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| Credit, Robin Weatherall |
Particle Ghost (Backup)
The Central Processor of a techno-dungeon resembles a gestalt consciousness more than a distinct entity. While it is capable of acting with a single purpose, Central Processing is the sum of a vast number of interconnected, specialised systems. Each of these systems is vital to the functioning of the whole, and specialised Code Servitors are constantly error-checking and backing up its core components in case disaster recovery is required. Such backups don't always run correctly.
The PCs may catch a glimpse of something insubstantial following them through the steel halls of the techno-dungeon. A faint static charge causes their hair to stand on end, and any electrical equipment experiences occasional glitches. A particle ghost is close.
Spawned from corrupted backup routines, these entities move through the integrated circuitry of a techno-dungeon attempting to fulfil their intended functions. They are easily distracted from their attempts. Upon finding a band of intruders, they materialise into a ghoulish, sparking humanoid form writhing with streams of corrupted data.
AC: 16*, HD: 4, Attacks: +2 to hit & special (see below), Move: Fly 30', Save As: 4th level Magic-User, Morale: 10.
SPECIAL
A particle ghost exists mostly in an incorporeal state and can only be harmed by magic or magic weapons while in this state. They must materialise to attack and are vulnerable to regular damage when they do so. Given 24 hours they will regenerate all damage dealt to them.
1. Environmental - Oxygen levels are drained when the particle ghost attacks. Target must Save vs Breath or suffer 1d6 damage. A character who fails this save twice in a row falls unconscious.
2. Security - Target suffers 1d6 damage and is suffers -2 STR drain (this is cumulative).
3. Data Compilation - Target loses one random possession. If the lair of the particle ghost is found, it contains a large number of items that have been meticulously arranged in neat sets.
4. Memory Management - Target loses 1d4 x 100xp as their memories and experiences are drained.
5. Power Generation - Target takes 1d8 electric damage and must Save vs Paralysis or be paralysed for 1d6 rounds. Any electrical equipment they are carrying is destroyed.
6. Quantum Computation - An exact physical copy of the target is created 50' away, minus any equipment. Memorised spells and current hit points are transferred. The copy may attempt to deceive the party, but it is in fact irreversibly hostile towards them. The particle ghost can perform this four times, per target, per day, before their calculations become too unstable and must have the new copies factored in.
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| Credit, Dan Voinescu |
Helmjack
The origin of these devices is shrouded in mystery, but they fit the average humanoid head. Though it outwardly resembles a smooth, chrome helmet, the inner surface of a helmjack is covered in an undulating layer of monofilament strands.
When a creature dons a helmjack the monofilaments infiltrate their skull and penetrate deep into their brain. The experience has been described as extremely unpleasant. Within moments the helmjack maps the wearers neural patterns with pinpoint accuracy and stores them in a dense latticework of integrated circuitry. The player should note down their current XP and non-physical stats - INT & WIS for definite and CHA depending on whether you consider it an expression of personality or physical attractiveness, I hold to the former. A light at the base of the helmjack will light up if there is an engram stored.
If a creature dons a helmjack that holds an engram then their consciousness will be swapped out with the engram-consciousness within. Likewise, if a vacant body (mind-blanked clone servitor, deactivated roboframe, corpse that has been physically healed etc.) can be found then an engram-consciousness can be activated. The experience of being forced into a body that their mind is not used to can be extremely traumatic.
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