[RPG] Are licenses required for melee weapons

shadowrun-sr5

One of the things that has come up during character creation and item purchasing for my group is if you need separate licenses for carrying guns and melee weapons, or if melee weapons are handled differently.

I looked through the book and couldn't find anything other than the book essentially saying "restricted items require licenses." I looked over the provided example character sheets in the character creation section and didn't see where a license was purchase for the katana the troll had, only for the guns. If there is a way the book tells us to handle it, what is it?

  • There is no need for a license
  • The license is covered with the gun permit
  • The katana will need a separate license on top of the gun permits

I've already made a GM call and told everyone that you buy a "weapons permit" which allows you to carry any restricted weapon, but I was hoping to get some clarification on what would be considered the "correct approach" if there is one. Thanks!

Edit: This question may also be related to my other question about amounts of licenses to purchase, for anyone who has the same question as I do.

Best Answer

Unfortunately yes; the RAW position is that you need a separate license for each type of Restricted item despite what the other answers suggest. This includes melee weapons (such as the Katana and Shock Gloves).

Core Rulebook, page 419

A restricted item can be purchased, owned, and transported only under special circumstances. You are allowed to purchase and own a gun with the requisite firearms permit, and you can carry it with you with a special concealed carry permit.

Core Rulebook, page 443

Each type of item/activity permission requires a separate license. Things that require licenses include hunting (bow and rifle), possession of a firearm, concealed carry of a firearm (separate license), spellcasting, and any Restricted gear or augmentations, etc.

Note that the second citation clearly indicates that the licenses for Restricted gear are separate from both your Concealed-Carry license AND your Firearm Possession license.

Also, this is a somewhat relevant point regarding jurisdiction. The above ruling, while explicitly spelled out in the book, might only apply to Seattle and/or UCAS:

Core Rulebook, page 419

The legality restrictions in the book use the basic Seattle, UCAS, guideline as their point of reference. Gamemasters should feel free to adjust legality and availability of certain items in other regions of the world as they see fit, and future Shadowrun products may contain alternate availability and legality ratings for different jurisdictions around the Sixth World.

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