Really Magic Computer

[The Codex]

So I have an Idea about a character/NPC that would be really interesting and want to see what people think:

Basically the Magic user (focus praticoner or wizard) is part of the computer him self.

The basic components are (crafting, Divination and Conjuration)

So works as follows, The computer is the way the character focuses his magic, the crafting would be the character using 'download component' from the various spell components to download an effect into an item (eg creating magic mobile phones through rune inscribed rocks)

The Divination is fundermentally the magical equivelent of a search engine,  being able to find out information  from any word writtern, peoples memories, drawn maps etc

The conjuration allow the character to print (i really like this idea) the items he wants for spell components and things he may need want for a specific situation.

I forsee the computer as being a single very powerful focus item that effects the fine controll of all these items....

What do people think?

[Papa Gruff]

I think I don't understand what you are going for. 

[The Codex]

Sorry my wording is very poor.... Doh

So what I was looking to create is basically the magic equivlent of a computer geek..... (who would potentially run and help compile info for the Paranet to help low level magic and supernatrual people)  , Like an administrator but cooler.....

What I am trying to work out is how to get the feel right for how as a focused practioner how he would have the magic equivelent of a technology lab and how that could work, and if anybody has had any thoughts that could help me define

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Odin styled

magic computers in game terms.....

[Crion]

What I am trying to work out is how to get the feel right for how as a focused practioner how he would have the magic equivelent of a technology lab and how that could work, and if anybody has had any thoughts that could help me define

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Odin styled

magic computers in game terms.....

I think you are putting more emphasis on the technology side than what you really need. Luccio understands the concept of a computer, but knows she could never use one as-is. But I could see her capable of replicating the

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uber magical Odin computer

referenced in Changes if she were given enough time and study.

But again, that is if you are viewing it as technology. When you throw the concepts of technology out the window and just rest in what the magic offers, I think it would make more sense.

You may remember that in the scene you are referencing, the "screen" seemed to be like a fine mist; who is to say that it isn't some sort of (very epic) scrying pool? Lots of Divination power sitting in there.

And you may also remember that we've seen something close to your cell phone idea in Changes as well. That may be a bit more difficult to stat out, especially if you want it to be more along the lines of calling anyone anywhere (when instead you could probably just resort to a bit of simple magic, like that whispering spell Harry uses with Elaine).

Finally, the idea of "printing" items isn't really that great. You'd need to put out a LOT of juice to make something appear, and not only won't it last long, but it also will be victim of dispelling (and nothing is worse than having your weapon or critical component turn to ectoplasm in your hand).

So, long story short: I can see the computer idea being an item/location based Divination tool with the amount of information able to be gathered based upon the caster and what lines they wish to cross (because finding memories as a mortal caster is some bad juju), and I can see the cell phone option as another form of divination or even spirit magic but with limitations.

Again, just my two cents. Do with them as you deem fit.

[CMEast]

Like an iCrystal-Ball? Or a Magicsoft 'Window' to look through?

You could use Bob the Skull as a base, replacing witty banter and a love of porn, with a literal-minded knowledge spirit that only replies in text form. Or it could be a Genius Loci that obeys you, with a 'firewall' ward, the ability to find any bit of knowledge that is in the location (books, previous events that took place, conversations in the vicinity) and a few HAL moments.

"hey Gene, can you check the books for any info on BCV for me?"
*Rolls -4*
"I can't do that Dave"

[Crion]

"hey Gene, can you check the books for any info on BCV for me?"
*Rolls -4*
"I can't do that Dave"

I seldom make posts like this, but this deserves a single comment:

"Win."

That is all.

[Wyrdrune]

reminds me of the virtual adepts from mage and rings a bell in the direction of the ravirn series...

[Remy Sinclair]

Tech and Magic do not mix.

[Ravangames]

Tech and Magic do not mix.

True, but magic can imitate technology....


Crystal Pane mounted in a LCD frame for a monitor.  Embed a logic spirit that can interface with the internet into an empty PC box, connect the PC to the monitor and Wah-la voice activated 'Computer'.  You could even go as far as placing a mouse and keyboard for manual inputs (spirit reads the movement).


As for magic and technology does not mix, true but it never says things from the never-never cannot interface with the internet or use computers.  the hex happens during stressful Wizards walking around and actual spell casting or from beings being in conflict with their super-naturalness.

I highly doubt that demons and devils aren't searching the internet for juicy tidbits.  Also

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didn't Harry almost get sold on EBAY by a WCV?

[Remy Sinclair]

There is a reason Harry does not own a computer they blow up near him. The game states magic and tech does not mix. The novels say the same thing, computers and tech die around Harry because of his presence. It does not happen all the time but it does.

Harry even says you cannot in one of the books imbue technology with magic because they are so different. Your black out section makes no sense. The group you refer to do not suffer that limitation and the others use agents to handle them if they did. How often does Harry have Murphy look information on her computer for him because he cannot use it?

If you want a magic computer the proper way to do it is something like this not all of this is imbued and created:

Crystal Ball = Monitor
Old Style Typewriter circa 1920's = Key Board
Old Storage Box  set to hold various crystals for information = CPU
Drawers to Old Storage Box = Disk Drive
Old Record Player from the 1920's = Speaker
Old Footheel attached to string = Mouse


Or get a Human Skull with Arcane Writing on it named Bob.

[Ravangames]

Read YS pg 228...

It makes it open to have non-mortal supernatural characters use a PC or technology.

[Janus Node]

As a thought to add to this;

I understand and respect that magic and tech do not work with each other in the Dresdenverse.  It's an important enough concept to the books and to certain mechanics of mortal magicusers that I do not plan on allowing exceptions beyond what's established, but it seems that most of the rules on "Hexing" have to do with technology based on science from the last 70 years or so.

So what about a magical Difference Engine?  All steam, clockwork and gears, an artifact that could be as delicate and elegant as you like, or as clunky and enormous as will fit the scene.  Not really an item for most PCs to have, sure, but it's the sort of thing I think of when I think "Magic Computer".

[theDwarf]

So what about a magical Difference Engine?  All steam, clockwork and gears, an artifact that could be as delicate and elegant as you like, or as clunky and enormous as will fit the scene.  Not really an item for most PCs to have, sure, but it's the sort of thing I think of when I think "Magic Computer".

Or the "Ants Inside" machine from Hogfather (the movie).
A nice mechanical-magical cumbersome "computer" could be entertaining in a game, particularly if it has a bit of a mind of its own ... 

[CMEast]

Or the "Ants Inside" machine from Hogfather (the movie).
A nice mechanical-magical cumbersome "computer" could be entertaining in a game, particularly if it has a bit of a mind of its own ... 

Good call, I really like the computer from the Discworld series

[ryanroyce]

Good call, I really like the computer from the Discworld series

 Hell, that computer is even named Hex.