Machinae
By John Duffin ([email protected])
Description
This Numina allows the partially Awakened to commune directly with machines,
robots, and complex technological devices in general. The Garou claim that
this communion is the result of a special affinity with the Weaver. Glass
Walkers go further and maintain that a person with this Numina has a special
connection to the Machine. Regardless of the source, this ability allows
control and communication with and via machines.
* Physical Imperative
While contact at this level is difficult and cumbersome at best (it requires
some physical contact and preferably a cyberjack of some kind even to talk to
an ATM), it also allows interaction with high-tech cybernetics (magickal or
otherwise) that might otherwise require a full Awakening. A character cannot
take the Cybernetics background without having at least this level of Machinae.
At this level, a machine's function and current operation can be ascertained.
If there is some sort of natural interface function (for instance, if the
object of this Numina is a computer), then the operations of its input devices
can be imitated mentally. For example, a character with this Numina could type
out a document on a computer at the speed of thought, save it, print it, and
then do a bit of drawing without ever touching the mouse or the keyboard. This
power cannot force a machine to do something that it could not normally do or
was not designed to do.
** Mental Imperative
This level of Machinae requires only line-of-sight in order to work.
Otherwise, it can do pretty much whatever Physical Imperative can.
*** Jam Technology/Machine
Vision
It is possible to cause breakdowns and malfunctions in machinery to the point
that hard disks can be erased, traffic lights flash at random or not at all,
and car engines seize up. The psychic's degree of control over this effect is
ruled by the number of successes on an Intelligence + Technology roll.
Machine vision allows the user to see exactly how a machine works, to the
smallest detail, and to intuitively grasp every detail of its manufacture and
function. Retention of this knowledge depends on the number of successes on a
Perception + Technology roll. This does not usually work properly on
techno-fetishes or Devices.
**** Ghost in the Machine
***** Electron Blood
With the power of Electron Blood, a psychic can project his or her
consciousness into a machine or along a phone line, thus allowing for the
animation/manipulation of machines and computers all over the world. This
requires several hours of preparation and purification rituals (Wits +
Meditation diff 6), after which the psychic's soul leaves his or her body and
roams the electronic highways and byways. The body is an empty shell at this
point, and can easily come to harm if left unattended.
Cybernetics Background
This background is available to anyone, but is only really useful if the
character has been Awakened or has some special affinity for machines. The
Machinae Numina is sufficient for normal folk to use this background. Those
who don't have an affinity of some kind will not be able to use the
stuff.
Each dot in cybernetics gives a character either a built-in cyberfetish or a
built-in Device. These are of the Rank 1 variety and may require expenditure
of a Willpower point to activate. For instance, a cybernetic eye with built-in
Forces 1 might allow a character to shift his perception along the entire
electro-magnetic spectrum. These level one Effects are made static by the
Machinae Numina. And no, you mages, they're not static for you.
Alternately, onboard weapons (rifles, etc.) or armor (remember the Dex
penalties) can be put in for one point. Don't botch those rolls, now,
y'hear?
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