Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Plugged In

Question: One of the PCs in my group has a technology - specifically computer programming - background. As far as I'm aware, computers don't feature too heavily in myth. Any suggestions as to how to make this skillset relevant in the course of the game?

You're right, computers are not frequently a big deal in ancient mythology, sort of the same way parachutes were not a big deal before the invention of the airplane. But Scion is a modern-setting game, which means that computer and technology-savvy characters are at no more of a disadvantage than anyone else. In fact, they may have a leg up, at least at low Legend ratings, because computers are a powerful and important part of the World now.

And luckily, the ST has all the power he or she needs to make sure that's represented in the game. Just as you would craft monster encounters for your combat-oriented characters, be sure to include technological puzzles, ordeals or rolls for your computer PC. Think about all the crazy stuff mere mortals can do with computers - insanely complex security systems, worldwide viruses, control of entire city grids, missile launch sequences and more. Even a hero-level Scion who's good with computers is capable of that kind of stuff; even more, he's capable of being potentially better at it than any human can be. From getting government clearance to finding encrypted information to shutting down three city blocks to keep humans from seeing an epic battle taking place, a computer-oriented Scion has awesome powers. He just has to be creative about using them and the Storyteller has to be ready to roll with the punches.

I would definitely suggest that Scions who plan to be computer geniuses invest in some kind of technological relic to prevent them from constantly losing data, seeing their equipment break or having to run to the nearest internet cafe to get things done. Three examples from our game include Saki's Pokeball laptop (an unbreakable laptop that gives her access to her Creature and bonuses to Animal as well as always having wireless service), Goze's magical iPhone (also has service everywhere, as well as the power to summon people he calls to his location) and Alison's enormous prediction computer Cassandra (gives the user Prophecy powers in addition to being a badass supercomputer); they're all virtually indestructible tools that their Scions can use to wreak technological havoc if they so choose. Giving a Scion technological relics is a great way to make sure they have things that immediately and frequently play into their concept.

Of course, being able to turn off bank vault security becomes child's play by the time you're a demigod, but that doesn't mean computers have to. Other technologies, like nets or chariots or the technique of smithing bronze, were invented and pioneered by gods in ages past; now is a perfect time for budding Scions to do the same with computers and advanced technology, creating new marvels and finding new ways to use the systems that humanity could never have conceived of. So what if there are no gods of computers or deities dedicated to nanotech? All the more room for Scions to become the first! As much cool stuff as they can conceive of, they can probably find a way to do; since Scions are modern continuations of ancient myths, the fact that their old, dusty forebears didn't have computers doesn't mean that they can't become the unique patron of all things chipped and wired.

And while there's no Computers purview, there's certainly one designed to aid in the invention and creation of new ideas and technology: Industry, along with its important younger sister Concept to Execution, and those things combined with player creativity and a Storyteller ready to run with them can work incredible wonders. Aiona and Alison are star examples of this in our games; if there's no power that does what they want, they by god go invent a magical machine that will.

So keep your computer concepts, players of the world; don't shelve them just because there's no precedent. Scions get to shape the universe as the new generation of gods; computers and electronics can be as much a part of that as they want to, and the only limits on what they can do are those they impose on themselves.

2 comments:

  1. Don't suppose you could provide some details on this person-summoning iPhone? Sounds interesting...

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    1. Its been through some iterations. It was one of terminus's original relics. It had a 3 dot special power that let the user spend 1 legend to bring any person they were on the phone with to them. Like a reverse rainbow bridge.

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