a (poor) visual depiction of the region. It is not accurately to scale, but it can be a useful reference for finding the various sites in the region.

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3. The Docks, Downtown

Items

DF_MT-AI, Pool of Ink (for Black Bottle)

Keywords

Docks

Enemies

*1 Karma point equals 8 Experience (EXP) points

You do not need to proceed to the Docks at this point, but it is a good place to earn karma and nuyen. It was also mentioned by Dr. Maplethorpe as the location of Matrix Systems. If you would just like to advance the plot, you can skip to the next section and return to the Docks later.

The Docks can be found at the southernmost part of Downtown. From the main concourse, take the SW exit. From here, turn and follow the road SE. You will pass through an intersection and walk by a large office building entrance (says Drake on the side). Ignore the distractions for now and keep walking until the street ends and you can proceed NE or SW. Take the SW road and you will arrive at the Docks.

A word of warning: the enemies on the docks can be quite difficult. Some cannot be defeated with the Beretta pistol, as their defense is too high. If you have not upgraded your weapons yet, be sure to do so before tackling this area.

The Docks are divided into 3 main screens and a boat harbor. The second and third screens house numerous Hitmen, Orcs, and Mages. If you go SW from the first second screen, you will come to a small pier with a Boat Driver. He teaches you the *DOCKS* keyword but is not useful for anything else yet. You can also enter a door on the second screen that leads to a small office. The office has a computer you can access with your newly repaired datajack. You will earn 2,000 nuyen for your efforts, along with a file called DF_MT-AI. This is a Matrix System file that reads:

Anti-AI program finally complete. Courier is to deliver it to Pushkin. Cortex bomb will be implanted to protect the data. All other copies destroyed. Raitsov.

This provides some background on Jake's mission and begins to finally put some pieces together.

The Dog Spirit

Proceed to the third docks screen. You will immediately see two doors on the right. The first is locked and can never be opened. The second leads to a small warehouse and the elusive Dog Spirit. This is the entity the various dogs have urged you to seek, and you will be visiting this site many times. At this point, all he will tell you is to find items of a man, creature, and the earth. This is cryptic, but you cannot get one of the items until later, so simply continue on your way.

Octopus

The final door at the end of the third screen leads to a large warehouse. In the NW corner of the room, you will find a woman standing beside a pool of water. If you talk to her from a distance, she claims to be Sassie, Jake's ex-girlfriend, and pleads for you to come close. Once you get within a short distance, she transforms into an Octopus.

The Octopus is the area mini-boss, but it is not too difficult. Simply walk south until the Octopus is just off the screen and has stopped firing. Now, inch slowly back up and the Octopus should be in view, but will not attack. Proceed to blast away. Keep in mind that the Octopus has a high HP total, so this battle may take a minute or two.

Your reward is an impressive 2,000 nuyen and the POOL OF INK. The Ink is collected by using the Black Bottle on it (which was for sale at the Talismans Shop in Old Town). The Ink remains indefinitely, so you can return later if you do not have the bottle. It is not recommended that you buy the Black Bottle unless you have already purchased the Boosted Reflexes.

The previous incident is rather peculiar from a story perspective. How could this foe know who Jake's girlfriend is? A common theory is that Drake (who left you the nasty apartment message) was able to trace Jake back to Sassie (and probably defeated her). He then was able to have a shape shifter take Sassie's form as a ruse to trap Jake. After all, the note that was in the morgue with Jake references Warehouse No. 5, which is this building. Another theory is that Sassie was an enemy all along and had dated Jake as a way of infiltrating his mission. This theory seems less credible than the previous one, however. Regardless, the Octopus knew Jake would eventually show up as he looked around for information on Matrix Systems. The game never definitively clears up this event, so it remains open to speculation. Once the Octopus is defeated, head back toward Daley Station.

Evaluating Current Status

Now is a good time to evaluate your current statistics and inventory, as the fighting ahead will become much more difficult. The Docks make a good place to earn some karma if you are significantly off from any of these levels. Here are some ranges for what your attributes, sdefeats, and equipment should look like:

Attributes

Body: 9 or higher
Magic: 0
Strength: 4 or higher
Charisma: 3 (raising this is optional; it is the least important statistic)

Sdefeats

Firearms: 7 (raising this beyond 7 does not improve accuracy)
Computer: 6
Negotiation: 6 (you should max this sdefeat if you have it)
Leadership: 0 (also optional)
Weapon: T-250 Shotgun
Armor: Mesh Jacket

Upgrades

Boosted Reflexes: Add to the wish list if you cannot afford it yet. this should be the next thing you buy.

Sdefeat Software: Only buy this after getting the reflexes. It can be ignored if you do not plan to hire any Shadowrunners.

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4. Rust Stilettos, Downtown

Items

Crowbar, Password

Keywords

Akimi, Ice, Raitsov, Steelflight

Enemies

*1 Karma point equals 8 Experience (EXP) points

With the Docks having uncovered an assassination attempt and few scattered clues, turn your attention to the Rust Stilettos, who tried to defeat you when you first entered Daley Station. Given their vow to finish you off, perhaps they are somehow connected to what just happened?

Wastelands Club

The best place to pick up additional information on what to do next is the Wastelands Club. From the Daley Station main concourse, take the SW exit, then follow the street NW. At the top of the next screen should be the entrance to the Wastelands Club. Recall that Jake woke up in the morgue with a matchbox that had a Wastelands Club logo in his pocket, so he has definitely been here previously. Just before entering the club, you can find a grenade on the street that says "the pin has been pulled" when you examine it. Is this something that would sound like a good idea to pick up in real life? Ignore the grenade and head inside.

As it turns out, someone knew Jake was coming. As soon as you enter, a Ferocious Orc begins attacking. It is the same as the ones who ambushed you at Daley Station. After dispatching it, head down the stairs and into the bar.

The Wastelands Club is the premier hangout for mercenary Shadowrunners –- the game's best hired guns can all be found here. A quick summary of who you can recruit below:

Frogtongue

He is the large orc who stands just below the band. He is the second best offensive Shadowrunner, behind Norbert. However, he is more well rounded and has a defense powerful enough to stand up to most enemies. He also remains with you for a long time when hired. He seems to know about *Rust Stilettos* when you question him.

Anders

Anders is the Mercenary sitting at the bar. He is the weakest of the mercenaries at this club, but his price tag is also much lower. There is no compelling reason to ever hire him. Anders does seem to be well connected in the Shadowrunner community. When asked that word, he references *AKIMI* and *STEELFLIGHT*, the premier mage and decker in the game.

Norbert

Norbert is the red-haired dwarf at the bottom of the bar. If you need added firepower, he is your man. Norbert is the best mercenary in the game.

Jetboy

Jetboy is a decker and is sitting next to Anders at the bar. He is quite terrible in almost all regards, but he does have a very special use (described in "The Amazing Jetboy" below). He has also heard of Matrix Systems before and mentions *RAITSOV*, whose name appeared in the data file pulled from the computer by the docks.

A few of the Shadowrunners, as well as the bartender, indicate that the Rust Stilettos are nearby. Also, note that the bartender is waiting for a shipment of *ICE*. This may seem kind of superfluous now, but it does have some use a bit later.

The Hangout

Exit the Wasteland Club and head NE. As soon as you enter the next screen, a heavy dude lets you know you are on Rust Stiletto territory. Take out the gang member behind him first (who is hurling firebombs), as his attack always hits and is quite powerful. Head back and take care of the Heavy Dude guarding the door. The door is locked, but the Iron Key that one of the Rust Stiletto members dropped earlier will open it.

Front Room

The Rust Stilettos hideout is an abandoned restaurant, and there are several tables and cooking appliances scattered throughout. The front room is divided into four smaller rooms, each with an enemy. There are two Ferocious Orcs and two Gang Members, with the latter being the more dangerous of the two. You can soften the damage from Gang Members by going right up to them. They will then switch to a melee attack, which will not harm you if you have the Mesh Jacket equipped. You can use the cover of the walls to hide yourself from all but one enemy at a time. Individually, they are rather easy.

Once the four starting enemies are defeated, two Orcs will emerge from the back room. These enemies have a much higher defense than their fellow members, and it will take a weapon with an attack power of at least 4 to harm them (i.e. the Beretta will not work, so you will need to use a stronger weapon). Once defeated, one of the Orcs drops the CROWBAR.

If you have less than 70 HP after these fights, you should leave and heal before moving into the next room.

Back Room

The back room is where the challenge begins. You are immediately attacked by five different enemies at once. The damage will begin piling on in a hurry, so you will need to think fast. The first enemy to target is the Gang Member who approaches you and attacks with a knife. He is the most dangerous foe in this room and his attack hits so frequently that it can often keep you stunned. By the way, do not hesitate to run away if your life is too low.

Any enemies you defeat will stay dead, so just return after healing and tackle them again. Once the Gang Member is down, target the Gang Leader in the back. Upon dying, he exclaims a final taunt, letting you know that *Drake* is going to find you. He also drops the PASSWORD. Once the dialogue is over and the battle resumes, the Heavy Dudes should be pretty easy. You should defeat them in counter- clockwise order starting with the topmost one. This ensures you defeat the Heavy Dudes with the lowest HP first, thereby minimizing the damage you take.

Once the room is clear and you have a chance to catch your breath, be sure to Examine the Password. This reveals the code DRAKE0065 (no need to remember that). You do not necessarily need to pick up the Password, but you do need to examine it for Jake to learn the code. At this point, it should be obvious that Drake is behind the assassination attempt on your life and has been trying to thwart your mission. Keep on the look out for clues about him.

Jetboy

Jetboy does have some value after all. If you have Jetboy with you when the Gang Leader is defeated, he will find 2,000 nuyen. that is quite a score, and it will more than cover the cost of hiring him. However, Jetboy is very fragile, so, if you want to bring him here, clear out all the enemies except the Gang Leader and then return. Once he finds the nuyen, Jetboy resumes his uselessness.

Feeling Adventurous

The Password you just received grants you entry into the Drake Tower. Normally you would not scale the tower until after Bremerton, as the enemies are extremely tough. However, there are a few benefits to doing so earlier. First, many of the computers within Drake's Tower allow you to access bank accounts and steal a large amount of nuyen. This should more than pay for anything you might want to buy that is available at this point. Secondly, once you reach the roof of the Tower, the Fully Concealable Jacket (defense of 4) becomes available at the Dark Blade mansion weapons shop. This armor can be very useful in the mansion and in Bremerton.

However, the task of climbing the entire tower is immense without any of the higher level spells. Definitely learn the Heal spell first (see next section) and consider taking along a Shadowrunner who has the Armor spell (Jangadance or Dances with Clams) or the Invisibility spell (Dances with Clams or Kitsune). The rest of this walkthrough will assume you did NOT go to Drake's Tower until after Bremerton.

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