Mathematician - Spiritual Powers

Quick Links: Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 | Tier 4 | Tier 5

Mathematicians are a scholarly character class. They have poor combat skills and low hit point accumulation. However, they have five Tiers of spells as well as a large number of spells within each Tier. By solving complex formulas, a Mathematician can create geometric structures from nothing, grant animating to inanimate objects, create protective barriers, and summon weapons of exquisite sharpness. Most formulas can be cast from a distance and thus allowing the Mathematician a better chance of surviving combat. Many Mathematician formula require a glass tablet and stylus (a hybridized scientific/magical device that helps a Mathematician quickly make computations). There may be certain situations where a Mathematician can attempt to complete a formula without a glass tablet. The Game Master can adjudicate the possibility of unassisted formulas. However, the computational time is greatly increased: segments become rounds, rounds become turns, and turns become hours.

Granted PowersMathematicians can detect Stillpoints and resist illusions

Granted Powers

A Mathematician can detect the presence of Stillpoints up to 10// away. Moreover, when the even horizon of a Stillpoint is but 2// away, a Mathematician can determine the nature of the distortion caused by the Stillpoint. This function can be used to detect other kinds of spatial or temporal distortions and anomalies. The percentage for detection is the Mathematician’s Body-Mind-Spirit score + 4% per level. For detecting and resisting illusions, the base chance is the Mathematician's Intelligence score plus 1% for resisting illusions and 2% for detecting illusions.

Table 24: Mathematician’s Detection Powers
Level	Detect Stillpoint*	Detect Illusion†	Resist Illusion^†
1	4%	2%	1%
2	8%	4%	2%
3	12%	6%	3%
4	16%	8%	4%
5	20%	10%	5%
6	24%	12%	6%
7	28%	14%	7%
8	32%	16%	8%
9	36%	18%	9%
10	40%	20%	10%
11	44%	22%	11%
12	48%	24%	12%
13	52%	26%	13%
14	56%	28%	14%
15	60%	30%	15%
16	64%	32%	16%
17	68%	34%	17%
18	72%	36%	18%
19	76%	38%	19%
20	80%	40%	20%
* Add Body-Mind-Spirit \| † Add Intelligence

Tier AccessLevels at which the Mathematician access higher Tiers

Table: Mathematician Tier Access
Tier	Level for Access
Intelligence Score	16 or less	17-18	19-20	21+
First	Level 1	Level 1	Level 1	Level 1
Second	Level 3	Level 3	Level 3	Level 3
Third	Level 6	Level 5	Level 5	Level 5
Fourth	Level 11	Level 10	Level 8	Level 7
Fifth	Level 16	Level 15	Level 11	Level 9

Notes on Monofilament Weapons

For the exception of Monofilament Throwing Star, all Monofilament weapons gain a +1 to hit for every third level of the Mathematician, starting at 3rd level. Thus a 3rd level Mathematician would have a +1 bonus, while a 12th level Mathematician would have a +4 bonus to hit. The weapons have a specified duration, but can be dismissed early if desired. They can also be unwillingly dismissed by being targeted by a Reverse Engineer or Dispel Magic class power. The weapons are all two dimensional but generally look like glass. The weapons are very hard and strong, however, and thus only look like glass but in fact are made from pure geometry.

Notes on Geometric Constructions

The Geometric Shield, Sphere, Walkway, Staircase, etc. all have certain properties in common. Each summoned segment has a single structural point, has AC(5) with a bonus of +1 to AC per three levels starting at 3rd level, are transparent, and can be dismissed early if desired. Like the Monofilament items, Geometric constructions are vulnerable to the Reverse Engineer and Dispel Magic class of spells.

Analyze0.5 BMS | Analyzes an object. 3 rounds

Analyze

Tier: 1

Computation: 5 segments

Area of Effect: One object

Range: 1// per level

Duration: 3 rounds (see below)

Glass Required: Yes

B-M-S Cost: 0.5

Classification: Informational

This function allows the Mathematician to scan an object for its inherent qualities. For example, a sword could be analyzed for its strength (ex. knowing if it is +1 to hit, or shoddily crafted at -2 to damage). A vial of liquid could be scanned to determine if it is water, an acid, a healing potion, and the like. This function performs a chemical and metallurgical analysis as well as detecting supernatural properties. At first level, the Mathematician can scan an object whose volume is 4 cubic feet or less. Thus, a sword, which is longer than 4 linear feet, could easily be scanned because the materials would easily fit into a 4 cubic foot volume if melted and poured into a container. The maximum volume for scanning increases by an additional 4 cubic feet per level of experience.

The Analyze formula returns information to the Mathematician in the following order.

Round 1: The Mathematician can know the overall quality of an object: Defective (-8), wretched (-4), poor (-2), substandard (-1), standard (+0), above average (+1), very good (+2), excellent (+4). Generally, objects suitable for enchantment must be of excellent quality.
Round 2: The Mathematician can know the chemical properties of an object. This is particularly useful when attempting to determine if an object is poisonous or radioactive. Likewise, this formula can be used to detect forgeries (i.e. the object is purported to be made of gold but is actually only electroplated).
Round 3: The Mathematician can understand the magical properties of an object. This power is limited at lower levels of experience. For example, a Level-1 Mathematician might detect that a sword is enchanted, while a Level-8 Mathematician might detect that the enchanted sword is +2 to hit, has an anti-corrosion enchantment, and can be summoned to the owner once per day. The game Master determines the appropriate disclosure for magical aspect of analysis.

Result can, of course, be stored in the Mathematician's glass tablet for future reference and comparison.

Changes from the printer (book) version: This formula now takes three rounds to complete (up from 2). However, the area of effect now scales upward with the Mathematician's level of experience. The results can be saved in the Mathematician's tablet.

Copy0.125 BMS | Uses the glass tablet as a copy machine. Permanent.

Copy Copy

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: One document

Range: Touch

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: Permanent

B-M-S Cost: 0.125

Classification: Fabrication

This function can be used to copy any map or document. The mathematician must first have the document to be copied, as well as a plank sheet of parchment or vellum. To copy, the mathematician must place the blank paper underneath the original document, then pass the glass over the original. Up to a 12"x12" surface area can be copied each round. A Mathematician can copy the equivalent of ten pages per level per use of this formula. A page is considered a 12"x12" sheet. This power can also be used to inscribe a written document to a flat sheet of metal or a smooth stone surface as well, but the copy times are seven rounds per sheet for metal and 10 rounds per sheet for stone. Assuming identical media, a mathematician can, on a critical success, create a duplicate so exact that differentiation between the original and the copy is possible only on a subsequent critical success. On an ordinary success, the original and copy are differentiable even though the copy is still perfectly readable.

As a side note, lower-level Mathematicans looking to earn side money often sell their services for copying documents. Wishsingers, in particular, are known for using Mathematicians when they wish to make duplicate copies of their song books. Likewise, characters for whom Mathematician is the secondary class can get hired as scribes and clerks relatively easily once this power is mastered.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The yield is 10 pages per level instead of 4 pages per level.

Death DiceScaled BMS | Summons a small missile. Instantaneous.

Death Dice

Tier: 1

Computation: 3 segments

Area of effect: Synthesized Item

Range: Line of sight with 3// range per level

Duration: Instantaneous

Glass required: No

B-M-S cost: 0.125 x the minimum level required to cast the desired type of dice

Classification: Combat

By calling upon the realms of geometry and probability, the Mathematician can create a dangerous weapon that takes the form of a brightly colored, glowing polyhedron that is about one foot across in size. Each identical face of this shape is inscribed with a blazing white number that reflects the damage dealt if a target is struck by that face. However, the polyhedron spins far too fast for the Mathematician to ensure a hit with a given face or for a target to avoid being struck by a more damaging side. Regardless of shape or color, these Death Dice immediately fly towards their target as fast as a bullet. Upon impact with the target or any other obstacle, the polyhedron explodes and may generate other effects based upon its nature.

As the Mathematician grows in power, he/she can call forth Death Dice that are more deadly. The minimum level required of the Mathematician to cast Death Dice of a given power, as well as the effects of the various kinds of Death Dice, are listed below.

Minimum Level	Type of Die	Effect
Level 1	A red 4-sided die	The missile deals 1d4 points of damage. If the target then fails a Save vs. Magical weapon, it is blinded for the next round.
Levels 2 to 4	An orange 6-sided die	The missile inflicts 1d6 damage. If the target then fails a Save vs. Magical Weapon, it takes an additional 2 points of fire damage.
Level 5 to 9	A yellow 8-sided die	The die deals 1d8 points of damage. If the target then fails a Save vs. Magical Weapon, it is stunned for the next 1d4 rounds.
Level 10 to 14	A green 10-sided die	The die deals 1d10 points of damage. If the target then fails a Save vs. Magical Weapon, it takes damage as if by a "strong" acid.
Level 15 to 19	A blue 12-sided die	The missile iniflicts 1d12 points of damage. If the target then fails a Save vs. System Shock, it is paralyzed for the next round and takes an additional 2d4 points of cold damage.
Level 20 and higher	An indigo 20-sided die	The missile deals 1d20 points of damage. If the target then fails a Save vs. Magical Weapon, it banished to the Imaginary Realm for 1d4 rounds.

Derivative0.5 | Breaks down substances into components. Instantaneous.

Derivative

Tier: 1

Computation: 7 segments

Area of Effect: One object

Range: 3// line of sight

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: Permanent

B-M-S Cost: 0.5

Classification: Transmutation

This formula is essential for neutralizing poisons, explosives, and even radioactive materials. By completing this formula, the Mathematician is able to reduce a complex chemical or amalgam into its simpler derivatives. For example, if a Mathematician suspects that a glass of wine is poisoned, she may separate the poison from the wine. If she is wrong, and the drink is indeed safe, the formula then targets the next most complex chemical, the alcohol. In the latter instance, the result is grape juice and a very small amount of pure alcohol. Similar effects can result when used on radioactive materials. Plutonium can be converted to uranium, its less radioactive derivative. Almost any complex chemical can be derived, but living matter cannot. The Mathematician may find if handy to have beakers or small containers with which she may store the derived chemicals.

Another use of this formula is to reverse the effects of an Integration. Items (or people, in the event of a particularly cruel Mathematician) can be uncombined. The normal weight and volume restrictions are ignored in the case of reversing an Integration. To determine if this operation is successful, the Mathematician invoking Derivative must match his or her level against the level of the Mathematician who cast Integration (using the

Universal Matrix). If the target of the formula is unwilling, a save versus magical weapon will negate the effect.

If the formula is used for combat purposes (i.e. wrecking a solid steel door by deriving it into carbon and iron filings), it can inflict a structural point of damage per use. Consecrated/magical/supernatural items get a +1 save versus harmonics per degree of enchantment. Mundane items do not get a save, although damage is limited to a single structural point. Typical combat uses include weakening a small area in a castle wall, weakening a section of boat hull, ruining doors and grates, and injuring Constructs.

The area of effect depends on the type of object targeted. This formula can affect one pound per level of solid matter, one quart per level of liquid, or it can affect a 5'x5'x5' cube of gaseous volume per level. It can target a bridge, wall, or Construct of any size. However, the maximum damage is always one structural point regardless of the size of the target/

Changes from the printed (book) version: The area of effect is corrected. The original version listed "ounces per level" instead of "pounds per level". Additionally, the range had been omitted (it is now 3// line of sight).

Fractal Ferns1.25 BMS | Creates fake foliage to slow enemy movement. 1 turn/level.

Fractal Ferns

Tier: 1

Computation: 9 segments

Area of Effect: One 10'x10' region per level

Range: 2// per level

Glass Required: No

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 1.25

Classification: Fabrication

This function designs a fractal pattern that takes on temporary substance that appears as a thick mass of 10' tall iridescent ferns. In no way can the ferns be mistaken for the real article, as they are not green, nor do they emit any scent or pollen. They do, however, obscure sight and impede movement. For each level of the Mathematician, a 1// square swath of ferns can be constructed. These artificial plants obstruct view and thus cause a -5 penalty to all missile weapons, -1 penalty to melee attacks, and reduce movement through the artificial jungle to 50% of normal.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The ferns are 10' tall instead of 9' tall (in keeping with the other dimensions of this formula).

Geometric Shield1.0 BMS | Creates force fields that last 1 turn/level

Geometric Shield

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: One 10'x10' pane per level

Range: 1// per level

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 1.0

Classification: Fabrication

This function creates a perfectly flat and vertical two-dimensional plane of geometric force. It is 95% transparent and can be tinged with any hue the Mathematician pleases. The plane measures 1// by 1//. The Mathematician can create one such plane per level of experience and each plane has one structural point. The shield can also be used to cover a smaller surface area if the Mathematician desires. For example, the Geometric Shield could temporarily replace a broken window in a home, a hole in a roof, or a small breach in a ship's hull. The plane is proof versus all physical attacks (until broken down by sustaining damage), and the armor class of the segments is AC(5) with a +1 bonus to AC for every third level above level three. The shield can be initially placed anywhere within the casting range, but afterwards can be moved at 1// per round if the Mathematician concentrates on during so. The "movement" is relative to the Mathematician's position, thus, if the Mathematician is standing on the deck of a sailing ship that is traveling at 9// per round, the shield panes will not drift away behind the boat.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The Geometric Shield can fill in smaller openings if necessary. The Shield can now only be repositioned at 1// per round (down from 6//).

Incomprehensible Flicker0.25 BMS | Hypnotizes foes for 1d4 rounds

Incomprehensible Flicker

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: Foes within 20' of the fragment

Range: 5// line of sight

Glass Required: No

Duration: 1d4 rounds

B-M-S Cost: 0.25

Classification: Mind

The Mathematician is able to bring into the waking reality a small fragment from the Imaginary Realm. So alien and strange is this manifestation that all foes within 20' of the fragment must make a successful Save vs. Sleep/Charm or be hypnotized for the duration of the spell. Whilst hypnotized, the targeted individuals cannot take any action other than stare at the fragment.

It should be known that any attack against the targeted individuals will break their reverie, as will any calamity that induces pain or inflicts even a single hit point of damage. Constructs and Undead are immune to the Imaginary Flicker (chiefly because they do not, in fact, have much in the way of imagination).

Changes from the printed (book) version: This formula has effectively been rewritten as an area affect short-term "stun" spell.

Laser Sight0.25 BMS | Gives a missile weapon better targeting for 1 turn/level

Laser Sight

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: 1 weapon

Range: Touch

Glass Required: No

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 0.25

Classification: Combat

This formula imbues a missile weapon with enhanced targeting capabilities. While the power is active, the weapon emits an extremely narrow beam of red light that causes the target to manifest a bright red dot when properly targeted. This aid grants the wielder a +2 to hit. It should be noted that Laser Sight only works on missile weapons that fire projectiles. Therefore, firearms, bows, sling shots, and blow guns are compatible with Laser Sight while thrown daggers, spears, javelins, and Molotov cocktails are not. The beam emitted by Laser Sight is 15// long, and scales an additional 3// per level of the Mathematician. The beam only emits while the wielder is actively targeting an object or opponent.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This formula now lasts "turns per level" instead of "rounds per level". The bonus is now a fixed "+2" instead of a harder-to-calculate "half of range penalty for the weapon".

Light0.125 BMS | The Mathematician's tablet glows for 1 turn/level

Light Light

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: 2// sphere, 5// cone, or 15// beam

Range: Touch

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 0.125

Classification: Utility

This formula allows the Mathematician to re-purpose his/her glass tablet as a flashlight or lantern. As a "lantern", the glass tablet can illuminate either a 2// spherical volume or a 5// 45-degree cone. As a flashlight, the glass tablet can generate a beam of light that is 15// long and illuminates a 5'x5' surface area. The Mathematician has complete control over the color (in the visible light spectrum). Moreover, the Mathematician can select whether the glow is steady, a strobe, flickering, or if it generates a S-O-S pattern. The light generated is equivalent to a 21st century flashlight equipped with an array of LED emitters. Therefore, the Light formula generates illumination that is perfectly suitable for reading, travelling, or fighting but it is not powerful enough to affect photosensitive Undead.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The tablet can generate a S-O-S pattern.

Magnify0.125 BMS | The glass tablet works like a telescope. 1 turn/level

Magnify Magnify

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: The glass tablet

Range: Touch

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 0.125

Classification: Utility

This formula allows the Mathematician to re-purpose his/her glass tablet as an entry-level telescope. At first level, the tablet has a scalable 10x zoom. For each additional level of experience, the tablet gains an additional two zoom factors. Thus, a 2nd level Mathematician could command the tablet to magnify at a factor of 12x. A 5th level mathematician could zoom at 20x. Note, the Mathematician may find it useful to obtain a tripod for zoom factors above 20x due to the realities of hand jitter.

Zoomed images on the tablet are digitized representation and not direct images (thus this function replicates the properties of a smartphone camera and not a SLR camera). This means that the Mathematician would not be blinded by imaging the sun, nor would gaze attacks rendered through the tablet transfer to the Mathematician.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The zoom factor now starts at 10x. A tripod is recommended for 20x+ zoom. Gaze/blinding effects do not transfer through the tablet.

Projection Map1.0 BMS | The glass tablet works as a GPS. 1 turn/level

Projection Map

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: The glass tablet

Range: Touch

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 0.25

Classification: Utility

This formula allows the glass tablet to track the Mathematician's movements in order to render a map upon command. This power is particularly useful when traversing dungeons, jungles, or deserts where it is easy to become disoriented. While tracking the Mathematician, the tablet will draw telemetry from a variety of sources: SkyEye (the array of weather satellites servicing Gaianar), Wayfinder-1 (Gaianar's array of GPS satellites), magnetic fields, the Mathematician's kinetic motion, and the position of nearby large/stationary objects. The more sources available, the more accurate the map. The GM may introduce errors into the generated map when the only input is kinetic motion. Likewise, a clever Mathematician could possibly discover dormant military satellites that might provide hyper-accurate telemetry (and there's no way that could unleash problems later on!)

Since the glass tablet is a virtual data device, it can store any number of maps (the GM may eventually decide that a tablet used extensively for mapping could run out of memory). The generated map can be displayed on the tablet's surface or as a holographic projected rendering (as a 3'x3'x3' floating cube). Furthermore, the Mathematician could use the Copy function to turn the projection map into a paper map.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This formula has been completely rewritten.

Reverse EngineerScaled BMS | Mathematician version of Dispel Magic. instantaneous.

Reverse Engineering Reverse Engineer

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 round

Area of Effect: One object, person, or spell effect

Range: 1// per level, line of sight

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: Instantaneous

B-M-S Cost: 0.25 per Tier Level

Classification: Utility (or Spiritual Warfare)

This formula is the Mathematical equivalent to Dispel Magic. It's primary use is to undo the formulae cast by other Mathematicians. Against other mathematics, the user must simply match her Level + Willpower against the Level + Willpower of the Mathematician who invoked the formula to be dispelled (roll on the Universal Matrix).

A secondary use of Reverse Engineer is targeting Constructs. While this formula is too weak to actually destroy a Construct's Theoretical Engine, it is powerful enough to trigger a "reboot" and thereby incapacitating the Construct for 1d4 rounds. A successful Save versus System Shock or Item Save versus Magic (whichever is more appropriate) would negate this effect.

While Reverse Engineer is primarily used to undo the formulas cast by other Mathematicians, it can be used to cancel spells cast by other character classes. However, there are optimization penalties based on how different the spells are. For instance, music is based on math and thus the optimization penalty for undoing a Wishsinger spell is only -1. However, a Warrior's power comes from faith and will and thus the optimization penalty is rather steep (-7). The table below lists all of the classes.

Table: Penalties for Reverse-Engineering non-Mathematician spells
Character Class	Penalty	Character Class	Penalty
Barbarian	-5	Protector	-7
Cavalier	-7	Ranger	-5
Gunslinger	-4	Shaman	-5
Mathematician	0	Speaker for the Dead	-3
Necromancer	-2	Warrior	-7
Paladin	-7	Wishsinger	-1
Priest	-8	Other/Unknown/Innate	-7

Changes from the printed (book) version: The range is now scaled instead of fixed.

Sensor Scan0.25 | The glass tablet works like a "tricorder". 1 turn/level

Sensor Scan

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 round

Area of Effect: One 10'x10x10' volume

Range: 10// + 1// per level

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 0.25

Classification: Informational

This formula allows the Mathematician to scan a 10'x10'x10' volume for various important characteristics. For example, the sensor sweep can detect water, thermal emissions, the presence (or absence) of a breathable atmosphere, radiation, vegetation, movement, metals, wind speed, temperature, and whether a surface is solid, swampy, mushy, or liquid. It takes a full round to scan a 10'x10'x10' volume. After that, the Mathematician can choose to scan a different region. Results can be stored in the Mathematician's glass tablet (as it is a virtual data device). However, the Game Master could rule that the Mathematician's tablet may run out of memory if it is extensively and heavily used for this purpose over an extended period of time.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This formula is now a Tier-1 spell. Its casting cost has been reduced to 0.25 (in keeping with other Mathematician "utility" spells). Data can now be stored in the Mathematician's tablet.

Speak With Construct1.0 | Communicates with non-verbal Constructs. 1 round/level

Speak With Construct

Tier: 1
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 1 Construct
Range: 5// + 1// per level
Duration: 1 round per level

Glass Required: Yes
B-M-S Cost: 1.0

Classification: Communication

This formula allows the Mathematician to communicate with and understand Constructs that ordinarily would not possess the ability to speak. Examples include Constructs that were not designed with vocal communication methods, or some ossified Constructs (who have forgotten how to speak with the passage of time). Depending upon the level of intellect of the target Construct, the Mathematician may be able to ascertain base motives (“defend the base,” “maintain life support”) or the Mathematician may be able to obtain higher-level information if the Construct in question is operating on a sentient or near-sentient basis. For example, the Mathematician may be able to interrogate a normally mute Construct armored vehicle to learn that Delta Doom has ordered that a nearby city be leveled.

This formula does not permit the Mathematician to command the Construct or change its plans. However, the Construct cannot attack the Mathematician while the formula is in effect. Additionally, the target of this formula cannot lie to the Mathematician. Finally, note that some Constructs are designed with vastly different senses than what humanoid creatures normally have. For example, a Construct that maintains a life support system may lack eyes or ears, but could instead provide data on temperature, humidity, and atmospheric contents. Additionally, a Construct’s purpose may limit what data it considers worthy of note. Wise Mathematicians will keep a Construct’s abilities and purpose in mind when interrogating it.

There are two significant limitations to this spell: 1.) The spell ends if the Mathematician attacks the Construct; 2.) The Construct can still attack other targets even though it is unable to directly attack the Mathematician.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This is a new spell.

Starlight Sight0.125 BMS | The glass tablet works like night goggles. 1 turn/level

Starlight Sight

Tier: 1

Computation: 1 segment

Area of Effect: The glass tablet

Range: Touch

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: 1 turn per level

B-M-S Cost: 0.125

Classification: Utility

This formula causes the Mathematician's glass tablet to work like a low-light viewer. In darkened conditions, the Mathematician can see a monochrome rendition of his/her surroundings through the tablet. As stated in the Magnify formula, images are digitized and thus the Mathematician would not be blinded by a sudden flare of light and gaze attacks would not be transferred through the viewer. While this formula is very helpful in overcoming ordinary darkness (such as when travelling by night in stealth, or getting through a cave when one's torches are all expended), it will not overcome supernatural darkness.

Changes from the printed (book): The duration is now turns per level instead of rounds per level.

Theoretical EngineScaled BMS | Creates the animating force for Constructs. Permanent.

Theoretical Engine

Tier: 1

Computation: Varies significantly

Area of Effect: The Construct

Range: 1// line of sight

Glass Required: Yes

Duration: Permanent

B-M-S Cost: Varies significantly

Classification: Fabrication

This formula allows the Mathematician to imbue inanimate objects with a kind of life. A Theoretical Engine is a self-renewing energy source that siphons small bits of power from the rotational energy of the planet and from the underpinnings of the Universe itself. Fortunately, Constructs are rather small when compared to the size of a planet and the size of the universe, so this trivial amount of energy theft is negligible to the health of the ecology and reality.

Creating a Construct is no trivial matter. The Player and Game Master must come to an agreement as to what capabilities the proposed Construct will have, what materials will go into its construction, who will fabricate the Construct's physical body, and how much money and time it will cost. If the proposal is accepted by the Game Master, then he/she sets the BMS cost and computational time required to complete the formula. For particularly aggressive endeavors, the Game Master may even assess a casting penalty.

If the formula fails, the proposed Construct's body is not destroyed. However, unlike most spell failures, the Body-Mind-Spirit points are expended regardless of whether the procedure succeeds or fails. The Mathematician can always try again on a different day once he/she has recovered the spent BMS.

Generally speaking, a Construct animated by way of theoretical Engine is unconditionally loyal to its creator. Such a bond ends, however, if the Mathematician dies (a likely occurrence since Constructs live for centuries and humanoids do not.) A masterless Construct will attempt to continue to obey the last known set of instructions offered to it by its master.

On a critical success, the Construct in question is an Awakened Construct (ie. a Construct possessed of self-will). While such a Construct is still initially loyal to its creator, the Mathematician must continue to earn such loyalty (just like one would have to do with an actual person). Likewise, an Awakened Construct can have a character class. Moreover, Awakened Constructs have varying degrees of legal rights (including the expectation that they be paid for their labor and the expectation that they are not abused and/or purposefully mistreated).

Should the imposition of Theoretical Engine result in an Awakened Construct, the player should roll an additional D20. Should that roll be a "20", the Awakened Construct is actually a super-sentient Construct whose metal prowess greatly exceeds that of its creator. Assume that a super-sentient Construct has Intelligence of 21+1d4. Such machines can make for exceedingly powerful allies, and they can be terrifying foes.

A Note on Constructs Making Constructs

Sentient Constructs (Awakened or Living) do have the ability to cast this spell. However, for cosmic reasons unknown, the machines animated by this spell always manifest as "appliance" grade Constructs. They never manifest as highly sentient machines that are capable of gaining character levels. Thus, a Construct Mathematician could make a drone that scrubbed floors or guarded a passageway. However, a Construct Mathematician will never be able to create a similarly powerful peer by way of this spell.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This formula has been completely rewritten.

Things to Consider

Mathematicians do not rely on Faith or Spiritual Points. They rely on Knowledge and Body-Mind-Spirit.
Unlike many character classes, Mathematicians have no set alignment or wealth restrictions.
Mathematicians are the only character class whose powers access the Imaginary Realm.
The Mathematician is the only character class whose granted power is the detection of Stillpoints (time/space rifts, interdimensional portals, etc.)
Like the Gunslinger, a Mathematician has some ability to resist illusions. A Mathematician/Gunslinger hybrid would stack this ability.

Mathematician - Spiritual Powers - Tier 1