Nanocyte Gear Arrays and weapon choices.

[Kremlin KOA]

Okay. I wrote a Nanocyte guide a few months back (I really should get around to updating it)

And during it, I noticed the Knacks 'Esoteric Edge' and 'Heavy Weapon Edge' Both gave additional weapon options for the Gear array.

As such, I came to the conclusion that RAI, a base Nanocyte could only make weapon types that the class gives proficiency in.

But the other day, someone challenged that interpretation, noting that the ability doesn't say such a restriction is there.

I was hoping to get official clarification on this situation.

For example, can a Nanocyte make a snipe rifle with their gear array?

Can a Nanocyte, without Heavy Weapon Edge, make a Heavy Weapon from their gear array?

Can a Nanocyte, without Esoteric Edge, make a Special Weapon with their Gear Array?

[Xenocrat]

Yes, proficiency doesn’t matter. Your major form can be any weapon or cybernetic augmentation that meets the level cap.

[Kremlin KOA]

So, why then, does Esoteric Edge explicitly give the ability to make special weapons with the Gear Array?

[Kishmo]

Kremlin KOA wrote:

So, why then, does Esoteric Edge explicitly give the ability to make special weapons with the Gear Array?

Hmm, interesting question. Looking at the list, seems like a lot of Special Weapons have the Analog property; since Gear Array says "weapons and items [created by your gear array] must be technological items" a stern reading of Analog would mean you couldn't choose those Analog Special Weapons as Gear Array choices. Maybe Esoteric Edge is to override that, so that your esoteric Nanocyte could make, for example, a tactical battlebow with their Gear Array?

[Garretmander]

Kishmo wrote:

Kremlin KOA wrote:

So, why then, does Esoteric Edge explicitly give the ability to make special weapons with the Gear Array?

Hmm, interesting question. Looking at the list, seems like a lot of Special Weapons have the Analog property; since Gear Array says "weapons and items [created by your gear array] must be technological items" a stern reading of Analog would mean you couldn't choose those Analog Special Weapons as Gear Array choices. Maybe Esoteric Edge is to override that, so that your esoteric Nanocyte could make, for example, a tactical battlebow with their Gear Array?

Weapons with the analog property are still under the heading of technological items. A bolt action rifle is still technology, and so is a bow. Old school tech is still tech.

I think it's just language leftover from an earlier draft where you had to be proficient with weapons you create.

[Zwordsman]

I believe Analog is fine. The wording in the actual detail mentions that its a colloquial term for less advanced but still tech.
Archiac is where you might have an issue. Those call out being primitive and primitive materials. So its not just less advanced.

Archaic
Source Starfinder Core Rulebook pg. 180
This weapon deals 5 fewer damage unless the target is wearing no armor or archaic armor. Archaic weapons are made of primitive materials such as wood or common steel.

Analog
Source Starfinder Core Rulebook pg. 180
This weapon does not use any advanced electronics, computer systems, or electrical power sources. It is immune to abilities that target technology. While this use of the word “analog” is not technically correct when referring to technology, use of the term in this way has become common throughout the Pact Worlds.