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 invention of Tech-foci—revolutionary devices capable of storing a healer's life energy and magnifying their magical potential—changed everything. These devices 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 orderwith 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
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, Virooarchs 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 & Places
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.
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 can only have a total of Three Tech-foci at a time.
- Tech-foci can be targeted and destroyed, sharing the caster’s Mystic Ability Total as dodge rolls.
The Tech-foci regenerate after 12 hours.
Tier One - One Point Invested
Aether Repair Protocol - The caster expends a Tech-focus that temporarily bonds with a wounded individual, compensating for the fractured and injured limb until a medic can see them. This heals 1 HP that only lasts for the combat scene and grants the target a +2 to their next physical roll for one emote. Once the combat is over, the Tech-foci unbonds, taking back the 1 HP it healed. It can be used twice per combat encounter.
Bio-Suture Module - The caster can regenerate skin tissue over minor wounds or surgical incisions using their Tech-focus, also generating detailed X-rays. This can be done in one emote healing aesthetic injury. It does not heal deeper injuries or fractures but can stabilize bleeding and prevent further damage.
Vitality Stabilizer: The caster deploys a Tech-foci to create a protective barrier around a wounded ally, stabilizing their condition and preventing further deterioration. The shield ensures the ally cannot drop below 1 HP and cannot act for the spell’s duration. However, the target cannot be healed or damaged beyond 1 HP until the shield expires. The shield lasts for two turns (emotes). This ability can be used once per day or indefinitely when out of combat.
Tier Two - Two Points Invested
Holo-Heal Interface - The caster employs advanced Aether servo-drones to repair significant damage rapidly. The target heals 2d4 HP over two turns. However, due to the intensity of the process, the target will suffer from brief exhaustion after imposing a -2 penalty on their next physical action. This ability can be used once per combat encounter.
Renewal Matrix - The caster extends a tech-foci bonding with an ally’s biological systems, creating a supportive matrix that enhances the target’s natural resilience, lasting two turns. The ally regains 2 HP at the start of each turn as their biological processes are optimized. The matrix requires intense focus from the caster as they channel the spell, imposing a -2 penalty on the caster’s physical rolls while the spell is active. This ability can be used twice per day.
Neural Link - The caster can establish a temporary psychic link with a wounded ally, allowing them to feel and diagnose the exact nature of internal injuries, diseases, or magical ailments. This insight gives the caster advantage on their next healing attempt, allowing for precision healing. This link lasts for one emote and can only be used once per encounter. In addition to this, the caster gains one Free Point investment in Medicine.
Tier Three - Three Points Invested
Sustain.exe - The caster's tech focus channels their potentia to heal a severely injured ally. Over the course of three turns, the target regains 3d6 HP, and major wounds like broken bones or organ damage are repaired. This process leaves the target in a weakened state afterward, imposing disadvantage on their next two rolls. This ability can be used once per combat encounter.
Vital_surge.cmd - The caster sends their tech Foci to scan the corpse of a recently deceased ally (within five minutes/turns of death) constructing a diagram of their body, restoring them to life with 1 HP. The target remains weakened, unable to perform complex actions or use magic for the next 24 hours. This ability can only be used once weekly and only in non-instant death circumstances.
Aethernetic Reconstruction Chassis - The caster channels the potentia reserves of their three Tech-foci to forge a formidable bond with a willing—or unwilling—target (OOC consent is required for unwilling targets). This invasive augmentation infuses the target with a powerful aethernetic chassis, restoring them to half of their maximum health and enhancing their physical abilities with a +2 bonus to Dexterity and Strength for the duration of the effect.
As the caster directs their potentia, the Tech-foci intricately weave into the target’s form, amplifying their capabilities for a total of five emotes. During this time, the caster's safety becomes the augmented’s sole focus, instilling them with tunnel vision that prioritizes their protection above all else.
However, as the augmentation dissipates and the Tech-foci are forcefully withdrawn, the target is left in a state of disorientation, suffering a -2 penalty to Dexterity and Strength for 24 hours as they struggle to readjust to their natural state. This ability can only be used once weekly.
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