Tech Magic - Universal Input

[PotatoJedi]

While I don't know what's in the Tech tree for this school, I felt like trying to contribute to the whole magic system and creating a spell would be fun, so here's my idea for a spell. Obviously I have no expectations for this to be approved but hey I like coming up with ideas.


Name: Keyboard
Range: 2m
Casting Time: 1 Round
MP Cost: 2
Duration: Concentration

You magically interface with a powered-on computer that you can see within range. If the computer is capable of receiving keyboard-like input, you may instead do everything that a keyboard can do, but you do so mentally. For example: if you wish to type a text document, you may simply think about what it is you want to type and the words will appear as if typed on a keyboard. The pace at which you can do this is limited only by the machine's processing speed, your skill with the spell and your own mental acuity. Note: it is not possible to do anything with this spell that would not otherwise be possible with a keyboard.



Name: Keyboard & Mouse
Range: 2m
Casting Time: 1 Round
MP Cost: 4
Duration: Concentration

You magically interface with a powered-on computer that you can see within range. If the computer is capable of receiving keyboard or mouse-like input, you may instead do everything that a keyboard or mouse can do, but you do so mentally. For example: if you wish to type a text document, you may simply think about what it is you want to type and the words will appear as if typed on a keyboard. Or you may move the mouse cursor (or equivalent) by simply imagining where you want it to go. The pace at which you can do this is limited only by the machine's processing speed, your skill with the spell and your own mental acuity. Note: it is not possible to do anything with this spell that would not otherwise be possible with a keyboard or mouse.



I wasn't sure if I should make it Mouse and then Keyboard & Mouse, or Keyboard and then Keyboard & Mouse. I figured this way would make the spell a bit more flexible in terms of MP expenditure. And I have no idea where these would go on the tree.


Name: Universal Input

Range: Touch

Casting Time: 1 Round

MP Cost: 4

Duration: Sunrise/Sundown or Until Disconnected



You can attach your laptop by means of any cord and something sticky (gum, duct tape, etc) to a device that is not designed to accept that type of input. You can then use your laptop (mouse, screen, keyboard) to input information. This will require hacking/computer use rolls at the discretion of the GM.

[logan9a]

Instead of think and it is done, I'd probably have it to where you pulled out actual devices and had them stuck to the object (less potential for abuse) and have that be the material component. Instead of plugging the keyboard into a hole (maybe the computer doesn't have one or it is inaccessible) you just duct tape the plug to the side of the computer.

Also, I'd combine up both spells. I don't want to think about 'what can not be done with a mouse' type stuff. Input devices. You got them, now you can use them.

This would have the player carrying around a keyboard/mouse. Hell, they might even be broken - unless taped to the monitor/side of some computer then they are working.

Other spells within the tree I've been contemplating are things like:


Tech spells

Glitch machine -> Malfunction

Glitch machine (minor trifle)
Malfunction (stops working for duration of spell)

At the upper end of the tree (maybe at the top?) we could have the player able to spoof the cameras (and redundant back ups) to the point where something else is in there other than the PC's who stupidly never wear masks when committing crimes. I think it would be too powerful to allow the players to put in someone else entirely (we set up Mr. Thompson - now he's going down) but I could see them putting in ghost like beings from some scary movie instead of them or something.

[PotatoJedi]

Okay, cool! I can see where your thinking is going. My original thinking for the spell was that it would be a hands-free way of using a computer, which would really just equate to a speed increase as well as a bit of comfort, though I can see your concern for abuse. I don't think there would be too many situations in which being able to slap a keyboard plug anywhere on a computer would be useful, though. At least, I can't think of an applicable situation where having a keyboard with you and being able to plug it into any computer, anywhere on it, would be more advantageous.

What about: you touch a computer or other similar technological device that is not a weapon. For the duration while you concentrate on the spell, your input speed is increased by up to 200%, allowing you to type/move the mouse/tap the screen up to 3 times your normal maximum speed. This does not allow you to bypass the machine's natural processing speed limits, only your own.

Perhaps the next tier can increase the speed up to 500% or something, and maybe allow you to affect a second device with your other hand.

I have more ideas for this tree which I'll post up soon! I do enjoy coming up with ideas like these. Your idea about the cameras is something that also crossed my mind but I'd rather work on lower tier spells for the time being.

Also, if any of the spells I suggest get approved, I would rather not gain access to them instantly in-game. I'm more than happy to just make the spells for fun – I don't need the extra incentive.

[logan9a]

"I don't think there would be too many situations in which being able to slap a keyboard plug anywhere on a computer would be useful, though. At least, I can't think of an applicable situation where having a keyboard with you and being able to plug it into any computer, anywhere on it, would be more advantageous."

One of the things we try to accomplish with the spells is having them only be useful in certain situations. Obviously, we don't always do that but we do try. Imagine a specific situation where the keyboard is destroyed or something and you are still able to input stuff. It won't come up that often (though it is easy to practice which is good) but when it does come up, you are the man.

As to speeding up the input - honestly, that will probably never come up. The downside is that your computer stuff is limited by the GM's knowledge and honestly being able to type at 80 WPM is not horribly more useful than 40 WPM.

"Also, if any of the spells I suggest get approved, I would rather not gain access to them instantly in-game. I'm more than happy to just make the spells for fun – I don't need the extra incentive."

That's up to you but personally I am happy with players getting access to them:

a) incentive
b) play test
c) it's kind of how magic comes into being within this world/worlds/zone/where ever you are

[logan9a]

Other ideas off the top of my head that might be something to work on for this tree:

Magic lock. Your computer has a bit more extra security because it has magic working to help keep it secure. This gives any hackers a negative to hack it. Countered by magic key, dispels, negation, etc.

Magic key. This negates magic lock. (Important to always have spells which mess up other spells).

Nobody can hear you scream: Cuts the connection between this building and the outside world in so far as signals go, including the 'hard line'. Sure, you could have accomplished this with going and cutting the hard line and setting up some jammers but you can now do it by touching the building and spending an assload of magic points.

Neutralize gunpowder: Fuck your slug thrower, chump!

And so on.

[PotatoJedi]

I love the magic lock idea. Definitely something to work on. As for the original idea for this, how about:

"You stick the plug/cable of a mouse/keyboard/input device to a device that accepts such input devices anywhere on the machine. So long as the plug/cable remains in contact with the machine and you maintain concentration on the spell, an ethereal-like keyboard/mouse/other appears before you, allowing you to use it as if it were the real thing. Other people attempting to use it must succeed on an ESS x3 roll or be unable to use it as their body just phases through it. They may not attempt this check again until a new spell is cast."

This would save you having to lug around a keyboard or mouse (yes I'm aware you have rollable keyboards, but those are not that comfortable to type on) with you and instead only need the plug/cable, making it a bit easier to carry.

And, sure, I'll take the spells if they get approved, but I don't want anyone thinking I'm just making them so I can get them for myself. I just like making spells in general. What if, when you crit a spell and gain access to a new one, you also get the lowest tier spell that you created and don't have yet from a school of your choice? Or is that making things too finicky. Probably.

[logan9a]

"Or is that making things too finicky. Probably."

Yes.

"rollable keyboards, but those are not that comfortable to type on)"

Just remember that the players only have to say they are typing on it - they don't actually have to type on it. I'm personally digging the carrying around of stuff to act like a weird cargo cult.

Before anyone says 'but that's not useful', just consider something like an ATM.

[Scott]

Oct 28, 2018 14:55:27 GMT logan9a said:

Before anyone says 'but that's not useful', just consider something like an ATM.

Yeah, I would think the Keyboard + Mouse spell would be most useful for interfacing with things that do not normally have a direct input. I think we should also make it work on stuff like alien tech, where not only may you not be able to interface because you don't have tentacles or whatever, but you also just don't understand how it works. (Of course you'd still need some sort of separate translation effect, otherwise you interface but can only hit random keys and see if anything happens.)

[PotatoJedi]

I like where this is headed. I think having to carry a keyboard/mouse/whatever is fine in that case, but how about giving it a short ranged wireless capability, say 1m? So you just sit down in front of the computer, put the keyboard on the desk and cast the spell targeting the computer and away you go. Moving the keyboard out of range of the computer breaks the spell.

[logan9a]

Thinking that if someone is messing with the ATM this way it would be more obvious they were messing with the ATM - with a cable duct taped to it and such.

Magic should always be somewhat obvious.

[Scott]

It doesn't have to literally be duct-taped, right? So long as the wire is in physical contact with the device?

[logan9a]

I'd probably use duct tape. You don't want it to accidentally stop being in contact with the device ending the spell prematurely would you?

Plus, McGuiver loves duct tape.

[PotatoJedi]

Ha ha okay. So long as it's touching (duct tape or whatever), it works. So then the spell would be…

Name: Universal Input
Range: Touch
Casting Time: 1 Round
MP Cost: 2
Duration: Concentration

You attach a keyboard, mouse or any other input device to a computer-like machine capable of accepting such input devices. The input device does not need to be plugged in for it to work; it only needs to make contact with the machine. You may now use it as if it were properly plugged in. Should the input device stop touching the machine, the spell ends. You may duct tape part of the input device (such as the plug or cable) to the machine so that it does not accidentally lose contact.



Not sure on the name or MP cost (2 sounds reasonable to me). Also, I don't see how you can attach a keyboard to something like an ATM machine if it isn't designed to accept keyboards in the first place. Maybe you can still type in the numbers etc but you may as well just use the ATM normally if that's the case. I don't know. Maybe change it to "if the machine can accept similar inputs to what your input device is capable of, then it may work, but you cannot attach a keyboard to a television and expect to be able to change the channel."

… Well, unless you want it to work like that? Just plug it into anything and it will work (at the DM's discretion)?

[logan9a]

I'd be good with you can plug it into anything - you might need to provide your own screen to see what's going on but...

[Scott]

Concentration feels right for the duration, but technically if you're using your action to keep the spell up, then you won't be able to do the computer stuff that you want to do.

So maybe a good long duration (I don't think you should be rushed), but I don't think the spell should stick around if you leave...so maybe "until disconnected, up to 8 hours"