Blueprint Fragments

From: The Mechanical Menace

Lore: Blueprint Fragments are revered remnants of ancient engineering knowledge. Crafted by ingenious minds and passed down through generations, these fragments are essential for unlocking the secrets of advanced mechanics and technological marvels. Seekers of innovation and mastery often covet these fragments to gain insight into intricate designs and engineering principles.

Description: Blueprint Fragments appear as delicate pieces of parchment or vellum, covered in intricate sketches, technical diagrams, and annotations. Each fragment is a small part of a larger blueprint, containing specific details about mechanical structures, machinery components, or advanced mechanisms.

Stats:

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Weight: Negligible
• Required Attunement: No

Cost: Purchase Price: 80 silver coins

Tags: Utility, Engineering, Material, Schematic, Technical, Historical, Knowledge, Innovation

Use: When an adventurer possesses Blueprint Fragments, they gain the following benefits:

• Engineering Insight: By studying the fragments during a short rest or downtime activity, an adventurer proficient in Engineering tools can gain insights into complex mechanical systems. This can provide advantage on Intelligence (Engineering) checks related to constructing, repairing, or understanding advanced machinery.
• Blueprint Assembly: When an adventurer collects a set of related Blueprint Fragments (usually 3 to 5 fragments), they can attempt to assemble them into a complete blueprint. This process takes one hour of focused work and a successful Intelligence (Engineering) check. On success, the adventurer gains a permanent +1 bonus to Intelligence (Engineering) checks related to the knowledge contained in the blueprint.
• Crafting Reference: Blueprint Fragments can serve as valuable references for crafting intricate mechanical devices or modifications. An adventurer using these fragments during crafting can gain a +2 bonus to their crafting rolls for devices or modifications aligned with the blueprint’s subject matter.
• Research and Trade: Blueprint Fragments can be traded, sold, or gifted to knowledgeable engineers or craftsmen, potentially unlocking new crafting opportunities or enhancing the recipient’s understanding of mechanics.

The Blueprint Fragments are a prized resource for engineers, tinkerers, and those interested in unraveling the mysteries of advanced technology. Each fragment holds a piece of the past, waiting to be deciphered and integrated into new innovations.

In the world of Saṃsāra, Blueprint Fragments, being coveted pieces of knowledge, wouldn’t be found just anywhere. Here are some places where they might be bought and sold:

• Scholarly Markets and Bazaars: In bustling cities, amidst stalls overflowing with books, maps, and arcane trinkets, Blueprint Fragments might be discreetly traded amongst scholars and engineers. Haggling would be expected, and the price could vary based on the fragment’s perceived value and the buyer’s eagerness.
• Guildhalls of Engineers and Tinkerers: These guilds often have libraries or archives where knowledge is shared and traded among members. Blueprint Fragments might be exchanged for services, favors, or other rare materials. The cost here could be more nuanced, depending on the guild’s internal economy and the value they place on knowledge.
• Hidden Workshops of Master Craftsmen: Some artisans might possess fragments passed down through their lineage or acquired through their travels. Acquiring a fragment from such a craftsman might require proving one’s worth, completing a task, or offering a fair trade. The price could be high, as the craftsman might be reluctant to part with a valuable piece of their legacy.
• Ancient Ruins and Forgotten Libraries: Explorers and treasure hunters might stumble upon Blueprint Fragments in the dusty corners of forgotten civilizations. These fragments might be guarded by traps, puzzles, or even the lingering spirits of their creators. The cost here is the bravery to venture into the unknown and the wit to overcome the challenges that lie within.
• Shadowy Networks of Information Brokers: In the world of secrets and espionage, information is a valuable commodity. Blueprint Fragments might be traded in clandestine meetings, their value inflated due to their rarity and the potential knowledge they hold. The cost could involve favors, secrets, or even alliances with powerful figures.

The price of Blueprint Fragments could vary greatly depending on the rarity of the knowledge they contain, the seller’s motivations, and the buyer’s desperation. However, their true value lies not in their monetary worth, but in the potential to unlock new innovations and advance the world of Saṃsāra’s technology.

In the world of Saṃsāra, Blueprint Fragments primarily serve a supportive and strategic role, rather than directly contributing to offense or defense in combat. However, their influence can be felt in various ways across different environments:

• Indirect Offense:
  • Enhanced Weaponry & Armor: Fragments detailing advanced mechanisms or materials could lead to the creation of more powerful weapons and armor, indirectly increasing the offensive and defensive capabilities of those who wield them.
  • Tactical Advantage: Analyzing blueprints of fortifications or enemy equipment could reveal weaknesses or vulnerabilities, allowing for more effective offensive strategies.
  • Trap Construction: Fragments detailing intricate mechanisms could aid in the creation of cunning traps and defenses, potentially harming or hindering adversaries.
• Indirect Defense:
  • Fortification & Infrastructure: Utilizing blueprints for defensive structures, reinforced walls, or hidden passages could significantly enhance the protection of settlements and strongholds.
  • Improved Gear: The knowledge gained from fragments could lead to the development of more resilient armor, shields, or even magical wards, offering greater protection in combat.
  • Countermeasures: Understanding the workings of enemy technology through blueprints could enable the creation of effective countermeasures or disruptors.
• Environmental Interactions:
  • Urban Environments: Fragments detailing city layouts or hidden passages could aid in navigating complex urban landscapes, potentially allowing for ambushes, escapes, or the discovery of secret caches.
  • Natural Environments: Blueprints of ancient structures or forgotten technologies hidden in ruins could provide valuable insights into navigating treacherous terrains or bypassing natural obstacles.
  • Industrial Settings: Fragments related to machinery or energy sources could be crucial for understanding and manipulating the complex systems found in factories or workshops, potentially allowing for sabotage or control of vital resources.

Character Roleplay: The use of Blueprint Fragments encourages roleplay centered around problem-solving, ingenuity, and strategic thinking. Characters possessing these fragments might take on the roles of engineers, inventors, or tacticians, using their knowledge to aid their allies and outsmart their enemies. The pursuit and acquisition of fragments can also lead to exciting adventures and encounters, as characters delve into ancient ruins, negotiate with secretive collectors, or even compete with rival factions seeking the same knowledge.

While Blueprint Fragments may not directly offer offensive or defensive capabilities in the heat of battle, their strategic value and potential for innovation make them a valuable asset for any adventurer seeking to navigate the challenges and complexities of the world of Saṃsāra.

Perception of Activation:

• Sight: The fragments begin to glow faintly, their intricate sketches and diagrams seeming to dance and shift before the viewer’s eyes. A subtle aura of light surrounds the fragments, highlighting their importance.
• Sound: A soft rustling of parchment or vellum can be heard as the fragments resonate with the user’s touch. A faint humming sound, almost like a whisper of forgotten knowledge, might echo in the user’s ears.
• Touch: The fragments feel warm and slightly energized, as if a current of knowledge flows through them. The texture of the parchment or vellum may become smoother, almost silken, as it attunes to the user’s touch.
• Smell: A faint scent of aged paper and ink fills the air, reminiscent of ancient libraries and forgotten archives. A hint of ozone or a subtle metallic tang might also be present, suggesting the fragments’ connection to advanced technology.
• Taste: No discernible taste is associated with the activation of the fragments.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
  • Intuition: A sense of clarity and understanding washes over the user, as if a veil has been lifted from their mind. The complex diagrams and annotations become more comprehensible, revealing their hidden knowledge.
  • Mental Connection: A subtle mental link forms between the user and the fragments, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and insights. The user may feel a sense of connection to the ancient minds who created the blueprints.
  • Precognition: Brief flashes of potential inventions or applications of the knowledge contained within the fragments might appear in the user’s mind, offering a glimpse into the future possibilities.
• Positives:
  • Enhanced Understanding: The fragments’ activation significantly improves the user’s comprehension of the knowledge they contain, facilitating learning and innovation.
  • Mental Clarity: The user experiences a heightened sense of focus and mental acuity, allowing for efficient problem-solving and creative thinking.
  • Inspiration: The fragments can spark inspiration and new ideas, potentially leading to groundbreaking inventions or technological advancements.
• Negatives:
  • Information Overload: The sudden influx of knowledge can be overwhelming, potentially causing mental fatigue or confusion if not managed carefully.
  • Obsession: The allure of the fragments’ knowledge can lead to obsession and a neglect of other responsibilities or relationships.
  • Misuse: The knowledge gained from the fragments could be used for destructive purposes, potentially creating powerful weapons or dangerous technologies.

Crafting Recipe: Blueprint Fragments

• Materials Needed:
  • Aged Parchment or Vellum: High-quality parchment or vellum, preferably with a slightly aged and weathered appearance to mimic ancient documents.
  • Special Inks: Inks infused with subtle magical properties, capable of retaining intricate details and resisting fading over time.
  • Engineering Tools: Precision tools such as compasses, rulers, and drafting pens, necessary for creating accurate and detailed diagrams.
• Tools Required:
  • Quiet Workspace: A calm and distraction-free environment for focused concentration and precise work.
  • Writing Desk or Table: A stable surface for laying out the materials and tools.
  • Light Source: Adequate lighting to ensure clear visibility and prevent errors in the drawings.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Engineering Expertise: Advanced knowledge of mechanical systems, engineering principles, and technological concepts.
  • Drafting and Calligraphy: Proficiency in creating precise and detailed drawings and annotations.
  • Magical Infusion: Ability to imbue the inks with subtle magical properties, enhancing their durability and clarity.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation: Gather the necessary materials and tools, ensuring a clean and organized workspace. Infuse the inks with magical properties to enhance their longevity and legibility.
  • Conceptualization: Conceive a specific mechanical system, device, or technological concept to be documented in the blueprint fragments. Break down the concept into smaller, manageable components or subsystems.
  • Drafting: Carefully create detailed sketches and diagrams on the parchment or vellum, utilizing the engineering tools for precision and accuracy. Include annotations and technical specifications to clarify the design.
  • Fragmentation: Divide the completed blueprint into multiple fragments, ensuring that each fragment contains a cohesive and meaningful portion of the overall design.
  • Aging: Employ techniques to artificially age the fragments, giving them a weathered and ancient appearance. This might involve carefully staining the parchment or vellum, subtly crumpling the edges, or exposing them to controlled environmental conditions.
  • Infusion of Knowledge: Channel magical energy into the fragments, imbuing them with the knowledge and insights they represent. This step ensures that the fragments retain their informational value and can be utilized by those with the necessary skills.

Note: The creation of authentic Blueprint Fragments requires not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the subject matter being documented. It’s essential to ensure that the information contained within the fragments is accurate, coherent, and relevant to the world of Saṃsāra’s technological level.

Legend of the Shattered Wisdom

In the dawn-age, when giants walked and the earth was young, there existed a grand archive, a sanctuary of knowledge where the secrets of creation were etched upon scrolls and tablets. Within its hallowed halls, wise beings toiled, their minds ablaze with inspiration, crafting blueprints that shaped the very fabric of reality.

But envy and greed gnawed at the hearts of lesser beings, who coveted the archive’s power. In a night of treachery and fire, the archive was ravaged, its treasures scattered to the winds. The blueprints, once whole and complete, were torn asunder, their fragments cast across the vastness of the world.

These fragments, whispers of forgotten wisdom, became beacons for those who sought knowledge and understanding. Inventors, tinkerers, and dreamers embarked on perilous quests, scouring forgotten ruins and braving treacherous landscapes in search of these precious remnants.

Each fragment, a puzzle piece of a grand design, held the potential to unlock new frontiers of innovation. Some whispered of machines that could harness the power of the stars, while others hinted at the creation of life itself. But the fragments were also a test, a challenge to those who sought their secrets.

For within each fragment lay not only knowledge but also the echoes of the ancient creators, their hopes, their dreams, and their warnings. Those who wielded the fragments wisely, who approached them with humility and respect, were rewarded with glimpses of a brighter future.

But those who sought power at any cost, who ignored the whispers of caution, found themselves consumed by their own ambition. The fragments, like shards of a broken mirror, reflected the darkness within their hearts, leading them down a path of destruction and despair.

Moral: Knowledge is a gift, not a weapon. It must be wielded with wisdom and humility, lest it become a tool of ruin. The true power of the fragments lies not in their ability to shape the world, but in their capacity to inspire and enlighten those who seek to understand its mysteries.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Type: Mythos Artifact
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Description: Delicate pieces of ancient parchment covered in intricate sketches and annotations related to advanced mechanical systems and engineering principles.
• Weight: Negligible
• Cost: 80 silver coins (or equivalent in local currency)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: Possessing and studying Blueprint Fragments during a period of study (at least 1d6 hours) provides a +10% bonus to Mechanical Repair or Electrical Repair rolls related to complex machinery or devices.
  • Mythos Knowledge: If the fragments are related to an alien or Mythos technology, they may also provide a +5% bonus to Cthulhu Mythos rolls when attempting to understand the workings of such devices.
  • Trade and Research: Blueprint Fragments can be traded to scholars or engineers for valuable insights, leading to possible scenarios or adventure hooks. Selling the fragments might also yield a monetary reward based on the knowledge contained within.
  • Sanity Loss: Studying Blueprint Fragments related to Mythos technology may require a Sanity roll (0/1d4 loss) due to the disturbing and incomprehensible nature of the knowledge.

Blades in the Dark

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Item Type: Special Item (Utility)
• Load: 0 (Can be carried without counting towards the load limit)
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: When studying the Blueprint Fragments during downtime, a character gains a bonus die on their next Tinker or Study roll related to constructing, repairing, or understanding mechanical devices.
  • Blueprint Assembly: If a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can assemble them into a complete blueprint. This process takes 1 downtime action and allows the character to permanently add a +1 result level when rolling Tinker for tasks related to that blueprint’s subject.
  • Crafting Reference: The fragments can be used as a reference when crafting items related to their content, reducing the crafting cost by 1 coin.
  • Trade and Networking: Blueprint Fragments can be traded or gifted to craftsmen, inventors, or information brokers, potentially leading to new contacts, favors, or additional resources.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Wondrous Item (Uncommon)
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Weight: Negligible
• Cost: 80 silver pieces
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: While possessing and studying Blueprint Fragments during a short rest or long rest, a character proficient in Engineering tools (or Tinker’s tools) gains advantage on Intelligence (Engineering) checks related to constructing, repairing, or understanding advanced machinery.
  • Blueprint Assembly: When a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to assemble them into a complete blueprint. This requires 1 hour of focused work and a successful DC 15 Intelligence (Engineering) check. On a success, the character gains a permanent +1 bonus to Intelligence (Engineering) checks related to the knowledge contained in the blueprint.
  • Crafting Reference: When using these fragments as a reference during crafting, the character gains a +2 bonus to crafting rolls for devices or modifications aligned with the blueprint’s subject matter.
  • Research and Trade: Blueprint Fragments can be traded, sold, or gifted to engineers, inventors, or scholars, potentially unlocking new crafting opportunities or providing access to rare or valuable materials.

Knave

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Type: Utility Item
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Weight: 0 slots (Negligible)
• Cost: 80 silver coins
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: When a character with proficiency in Engineering tools studies the Blueprint Fragments during a rest, they gain advantage on Intelligence checks related to mechanical systems or devices until their next rest.
  • Blueprint Assembly: Collecting 3 to 5 related fragments allows the character to attempt to assemble them into a complete blueprint. This requires 1 hour and a successful Intelligence check. Success grants the character a permanent +1 bonus to Intelligence checks related to the blueprint’s subject matter.
  • Crafting Reference: Blueprint Fragments can be used as a reference during crafting, granting a +2 bonus to crafting checks related to their content.
  • Trade and Networking: The fragments can be traded or sold to craftsmen or scholars, who may provide rare materials or share valuable knowledge in exchange.

Fate Core

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Aspect: Ancient Engineering Knowledge
• Type: Utility Item (Aspect)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invoke: You can invoke Blueprint Fragments to gain a bonus (+2) on any roll related to engineering, mechanics, or constructing advanced devices. This could apply to creating or repairing mechanical systems or deciphering complex technological blueprints.
  • Compel: The knowledge within the Blueprint Fragments may be incomplete or difficult to understand, leading to complications or setbacks. For example, the fragments might be damaged, requiring additional time or resources to decipher.
  • Boost: After successfully using the fragments in a particularly challenging engineering-related task, gain a temporary aspect, such as “Inspired by Ancient Knowledge,” which provides a +2 bonus on the next related task.

Numenera & Cypher System

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Level: 2
• Type: Oddity (Artifact)
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: Studying the Blueprint Fragments grants an asset on any Intellect-based task related to understanding or repairing advanced machinery, mechanical systems, or ancient devices. This bonus is applicable once per day.
  • Blueprint Assembly: When the player collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to assemble them into a complete schematic. This process requires a successful Intellect task (Difficulty 3). Upon success, the player gains a permanent +1 asset on tasks related to the knowledge contained within the blueprint.
  • Crafting Reference: Using the fragments as a reference during crafting reduces the Difficulty of related crafting tasks by 1 step.
  • Depletion: (Optional) Roll a d20 each time the fragments are used for an extended period (more than one hour). On a roll of 1, the fragments degrade slightly, losing their effectiveness and increasing the Difficulty of future related tasks by 1.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Type: Wondrous Item (Uncommon)
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Weight: Negligible
• Cost: 80 silver pieces
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: A character proficient in Engineering tools or Crafting who studies the Blueprint Fragments during a daily preparation gains a +1 item bonus on Crafting checks related to constructing, repairing, or understanding mechanical systems or devices for the rest of the day.
  • Blueprint Assembly: When a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to assemble them into a complete blueprint. This process requires 1 hour of work and a successful DC 17 Crafting or Engineering check. On success, the character gains a permanent +1 item bonus on checks related to the blueprint’s specific subject matter.
  • Crafting Reference: Blueprint Fragments used as a reference during the crafting process provide a +2 item bonus on crafting checks for devices or modifications aligned with the blueprint’s subject matter.
  • Research and Trade: Blueprint Fragments can be traded or sold to scholars, engineers, or guilds, potentially unlocking access to rare crafting materials or schematics.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Type: Special Item (Utility)
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Weight: Negligible
• Cost: 80 silver coins
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: A character with the Repair or Science skill who studies the Blueprint Fragments gains a +1 bonus to Repair or Science rolls related to mechanical systems or devices. This bonus applies until the end of the current session.
  • Blueprint Assembly: If a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to assemble them into a complete schematic. This requires a Repair or Science roll (at a -2 penalty) and 1 hour of work. On success, the character gains a permanent +1 bonus on rolls related to the blueprint’s subject matter.
  • Crafting Reference: When using the Blueprint Fragments as a reference during a crafting process, reduce the crafting time by 25% and gain a +1 bonus to the relevant roll.
  • Trade and Networking: Blueprint Fragments can be traded or sold to engineers, inventors, or merchants, potentially leading to new contacts, favors, or access to advanced technology.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Type: Utility/Research Item
• Rarity: 6R (Restricted)
• Cost: 1,500¥
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: Possessing and studying the Blueprint Fragments provides a +2 dice pool bonus on Engineering or Hardware tests related to constructing, repairing, or understanding advanced mechanical systems.
  • Blueprint Assembly: When a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to assemble them into a complete schematic. This requires an extended Engineering test (Threshold 10, Interval 1 hour). On success, the character gains a permanent +1 dice pool bonus on tests related to the assembled blueprint’s specific subject matter.
  • Crafting Reference: When using the Blueprint Fragments as a reference during crafting, reduce the crafting time by 20% and gain a +1 dice pool bonus to the relevant Engineering or Hardware test.
  • Black Market Value: Blueprint Fragments can be sold on the black market, potentially fetching a higher price depending on the rarity and value of the knowledge they contain.

Starfinder

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Level: 3
• Type: Technological Artifact
• Cost: 500 credits
• Bulk: L (Light)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: While studying Blueprint Fragments during a rest or downtime, a character proficient in Engineering gains a +2 insight bonus to Engineering checks related to constructing, repairing, or understanding advanced machinery or technology.
  • Blueprint Assembly: When a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to assemble them into a complete blueprint. This requires 1 hour of work and a successful DC 15 Engineering check. On success, the character gains a permanent +1 insight bonus to Engineering checks related to the knowledge contained in the blueprint.
  • Crafting Reference: Blueprint Fragments can be used as a reference during crafting, reducing the time required by 25% and granting a +1 insight bonus on crafting checks for items related to the fragments’ subject matter.
  • Trade and Networking: The fragments can be traded or sold to scholars, engineers, or corporations, potentially unlocking access to rare materials, advanced schematics, or unique technological components.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Type: Data Storage (Ancient Artifact)
• Rarity: Rare
• Cost: Cr 10,000
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: Studying the Blueprint Fragments provides a +1 DM on Engineering, Mechanic, or Electronics checks related to the design, construction, or repair of advanced technology or machinery. This bonus is applicable once per session.
  • Blueprint Assembly: If a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to piece them together into a complete design. This requires an Engineering or Mechanic check (DM -2, 1d6 hours). Success grants a permanent +1 DM on checks related to the design’s specific area of expertise.
  • Crafting Reference: The fragments can serve as a reference during construction or repair tasks, reducing the time required by 25% and providing a +1 DM to the relevant skill checks.
  • Trade and Barter: Blueprint Fragments can be traded to collectors, engineers, or corporations for access to rare technology, exclusive ship modifications, or valuable information.

Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay (Wrath & Glory)

Name: Blueprint Fragments

• Type: Relic (Utility)
• Keywords: Utility, Knowledge, Engineering
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Cost: 2 Wealth
• Game Mechanics:
  • Engineering Insight: A character studying the Blueprint Fragments during downtime gains a +1 bonus to Tech or Scholar tests related to constructing, repairing, or understanding advanced technology or ancient machinery.
  • Blueprint Assembly: When a character collects 3 to 5 related Blueprint Fragments, they can attempt to assemble them into a complete schematic. This requires a Tech test (DN 5, 1 hour). On success, the character gains a permanent +1 bonus on Tech tests related to the blueprint’s specific subject matter.
  • Crafting Reference: Using the Blueprint Fragments as a reference during crafting reduces the crafting time by 20% and provides a +1 bonus to the relevant Tech tests.
  • Trade and Influence: Blueprint Fragments can be traded or gifted to tech-priests, forge worlds, or inquisitors, potentially leading to favors, access to rare technology, or alliances with powerful factions.