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5.3 BUILDING AUTOMATA
Automaton construction is a partnership between the
GM and the players(s) of artificer character(s). While
magical Automata are an excellent opportunity for inventive
PCs to add quirky and exotic items to the campaign,
the GM has the responsibility for maintaining
game balance. The GM has final say on what may be
achieved with Automata – players must respect this and
not deliberately seek to create technomagical marvels
which render their characters invincible or which destroy
the “feel” of the campaign world.
Step 2: Understand the theory
Before proceeding to design an Automaton, the artificer
must consider the scientific and engineering principles,
which will underpin the machine. This may involve
research into previous similar projects, building
models, or conducting experiments. The artificer character
makes an Engineering static maneuver – success
means that the theory is well understood; failure indicates
possibly dangerous misconceptions. Use the following
specialized Automaton Engineering maneuver
chart.
5.3.1 THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Making an Automaton involves designing a machine
that can attempt its intended functions by mundane
means, building the machine, and adding the necessary
magic. The process described below is intended primarily
for Automata (Device, Machine, or Vehicle), but it
can also be used for mundane advanced inventions,
which are “ahead of their time.” Eventually the scientific
and technological principles underpinning a mundane
advanced invention may become sufficiently well understood
that a standard Mechanition maneuver is only
required to construct it. If, and when this happens is at
the GM’s discretion.
Step 1: Decide on the Automaton’s form and
function
The purpose of the Automaton or invention must be
decided. What will it do and how will it (attempt to)
achieve this task What type of power source will be
required – clockwork, steam power, or something else
Is it a portable or wearable item (a Device Automaton)
Is it a large stationary machine (a Machine Automaton)
Is it a vehicle for carrying passengers and/or cargo (a
Vehicle Automaton)
The GM must decide whether the proposed contraption
can attempt or achieve the desired task without
magic. If not, then the contraption may not be built.
Likewise if modern-day technology (21st century) cannot
achieve the task (possibly using other means), then
the contraption should be disallowed. The aim is to weed
out proposals that duplicate truly magical effects (such
as invisibility, teleportation, etc.) or which would add
futuristic (as opposed to anachronistic) elements to the
game.
The GM must also decide whether magic will be
required to make the invention achieve its task. Examples
of historical inventions can be found in this
chapter and Chapter 2 of this book to help with this
decision. If in doubt, the GM should err on the side of
caution and require magical assistance.
Steps 2 and 3 can be omitted if the artificer is simply
manufacturing an identical copy of an invention or
Automaton that he has previously made. However the
results of the Automaton Engineering and Gimmickry
maneuvers relating to the previous cycle must be applied
to the new copy.
TABLE 5.1
AUTOMATON ENGINEERING MANEUVERS
-26 down Spectacular Failure –30
You are more confused about the scientific aspects of your
design now than when you started. If you attempt a Gimmickry
maneuver, you will suffer a –30 penalty. If you
manage to create the device, add 25 to its Malfunction
Number. Stick to standard alchemy.
-25-04 Absolute Failure -10
You have misunderstood a number of key engineering
issues, but are unaware that your deductions are flawed. If
you attempt a Gimmickry maneuver, you will suffer a –10
penalty. Add 15 to the Malfunction Number of any device
created as a result.
05-75 Failure +0
You have made a number of significant errors in your
research. Add 10 to the Malfunction Number of any device
created by a subsequent Gimmickry maneuver.
UM 66 Unusual Event +0
You are certain (rightly or wrongly) that the device cannot
be built. You’ll have to think of another method to make it
work.
76-90 Partial Success +5
Your research indicates that the device will work and you
may add +5 to any Gimmickry maneuver. In your overconfidence,
you’ve failed to notice several mistakes in your
calculations, so add 5 to the Malfunction Number of any
device created.
91-110 Near Success +10
Your experiments are successful and you may add +10 to
your Gimmickry maneuver. You are aware that some of your
calculations involve estimates rather than accurate numbers;
these will add 3 to the Malfunction Number of any device
created.
UM 100 Unusual Success +25
Eureka! You’ve made a minor discovery during your
experiments. Add +25 to your Gimmickry maneuver, and
you have a special +10 bonus to all future Engineering
maneuvers in this area. You retain this bonus until such times
as you roll a Spectacular or Absolute Failure.
111-175 Success +20
Your research is thorough and you have consolidated
your engineering knowledge. Add +20 to your Gimmickry
maneuver. At the bleeding edge of technomagic, no prototype
can be perfect; and add 1 to the Malfunction Number of
any device created.
28 CONSTRUCT COMPANION