[Silven Crossroads] Pre-order Steamworks and Save 10%

[Relique Hunter]

I got my pre-order in right under the radar. I also worked up one of my own devices, tell me what you think:

Nanotech Modification, Minor
Mechanical (Swarm) [Biochemical]
Level: Tec/Inv 2
Type: Ingested/Injected
Weight and Size: Negligible; Micro Fine
Activation Time: 1 round (Concentration)
Range: Personal
Duration: Instantaneous (D)
Cost to Build: 40 gp

A creature that has been injected with or ingested these nanobots has the benefit of being able to direct them to rewrite their DNA. The beneficiary of this device may concentrate for one round telling the nanobots to rewrite their DNA to become one foot taller or shorter to add or remove fat cells in order to appear thin or fat, to add or remove body and/or facial hair.

The beneficiary can also tell the nanobots to reconstruct their larynx in order to have a deeper or higher pitch to their voice. If the beneficiary has heard the voice of a person they wish to imitate within the last day, they can choose to sound exactly like that person.
The beneficiary can also concentrate to tell the nanobots to make cosmetic changes to appear as a member of another race or to look like another or a specific person. The changes made to the beneficiary are real, so changes made (tactile and audible) have a very good chance of fooling people.

When the nanobots are used in a disguise attempt the beneficiary gains a +20 bonus on their Disguise check.

 

[GnomeWorks]

Hello, all! I'm the writer of Steamworks, and I thought I'd hop in here to say that I hope you're all enjoying the book!

Nanotech Modification, Minor...

An interesting device, and an interesting way to go about it.

I would be wary about giving this device an instantaneous duration, though. The ability to modify your appearance (and get a +20 to disguise checks) at will is pretty good. I would recommend perhaps 10 min/level or even 1 hour/level as a duration, with the explanation that the changes from the nanobots are short-lived once their power runs out.

You may also want to give the device two durations - one for how long the device itself functions, and one for how long the modifications last. Destroying or otherwise deactivating the nanobots shouldn't (from the description) have an immediate effect on the user's current appearance; if anything, the change should be a gradual shift back to the user's original form.

If you'd rather it be a permanent effect, I'd still probably change the duration to permanent, rather than instantaneous. With an instantaneous duration, the device is immune to the effects of an electromagnet, and there's no way to get rid of the device. With a permanent duration, effects that interfere with technology would still interfere with the device, whereas they won't if the device is instantaneous. The permanent duration is also indicative of a device that functions continuously, and I think that's a bit more fitting for this device, since you can call upon it pretty much at will to change your features.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

Well, after a short misadventure involving two e-mail addresses, Google, and a bank account I have managed to download the file, and am sending it to my laser printer tonight. The cover I will print on my other printer, since it is quite nice looking.

The Auld Grump

 

[GnomeWorks]

Well, after a short misadventure involving two e-mail addresses, Google, and a bank account I have managed to download the file, and am sending it to my laser printer tonight. The cover I will print on my other printer, since it is quite nice looking.

Glad to hear that that got worked out!

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Hey, Presto. I just checked my download page and I'm not seeing the option for the B&W version. Are preorderers supposed to have access to that?

 

[Prest0]

I'm sorry. I know the whole pre-order thing ended up a bit confusing since you were issued two different download keys. While the printer-friendly version should be available on the second set of keys you were given, I just went in and added it to the original download key you were given when you first placed the order. Either link should get you to the printer-friendly version now.

 

[Prest0]

reviews

If you've been curious about Steamworks but not sure if it's worth it, let the reviews might set your mind at ease:

RPG-Resource
Flames Rising
Customer post on our forums

Steamworks is getting high marks by reviewers and customers alike. Pick up your own copy today and send your campaign full steam ahead!