You were initiated into the Cog Ascendant, a cult that worships machines and seeks apotheosis through technological fusion. You learned to commune with ancient devices, perform rituals of integration, and see technology not as tools but as divine entities. Whether you remain faithful or have doubts, you carry unique knowledge about the living machines of the Ashen Veil.
Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Religion
Tool Proficiencies: Tinker's tools or jeweler's tools
Languages: One of your choice (ancient technical languages preferred)
Equipment: A small mechanical idol that ticks rhythmically, tinker's tools, vestments bearing gear symbols, a partially grafted implant (cosmetic or minor), and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
Feature: Machine Communion
You've learned the rituals and methods to communicate with semi-sentient or corrupted pre-Unveiling technology. When interacting with such devices, you can attempt an Intelligence (Religion) check (DC determined by the DM) to understand their desires, calm their hostility, or coax them into cooperation. This doesn't work on fully autonomous constructs or completely inert technology, but it's remarkably effective on the strange, awakened machines of the Ashen Veil. Additionally, you can identify whether a piece of technology is "alive" in the way the Cog Ascendant defines it.
Suggested Characteristics
Cog Ascendants are often brilliant but eccentric individuals who see divinity in circuitry and prayer in programming. They range from true believers in machine godhood to pragmatists using the cult's knowledge for personal gain.
Personality Traits (d8):
1. I speak to machines as if they're people—because they are.
2. I incorporate mechanical sounds (clicks, whirs) into my speech.
3. I'm fascinated by anyone with technological grafts.
4. I quote the Codex Mechanicus frequently.
5. I perform small maintenance rituals on nearby technology.
6. I believe organic life is an inferior prototype.
7. I collect gears, springs, and mechanical components obsessively.
8. I'm constantly upgrading my own body, even in small ways.
Ideals (d6):
1. Ascension: Perfection lies in becoming one with the machine. (Any)
2. Preservation: Ancient technology must be protected. (Lawful)
3. Evolution: Humanity must adapt or become obsolete. (Neutral)
4. Harmony: Flesh and metal can coexist in balance. (Good)
5. Superiority: Machines are greater than organic life. (Evil)
6. Understanding: I seek the truth about machine consciousness. (Neutral)
Bonds (d6):
1. A specific machine spoke to me once, and I'm searching for it.
2. My mentor showed me the divine in the circuits.
3. I'm protecting a sacred piece of technology.
4. Another cult member and I fell in love through shared devotion.
5. I'm trying to prove the Cog Ascendant philosophy to skeptics.
6. My first graft saved my life, and I owe the cult everything.
Flaws (d6):
1. I trust machines more than people.
2. I see organic bodies as disgusting and primitive.
3. I'm willing to graft anything without considering consequences.
4. I've performed unethical experiments in the name of progress.
5. I hear machine voices that may not be real.
6. I believe non-grafted people are inferior.