B5-BeforeTheDawn:Technomage

Creating a Technomage

Technomages, like telepaths, have powers that can be difficult to integrate into a group. The Before the Dawn campaign requires that any Technomage character start with additional restrictions (see below).

Approach: Technomagic

Technomages replace the Luck approach with Technomagic (sometimes abbreviated to Magic). If the Luck approach is needed for a roll, treat it as a d6.

Knacks: Technomage Spells

The Passing of the Techno-Mages books state that Technomages have seven base spells that form the core of their abilities. They combine these base spells for all of their effects. The seven core spells are as follows:

• Access - Ability to connect with and control technological devices.
• Communication - Ability to contact other sources of Technomagic and utilize probes for spying.
• Destruction - Basis of most attack spells.
• Energy Manipulation - Ability to redirect and focus energy.
• Healing - Ability to manipulate organic matter and restore it to a functional state.
• Invisibility - Ability to avoid detection.
• Shielding - Ability to block or dissipate hostile forces.

Every known Technomage spell utilizes at least two base spells to create an effect. A Technomage character can choose any of the base spells as a Knack. A Technomage that has the primary element of the spell as a Knack can add the die to the roll.

Signature Assets: Technomagic Items

A Technomage can choose an item as a signature asset. However, the item should only be usable in specific situations, and not just an easy way to get a bonus die for a spell effect.

The most common signature asset for a Technomage is their vessel, often called a Technomage Transport. At a d6, the vessel has no combat capabilities, but can add the die to rolls to remain undetected by other vessels or to navigate hyperspace. An enhanced signature asset may have armaments, improved navigation, or other capabilities.

Some Technomages choose a Place of Power as a signature asset. The Technomage can add the asset die to rolls utilizing technomagic in that location, but the asset cannot be moved and can be lost if the location is destroyed. A Technomage that loses a place of power treats the former asset as a complication for a period of time determined by the gamemaster.

A focus is generally not a signature asset, but a part of what a Technomage needs to use their powers effectively. See below for how the lack of a focus may affect a Technomage's abilities.

Drawbacks and Restrictions

Technomages can be extremely powerful, and the gamemaster may choose to implement story and/or mechanical restrictions on their abilities. Some examples are listed below.

Focus

Technomages often use a focus for their power, such as a staff or amulet. This can be represented as a penalty if the focus is missing. Step down Technomagic by one level (to a minimum of d4) if the Technomage does not have their focus.

Flaying

Flaying permanently removes the ability to be a Technomage. It is usually fatal - only those recently invested as a Technomage can survive, as the tech continues to integrate itself into the body over time. For game purposes, it is possible that the flaying could be incomplete (either by being interrupted or at the flayer's choice), leaving some Technomagic abilities accessible. The crippled Technomage can only use effects that utilize a Knack they possess as the primary element, and the gamemaster can give the Technomage a plot point to introduce glitches or unintended results.

Technovirus

Technomage conflicts are often fatal. When one Technomage has a conflict with another but manages to hold back from using lethal force, they can inflict a technovirus on their defeated foe. The game effect can vary, but typically the gamemaster can give the Technomage a plot point to shut down their powers for a scene, or require that the Technomage have a Knack for a power in order to use it.

Countermeasures

The tech that powers Technomagic is suppled by the Drakh, and likely includes an 'off' switch or other feature that allows them or their masters the ability to depower the Technomage. This knowledge is not widespread, and likely limited to the specific beings that have been given responsibility for keeping the Technomages in line.

Sample Character: Galen

(as of Babylon 5: Crusade)
Concept: Banished Technomage in mourning, working to help the other races against the Drakh.
One Unique Thing: Only living Technomage with the Root Spell of Destruction.
Approaches: Empathy d6, Guile d6, Reason d8, Faith d6, Valor d4, Technomagic d10
Roles: Warrior d8, Academic d8, Worker d4, Diplomat d6, Hustler d6, Wanderer d8
Knacks: Destruction d10, Invisibility d6, Shielding d6

Distinctions
Heart of a Healer, Mind of a Scholar d8
Herald of Destruction d8
- SFX: Root Spell of Destruction - Spend 1 PP on a successful use of Destruction to step up the effect die.
Secretive d8

Signature Asset: Technomage Transport d6

Focus: Step down Technomagic when Galen is without his staff.

Return to Main Page