Technomagi
"We are dreamers, shapers, singers, and makers. We study the mysteries of laser and circuit, crystal and scanner, holographic demons and invocations of equations. These are the tools we employ, and we know many things."
Galen, “The Geometry of Shadows,” Babylon 5
Are they con-men? Scoundrels? Entertainers? Scientists? Engineers? Mystics? Pranksters? Sacred clowns? Ask a technomagus this question and the answer will be a smiling "Yes."
They are an ancient organization with links back to the early 20th century magical societies of amateur and professional illusionists, as well as enthusiasts. Over the centuries, elements of these ancestral organizations became interested in merging the potential of advanced technology with performance, and even more the psychology of performance. In time, these elements split off to form their own organization, as they believed more and more of their own press, which has come down to the present day as the Technomagi (Technomagus, singular).
"Do not try the patience of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger."
Galen, “The Geometry of Shadows,” Babylon 5
They routinely use advanced technology to create the appearance of magic. They delight in bringing wonder and joy to others, and have no qualms about striking terror into the hearts of those that would harm them. To these ends they have evolved their own Ten Technomantic Virtues: Mystery, Majesty, Wonder, Beauty, Humor, Solidarity, Secrecy, Science, Spontaneity and Knowledge. Needless to say, these virtues conflict with each other and many technomagi follow a few virtues over the others.
Technomagi are adept with nanotech, metatech and cognitech - they typically have high values for their civilizations - and use them to good effect in their performances and day-to-day life. They are alert, social, intelligent and quick-witted, and usually, their actions reflect this.
Technomagi come from many walks of life - scientist, entertainer, clown, criminal, engineer, hobbyist, priest, policeman to name a few - and a multitude of civilizations. All of them bring a sense of wonder and insights into human nature and the universe to the Technomagi. Technomagi organize themselves into semi-secret rings, based around the members that are in proximity to each other.
Technomagi can be found among all civilizations (even the Cargo Cults) save the Logicians and the Old Worlders. They are relatively common among the Roamers. They sometimes come into conlfict with Organized Crime, but otherwise get along with almost anyone.
Common additional Core Values for Technomagi can be drawn from the Ten Technomatic Virtues.
Attributed to Technomagi
When it is necessary to dissemble, do so quickly.
There are times and places for tact, and times and places where tact is entirely misplaced.
If your friends can see through your act, expect the blow from your enemies at any moment.
Always make your lie the lie the listeners want to tell themselves.
Be aware of intentions - others and your own.
Self-creation is the highest art.
A fool and his money were lucky to get together in the first place.
I never cheated anyone honest, only rascals. They wanted something for nothing. I gave them nothing for something.
Luck favors the prepared mind.
One of these days in your travels, someone will come up to you and show you a new deck of cards on which the seal is not yet broken. Then this individual will offer to bet you that the Jack of Spades will jump out of the deck and squirt cider in your ear. But, do not take this bet, for as sure as you are standing there, you are going to end up with an earful of cider.
Looking foolish does the spirit good. So, its best for all concerned if you consider this a good deed.
Take all of the fools out of the world and there wouldn't be any fun living in it. Or profit.
The dark side of wonder is terror.
Requirements: Minimum nanotech, metatech and cognitech scores of 4, neural mesh.
Core Value: Technomagery, or using science and technology to seemingly accomplish the impossible through magic.
Benefit: Technomage skill at 4. A technomage may create a deception of any complexity. It is easier if the targets expect, fear, or desire the apparent event, as they will convince themselves. Technomagery overlaps with Art (performance), Criminal (con man), and Media (marketing). It also confers familiarity with the techniques and technology behind such deceptions, making them somewhat easier to spot. They also gain access to the rings of Technomagi, which are peers and collaborators on entertainments and watching each others backs.
