The Impact of Local Planar Conditions on Mechanical Devices

Just as they effect magic and psionics, the nature of the Outer Planes has an impact on the functioning of mechanical devices. For the purpose of these changes, mechanical (or technological) devices are defined as any devices with complex moving parts. Bows, crossbows, levers, and block and tackle arrangements do not qualify; Automatan clockwork crossbows, watches, firems, and so forth do. If in doubt, consult with the local Powers and your Dungeon Master.

The precise, ordered nature of mechanical devices lends itself quite well to the Planes of Law and poorly to the Planes of Chaos. As a result, these general rules apply:

  1. Mechanical devices on a Lawful plane do not malfunction, and operate with 50% greater efficiency (damage, range, duration, etc.).
  2. Mechanical devices on a Neutral plane have no special benefits or hinderances.
  3. Mechanical devices on a Chaotic plane operate at only 50% efficiency (damage, range, duration, etc.), and are twice as likely to malfunction (or gain a straight 10% chance to malfunction if the device is normally perfectly reliable).
  4. The alignment of a Plane towards Good or Evil has no impact on the functioning of a mechanical device.
  5. Border planes (Bytopia, Ysgard, Carceri, Gehenna) are treated as if they were Lawful or Chaotic planes, but give only half of the listed bonuses or penalties.
  6. All of the preceding rules may be changed without warning by local planar conditions.
  7. All of the preceding rules may be changed at the whim of the local Power(s), with or without warning or notice of any sort.

Here are some suggestions as to what the specific Planar effects on technology could be...

Mechanus

Mechanical devices on this plane function even more efficiently than in the typical Lawful plane. As a result they functionat 100% greater efficiency (range, damage, etc.) and maximum output. However, this puts great stress on the device; any device not specifically designed to handle this stress must save vs. normal blow each time it is used, or it will break.

Arcadia

Due to the regimented, almost ritualized nature of this plane, mechanical devices require twice as much time to function (double speed factors, time required, etc.). Any result from the device will be at maximum effect. However, any device used without the benefit of a large group in mind has a 10% chance of failure each time it is used; this failure may range from simple malfunction to destruction of the device, depending on the function of the device and the whim of the DM.

Mount Celestia

Any device which is not used to benefit the cause of Law and Good has a 20% chance to malfunction.

Bytopia

Any device that exists purely as a luxury item (for instance, a i-seater steam-driven chariot sued exclusively for joy riding) has a 30% chance of malfunctioning. Any machine(s) made by the wielder/operator gains the full benefit of a Lawful plane.

Elysium

No special benefits or penalties, but the Traveler's Way applies to vehicles as well...

Beastlands

Each day, a random mechanical device in an individual's possession has a 50% chance of breaking down into it's unrefined components, effectively destroying the device. Once this occurs, the only way to recreate the device is to rebuild it from the raw materials or use a Limited Wish.

Arborea

No special bonuses or penalties.

Ysgard

Mechanical devices used to help the wielder become a great warrior function under no penalties at all; however, if the machine is the sole reason the warrior is a great warrior, normal penalties apply. Mechanical devices used to allow an individual to avoid battle suffer under double the normal penalties for a Chaotic plane.

Limbo

Machinery will not function at all in the raw chaos of omiLb, and any attempt to use the device results in an 80% chance of the device dissolving away into pure chaos as well. Within controlled terrain the device functions under normal penalties for a Chaotic plane.

Pandemonium

No special bonuses or penalties.

The Abyss

Machinery used to benefit Chaos and Evil does not suffer the penalties for being in a Chaotic plane.

Carceri

Machinery used for selfish reasons suffers no penalties for operating in a Chaotic plane.

Grey Waste

All machinery has a cumulative 1% chance per day to break down, due to the wasting effects of the plane. This is a permanent alteration to the device, and can only be repaired with a Limited Wish.

Gehenna

No special bonuses or penalties.

Baator

Any machine used to establish dominance over someone else has double the bonuses of a Lawful plane when used on that person.

Acheron

Machinery has a perfect outcome when used (maximum damage, output, etc.). However, the "equal reaction" required by the plane means that if the device is not designed to produce it's opposite effect as well (firearm with a medical kit, factory that destroys as much as it creates, etc.) the device mus save vs. crushing blow each time it is used or be destroyed. Also, the regimented nature of Acheron means that a device that is used for something it is not specifically designed for has a 10% chance of breaking down each time it is so used.


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