Virotechnist
Virotechnia (Vi-roh-TEK-nee-ah) represents a groundbreaking fusion of ancient magical healing practices and modern technological advancements within the realm of Pannotia. Originating from the ancient order of healers known as the Viridisians, the Virotechnia emerged as a response to the increasing skepticism and restrictions surrounding magic following the Great Equilibrium. Historically revered for their ability to mend the wounded and cure ailments using magical vitality, the Viridisians faced unprecedented challenges as demand for their services surged amidst plagues and wars, all while their numbers dwindled. By 1824 AE, equipped with their Tech-foci, the Virotechnia had become a respected institution, akin to an international humanitarian order, delivering essential healthcare across war-torn regions and disease-ravaged cities. Despite ongoing skepticism, especially by the magic skeptical, the Virotechnia stands as a firm example of the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, embodying hope and progress in the Age of Steam and Scepter.
History & Culture
Whereas most of Aesox views magic with suspicion, seeing it as dangerous or unnatural, the ancient order of healers, known as the Viridisians, remains to be excessively debated. For centuries, they have practiced the art of using magical vitality to mend the wounded and cure the sick. They were crucial in maintaining the population's health, especially amidst plagues and wars. However, the Great Equilibrium in 0 AE acted as a catalyst and threatened to push the Viridisians into obscurity. As anti-magic sentiments tightened their grip on Aesox, the Viridisians found themselves increasingly isolated, their numbers dwindling, and their practices restricted by local governments and superstition.
The toll on their bodies from healing magic became unsustainable. Each act of healing drained them physically, leading to exhaustion, severe illness, or death in extreme cases. With the rise of wars and diseases, the demand for their services grew, and it became evident that their traditional methods were not viable. By 1813 AE, the last whisperings of the Viridisians sought assistance from technomancers and engineers, but it was too late. Their ancient knowledge faced the same fate as the Last Remnant Order, whose mystical teachings had already vanished into myth.
Desperate to prevent their legacy from fading, the Viridisians' leaders took a bold step. They sought assistance from the brilliant, technical minds of Aesox, known for its advancements in science, alchemy, and engineering. In their efforts, the Viridisians reached out to artificers, alchemists, and technomancers, hoping to find a way to make healing magic less taxing on the body. This unlikely collaboration between mysticism and science led to breakthroughs after years of experimentation and failure. The creation of Aether Technology, a revolutionary mix of soltech and hextech that allowed the Viridisians to stockpile their potentia and life energy to magnify and focus the efficacy of their healing. These devices, named the Aether Technology Potentia Focus, or Tech-Foci for short, acted as "batteries," allowing healers to work longer and perform complex miracles without depleting their own vitality.
Thus, the Virotechnia emerged, merging the arcane with the technical. Their new name, reflecting this fusion, combined "Viro," from vitality and healing, and "Technia," from the technological precision augmenting their magic. The Virotechnia evolved from simple healers to medical engineers, requiring mastery of magical healing and the mechanics behind Tech-foci. They established academies and training centers across the continent, teaching a curriculum that blended arcane theory with practical knowledge in biology, medicine, alchemy, and engineering.
Even centuries after the Great Equilibrium had occurred, the Virotechnia faced mixed reactions. The cataclysm shook Aesox, challenging both magical and technological sectors. Many factions, inspired by the Last Remnant, sought to reclaim ancient knowledge, while others aimed to harness the lingering energies unleashed during the Equilibrium.
The Great Equilibrium presented both a challenge and an opportunity for the budding Virotechnia. As tensions rose and magical disturbances increased, their services became more essential than ever. Communities turned to them for aid against physical and magical ailments emerging in the aftermath of the Equilibrium. Despite this demand, skepticism grew on both sides: some feared the resurgence of magic, while others questioned the efficacy of technological enhancements. The Virotechnia found themselves at the forefront of the struggle to balance these competing forces, advocating for the responsible use of both magic and technology.
By 1824 AE, the Virotechnia had become an influential and respected institution by magic tolerated civilisations, akin to an international humanitarian order with similar allowances. They remain a neutral force, traveling across war-torn lands and disease-ravaged cities, offering healing services to all, regardless of political affiliation. Their work saved lives and cured diseases, leading to a reluctant acceptance of their methods, even in staunchly anti-magic regions.
However, significant challenges still persist. Anti-magic factions continue to exist across Human nations, with some viewing the Virotechnia’s fusion of magic and technology as a dangerous blasphemy. There were rumors of extremist groups plotting to sabotage their Tech-foci, either to weaponize them or to prove their danger.
The Virotechnia are also under constant strain, facing overwhelming demand for their services in chaotic regions. Disease outbreaks and conflicts stretched their resources thin, testing their skills to the limits. Internally, the order faced ideological rifts among its members. Some feared that reliance on technological enhancements could dilute their magical heritage, while others advocated for continued innovation as essential for their survival and efficacy. This internal conflict, although not yet manifesting as overt division, posed a risk to the unity of the order.
Ranks
These ranks, while a good judge of a Virotech’s skill are not entirely merit based and don’t have to equate directly to the number of points allocated to Virotechnia.
Apothecians - Apprentices of the order, Apothecians begin their journey by learning the delicate balance between their own vitality, the stored energy within Tech-foci, and the complexities of anatomy, alchemy, and magical healing. They study both arcane and technological disciplines, focusing on the basics of medical and healing magic. Apothecians are often stationed in academies or less dangerous regions, assisting senior healers and gaining hands-on experience.
Mediurgeons - Fully trained members of the Virotechnia, Mediurgeons have mastered the use of Tech-foci and magical healing techniques. They often specialize in fields such as trauma surgery, regeneration, magical disease treatment, or prosthetics. Mediurgeons are the primary field operatives of the order, traveling to crisis zones, warfronts, and plague-infested areas to provide essential medical care. They represent the backbone of the order, applying both their magical skills and technological expertise to save lives.
Viroarchs - The senior leaders, innovators, and policymakers of the Virotechnia. Viroarchs oversee research, development, and diplomatic relations. They are responsible for advancing the order’s healing methods, creating new types of Tech-foci, and ensuring the Virotechnia’s place in the political landscape of Aesox. Viroarchs often lead research institutions or serve as advisors in regional councils, constantly working to improve the tools and techniques that define the order.
Notable People
Senior-Viroarch Velen Iskiri - A visionary leader within the Virotechnia, Velen Iskiri is credited with some of the most recent advancements in Tech-foci design. His innovations have expanded the capacity and efficiency of these devices, allowing Mediurgeons to perform more advanced healing without risking their own lives. He is a fierce advocate for the continued integration of technology into magical healing and serves as the head of the Aulon Vitae, the Virotechnia’s primary research institution.
Senior-Mediurgeon Calista Ryn - Known as the Angel of the Wastes, Calista Ryn has become a legend for her tireless work in the most dangerous and desolate areas of the X isles. Specializing in trauma and battlefield surgery, she has saved countless lives, often working under extreme conditions with minimal resources. Despite facing personal risk, she embodies the Virotechnia's mission of neutrality, helping soldiers from all sides of conflicts. Her reputation as a healer is unmatched, though she is also a polarizing figure within the order for her critical views on tradition.
Sophomore-Apothecian Zaira Arken - Zaira Arken is a skilled technomancer who has played a pivotal role in the development of new materials for Tech-foci. Her research focuses on harnessing natural energies to create sustainable and efficient healing devices. A forward-thinking innovator, Zaira often collaborates with other technologists and magical practitioners, bridging gaps between different fields to promote a collaborative approach to healthcare.
Junior-Mediurgeon Lirael Thorne - Lirael Thorne is a pioneering researcher specializing in regenerative healing techniques using both magic and alchemy. Known for her empathetic bedside manner, she has developed groundbreaking methods that reduce the recovery time for patients suffering from severe injuries. Lirael often leads expeditions into remote areas including the Dwarven territories to provide care, documenting her findings to share with her peers. Her focus on holistic healing has garnered her both admiration and criticism within the Virotechnia.
Engineer-Therapist Rowan Kaldur - Rowan Kaldur, an expert in both engineering and therapeutic practices, is renowned for his contributions to the development of ergonomic Tech-foci. He has designed devices that not only enhance the efficacy of healing magic but also prioritize the well-being of Mediurgeons. His empathetic approach to engineering reflects his belief that technology should enhance the human experience rather than complicate it, earning him the respect of many within the Virotechnia.
Nadzieja Różycka - An ancient figure seen more today as a cautionary tale, Nadzieja was a member of the original Viridisian order some thousand years hence; her role in the creation of Dreadbinding, a particularly reviled twisting of many of the principles that would develop into Virotechnia centuries on, is still considered a stain on the order’s legacy and the Virotechs’ by extension. From her actions stem a conflict that persists to this day, with Virotechs frequently being amongst the most outspoken detractors of these mages.
Notable Places
The Aulon Vitae - The Aulon Vitae is the heart of Virotechnia's technological and magical advancements, serving as both an academy and a research hub. Located on a mechanical island at the international boundary between Aesox and Ellawen, it is a center of learning and innovation for the Order. The Aulon Vitae functions as an educational institution, training new Apothecians, and as a laboratory where Viroarchs develop cutting-edge healing techniques and devices. The building itself, a marvel of both arcane and technological design, symbolizes the fusion of magic and science that defines Virotechnia.
The Hearth of Vitalis - A sacred site for the Virotechnia, the Hearth of Vitalis is where the last gathering of the Viridisians took place before their transformation into the Virotechnia. Located deep within the Glenmire Forest, the Hearth is a tranquil place, surrounded by ancient trees believed to be the origin of the Viridisians magic. Though rarely visited, it is a pilgrimage site for Virotechnia members seeking to reconnect with the spiritual roots of their order’s ancient heritage.
Taldric's Bastion - A mobile fortress and medical unit, Taldric's Bastion is a massive airship outfitted with the latest medical and healing technologies, allowing the Virotechnia to deploy quickly to crisis zones. Named after Taldric Viridisius, one of the founding figures of the original Viridisians, the Bastion serves as both a field hospital and a command center for major operations. It has been instrumental in responding to disasters and outbreaks, making it one of the most critical assets of the order.
Spells
Tech-Foci Rules
- The caster may have a maximum of three Tech-foci at any time.
- Tech-foci may be targeted and destroyed, using the caster's MYS total as their dodge roll.
- All expended Tech-foci regenerate after 8 hours.
- Each expended Tech-foci remains bonded to its target until the ability ends.
| Name | Description | Cooldown/Cost | Action Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aether Hex-Cast | Expending a Tech-foci to bond with a wounded ally, the caster forms a temporary cast of potentia around fractured or injured limbs, stabilising them until proper medical attention can be given. Heals 1d4 HP and grants the target a +2 bonus to their next Defense roll. | One Tech-foci, Twice per Combat | Action |
| Reconstitution | Reaching out with focused potentia, the caster rapidly draws in and reconstitutes the shattered remnants of nearby aether tech into up to 3 functional Tech-foci. The intense exertion deals 1d6 damage to the caster. | No Cooldown | Action |
| Stabilize Vitae | Deploying a Tech-foci to project a barrier of potentia around a target, the caster locks their condition in stasis - preventing them from acting, moving, being healed, or being reduced below 1 HP for the duration. The target may still be moved by others. A conscious target may roll SCR of 4 or higher to break free at the end of each turn. Lasts until the Tech-foci is destroyed or the spell is dismissed. May be used indefinitely outside of combat. | One Tech-foci, Once per Combat | Action |
| Name | Description | Cooldown/Cost | Action Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surge Mend | Overcharging two Tech-foci to accelerate the body's recovery, the caster drives rapid repair of significant damage. The target heals 2d4 HP per turn for 3 turns, but suffers a −2 penalty to Attack rolls from exhaustion for each turn they are healed. | Two Tech-foci, Once per Combat | Action |
| Stasis Coat | Bonding a Tech-foci to an ally, the caster emits a coating of potentia that wraps them in a soft stasis for 4 turns, granting 4 points of damage reduction for the duration (minimum 1 damage). Maintaining this channelling imposes a −4 penalty to the caster's MYS rolls while active, affecting the Tech-foci's ability to evade attacks. May be used selectively outside of combat. | Two Tech-foci, Once per Combat | Action |
| Mind Meld | Establishing a temporary sensory link with a willing ally through a Tech-foci, the caster feels and diagnoses the precise nature of the target's internal injuries. This insight grants a flat +4 bonus to the caster's next heal; for abilities that heal over multiple turns, this bonus applies to each turn of healing. | One Tech-foci, Once per Combat | Free Action |
| Name | Description | Cooldown/Cost | Action Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustain | Channelling potentia through all three Tech-foci, the caster drives intensive regeneration for 3 turns, healing for 1d8 HP per turn. The caster may distribute their Tech-foci freely among multiple targets or concentrate them on one, reassigning between turns as needed. The first time any target is healed by this ability, they suffer Disadvantage on their next Attack or Defense roll as their system adjusts to the surge. | Three Tech-foci, Once per Combat | Action |
| Rubedo | Attaching a Tech-foci to a recently deceased (within 10 minutes of death) or incapacitated ally, the caster patches fatal injuries and floods the body with restorative potentia, restoring them to 10 HP. The target remains severely weakened, unable to perform complex actions or use magic for the next 24 hours. Cannot be used in cases of instant death, and does not affect the Undead. | One Tech-foci, Once per Week | Action |
| Aethernetic Domination | Forging a powerful bond with a target through all three Tech-foci, the caster infuses them with a stasis coat that restores them to half their maximum HP and grants +4 to both DEX and STR for 4 turns. An unwilling target may roll SCR of 6 or higher to resist, and may reroll at the start of each of their turns to break free. For the duration, the target's focus narrows entirely to the protection of the caster. When the spell ends and the Tech-foci withdraw, the target is left disoriented, suffering −4 to DEX and STR for 24 hours. | Three Tech-foci, Once per Week | Action |
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