Psionic: Technokinesis

Technokinesis


In the highly advanced world of the 26th century, very few items work without technology. This is what makes the advanced psionic ability of Technokinesis so frightening. Users can manipulate technological constructs such as computers, robots, hardware and other devices. Manifested as a special form of electrical/telekinetic manipulation, later forms of this psionic school allow the user to control the flow of intricate machinery and can allow them to assemble or disengage their programming at will.

1D, Computer Adroitness: The psion is so talented at using computers, that they have a distinct advantage when using computers.

2D, Digital Surge:  Once per adventure, the psion is so adept at being one with the computer that they get a skill surge for one roll.

3D, Internal Databand: The psion may use their own consciousness in order to connect with the data-grid, using their brain as a databand.

4D, Hologram Dispersion: The psion has learned how to use light manipulation and digital graphics in order to create visual holograms from their eyes. In addition, the psion has learned how to convert audio files from their vocal chords by using their mouth.

5D, Radio Waves: The psion can now connect with far off communication devices such as satellites and space craft.

6D, Create Virus: The Technokinesis expert can now create a harmful virus out of raw negative emotions.

7D, Techno-empathy: The psion can detect the use of an area based on the residue left on computer data.

8D, Machine Control: The psion can simply command any machine with electronics with sheer thought alone.

9D, Superior Intelligence: The user has reprogrammed their mental state to be as efficient as a computer's, giving them new insight and knowledge.

10D A.I.: The user has become one with electronic code, programming and the computer world, transforming into an uploadable Artificial Intelligence.

1D, Computer Adroitness:

The psion mentally understands how computers work so well that they gain a +1D to all Computer Interface/Repair checks. This is a permanent ability that does not need to be activated. This bonus is stackable with any other Special Abilities such as Trademark Specialization.

2D, Digital Surge : The psion is so adept at being one with the computer, that they gain a temporary surge of oneness with the digital world. Once per adventure, the psion may add half of their "Technokinesis" skill dice total to a single Computer Interface/Repair check. This is considered a Custom Special Ability that does not take any actions or rolls to activate.

3D Internal Databand: The psion has the innate ability to connect with the technological world via their mind alone. The psion constantly has an instinctive awareness of the fluctuations of data around them. This subliminal sense functions like having a databand implanted into your head, and allows the psion to make calls to other databands mentally (psion does not have to speak in the physical world), watch video, research information, etc. The psion is able to download basic programs like calculators, ebook libraries, weather reporters, but serious programs like hacking devices (add hacking bonuses to roll), spy-tech, etc. are far too complicated for the psion at this level.

While this power is always active (as far as receiving messages, etc.) it still takes an action in combat to send recorded video, links, etc (just like a regular databand, the psion can always send one digital communication message free). Attempts to transfer data are possible so long as the device uses digital receivers. The psion may still interact with other types of software that demands data-jacks so long as the psion has physical contact with the hard drive/computer.

Duration: Always Active, requires an action to do most much like a regular databand when in combat

Difficulty: None, always active. Jammers, etc. work on this ability just like with physical databands.

Note: For all intensive purposes, this works just like a a databand. However, programs that might add bonuses to rolls such as GPS (Navigation +1D), Hacking Nexi (Computer Interface/Repair (Hacking +1D) are not downloadable in the Internal Databand. Much like with a databand, this makes viruses, etc. very dangerous.

4D, Hologram Dispersion: This bizarre power allows the psion to transfer digital information from their internal databand into a visual/audio file that ejects from their body. The psion's eyes become white as light pours from them and into the image, while their mouth gapes open wide, allowing data to pour out. The psion is able to conduct other actions while doing so as long as they sustain the power, as long as they continue to keep their eyes wide open and mouth ajar (psion can not communicate verbally while doing so).

Range: Line of Sight

Duration: 1 action to create, an additional action each round to sustain

Difficulty: Base 11 (Moderate), plus modifiers based on complexity of hologram

Special: This is obviously a hologram, as there is digital grain and white noise within the omitted files.

This ability creates the visual image of an object, creature, or force equal to or smaller than the size of the psion, as visualized by the creator. The hologram does not create smell or temperature. The psion can move the image within the limits of the size of the effect, though this adds to the difficulty.


Modifiers:

Scale: If smaller than the psion, minus the scale as a positive bonus to the base difficulty

No Motion: +0

Basic Motion (ripples like water): +3

Major Motion (creature who breaths and moves appendages) +6

Illusion that Moves Out of Target Square (Illusion has the ability to move from the square it started in)  +9

5D Radio Waves:

Duration: 1 action to activate, an additional action each round to sustain

DC: Base 10, See Modifier Chart

Range: See Modifier Chart

At this level of study, the psion can now emit low radio waves at far distances that are picked up by nearby man-made transceivers. This allows the psion to communicate through radio waves (only sound) in order to speak with far away ships, vessels, satellites, etc. This takes an action to activate, with a difficulty based on the  modifier chart below. This appears as if the psion is merely talking into the air for anyone around them. So long as the psion sustains the power, they may speak for as long as they wish, so long as there is no interference such as cosmic storms, jamming, etc.

Note: The psion uses their Technokinesis skill instead of Comm to connect with communication devices.

Modifiers

BASE: 10

DISTANCE
Within 10 miles: -10
Within 11-100 miles: -5
Within the Planet: 0
Within the Solar System: +10
Anywhere that can be traveled within a day without interstellar transportation: +15
Lightyears Away: 30+

LOGISTICS (When trying to reach a specific ship, base, satellite, etc.)
Psion knows exactly where the transceiver they are trying to communicate with is: -10
Psion has an idea of the transceiver's location such as what planet it is on, etc.: +5
Psion only knows the radio frequencies that the transceiver broadcasts on: +10
Psion is firing a general broadcast or wild distress signal +15

6D, Create Virus
Through prolonged reflection and emotional beckoning, the psion is able to create a dreadful digital virus that, when transferred, can create chaos throughout a computer system. Unlike most programmed viruses, this encoded conception is based off of the psion’s raw emotions, making it more vicious and unrelenting than basic desktop viruses.

To create this virus, one must spend an entire day concentrating on feelings of anger, sadness, regret, and horror. Once the psion has completed an entire 24 hours mashing together emotions, they must then make a Technokinesis dice check, consulting the result chart below to see how powerful the virus is. Technokinesis Viruses do not have AI’s, and do not take orders. Technokinesis Viruses are simply made to wreak utter chaos in any computer system they are unleashed in. Once a virus is let go from the psion’s mind, it only lasts an amount of time based on the psion’s total. A psion may only store one virus at a time.
Range: Self

Difficulty: 11+ creates an actual virus of differing strength depending on result

Duration: Takes 24 hours to summon, time that virus can exist without host depends on success roll

Difficulty Modifier
Small computer system (databand, personal computer) -0 to Technokinesis result
Medium computer system (home security system, ship of scale 20 or lower) -6 to result
Large computer system (military base, Imperial ship) -12 to result

Result Roll
0-10: Unsuccessful, no virus is created
11-15: Minor Virus, lasts 1 minute (12 rounds). Virus causes all systems of the selected computer to Jam, creating communication difficulties. Personal are not able to speak via linked communication pieces during this time (though personal databands, separate radio systems, etc. are not affected).
16-21: Formidable Virus, lasts 5 minutes (60 rounds). Virus causes select computer to Jam, and downs all Security Subscriptions, allowing anyone to enter protected digital files, physical locked doors or protected areas without passcodes, keycards, or biological verifications.
22-26: Serious Virus, lasts 10 minutes (120 rounds). Virus causes computer in question to Jam, drops all Security Subscriptions, and Issues False Commands in order to create chaos. Such commands include deleting computer files, causing sprinkler systems to go off, and shutting off lights (at GM’s discretion). This does not involve anything intentionally deadly like turning on stoves in order to create fires, but minor issues like shutting off air filters can unintentionally cause those affected to perish.
27-30: Frightening Virus, lasts 30 minutes (360 rounds). Virus causes computer in question to Jam, drop Security Subscriptions, Issue False Commands, and Set Databombs for anyone who is attempting to later repair computers. Databombs can be placed on any file or program. If computer users do not notice the bomb (via a Computer Interface/Repair roll), the bomb goes off deleting files, kicking off users, and resetting systems.

31: Nightmarish Virus, lasts 60 minutes (720 rounds). Virus causes computer in question to Crash. The computer is completely offline, and any attempt to use the system within virus’s 60 minutes is nearly impossible.

7D, Techno-empathy

Range: LOS

Difficulty: DC 25

Difficulty: See chart below

Time: 1 action to activate

While machines and computers have no emotion, it is said that the remnants of their function, algorithm and/or experiences leave a synthetic residue of electronic code. This code can be interpreted into e-motions. While a computerized toaster's feelings might be monotonous and tired, a data-computer used for war purposes may be vicious and merciless. The psion does not actually need access to the computer's log-in data, just line of sight. A talented technokinesis user can simply walk into a room and get an idea of what the people using these electronics may be like, or at least a general idea of their purpose.

IE: "The e-motions you detect tell you that this vehicle machine factory has not been updated recently, and that its constantly being used in grueling 24 hours shifts. Your character gets the idea that the users of this place are oppressive profiteers who only care about grinding out product, no matter what their smiles might tell you."

To use, the psion rolls their technokinesis skill, consulting the difficulty chart below. If successful, the technokinesis psion can tell a lot about an area just by sensing its emotions.

Simple electronic device like a microwave or tool: +5
Moderate electronic device like a databand or holo-television: -3
Complex electronic device like a ship computer or war room: -6
Highly Advanced electronic device like a psi-computer or experimental communication device: -10

8D, Machine Control

Range: LOS

Action: 1 Action to activate, another to sustain each round

Difficulty: Technokinesis vs device's KNOWLEDGE

The psion focuses their will on any vehicle, tool or weapon with a computer worked into its functionality, and manipulates the machine to do the technokinesis user's bidding. This works very similarly to the Telepathy power "Command" only with devices. The machine is limited to what it can normally do and can not add new functions. IE "Power drill, turn on and fly at my enemies to kill them."


Modifiers

+5 to difficulty if the target is a complex machine like a vehicle

+10 to the if the target is of a radically complex machine like a robot

+20 or more if the target is a completely unknown piece of machinery.

+5 to the Difficulty if the command will result in bringing harm to the environment around them.

+10 to the Difficulty if the command will result in bringing harm to others.

+15 to the Difficulty if the command will result in the the Target harming them self.

9D, Superior Intelligence: The user has reprogrammed their mental state to be as efficient as a computer's, giving them new insight and knowledge.

10D A.I.: The user has become one with electronic code, programming and the computer world, transforming into an uploadable Artificial Intelligence.