Implements (Action)

Implement Table

Name	Hands	Size	Range	Damage	Properties
Ring	0H	Tiny	Close	3
Amulet	0H	Small	Close	3	Deflect
Symbol	1H	Small	Close	3	Block, Deflect
Mask	0H	Medium	Close	4
Great Mask	0H	Large	Close	5	Stowed
Orb	1H	Small	Long	3	Static
Tablet	2H	Small	Long	3	Reload, Slick
Device	2H	Medium	Long	5	Reload, Static
Apparatus	2H	Large	Long	5	Static
Tome	2H	Medium	Short	5	Reload, Slick, Static
Musical Instrument	2H	Large	Long	5	Loud, Slick, Static
Piccolo	2H	Small	Long	4	Loud, Slick, Static
Wand	1H	Small	Short	4
Rod	1H	Medium	Short	3	Bastard, Slick
Staff	2H	Large	Short	4	Bastard, Block, Deflect, Slick
Pole	2H	Large	Close	5	Block, Stowed
Dagger	1H	Small	Close	4
Sword	1H	Medium	Close	4	Parry

Reading the Table

Sometimes called Blast Foci or simply Foci, implements are mainly used to enhance Blast damage. Not all Traditions allow the use of Implements.

Most traits of implements only apply to the Mind-based damage of Blast attacks, but some aspects, such as range, applies to all powers that use normal range modifiers. A few Melee powers do implement-based damage as well.

The damage type of an implement depends on the Blast it is used with. Any special effects that Blast also applies to implement attacks.

Implements are the equivalent of ranged weapons for power-users. What foci you can use depends on your tradition. Implements amplify the user's normal power level, providing a lever to inflict more damage. The use of an implement is not required, but improves Shoot power damage to levels matching approximately Clockwork tech level performance. Depending on how the GM want Shoot power attacks to perform, a blanket bonus or penalty can be applied either to their damage or to implement bonuses.

All powers that use range modifier can benefit from the increased range some implements provide, but then also suffer the limitations. Using Weapon Implements is another way to allow blast attacks to benefit from higher tech levels.

Implement Descriptions

Implements vary widely from setting to setting and from tradition to tradition; the following are examples.

Ring

Rings are ubiquitous identifiers with symbolic meaning, such as a ring of office, marriage ring, or signet. Often exquisite jewelry, even an outlandish ring is rarely suspected of being a weapon, but might be stolen as a valuable.

Amulet

An amulet is a catch-all for a small token. This can be a necklace with an ornament, a broch, a set of bracers, a wrist-mounted keyboard, a mobile phone with handsfree, or even a free-floating magical construct you can put in a pocket when not in use.

Symbol

A small hand-held icon that grants personal protection and close-range defense. Holy symbols are very common in the Spiritual tradition, but appear in most mystical traditions.

Mask

A ritual mask covering most of the face focuses your power by identifying with mysterious creatures and concealing your identity. This can also be a crown or other worn symbol of authority. Goggles with a HUD is a modern version. Usually made of hard plastic, metal, china, or hardened leather.

Great Mask

A great mask covers the face and upper body, making you very distinctive but concealing your identity. You focus your power by assuming a ritual identity trough the mask. A technological equivalent could be a sensor array or biohazard suit.

Orb

A round object held in the hand. This can be a small crystal ball, an egg, a compass, satellite navigator, mobile telephone, or a symbolic depiction of the earth or night sky. It is associated with control and rulership.

Tablet

A wax or stone tablet used to make quick calculations. This can also be an abacus or reference card. A modern version is a tablet computer.

Device

A hand-held device that must be calibrated before each use. Typical examples can be a abacus, astrolabe, sextant, i-ching sticks and so on.

Apparatus

Larger than a Device, an Apparatus is a large piece of kit that is delicate or complex to operate. Might be carried in a back pack. This can be a reliquary, computer, incense burner, or reference chart.

Tome

A book of lore from which you read or recite passages or formulas. A laptop is the modern equivalent.

Musical Instrument

Music resonates with many origins, either as a centering tool or to reach out and affect listeners. Musical instruments do not generally call attention as potential weapons, but are recognizably tools of music.

Piccolo

Piccolo in this context is a small musical instrument used as a focus, such as the piccolo clarinet, piccolo trumpet, soprillo, or violino piccolo. Various pipes and flutes are also small enough to fit this category. Piccolo instruments generally play higher notes than full-size ones.

Wand

The wizard's handarm, a small convenient stick used to direct powers at enemies. In other origins this might be a power crystal or something resembling a laser-pointer.

Rod

A Baton or Mace about a meter in length, often heavily decorated. Can be used as a melee weapon in a pinch. A rod designed either as an implement or weapon is Improvised outside its intended role, but a can be made to serve both functions by an artisan knowledgeable with powers. A walking stick, even a decorated one, is common enough to not attract attention in most society, especially when carried by the elderly.

Staff

A staff, about as high as the user's shoulders. Usually of gnarled wood but more elaborate staves fit certain traditions. The staff is a symbol of serenity and defense, but also a powerful power channel. Can be used as a Quarterstaff in a pinch. A staff can be used as a focus in one hand but requires two hands as a Quarterstaff. A staff designed either as an implement or weapon is Improvised outside its intended role, but a can be made to serve both functions by an artisan knowledgeable about both.

Pole

A staff longer than the wearer and thus somewhat unwieldy. This can take the form of a pole arm, banner, a huge sword, or an antenna. A Pole implement can function as a Large melee weapon agreed upon with the GM, and such a weapon can serve as an improvised Pole implement. A weapon designed either as an implement or weapon is Improvised outside its intended role, but a can be made to serve both functions by a knowledgeable artisan.

Dagger

A simple Dagger, which can also function as a weapon. Daggers used as foci are often of silver, obsidian, or some other special substance. A dagger designed either as an implement or weapon is Improvised outside its intended role, but a dagger can be built to serve both functions by an artisan knowledgeable in the occult.

Sword

Some kind of sword used as a focus, this represents nobility, courage, and domination. It can be used as a melee weapon in a pinch; pick one Medium size sword that it can function as. A sword designed either as an implement or weapon is Improvised outside its intended role, but a can be made to serve both functions by a knowledgeable artisan.