Power Technology

Ethertech directly manipulates the fabric of reality, whether that is from a Moon Relic infused into a bioform or a Moon Relic integrated into an item. Solartech is always an item, and accesses the Ether indirectly using the model of the Sun’s light, bypassing the need for a Moon Relic. Whether a Power is connected to Ethertech or Solartech will determine its maximum Rank. For example, one cannot increase an Ethertech Memory of Light Power beyond Rank 3. This reflects the world lore of the strengths of each type of technology. It also affects the Resources needed for the Growth of a Power: Ethertech requires progressively more powerful Moonshards while Solartech uses more widely available Supplies.

Some factions favor one type of technology over the other. The Moon Wardens, the Chantry, and the Cursed all favor Ethertech, and their members use it almost exclusively. The Order of the Sun relies on Solartech, though Progressives will sometimes seek ways to use Ethertech as a bridge to Solartech development. While not a faction, Synths have evolved unique adaptations to integrate Ethertech into their forms, and almost all tend to favor Ethertech over Solartech. The Naga (and the Sisters of the Deep) use their own Ethertech with some additional rules, but those can be ignored for the initial Power generated during character creation.

Bonded Companions are always considered Ethertech.

Technology Type - Rank Caps and Gateway

* The Rank cap on Memory of Light via Ethertech can be temporarily overcome with the use of Moonshards and the Power Up stunt.

** A Power accessed through a Bonded Companion is considered Ethertech.

*** While a handful of Solartech Psientists study Memories of the Unseen, the practical application of such research is frowned upon by the Order of the Sun. Very few will (clandestinely) experiment with it and no Solartech items with these memories are known to exist.