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Aether Powered Transportation Devices

—

by

Dale
in

From: Aethersteel Foundry

Lore: The Aether-Powered Transportation Devices represent the pinnacle of magitech innovation in the realm of personal transportation. Conceived by the brilliant minds of the Aethersteel Foundry’s engineers and Aether Technomancers, these unique vehicles utilize Aether crystals and advanced magitech to offer swift, reliable, and eco-friendly means of travel. Whether it’s flying brooms for magical aerial journeys, hoverboards for seamless gliding across surfaces, or Aethercycles for speedy ground transportation, these devices have revolutionized the way people move in Saṃsāra.

The Aether-Powered Transportation Devices have become symbols of progress and ingenuity, enhancing the lives of adventurers seeking exciting journeys, messengers delivering vital information swiftly, and commuters looking for efficient ways to navigate bustling cities and sprawling landscapes.

Aether-Powered Transportation Devices (Tier One Stats):

  • Flying Broom: Speed 60 ft (flying), Capacity 1 passenger, Endurance 8 hours before requiring recharging.
  • Hoverboard: Speed 40 ft (hovering), Capacity 1 passenger, Endurance 6 hours before requiring recharging.
  • Aethercycle: Speed 80 ft (ground), Capacity 1 passenger, Endurance 10 hours before requiring recharging.

Skills: To operate Aether-Powered Transportation Devices, characters require proficiency in either Arcana (for flying brooms) or Athletics/Acrobatics (for hoverboards) or Land Vehicles (for Aethercycles).

Cost: Prices vary based on the type of device, ranging from 800 to 8000 gold pieces, with flying brooms being the most expensive but the Aethercycle is a close second.

Size: The devices are compact and easily portable, making them convenient for both personal use and storage.

Requirements: To operate Aether-Powered Transportation Devices, characters must undergo a brief training session provided by authorized retailers or the Aethersteel Foundry. Additionally, the devices require a rechargeable Aether crystal that can be replenished at specialized stations or by skilled Aether Technomancers.

Tags:

  • Magitech Travel: The devices’ fusion of Aether crystals and advanced magitech classifies them as marvels of magitech travel, making them highly desirable among adventurers and commuters.
  • Eco-Friendly: The eco-friendly nature of these devices, relying on renewable Aether crystals instead of traditional fuel, appeals to environmentally conscious individuals.
  • Swift and Efficient: The devices’ ability to provide swift and efficient transportation enhances productivity and offers new possibilities for exploration and travel.
  • Additional: Personal Transportation, Aethersteel Foundry Product, Rechargeable, Skill-Based Operation, Status Symbol, Urban Mobility, Adventurer’s Gear, High Demand, Technological Advancement, Magical Innovation

Selling Environment: Aether-Powered Transportation Devices are sold through specialized magitech emporiums, transportation hubs, and select high-end shops that cater to adventurers, messengers, and urban commuters. The Aethersteel Foundry’s flagship store boasts a selection of these devices, demonstrating the Foundry’s expertise in magitech engineering and transportation solutions.

Customized versions of Aether-Powered Transportation Devices may be commissioned by high-profile individuals seeking personalized designs or enchantments, further adding to the exclusivity and prestige of these vehicles.

Results and Usage: The Aether-Powered Transportation Devices have revolutionized travel in Saṃsāra, offering unparalleled convenience and speed to their users. Adventurers can soar through the skies on flying brooms, exploring hidden valleys and ancient ruins with ease. Messengers deliver urgent messages across vast distances in record time, ensuring the flow of crucial information. Commuters glide effortlessly through crowded cities on hoverboards, avoiding traffic and congestion, and saving precious time.

The eco-friendly nature of these devices resonates with environmentally conscious individuals, promoting sustainable transportation and reducing reliance on traditional fuel sources. The widespread adoption of Aether-Powered Transportation Devices has led to a significant reduction in the realm’s ecological impact, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.

In bustling urban environments, the devices provide efficient solutions for daily commuting, allowing individuals to navigate crowded streets and avoid traffic jams. They have also proven invaluable for emergency situations, providing swift evacuation routes, or delivering medical aid to remote areas.

The Aether-Powered Transportation Devices have become essential tools in Saṃsāra’s ever-evolving landscape, connecting people, places, and possibilities. As the demand for these innovative devices grows, the Aethersteel Foundry’s reputation as a pioneering force in magitech transportation continues to flourish, firmly establishing it as the driving force behind the future of travel in the realm.

Perception of Activation:

  • User’s Perspective (Across all Devices):
    • Sight:
      • Initial: A surge of bright, typically blue or turquoise light emanates from the Aether crystal and any inlaid Aether-infused materials. This light intensifies briefly, then settles into a steady, pulsating glow.
      • Ongoing: The glow provides a visual indication of the device’s active status. For the hoverboard and Aethercycle, the downward-facing light becomes more pronounced, creating a visible cushion of energy. On the flying broom, the bristles shimmer more intensely.
    • Hearing:
      • Initial: A low, humming sound builds quickly, rising in pitch and volume before stabilizing into a consistent, subtle thrum. This sound is often described as a pleasant, almost musical tone.
      • Ongoing: The thrumming continues, a constant background noise that indicates the device is powered. The pitch or intensity may subtly shift with changes in speed or maneuverability.
    • Touch:
      • Initial: A slight vibration courses through the device, felt through the hands (on the broom and Aethercycle) or feet (on the hoverboard). This is accompanied by a sensation of warmth emanating from the Aether crystal housing.
      • Ongoing: The vibration becomes a gentle, rhythmic pulsing, synchronized with the glow of the Aether energy. This pulsing is reassuring and provides a tactile connection to the device’s power. A feeling of slight lift, or reduced weight.
    • Smell:
      • Initial: A faint, clean, almost metallic scent, similar to ozone or the air after a thunderstorm, is released. This is the scent of activated Aether.
      • Ongoing: The scent dissipates quickly, leaving only a very subtle, clean aroma that is barely perceptible.
    • Taste: No direct taste sensation is associated with activation.
    • Extra-Sensory (Intuitive/Magical Awareness):
      • Initial: A feeling of mental clarity and focus, as if the mind is more attuned to the surrounding environment. A slight surge of exhilaration or excitement.
      • Ongoing: A heightened sense of spatial awareness and balance. The user feels more “connected” to the device, almost as if it’s an extension of their own body. A subtle awareness of the flow of Aether energy.
  • Observer’s Perspective:
    • Sight: The observer sees the sudden burst of light from the Aether crystal and any Aether-infused materials, followed by the steady glow. They see the hoverboard or Aethercycle lift slightly off the ground, supported by the downward-facing light. On the flying broom, the bristles shimmer brilliantly.
    • Hearing: They hear the rising hum and the consistent thrumming sound, indicating the device is active.
    • Smell: They might catch the faint, clean, metallic scent of activated Aether if they are close enough.
    • Touch: If close enough, they might feel a slight breeze or displacement of air caused by the activation of the hoverboard or Aethercycle’s repulsors.
    • Taste: No taste sensation.
    • Extra-Sensory:
      • A sensitive observer might feel a subtle shift in the ambient magical energy around the activated device.
      • With their Mind’s Eye, they will visually see the stats.
  • Positives:
    • User: The sensory feedback provides a clear and reassuring indication that the device is activated and functioning correctly. The heightened senses and sense of connection enhance control and maneuverability. The overall experience is exhilarating and empowering.
    • Observer: The visual and auditory cues are unmistakable, signaling the activation of a powerful piece of magitech. The clean scent and lack of any noxious fumes reinforce the eco-friendly nature of the devices.
  • Negatives:
    • User: Over-reliance on the sensory feedback could be a distraction in complex situations. The constant hum, while generally pleasant, might become irritating on very long journeys.
    • Observer: The bright light could be momentarily blinding in low-light conditions. The hum, while subtle, could potentially give away the user’s position in situations requiring stealth. The activation and use could draw unwanted attention.

Recipe: Replicating the Aethercycle — This recipe details the process of creating an Aethercycle functionally equivalent to those produced by the Aethersteel Foundry. It is a challenging project, requiring significant expertise in both smithing and Aetheric engineering.

  • Materials Needed:
    • Aethersteel Ingots (x10): High-quality Aethersteel, purified and imbued with a stable connection to the Aetheric plane. This must be sourced from a reputable forge, as impurities can drastically affect the final product. The amount needed is significant, reflecting the Aethercycle’s size and robust construction.
    • Refined Aether Crystal (Large, x1): A single, large Aether crystal of exceptional clarity and power. This crystal must be carefully selected and prepared to serve as the core power source. The crystal’s size and purity directly impact the Aethercycle’s performance and endurance.
    • Aether-Conductive Wiring (x50 feet): Specialized wiring made from a silver-Aethersteel alloy, designed to efficiently channel Aetheric energy. This wiring is delicate and requires careful handling.
    • Crystal Resonance Plates (x4): Thin plates of specially treated crystal, designed to amplify and focus the Aether crystal’s energy. These plates are crucial for creating the hovering effect. The treatment process is a closely guarded secret of Aether Technomancers.
    • Stabilizing Gears (x6): Precision-engineered gears made from Aethersteel, used to regulate the flow of Aetheric energy and ensure smooth operation. These gears must be perfectly crafted to avoid vibrations and energy fluctuations.
    • Control Levers and Grips (x2 each): High-quality leather and polished Aethersteel components for the handlebars and control mechanisms. Ergonomics and durability are key considerations.
    • Seat Cushioning (x1): Comfortable and durable padding, often made from magically treated leather or a synthetic equivalent, designed to withstand prolonged use and exposure to the elements.
    • Polishing Compounds (various): Specialized compounds used to achieve the Aethercycle’s signature sleek finish. These compounds are often infused with trace amounts of Aether to enhance the metal’s natural sheen.
    • Aether-infused Pigments: For aesthetic coloring and detailing
  • Tools Required:
    • Aetheric Forge: A specialized forge capable of reaching extremely high temperatures, necessary for working with Aethersteel. This forge is typically powered by a combination of magical and conventional fuels.
    • Precision Smithing Hammers (various sizes): Hammers designed for delicate and precise metalwork. These hammers are often made of Aethersteel themselves.
    • Crystal Shaping Tools: Specialized tools for cutting, grinding, and polishing Aether crystals without causing damage or disrupting their internal structure. These tools are often made of diamond or other incredibly hard materials.
    • Aetheric Soldering Iron: A tool used to join Aether-conductive wiring and other components with precise and controlled application of Aetheric energy. This tool prevents energy leakage and ensures a strong connection.
    • Engraving Tools: Fine tools for etching intricate designs and patterns onto the Aethercycle’s chassis.
    • Alignment Gauges: Precision instruments used to ensure the perfect alignment of the crystal resonance plates and stabilizing gears.
    • Aetheric Testing Apparatus: A device used to measure and monitor the flow of Aetheric energy throughout the Aethercycle. This apparatus is crucial for fine-tuning the vehicle’s performance.
    • Safety Goggles (with Aetheric shielding): Essential for protecting the eyes from the intense light and potential sparks generated during the crafting process.
  • Skill Requirements:
    • Master Smith (Aethersteel): Requires extensive experience and expertise in working with Aethersteel, including forging, shaping, and finishing techniques.
    • Expert Aetheric Engineer: Requires a deep understanding of Aetheric principles, crystal resonance, and energy manipulation.
    • Journeyman Machinist: Requires proficiency in crafting precision mechanical components, such as gears and control mechanisms.
    • Mind’s Eye: Use is needed to check and adjust to the original.
  • Crafting Steps:
    • Forge the Chassis: Using the Aetheric Forge, heat the Aethersteel ingots to the required temperature and carefully shape them into the Aethercycle’s chassis. This is a complex and demanding process, requiring precise hammering and shaping to achieve the desired aerodynamic form.
    • Prepare the Aether Crystal: Carefully cut, grind, and polish the large Aether crystal to the correct dimensions and specifications. This step requires extreme precision to avoid damaging the crystal.
    • Craft the Crystal Resonance Plates: Treat the crystal plates using the closely guarded techniques of Aether Technomancers. This involves precise application of heat, magical energies, and specific chemical compounds.
    • Assemble the Engine Housing: Construct the central engine housing from Aethersteel, carefully integrating the prepared Aether crystal and the crystal resonance plates. Ensure perfect alignment using the alignment gauges.
    • Install Aether-Conductive Wiring: Carefully route and connect the Aether-conductive wiring throughout the chassis, connecting the engine housing to the control mechanisms and the repulsor units (which will be crafted in the next step). Use the Aetheric soldering iron to create secure and efficient connections.
    • Craft and Install Repulsors: Construct the repulsor units using Aethersteel and additional crystal components. These units are responsible for generating the hovering effect. Carefully integrate them into the chassis, ensuring they are aligned with the crystal resonance plates.
    • Install Stabilizing Gears: Integrate the precision-engineered stabilizing gears into the engine housing, ensuring they mesh perfectly and operate smoothly. These gears regulate the Aetheric flow and prevent instability.
    • Attach Control Mechanisms: Install the handlebars, control levers, and grips, ensuring they are ergonomically positioned and securely connected to the Aether-conductive wiring.
    • Add Seat and Cushioning: Attach the seat and cushioning to the chassis, providing a comfortable riding experience.
    • Polish and Finish: Carefully polish the entire Aethercycle using the specialized polishing compounds, achieving the signature sleek and lustrous finish. Engrave any desired decorative patterns or markings. Add coloring.
    • Aetheric Testing and Calibration: Use the Aetheric testing apparatus to thoroughly test the Aethercycle’s energy flow, repulsor output, and overall performance. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal operation. This is a crucial step to ensure the vehicle is safe and reliable. The Mind’s Eye can be very helpful for duplication.
    • Final Inspection: Conduct a thorough final inspection, checking for any flaws or imperfections. The finished Aethercycle should be a masterpiece of magitech engineering, reflecting the skill and dedication of its creator.

This recipe represents a significant undertaking, requiring not only rare materials and specialized tools, but also a high level of skill and knowledge. The resulting Aethercycle, however, will be a testament to the crafter’s mastery and a valuable asset in the world of Saṃsāra.

Ballad of Whispering Wind and the Sky-Strider

Hark, traveler, and lend thine ear to a tale spun from threads older than the oldest oak, a tale whispered on the winds, garbled by time and tongues unknown. It speaks of the first Sky-Strider, what you call now the Aethercycle, though the name itself is a clumsy echo of what it truly was.

In days when the mountains were young and the stars spoke plainly to mortals, there lived a maiden, nimble of foot but heavy of heart. Her name, some say, was Whispering Wind, for she loved to race the breezes across the plains, but always, always, the wind outstripped her. She yearned to touch the clouds, to dance among the hawks, to leave the dust of the earth behind. Not in arrogance, mind you, but in pure, unbridled joy of motion.

She pleaded with the spirits of the air, with the grumpy gnomes of the earth, even with the shimmering djinn of the fire. None could grant her wish. The air was too fickle, the earth too solid, the fire too hungry. But Whispering Wind, she would not be deterred. She saw, with a sight beyond sight, a glimmer, a potential, in the very fabric of the world. We call it Aether now, but to her, it was… well, the words fail. It was the breath of possibility, the un-formed stuff of dreams.

She sought out the legendary Smith, a being whose name is lost even to the oldest scrolls, a creature said to forge with starlight and quench with tears. Some say he was a godling, others a demon, still others… a mistake. This Smith, he listened, his one good eye (the other was said to have been traded for a secret) gleaming with… something. Amusement? Pity? Who can say?

He agreed, for a price. Not gold, nor jewels, nor even souls. He wanted… stories. Whispering Wind, she had roamed far, and though her feet could not match the wind, her memory could. She told him tales of forgotten kings, of singing stones, of loves lost and won, of the laughter of children and the silence of the deep earth.

The Smith, he listened, and he worked. He hammered metal that was not metal, mined from a place that was not a place – a meteor, some say, fallen from a weeping star. He coaxed fire that was not fire, the cold, blue heart of the Aether itself, tamed and bound by runes that even he did not fully understand. He wove strands of captured lightning, whispers of solidified wind, and the tears of a grieving mountain.

The result… it was not a machine, not as you understand it. It was a song made solid. It hummed with a life that was not life, a yearning that echoed Whispering Wind’s own. It resembled, so the fragments say, a coursing beast of the earth, but one that had sprouted wings not of feather, but of pure, contained sky.

Whispering Wind, she mounted this… creation. And she flew. Not merely flew, but became the wind. She raced the sun, she danced with the moon, she kissed the faces of the sleeping stars. She laughed, and the sound echoed through the ages, a joyous shout against the silence of eternity.

But… (there is always a ‘but’, isn’t there?)… the Smith had warned her. The Sky-Strider was not hers to own, but to borrow. It was a part of the Aether, and the Aether demanded balance. She could fly, she could soar, she could be the wind… but she could never stay.

And so, one day, as she raced the setting sun, the Sky-Strider… faded. Not broke, not shattered, but simply… un-became. Whispering Wind fell, not to her death (for the wind, her old friend, caught her), but to the earth, to the dust she had so longed to escape.

She lived a long life after, they say. A good life. A life filled with the very things she had once sought to leave behind: the warmth of the earth, the laughter of children, the slow, steady rhythm of a heart bound to the world. She never forgot her flight, but she no longer yearned for it. She had touched the sky, and in doing so, had learned to love the earth.

Moral of the Story: The highest flights may show us the beauty of the heavens, but true contentment is often found in embracing the grounded realities of our existence. The chase may be grand, but one should always know that not all things are meant to be kept, and even borrowed joys can leave lasting, meaningful warmth.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Unique Artifact)
  • Description: A sleek, otherworldly vehicle resembling a motorcycle, but hovering slightly above the ground. It hums with a faint, unsettling energy. Constructed from an unknown, dark metal, it is adorned with glowing blue glyphs.
  • SAN Loss: 0/1D4 Sanity points upon first witnessing the Aethercycle in operation (seeing an object defy gravity and seemingly powered by unnatural forces).
  • Stats:
    • MOV: 16 (Equivalent to a fast car; CoC uses a relative movement rate)
    • Build: 3 (Large and sturdy)
    • HP: 20 (Difficult to damage)
    • Armor: 4 points (The Aethersteel provides significant protection)
    • Malfunction: 96-100 (On a roll of 96-100 on a D100, the Aethercycle malfunctions spectacularly, potentially exploding or releasing a burst of uncontrolled Aetheric energy. This roll is made at the Keeper’s discretion, typically when the device is pushed beyond its limits or damaged.)
  • Skills:
    • Drive Auto: Can be used to control the Aethercycle under normal circumstances.
    • Mechanical Repair: Can be used to attempt minor repairs, but understanding the underlying principles requires Occult or Cthulhu Mythos.
    • Occult/Cthulhu Mythos: A successful roll might grant insight into the Aethercycle’s true nature, revealing its connection to the Aether and potentially unlocking hidden capabilities (at the Keeper’s discretion, and likely at a significant SAN cost).
  • Mechanics:
    • Fuel: The Aethercycle requires “Aether Charges.” These are extremely rare and dangerous to handle (requiring special containment). Each charge provides 1D6 hours of operation. Replenishing charges is a significant undertaking, likely involving dangerous expeditions or dealings with unsavory entities.
    • Unnatural Speed: The Aethercycle’s speed can be unsettling. Investigators may suffer additional SAN loss when traveling at high speeds for extended periods (Keeper’s discretion).
    • Aetheric Backlash: If the Aethercycle is damaged, or if a Malfunction occurs, it may release a burst of Aetheric energy. This could manifest as a localized distortion in reality, a damaging electrical discharge, or some other bizarre and dangerous phenomenon (determined by the Keeper).

Blades in the Dark

    Item: The Aethercycle

  • (Unique Vehicle, Quality 6)
  • Description: A low-slung, humming vehicle that floats effortlessly above the ground, powered by a contained spark of the ghost field. Its Aethersteel frame is etched with intricate, glowing channels.
  • Effect:
    • Tier: VI (Reflects the extreme rarity and advanced technology)
    • Speed: Exceptional. Grants +1d to engagement rolls when pursuing or fleeing. Allows for movement across districts with minimal risk of encountering obstacles or patrols (assuming the route is relatively clear).
    • Armor: Heavy. The Aethercycle provides significant protection to the rider (treat as having Heavy Armor).
    • Capacity: 1 rider.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Conspicuous: The Aethercycle is incredibly noticeable and attracts attention (heat).
    • Volatile: If severely damaged (taking Trauma), the Aethercycle may explode, inflicting devastating harm (level 4 harm) to the rider and anyone nearby.
    • Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance by a skilled Hull (or possibly a Tinker with specific expertise). Failure to maintain the Aethercycle properly can lead to malfunctions and reduced effectiveness.
  • Mechanics:
    • Acquisition: Acquiring an Aethercycle would likely be the goal of a major score or a long-term project, requiring significant resources, connections, and risk.
    • Clocks: The GM might use clocks to track the Aethercycle’s fuel level (“Aether Charge”), maintenance status, or the attention it attracts from rival gangs or the authorities.
    • Devil’s Bargain: A player might take a Devil’s Bargain related to the Aethercycle, such as risking a catastrophic malfunction for increased speed or accepting increased heat for showing off the vehicle.
  • Downtime Actions: Repair can take multiple down time actions.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Wondrous Item, Legendary)
  • Description: A magically powered vehicle resembling a motorcycle, crafted from dark, shimmering metal and adorned with glowing blue runes. It hovers a foot above the ground.
  • Stats:
    • Speed: 80 feet (hovering)
    • AC: 19 (Aethersteel construction)
    • HP: 75
    • Damage Immunities: Poison, Psychic
    • Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from nonmagical attacks
    • Capacity: 1 rider
  • Properties:
    • Hover: The Aethercycle hovers and is unaffected by difficult terrain.
    • Aether Powered: The Aethercycle requires a charged Aether crystal to function. A fully charged crystal provides 10 hours of operation. Recharging a crystal requires a special ritual and rare components (DM’s discretion on the specifics).
    • Attunement: Requires attunement by a creature with proficiency in Arcana.
    • Fast: While riding the Aethercycle the player can use its bonus action to dash.
  • Mechanics:
    • Control: The rider can control the Aethercycle with simple mental commands, requiring no specific skill checks under normal circumstances. Difficult maneuvers or hazardous conditions might require a Dexterity (Vehicles) check.
    • Damage: If the Aethercycle is reduced to 0 hit points, it ceases to function and crashes. The rider takes 3d6 bludgeoning damage.
    • Magical Nature: The Aethercycle is considered a magical object and is unaffected by effects that target nonmagical objects.

Knave

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Unique Artifact)
  • Description: A strange, humming cycle that floats without wheels. Made of dark, rune-etched metal.
  • Stats:
    • Speed: Very Fast (Effectively doubles movement rate)
    • Defense: 16 (Superior construction)
    • Capacity: 1 rider
    • Quality: d8 (Used for any rolls related to the device’s performance or reliability)
  • Properties:
    • Hovering: Ignores difficult terrain.
    • Aether Fueled: Requires rare Aether Shards to operate. Each shard provides 1d6 hours of use.
    • Unstable: When the Aethercycle is used to perform a risky maneuver, or when it takes damage, roll its Quality die. On a 1, it malfunctions in a spectacular and potentially dangerous way (GM’s discretion).
  • Mechanics:
    • Usage: Controlling the Aethercycle is relatively straightforward, requiring no specific skill checks under normal circumstances.
    • Damage: If the Aethercycle malfunctions, the rider takes 1d6 damage, plus additional effects based on the situation (e.g., falling, explosion, etc.). The item is then unusable until repaired.
    • Repair: Simple, but requires Aether Shards.

Fate (Core)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • Description: A sleek, hovering vehicle of unknown origin, powered by a contained singularity of strange energy. Its Aethersteel frame hums with power.
  • Aspects:
    • High Concept: Whisper-Fast Aether-Fueled Hovercycle
    • Trouble: Conspicuous and Draws Unwanted Attention
    • Other Aspects: Uncannily Responsive, Aethersteel Construction, Requires Rare Aetherium Fuel
  • Skills:
    • Drive: Used to control the Aethercycle. The vehicle’s Uncannily Responsive aspect can be invoked to provide a bonus to Drive rolls.
    • Crafts: Used to repair or modify the Aethercycle.
    • Lore or Mysteries: Used to understand the Aethercycle’s origins and workings.
  • Stunts:
    • Breakneck Speed: Spend a fate point to gain +2 to Drive rolls when attempting to outrun pursuers or overcome obstacles requiring speed.
    • Aetheric Evasion: Spend a fate point to use the Aethercycle’s strange energy field to gain +2 to Defend against ranged attacks.
  • Mechanics:
    • Fuel: The Aethercycle requires Aetherium, a rare and volatile substance. The GM should create a clock to track fuel levels. Refueling the Aethercycle can be a compel, a source of complications, or the basis of an entire scenario.
    • Damage: The Aethercycle can take stress and consequences, just like a character. Its Aethersteel Construction aspect can be invoked to reduce damage.
  • Compels: The Conspicuous and Draws Unwanted Attention aspect can be compelled frequently, bringing the Aethercycle (and its rider) into conflict with authorities, rivals, or those seeking to steal the technology.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Artifact, Level 7)
  • Description: A single-person vehicle that hovers a short distance above the ground, propelled by an intricate system of energy conduits and glowing glyphs. It appears to be constructed from a dark, incredibly strong metal (Aethersteel).
  • Level: 7 (Indicates the complexity and power of the device)
  • Form: Single-person hover vehicle.
  • Effect:
    • Speed: Increases Speed Effort by two steps when moving.
    • Armor: +2
    • Depletion: 1 in 1d20 (check each hour of use). When depleted, the Aethercycle requires a new, extremely rare “Aether Core” to function.
    • Minor Effect Suggestion: Move and additional 50′ per turn.
    • Major Effect Suggestion: Move an additonal 250′ this turn.
  • Mechanics:
    • Operation: Requires an Intellect roll (difficulty determined by the situation – routine operation might be difficulty 3, while daring maneuvers could be 6 or higher).
    • Repair: Repairing the Aethercycle requires specialized knowledge (Understanding Numenera) and rare parts (likely salvaged from other numenera). The difficulty of the repair depends on the extent of the damage.
    • Depletion: The roll of 1 is needed to avoid Depletion.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Unique Vehicle, Artifact, Level 15)
  • Description: A magically powered vehicle resembling a motorcycle, crafted from dark, shimmering Aethersteel and adorned with glowing blue runes. It hovers a foot above the ground.
  • Stats:
    • Speed: 80 feet (hovering)
    • AC: 30
    • Hardness: 15
    • HP: 120 (BT 60)
    • Immunities: Critical hits, object immunities, precision damage
    • Capacity: 1 rider
    • Activation:  Interact (mental command)
  • Requirements: Arcana, or Crafting DC30
  • Properties:
    • Hover: The Aethercycle hovers and is unaffected by difficult terrain.
    • Aether Powered: The Aethercycle requires a charged Aetherium Core to function. A fully charged core provides 10 hours of operation. Recharging a core requires a special ritual and rare components.
    • Fast: While riding the Aethercycle the player can use its bonus action to dash.
  • Mechanics:
    • Control: Requires a Piloting Lore check, the DC is based on driving conditions.
    • Damage: When disabled, the Aethercycle’s rider is thrown and takes 3d6 bludgeoning damage.
    • Repair: Very Difficult.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Relic)
  • Description: A sleek, black metal cycle that hums with power and hovers slightly above the ground. Runes glow along its chassis.
  • Stats:
    • Pace: 16″ (Very Fast)
    • Toughness: 14(4) (Heavy Armor)
    • Crew: 1
    • Climb: 0
  • Notes:
    • Handling: +2
    • Heavy Armor: Adds +4 to the vehicle’s base Toughness.
    • Hover: The Aethercycle ignores difficult ground.
    • Aether-Fueled: Requires extremely rare “Aether Cells.” Each cell provides 2d6 hours of operation.
    • Unstable: On a Critical Failure when making a Driving roll, the Aethercycle malfunctions. Roll on the Vehicle Critical Hits table (SWADE p. 100), but treat any “Out of Control” result as the Aethercycle shutting down and the rider being thrown (dealing 2d6 damage).
  • Mechanics:
    • Driving: The Aethercycle uses the standard Driving rules. The +2 Handling bonus reflects its responsiveness.
    • Acquisition: Obtaining an Aethercycle would be a major plot point, perhaps requiring a significant quest or favor from a powerful faction.
    • Repair: Aethercycles cannot be easily repaired.

Shadowrun (6th Edition World)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Custom Vehicle)
  • Description: A sleek, black motorcycle that hovers instead of using wheels. It hums with barely-contained magical energy, runes glowing faintly along its chassis.
  • Stats:
    • Handling: 5 (Exceptional maneuverability)
    • Speed: 5 (Very fast acceleration)
    • Accel: 5
    • Body: 8 (Solid Aethersteel construction)
    • Armor: 8 (Significant protection)
    • Pilot: 3 (Built-in guidance system)
    • Sensor: 4 (Enhanced sensors to aid in navigation)
    • Seats: 1
  • Modifications:
    • Magical Engine: Replaces a standard combustion or electric engine. The Aethercycle runs on rechargeable magical foci. Each focus provides 1D6 hours of operation at normal speeds, or half that time if consistently using high-speed maneuvers. Recharging a focus requires a skilled magician (Ritual spellcasting) and rare reagents.
    • Rigger Adaptation: Allows a rigger to interface with the Aethercycle’s systems, granting improved control and potentially unlocking additional capabilities (GM’s discretion).
    • Signature Masking: Due to its magical nature, the Aethercycle has a reduced astral signature, adding +2 dice to any tests to detect it astrally.
  • Mechanics:
    • Driving Tests: Use standard Vehicle Tests (Pilot Ground Craft + Reaction). The high Handling and Speed provide significant advantages.
    • Magical Interference: The Aethercycle’s magical engine might be susceptible to mana storms, background count, or other magical phenomena (GM’s discretion).
  • Acquisition: Acquiring an Aethercycle would be extremely difficult and expensive, likely requiring a major run against a powerful corporation or magical organization.
  • Illegal: Owning and operating the Aethercycle would almost certainly be illegal in most jurisdictions, attracting significant attention from law enforcement.
  • Availability: 24F
  • Cost: 80,000¥

Starfinder

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Technological Item, Level 12)
  • Description: A single-person hovercycle crafted from a dark, exceptionally strong metal alloy (Aethersteel) and powered by a contained energy field. Glowing glyphs pulse with power.
  • Stats:
    • Size: Large
    • Speed: 80 ft. (full speed), 20 ft. (hovering, any direction)
    • EAC: 24; KAC: 26
    • HP: 80; Hardness: 10
    • Attack (Collision): 6d8 B
    • Piloting Mod: +2
    • Cover: partial cover
    • Modifiers: +2 Piloting checks; ignores difficult terrain while hovering
  • Systems:
    • Aether Drive: The Aethercycle hovers and can move in any direction.
    • Aetherium Cell: Requires a rare and expensive Aetherium Cell for power. A full cell provides 12 hours of operation. Replacing or recharging a cell is a significant undertaking.
  • Mechanics:
    • Piloting: Uses standard Piloting rules. The +2 modifier reflects the cycle’s responsiveness.
    • Damage: If reduced to 0 HP, the Aethercycle crashes. The rider takes damage based on their speed at the time of the crash (GM’s discretion).

Traveller (Mongoose 2e)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Unique Vehicle)
  • Description: A single-seat gravitic vehicle, constructed from an unusually strong, dark metal alloy. It’s clearly of advanced, possibly non-human, design.
  • Stats:
    • Air Speed: 400 kph (Gravitic propulsion)
    • Handling: +3 (Highly maneuverable)
    • Armor: 6 (Aethersteel alloy)
    • Structure: 40
    • Crew: 1 (Pilot)
  • Features:
    • Gravitic Drive: The Aethercycle ignores terrain and can hover.
    • Aetherium Power Cell: Requires a very rare and potentially dangerous Aetherium Cell for power. A full cell provides 24 hours of operation. Sourcing a replacement cell would be a major challenge, possibly requiring interstellar travel.
  • Mechanics:
    • Piloting: Uses the Pilot (Grav) skill. The +3 Handling bonus makes it easier to control.
    • Damage: Uses standard vehicle damage rules.
    • Origin: The Aethercycle’s advanced technology might make it the subject of intense interest from governments, corporations, or researchers.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

    Item: Aethercycle

  • (Unique Artifact)
  • Description: A bizarre contraption resembling a riderless, metal horse that glides smoothly above the ground. Runes carved into its dark metal frame glow with an eerie blue light.
  • Stats:
    • Movement: 8 (Double normal human movement)
    • Toughness Bonus: 4 (Aethersteel construction)
    • Wounds: 25
    • Skills: The Aethercycle effectively grants the rider the Ride (Aethercycle) skill at a base value of 40 + Agility Bonus.
  • Qualities:
    • Magical: The Aethercycle is clearly a magical device, and may be affected by spells or phenomena that target magic.
    • Aether-Powered: Requires a rare and unstable Aetherstone to function. A fully charged Aetherstone provides 1d10 hours of operation. Recharging an Aetherstone is a dangerous process, requiring a skilled wizard (and possibly a ritual).
    • Unstable: Whenever the rider attempts a particularly dangerous maneuver, or if the Aethercycle takes significant damage, the GM may require a Test using the Ride (Aethercycle) skill. On a failure, the Aethercycle malfunctions (GM’s discretion on the effects – ranging from a temporary shutdown to a violent explosion).
    • Daemonic?: There are suspicions this could be demon-related.
  • Mechanics:
    • Riding: Uses a new skill: Ride (Aethercycle). Standard Riding tests apply, but the Aethercycle’s speed and maneuverability can grant bonuses (or impose penalties) in certain situations.
    • Reputation: Simply possessing the Aethercycle would make a character incredibly famous (or infamous), attracting the attention of witch hunters, scholars, nobles, and thieves.