Joshua can start Shadowrun as one of three Archetypes: A Samurai, Decker, or Gator Shaman.
Generally, the primary decision is: Go Shaman, or not. As a shaman, Joshua has access to some extremely powerful spells, which can be extremely potent especially against enemies built for conventional combat (namely the Renraku Strike Team). The primary downside to this is a lack of cyberware, which can be compensated for with Spell Locks and Protection Talismans.
Shaman can be upgraded to the Decker by installing a datajack, thus becoming a universal character. Though, the price for that is the decrease of Essence from 6.0 to 5.8 and, hence, Magic from 6 to 5. You'll have to spend a lot of Karma for gaining Decker's skills needed as well. If you do buy some cyberware it is generally advised that you spend the entire point since you are losing the whole point of magic. For example if you buy a datajack, you should probably buy a smartlink and cybereyes since it won't hurt your magic anymore.
If you don't install a datajack, you have to hire a Decker each time Joshua wants to get anything done in the Matrix. Also, upgrading Joshua's spellbook can be a costly endeavor, compared to the cost of a gun and some ammo.
While the Gator Shaman stands out as the only one of the three able to use magic, the differences between the Decker and Samurai are less obvious: The Samurai starts with attributes and skills emphasizing the attack skills of Firearms, Melee, and Grenades, with equipment to match (a slightly better pistol, grenades, and Hand Razors) while the Decker emphasizes support skills, particularly Computers, and starts with a datajack. The Gator Shaman has even weaker stats than the Decker, but his magic makes up for it. For those allergic to both grenades and melee, the Samurai's skill set might be seen as wasted skill points compared to the Decker, for whom Biotech and Negotiation are always useful skills to get a head start on.
- I would add the note aka hint: When the "Negotiation" skill reaches 4, you begin to get a discount (reduced costs) in stores. This works on weapons, armor, software for the cyberdeck, and it raises the pay for missions done for Mr. Johnsons.
Stats[]
Samurai[]
Initial Equipment: Model 101T Light Pistol
Armor Vest
Scatter Grenade (6)
Medkit (6)
Initial Clips: 10
Initial Cyberware: Hand Razors
Initial Stats:
--Attributes-- --Skills—-
Body............4 Sorcery.........0
Quickness.......3 Firearms........4
Strength........4 Pistols.........0
Charisma........1 SMGs............0
Intelligence....2 Shotguns........0
Willpower.......4 Melee Combat....3
Essence.........5.9 Throwing........2
Magic...........0 Computer........0
Biotech.........1
Electronics.....0
Reputation......1
Negotiation.....1
Decker[]
Initial Equipment: American L36 Light Pistol
Armor Clothing
Medkit (12)
Initial Clips: 10
Initial Cyberware: Datajack
Initial Stats:
--Attributes-- --Skills—-
Body............2 Sorcery.........0
Quickness.......5 Firearms........2
Strength........2 Pistols.........0
Charisma........2 SMGs............0
Intelligence....4 Shotguns........0
Willpower.......3 Melee Combat....1
Essence.........5.8 Throwing........0
Magic...........0 Computer........3
Biotech.........2
Electronics.....1
Reputation......1
Negotiation.....2
Gator Shaman[]
Initial Equipment: Model 101T Light Pistol
Armor Clothing
Fetish (10)
Trauma Patch (6)
Stim Patch (6)
Gator Totem (+2 attack spells, -1 guile/misdirection spells)
Initial Cyberware: None
Initial Magic: Mana Zap - 3
Rockskin - 3
Heal Wounds - 1
Initial Stats:
--Attributes-- --Skills—-
Body............2 Sorcery.........3
Quickness.......4 Firearms........2
Strength........1 Pistols.........0
Charisma........2 SMGs............0
Intelligence....3 Shotguns........0
Willpower.......4 Melee Combat....1
Essence.........6.0 Throwing........0
Magic...........6 Computer........0
Biotech.........0
Electronics.....0
Reputation......1
Negotiation.....3