Nano
Introduction
Nanos are sometimes called mages, wizards, sorcerers, or witches by the people of the Ninth World. Nano-sorcerer is also a common term, with their abilities referred to as nanosorcery. Some claim to be the representatives of gods or other supernatural agencies. Whatever they’re called, Nanos master the mysteries of the past to the degree that they seem to perform miracles. They tap into the numenera to alter reality or learn things that they couldn’t otherwise know.
The term “Nano” is derived from the nanotechnology that is omnipresent throughout the Ninth World (whether anyone realizes it or not). Sometimes people call these invisible, numinous particles that infuse the landscape nano-spirits. Sometimes these spirits take on a devastating manifestation called the Iron Wind and move through the air in clouds, which can be far more dangerous than any conventional storm. In truth, nanites are literally everywhere.
Nanos wield their power in the form of what they call esoteries, although some prefer to call them spells, enchantments, or charms. Nanos are proficient with other devices as well, and sometimes their powers are actually the subtle use of such items hidden upon their person. All Nanos call forth their power in slightly different ways.
Typically, Nanos are intelligent, learned, and insightful. Most of the time, they devote themselves to the numenera and other esoterica rather than to purely physical pursuits. As a result, they’re often well versed in the artifacts and leftovers of the previous worlds.
Nanos in Society:
Frequently, common folks fear Nanos or look upon them with suspicion. It’s easy to be afraid of a brute with an axe, but when it comes to someone who wields invisible powers—magic, for lack of a better term—too much is unknown. A Nano’s strange abilities are unsettling even to the bravest souls unless they have a modicum of knowledge about the numenera. That said, not everyone is frightened of or intimidated by Nanos. There are other people and creatures that have capabilities far beyond the understanding of normal folks—things that even Nanos might not understand. Things that even Nanos might fear.
Like the wizards of fables, some Nanos dwell in solitude to study and conduct odd experiments, while others gather in schools and teach those with potential to use their abilities. They enjoy time in the company of people with similar predilections and interests. Not every Nano is a frail bookworm, however—that’s just the stereotype placed upon them by society. Sometimes, people view Nanos as representatives of the powers that be: gods, demons, or spirits. That’s not too surprising considering that they affect the world around them in ways that most people can’t fathom. What’s more surprising is that some Nanos believe this to be true as well. They call themselves priests or shamans and treat their esoteries more like rituals, prayers, or invocations. When these Nanos gather, they do so in temples, but just as often one of them lives alone amid a flock of the faithful. Some of these loner Nanos don’t call themselves priests; they call themselves gods.
Nanos in the Group:
Typically, a Nano is the party member who keeps to the back of the group, as far from the danger as possible. Compared to their comrades, Nanos are often a bit fragile and less well protected against threats. In addition, most of their abilities work best at range.
As useful and impressive as Nanos’ offensive powers can be, their knowledge is often most valuable to a group. When the party comes upon mysterious devices, weird creatures, or other aspects of the numenera, the Nano is usually the one who knows how to identify or deal with the finds. They can scavenge for new cyphers or figure out how to use artifacts from the past. Many Nanos possess other valuable knowledge in areas such as geography, botany, medicine, and more.
Nanos and the Numenera:
All Nanos know a fair bit about the numenera. In many ways, it’s their lifeblood. When a group finds a broken vehicle, an inactive automaton, or an ancient machine, the Nano steps up and searches it for useful devices.
Almost any numenera item would be welcome, but generally, Nanos are most interested in ranged weapons, protective devices other than armor, and devices that have interesting utility effects—using magnetism, creating force fields, healing wounds, reshaping flesh, creating or destroying matter, and so on. This is true of cyphers as well as artifacts.
Advanced Nanos:
As Nanos gain more experience, they typically learn new and more powerful esoteries. They begin their careers by making personal shields and blasting foes with energy, but eventually, they can fly through the air, disintegrate matter, teleport vast distances, and control the weather.
Nano Background:
Nanos can do things that seem like magic to other people, but their powers aren’t based on charms or spellcasting—the explanation is likely far stranger.
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