RuneCodes

Runecodes

Spellcasters have long known that certain languages are charged with magical power, such that manipulations of words and concepts in the language can manipulate the power of the essence. These languages are ancient, primal tongues which can convey powerful ideals with grace and subtlety.
Mathematics is also an ancient, powerful language, capable of great power and distinction. It is possible to devise a precise mathematical algorithm through which wind the threads of essence, allowing spells to be embedded and cast merely by the manipulation of the algorithm, similar to how a glyph in the primal tongue can be written on rune paper.
Construction of this magical algorithm requires the creation of a special program (the Runecode) and the casting of spells to be embedded within it. A successful Computer Technics roll is required, modified by the level of the spell being embedded as shown on the table below.

lvl of spell	difficulty	mod
1 - 10	hard	-10
10 - 20	very hard	-20
20 - 30	extremely hard	-30
30 - 40	sheer folly	-50
40 - 50	absurd	-70

Creation of the Runecode requires one continuous hour per level of the spell being encoded. Any interruption will ruin the flow of essence through the algorithm and cause the Runecode to fail. After the required time has been spent, the Computer Technics roll is made. A failure result means the Runecode has obviously failed before the PPs are expended on the embedding spells. A near success means that the PPs are spent when the spells are cast, but the Runecode does not accept the spells. A new Runecode can be constructed from scratch by spending the required time again; this Runecode will receive a bonus to its Computer Technics roll due to the previous near success. A successful result yields a functional Runecode.

A computer system of sufficient power is required to contain the Runecode. Conventional computer systems can be used, and are capable of storing up to 2 * their Mk number in spell levels. Thus, a Mk IV pocket computer could hold up to 8 levels worth of spells. A Mk XX mainframe could store up to 40 levels of spells. Enchanted computer systems can also be constructed specifically for the purpose of storing Runecodes, which can store thousands of levels of spells. Such magical computers are used as spellbooks by the technomages and others, and require attunement to operate.

Weight: normal for computer type

Spells used: spell to be embedded and the appropriate Arcane Embed spell
Time to enchant: 1 hour per level of spell embedded