Matrix Initiate

Initial Attunement/Use [10]�

Initiate (Shadow Movement) [5]�
Extended Shadow Movement Advanced Attunment/Use [5]�
Matrix of the Mind [5]�
Summon Vortex (Offense) [5]�
[Matrix] Shield [5]�
Improved Shadow Movement [5]�
Shadow Manipulation [5]�
Matrix Lens
The Matrix
(Example Shadow Power)

The Matrix is an example of a different write-up of Broken Pattern Imprint. It is

still a watered down version of Pattern, but is more... deviant. Partial credit for
this write-up should go to Daniel Jacobsson, and his GM Tim Wilbanks. I and Scott
Nolan have made significant changes to make it fit my campaign.

On the shadow of Eidolon, deep in the bowels of the earth (below what was once an
ancient ruin and has since become Castle Omega), lies a glowing field of energy
known as The Matrix. It is composed of a complex latticework with no beginning, no
breaks, no end, but a definite center -- the whole marred only by a roaming glitch
known as the Vortex -- a random swirling of life and destruction on the Matrix. The
Vortex wanders about the Matrix in a nearly random motion.

Matrix attunement is a tricky process. The candidate watches carefully from the
edge of the Matrix for the Vortex to reach one of the outer lines, temporarily
breaching the Matrix. The candidate must then walk a careful dance around the edge
of the Vortex as it wanders the Matrix. The candidate must simultaneously avoid
stepping on the Matrix as it resumes solidity, and drifting too close to the
Vortex. He must constantly stay in the penumbra between the two. This feat is
complicated by the shifts in motion of the Vortex. Only one out of ten candidates
survives to reach the center and become an initiate.

Matrix initiates of Eidolon, if they heard of Amber's static Pattern, might argue
that while the Pattern is stronger, Eidolon's Matrix is more representative of the
true shape of the universe, blending as it does the beauties and dangers of both
Order and Chaos.

ATTRIBUTE TIPS FOR MATRIX

Walking the Matrix requires powers of both mind and body. Psyche is necessary to
control the manipulations of shadow. Characters no investment in Psyche can only
use its powers when completely rested and in top physical condition.�

Walking on the Matrix requires Endurance. Characters with no investment in

Endurance may walk the Matrix only when completely rested and at peak condition.
Even then, fewer than 10% survive the attempt, and those that do are completely
exhausted upon completion. Characters slightly higher Endurance can walk the
Matrix with little danger, but are still quite tired when finished. Characters with
significant Endurance investments can easily walk the Matrix.
Powers

Crossing Shadow
Initiates of the Matrix can travel through Shadow, but only by traveling physical
distances at the same time. Travel is slow. If the initiate tries to move at a
faster rate, he drastically increases his chances of falling prey to the Vortex.
The initiate cannot merely set a course and begin movement. He must constantly
adjust for the semi-random motion of the Vortex and angle toward his destination,
the technique is not wholly unlike tacking a ship into the wind.�

This ability does not include the capacity to seek Shadows of desire. The initiate
can explore from Shadow to Shadow, or can travel to known Shadows, or those
researched through mystical means, but that is all. A mistake is rarely
immediately lethal, instead a close brush with the Vortex can deposit the user on a
random shadow. Depending on your Good to Bad Stuff ratio, this can still be
dangerous.

Extended Shadow Movement

A Matrix initiate can lead others through Shadow. A small group, under a dozen or
so, can be led with relatively few problems if the initiate is careful to keep them
close. However, as the initiate is by definition traveling between the Scylla of
the Vortex and the Charybdis of the Matrix, danger is always present. Large bodies
of men, such as an army, will inevitably suffer losses. The larger the body of men,
the greater the proportion of losses. People lost in this way suffer the true and
final death.

This level of skill with Shadow Movement also allows a sort of 'Royal Way',
involving slower, but less strenuous and/or dangerous travel.

Finally, an initiate standing at the center of the Matrix may will the Matrix to
send him to any place of his desire. This is almost always an inexact science,
however, and the influence of the Vortex will occasionally cause this desire to be
perverted in some random way.�

ADVANCED MATRIX INITIATION

(At this level, the Vortex is still an inconvenience, but rarely a true threat
unless the advanced initiate is injured or distracted.)

Visualize the Matrix

Much like the Advanced Pattern Ability, except that it is dangerous to attempt when
tired or distracted. If the initiate accidently concentrates too hard on the
Matrix or the Vortex, he will be knocked senseless.

Manifest the Vortex

Matrix initiates can summon the destructive energies of the Vortex. It manifests as
a blast of raw energy that is usually rather destructive. The strength of the
Vortex depends on the Psyche of the initiate. Manifesting the Vortex has some side
effects. Magic becomes easier to work, and technology based items may fail. More
importantly, Shadow movement in the general area via the Matrix is more likely to
result in an encounter with the Vortex. The Vortex is slower to activate than
Pattern Defense.

Matrix Sheild
Summoning the image around themselves, the Matrix user can create a shield immune
to Vortex energies. This shield also acts as physical and mental defense (similar
to Pattern Defense) unlike the Logrus shield, the Matrix Shield appears as a full
bubble, where the user sits in the vortex at the center. A Matrix Shield is slower
to activate than Pattern Defense. Initiates cannot simultaneously attack with the
Vortex and defend with the shield. While it is slow to activate the Shield/Vortex,
once done the Matrix initiate can switch between them quickly. Fights between
initiates are long drawn-out affairs, where each initiate tries to blast the other
when the other has their shield down.

Improved Shadow Travel

Travel is faster and easier, nearly as fast as the rate of a normal Pattern
initiate. Hellriding is possible, but dangerous.�
Shadow Manipulation
Advanced initiates of the Matrix can manipulate shadows in a manner similar to
Pattern initiates (not advanced Pattern initiates), but there is always some
variation from the desired design. Usually, this is not critical. Also, if the
advanced initiate does not visit the shadow with some frequency, it will drift back
towards its original configuration.

Matrix Lens
The user may call up the image of the Matrix, which can be used for magical sight
and recognition. The presence of the Vortex -does not- give innacurate
information, but does occasionally force the initiate to discontinue using the
lens.