Cybernetica Protocol
Threat Index
Mark one visible enemy, machine, vehicle, or monster as Indexed. The first attack made by you, your linked machine, or one ally against it gains +2.
Cybernetica Datasmith
A handler of servitors, drones, battle-automata, and lesser machine intelligences. Command protocols, repairs, battlefield control, and terrifying helper units with saws.
Forge World ClassesMachine HandlerAvailable in 1.0
Class Dossier — Cybernetica Datasmith
Working Draft · v0.1Cybernetica Datasmith
The automata obey. Pray they never improvise.
Forge-Bound ClassAvailable in 1.0Working Draft
The Cybernetica Datasmith is handler, programmer, keeper, and emergency theologian for battle automata and sacred war engines.
A Datasmith does not merely command machines. They interpret kill logic, restrain sacred violence, index threats, unleash murder routines, and remind ancient engines which side of the battlefield the Omnissiah currently prefers.
The class fantasy is simple:
A Cybernetica Datasmith survives through Intellect, Presence, machine authority, command protocols, threat indexing, battle-automata logic, and the terrifying responsibility of telling a war engine when to stop.
// Design Philosophy
The Cybernetica Datasmith should not play like a generic pet commander. The class should create moments like:
- I index the target. The kill is now scheduled.
- I speak the leash-cant and the war engine holds.
- I ask the machine what it is targeting, and I do not like the answer.
- I calculate where the casualties will fall and move my allies out of it.
- I authorize the kill-code.
- I am the only thing standing between the automata and everyone else.
Signature Mechanic — Cybernetica Protocols
Signature MechanicCybernetica Protocols are the Datasmith signature class mechanic.
A Cybernetica Protocol is a command routine, threat priority, leash-cant, shutdown prayer, kill-index, defensive posture, or machine obedience rite.
// Rules Draft
- A Datasmith starts with 3 Cybernetica Protocols at level 1.
- Protocols use limited Protocol Uses.
- Protocol Uses are restored after a safe rest.
- Draft Protocol Uses: Proficiency Bonus per safe rest.
- Protocols that force resistance use the Datasmith Protocol DC.
Protocol DC = 8 + Proficiency Bonus + Intellect modifier
If the Protocol is about command presence or authority over machine allies, the GM may allow Presence.
Cybernetica Protocols are special. Datasmiths do not gain a new Cybernetica Protocol every level.
Command Link
Command LinkCommand Link represents the Datasmith's connection to a servo-skull, servitor, automata, drone, turret, vehicle, or machine ally.
// Rules Draft
- By default, a Datasmith may maintain one active Command Link.
- A Command Link may grant limited commands, bonuses, reactions, or information depending on scenario and available machines.
- Future rules may define battle automata and drone companions.
It is not mindless. It is obedient to a mind older than mercy.
Cybernetica Protocols Known Progression
| Datasmith Level | Cybernetica Protocols Known |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3 |
| 5 | 4 |
| 9 | 5 |
| 13 | 6 |
| 17 | 7 |
This progression is a working draft. Final class balance may change after all classes are designed.
Cybernetica Protocols
Working DraftCybernetica Protocol
Leash-Cant: Hold
A linked machine, drone, turret, servitor, or ally in heavy armor gains +2 Defense and cannot be forced to move unless overwhelmed.
Cybernetica Protocol
Leash-Cant: Kill
A linked machine or ally attacking your Indexed target gains +2 to hit or adds your Proficiency Bonus to damage.
Cybernetica Protocol
Restraint Subroutine
When a machine, servitor, automata, drone, or turret would go berserk, overextend, or harm allies, use your Reaction to grant Advantage on the check to restrain or redirect it.
Cybernetica Protocol
Machine Threat Prediction
Ask the GM one question about an enemy machine, war engine, turret, automata, vehicle, or large threat: What is it targeting? What powers it? What weakens it? What must not be allowed?
Cybernetica Protocol
Override Pulse
Force a hostile machine or automated defense to make a resistance check. On failure, it loses Reactions or becomes Exposed until your next turn.
Cybernetica Protocol
Guardian Logic
When an ally within 30 feet is hit, use your Reaction to grant them temporary Vitality equal to your Proficiency Bonus or reduce the damage by 1d10 if a linked machine can intervene.
Protocol Trees
Progression SystemCybernetica Datasmith progression uses Protocol Trees.
Protocol Trees replace the idea of a locked subclass plus scattered feature choices. A Datasmith does not choose one permanent subclass and then receive a random pile of features. Instead, they earn Protocol Points and spend them across Cybernetica Datasmith Protocol Trees.
A player may specialize deeply in one tree or spread points across several to become a broader automata handler, threat-index tactician, containment specialist, kill-code author, or defensive calculator.
Each rank costs 1 Protocol Point and requires the previous rank in that tree unless future rules say otherwise.
// Protocol Points Progression
Datasmiths gain 1 Protocol Point at every even level.
Protocol Points
| Datasmith Level | Protocol Points Gained |
|---|---|
| 2 | +1 |
| 4 | +1 |
| 6 | +1 |
| 8 | +1 |
| 10 | +1 |
| 12 | +1 |
| 14 | +1 |
| 16 | +1 |
| 18 | +1 |
| 20 | +1 |
This progression is a working draft. Final class balance may change after all classes are designed.
Rank 1Clean Command
Your Command Link range increases by 15 feet for machines that can receive signal, vox, binharic, or visual cant.
Rank 2Efficient Violence
A linked machine or drone gains +1 to its next attack or check once per scene.
Rank 3Defensive Posture
Use your Reaction to grant a linked machine or ally near it +2 Defense against one attack.
Rank 4Command Relay
Once per safe rest, issue one Protocol through a linked machine as if you were standing at its position.
Rank 5The Engine Answers
Once per safe rest, a linked machine, drone, turret, or automata may take one immediate action, attack, move, defend, or interact at your command.
It obeys because you know the correct prayers and the emergency kill phrase.