Cyphers are one-use, cobbled together bits of left over technology from previous eras. They are often unstable and vary so greatly in appearance and purpose that a first glance is usually not enough to surmise the purpose and function of the cypher.
These devices are extremely common and PCs are encouraged to use them frequently - there is always more just around the next corner.
House Rules - Identifying Cyphers
- All cyphers must be identified before use.
- The DL is equal to the Cypher's level (max of 6).
- A character can apply effort and training to the check (Numenera-based).
- If the check is successful, all characters in the party have full use and knowledge of the device (unlocking the full item description).
- If the check is within 2 points of the DL (ie. the result is 13 for a DL 3(15) Cypher), all characters in the party get a gist of the device (unlocking some aspect of the full item description).
- Identifying cyphers gains XP at a rate of 1 XP / 5 Cyphers identified.
House Rules - Cypher Limits
Players are encouraged to use cyphers on a rolling basis and not hoard them. However, 2-3 slots can become frustrating so there is a house rule regarding cypher limits:
- Each character has 2-3 Cyphers slots as per the corebook.
- Anoetic cyphers are simple items to use and take up 1 slot.
- Occultic cyphers are complex items to use and take up 2 slots.
- Each character can carry up to 5 slots worth of cyphers, however for every slot above their natural maximum, the range for a free GM Intrusion increases. (ie. A Glaive has 3 slots worth of cyphers, so they would botch on a roll of 1-2, instead of just one).
Item Crafting and Cyphers
Rules are as per the Corebook, pg 106-108. Taking skill in numenera crafting will assist in identifying cyphers and tinkering with them.
Discovered Cyphers
None Yet