Forgotten Suns: Science - Revision history

imported>Wordman: Redid introduction

2011-01-20T19:39:42Z

Redid introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:39, 20 January 2011
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	With much effort, your circle discovers a cache of First Age knowledge, rediscovering secrets lost for centuries or more. It's a standard trope in Exalted, but what does it really mean? What can the characters do with this knowledge that they could not do before? By the book, there really is no ''mechanical'' difference; to be able to create First Age technology, for example, only a handful of abilities are needed (Occult, Lore and certain types of Craft). So why did you really need the First Age knowledge at all? Canonically, this is handled as a matter of ''plot''. That is, maybe the knowledge cache contains plans for specific artifacts so now the Storyteller will let you make that artifact, where he wouldn't before. Or, maybe it has details on how to build or operate a factory cathedral you couldn't handle before. The Storyteller is put into the position of making (and tracking) arbitrary choices about what is possible and what is not, hopefully having explained those choices to his players prior to their becoming important to the game.		With much effort, your circle discovers a cache of First Age knowledge, rediscovering secrets lost for centuries or more. It's a standard trope in Exalted, but what does it really mean? What can the characters do with this knowledge that they could not do before? By the book, there really is no ''mechanical'' difference; to be able to create First Age technology, for example, only a handful of abilities are needed (Occult, Lore and certain types of Craft). So why did you really need the First Age knowledge at all? Canonically, this is handled as a matter of ''plot''. That is, maybe the knowledge cache contains plans for specific artifacts so now the Storyteller will let you make that artifact, where he wouldn't before. Or, maybe it has details on how to build or operate a factory cathedral you couldn't handle before. The Storyteller is put into the position of making (and tracking) arbitrary choices about what is possible and what is not, hopefully having explained those choices to his players prior to their becoming important to the game.

	The system detailed here aims to replace those arbitrary plot choices with an abstract mechanical system for representing the types of "lost knowledge" that are important to Exalted, and how well any given character knows them. Along the way, it also tries to unify the various Craft systems in Exalted into something a bit more coherent, as well as "stretch out" the power curve for high level campaigns. It ~~does all this by using '''sciences'''~~, ~~traits rated from zero to five dots that represent specific fields~~ of "~~lost~~" ~~knowledge. Unlike abilities or attributes, dots in sciences do ''not'' provide dice or other active effects. Instead, sciences act as a passive limitation on certain tasks. That~~ is~~, some tasks are simply not possible unless you have a certain number~~ of ~~dots in a related science, but become possible once you do. Actually doing them still uses~~ the ~~standard ability/attribute system~~.		The system detailed here aims to replace those arbitrary plot choices with an abstract mechanical system for representing the types of "lost knowledge" that are important to Exalted, and how well any given character knows them. Along the way, it also tries to unify the various Craft systems in Exalted into something a bit more coherent, as well as "stretch out" the power curve for high level campaigns. It is intended for very long term campaigns, where of "First Age discovery" is part of the plot and is intended to slowly unfold over many session.

	Most sciences have steeper requirements than abilities, usually requiring the character to know one or more abilities at a certain level. In addition, sciences ''always'' require instruction of some kind, either from a tutor, book or other source. ''This requirement is often the limiting factor in learning sciences'', particularly those dealing with First Age technology. So, the importance of finding a cache of First Age knowledge using this system ~~is often that it provides instruction for various science ratings.~~		The system can be summarized as follows:

	At low levels, sciences cost only slightly more than than abilities, but become much more costly as they progress. The first dot in a science costs 2xp (assuming all the requirements are met). Additional levels cost a number of xp equal to the xp paid for the previous two levels, plus one. (Note that it is this xp cost that widens out the power curve. If this is something you are not trying to do in your campaign, you could simply drop xp costs from sciences altogether.)		* Instead of many different versions of Craft, there is only one Craft ability, but using this ability ''requires'' specialties.
			* Exactly seven specific specialties are available to Craft.
	Training time is campaign specific, and can be tuned by a Storyteller in order to control his game's pacing. At minimum, for a real over-the-top "high science" game, this should be 20 times the xp cost, in hours, assuming the required instruction. Training times for more standard campaigns might be five times longer, and "realistic" campaigns might be ten or more times longer. So, the progression goes like this:		* '''Sciences''', traits rated from zero to five dots, represent specific fields of "lost" knowledge. Unlike abilities or attributes, dots in sciences do ''not'' provide dice or other active effects. Instead, sciences act as a passive limitation on certain tasks. That is, some tasks are simply not possible unless you have a certain number of dots in a related science, but become possible once you do. Actually doing them still uses the standard ability/attribute system.
			* Most sciences have steeper requirements than abilities, usually requiring the character to know one or more abilities at a certain level.
			* Sciences ''always'' require instruction of some kind, either from a tutor, book or other source. ''This requirement is often the limiting factor in learning sciences'', particularly those dealing with First Age technology. So, the importance of finding a cache of First Age knowledge using this system is often that it provides instruction for various science ratings. In particular, a First Age tome might gain the property "provides instruction in <some science> at <some rating>".
			* Learning sciences ''may'' cost xp. At low levels, sciences cost only slightly more than than abilities, but become much more costly as they progress. The first dot in a science costs 2xp (assuming all the requirements are met). Additional levels cost a number of xp equal to the xp paid for the previous two levels, plus one. (Note that it is this xp cost that widens out the power curve. If this is something you are not trying to do in your campaign, you could simply drop xp costs from sciences altogether. Since the main limitation is access to instruction, eliminating xp doesn't change the gist of the system much.)
			* Training time is campaign specific, and can be tuned by a Storyteller in order to control his game's pacing. At minimum, for a real over-the-top "high science" game, this should be 20 times the xp cost, in hours, assuming the required instruction. Training times for more standard campaigns might be five times longer, and "realistic" campaigns might be ten or more times longer. So, the progression goes like this:

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imported>Wordman: /* True Alchemy */

2009-09-24T19:58:33Z

True Alchemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 24 September 2009
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	== True Alchemy ==		== True Alchemy ==

	While mortal alchemists dabble with trivial effects (see Thaumaturgy, below), more powerful creations can be made using true magic. Like sorcery, [~~http~~:~~//exalted.xi.co.nz/wiki/wiki.pl?~~Wordman/BeyondAlchemy magical alchemy] requires use of specific charms for each level. Higher levels of magical alchemy have been theorized, but never mastered.		While mortal alchemists dabble with trivial effects (see Thaumaturgy, below), more powerful creations can be made using true magic. Like sorcery, [[exalted:Wordman/BeyondAlchemy\|magical alchemy]] requires use of specific charms for each level. Higher levels of magical alchemy have been theorized, but never mastered.

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imported>Wordman at 22:43, 15 April 2009

2009-04-15T22:43:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:43, 15 April 2009
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	''This system attempts to do several things at once, taking cues from various editions and approaches. It aims first to make the various bits of crafting, item creation, and so on a bit more consistent. At the same time, it attempts to widen the power curve a little, and make a clear distinction between "First Age" type feats and lesser magic, and act as a clear signal of when a character is capable of both.'' [[User:Wordman\|Wordman]] 15:39, 16 April 2008 (PDT)

	With much effort, your circle discovers a cache of First Age knowledge, rediscovering secrets lost for centuries or more. It's a standard trope in Exalted, but what does it really mean? What can the characters do with this knowledge that they could not do before? By the book, there really is no ''mechanical'' difference; to be able to create First Age technology, for example, only a handful of abilities are needed (Occult, Lore and certain types of Craft). So why did you really need the First Age knowledge at all? Canonically, this is handled as a matter of ''plot''. That is, maybe the knowledge cache contains plans for specific artifacts so now the Storyteller will let you make that artifact, where he wouldn't before. Or, maybe it has details on how to build or operate a factory cathedral you couldn't handle before. The Storyteller is put into the position of making (and tracking) arbitrary choices about what is possible and what is not, hopefully having explained those choices to his players prior to their becoming important to the game.		With much effort, your circle discovers a cache of First Age knowledge, rediscovering secrets lost for centuries or more. It's a standard trope in Exalted, but what does it really mean? What can the characters do with this knowledge that they could not do before? By the book, there really is no ''mechanical'' difference; to be able to create First Age technology, for example, only a handful of abilities are needed (Occult, Lore and certain types of Craft). So why did you really need the First Age knowledge at all? Canonically, this is handled as a matter of ''plot''. That is, maybe the knowledge cache contains plans for specific artifacts so now the Storyteller will let you make that artifact, where he wouldn't before. Or, maybe it has details on how to build or operate a factory cathedral you couldn't handle before. The Storyteller is put into the position of making (and tracking) arbitrary choices about what is possible and what is not, hopefully having explained those choices to his players prior to their becoming important to the game.

imported>Wordman: Update

2009-04-15T22:43:19Z

Update

Show changes

imported>Wordman: /* Magical Alchemy */

2007-12-06T06:35:02Z

Magical Alchemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:35, 6 December 2007
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	\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ~~???~~, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in [[Wyr'palja's Notebook]], [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables
	\|}		\|}

imported>Wordman: /* Magical Alchemy */

2007-12-06T06:33:21Z

Magical Alchemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:33, 6 December 2007
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	\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest (book)\|Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest (book)\|Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables

imported>Wordman: /* Magical Alchemy */

2007-12-06T06:29:26Z

Magical Alchemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:29, 6 December 2007
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	!Science!!Requires!!Allows		!Science!!Requires!!Allows
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|{{~~Mortal Alchemy~~\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest (book)\|Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest (book)\|Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|{{~~Mortal Alchemy~~\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|{{~~Mortal Alchemy~~\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Mortal Alchemy {{Dots\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables
	\|}		\|}

imported>Wordman: /* Magical Alchemy */

2007-12-06T06:29:02Z

Magical Alchemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:29, 6 December 2007
Line 108:		Line 108:
	!Science!!Requires!!Allows		!Science!!Requires!!Allows
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest (book)\|Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|{{Mortal Alchemy\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest (book)\|Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|{{Mortal Alchemy\|2}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|{{Mortal Alchemy\|3}}, Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables
	\|}		\|}

imported>Wordman: /* Magical Alchemy */

2007-12-06T06:22:54Z

Magical Alchemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:22, 6 December 2007
Line 108:		Line 108:
	!Science!!Requires!!Allows		!Science!!Requires!!Allows
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[~~Alkahest\|~~Alkahest (book)]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest (book)\|Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[~~Berith\|~~Berith (book)]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith (book)\|Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables

imported>Wordman: /* Magical Alchemy */

2007-12-06T06:22:38Z

Magical Alchemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:22, 6 December 2007
Line 108:		Line 108:
	!Science!!Requires!!Allows		!Science!!Requires!!Allows
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|1}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Alkahest\|Alkahest (book)]]'', [[Comprehensive Deliquescence Cauldron]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|1}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|2}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found in ''[[Berith\|Berith (book)]]'', [[Transformative Touch Crucible]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|2}} consumables
	\|-		\|-
	\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables		\|{{Dots\|3}}\|\|Occult 5, other abilities by formula,<br>instructions found ???, [[Prayer Subverting Tears]]\|\|Creation of Artifact {{Dots\|3}} consumables