Difference between revisions of "Affirmation (sage ability)"

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The practice of building a character's confidence so as to be able to endure an expected attack or damage of a specific form, one that is previously known to the character.
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[[File:Affirmation (ability).jpg|right|525px|thumb|A fighter prepares for the magical attack he knows is coming]]
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'''Affirmation''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Empowerment (sage study)|Empowerment]] that enhances a combatant's confidence and mental preparedness before engaging in [[Combat|combat]]. Characters with this knowledge develop the ability to steel themselves against anticipated threats, granting them a focused resilience when they recognize a [[Saving Throws|saving throw]] is imminent. This allows them to apply a '''+2 save adjustment''' when resisting an expected effect and further mitigates harm by reducing incoming [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] by '''-1 per die'''. This preparation is not magical but stems from trained discipline and controlled mental conditioning, enabling the character to brace against known dangers with heightened resolve.
  
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Thus, were the character to know in advance, in the near future, that a combat would soon ensue with a dragon, the character could build confidence through affirming his or her ability to withstand or avoid expected attacks with a breath weapon. The character might also prepare for a magical attack, if the character knew for certain that a mage would use a charm spell or other specific magic. Similarly, if the character knew that a fall was unavoidable, affirmation would grant the character a benefit as well.
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== Preparing for an Attack ==
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To employ the ability, the character must know the nature of the [[Natural Abilities|special attack]] to come.  These attacks take many forms, including [[Breath Weapon|breath weapons]], [[Energy Drain|energy drain]], [[Heat|heat]], [[Charm|charm]], [[Poison (substance)|poison]] and [[Spellcasting|spellcasting]], among others — far more than can be exhaustively listed. What matters is that the character '''expects''' the attack, allowing them to summon the resolve needed to withstand it. Affirmation enables the character to mentally and physically prepare, reinforcing their confidence and ability to act decisively in the face of danger.
  
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To prepare, the character must spend five rounds in personal appraisal and reassurance, affirming again and again an ability to survive and overcome the attack. No other action may be taken during this time. Once this affirmation has been performed, the protection will last from the beginning of one melee until the character or the enemy breaks combat, until one side or the other surrenders or until the enemy is dead. Note that once any of these things occur, the character's affirmation will evaporate as the character is relieved - in which case, a surprise attack may catch the character unprepared.
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: '''For example''', the character learns that a certain [[Cave|cave]] is home to a [[Dragon|dragon]]. Normally, they would enter with little more than instinct and hope, trusting to luck and reflexes when the creature attacks. However, through affirmation, the character deliberately plans their response — considering which side to attack from, how best to position a shield, how to read the dragon's movements or eyes, and, crucially, what exact actions to take the moment the dragon exhales its deadly breath.
  
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In most circumstances, the character will receive a +2 save against all attacks of the exact nature affirmed against. A character that affirmed against a fireball would not be similarly protected against any other magical attack, such as a lightning bolt or a flaming sphere. In cases where the character is not allowed a saving throw, such as certain magic (magic missile, Melf's arrow, etcetera) or the aforementioned drop from a height, the character receives an adjustment of -1 per die rolled to overall damage.
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It's important to note that affirmation does not prepare against a specific creature but rather against a specific '''form of attack'''. Once the character understands the nature of the threat, they must sit and meditate for five full rounds without interruption before announcing that they are "ready." If the attack occurs within the next hour, the character gains the listed benefits, reflecting their heightened state of awareness and preparedness.
  
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This die adjustment does not apply where an attack includes a saving throw.
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== Defense through Rationality ==
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The ability presumes that the character is a significantly more capable combatant when fully engaging their experience, training and past encounters. Affirmation is not simply a matter of intense concentration but a deliberate recollection of learned techniques, past battles and disciplined strategies. The character mentally corrects for overconfidence, reinforcing their ability to act with precision rather than instinct alone.
  
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Affirmation is of no use if the character does not possess the time or the opportunity to spend 5 rounds in preparation. Thus, if the character is surprised, already in combat, in considerable discomfort due to present circumstances, dodging missiles and so on, the ability cannot be employed.
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This preparation requires an undisturbed period of reflection. The character '''cannot''' perform this mental exercise during combat, nor in any situation where they are stressed, distracted or otherwise preoccupied. The surroundings must be quiet, the character must have ample time to think and — critically — they must know what to expect and have a valid reason to anticipate the specific attack. Affirmation cannot be used arbitrarily; the character may not randomly prepare for a vague or unlikely threat. Only when all conditions align can the character properly ready themselves for the challenge ahead.
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See [[Empowerment (sage study)|Empowerment]]
 
  
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[[Category: Lacks Image]]
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If these conditions are met, then the bonuses gained fully justify the time spent in preparation. The ability ensures that when facing a ''known'' danger, the character enters combat with heightened awareness, refined tactics and a reinforced will to endure the attack. This preparation transforms uncertainty into readiness, allowing the character to act with precision rather than desperation. The investment of time grants a tangible advantage, making Affirmation a powerful tool for those who take the opportunity to prepare wisely.
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[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 18:05, 9 March 2025

A fighter prepares for the magical attack he knows is coming

Affirmation is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Empowerment that enhances a combatant's confidence and mental preparedness before engaging in combat. Characters with this knowledge develop the ability to steel themselves against anticipated threats, granting them a focused resilience when they recognize a saving throw is imminent. This allows them to apply a +2 save adjustment when resisting an expected effect and further mitigates harm by reducing incoming damage by -1 per die. This preparation is not magical but stems from trained discipline and controlled mental conditioning, enabling the character to brace against known dangers with heightened resolve.

Preparing for an Attack

To employ the ability, the character must know the nature of the special attack to come. These attacks take many forms, including breath weapons, energy drain, heat, charm, poison and spellcasting, among others — far more than can be exhaustively listed. What matters is that the character expects the attack, allowing them to summon the resolve needed to withstand it. Affirmation enables the character to mentally and physically prepare, reinforcing their confidence and ability to act decisively in the face of danger.

For example, the character learns that a certain cave is home to a dragon. Normally, they would enter with little more than instinct and hope, trusting to luck and reflexes when the creature attacks. However, through affirmation, the character deliberately plans their response — considering which side to attack from, how best to position a shield, how to read the dragon's movements or eyes, and, crucially, what exact actions to take the moment the dragon exhales its deadly breath.

It's important to note that affirmation does not prepare against a specific creature but rather against a specific form of attack. Once the character understands the nature of the threat, they must sit and meditate for five full rounds without interruption before announcing that they are "ready." If the attack occurs within the next hour, the character gains the listed benefits, reflecting their heightened state of awareness and preparedness.

Defense through Rationality

The ability presumes that the character is a significantly more capable combatant when fully engaging their experience, training and past encounters. Affirmation is not simply a matter of intense concentration but a deliberate recollection of learned techniques, past battles and disciplined strategies. The character mentally corrects for overconfidence, reinforcing their ability to act with precision rather than instinct alone.

This preparation requires an undisturbed period of reflection. The character cannot perform this mental exercise during combat, nor in any situation where they are stressed, distracted or otherwise preoccupied. The surroundings must be quiet, the character must have ample time to think and — critically — they must know what to expect and have a valid reason to anticipate the specific attack. Affirmation cannot be used arbitrarily; the character may not randomly prepare for a vague or unlikely threat. Only when all conditions align can the character properly ready themselves for the challenge ahead.

If these conditions are met, then the bonuses gained fully justify the time spent in preparation. The ability ensures that when facing a known danger, the character enters combat with heightened awareness, refined tactics and a reinforced will to endure the attack. This preparation transforms uncertainty into readiness, allowing the character to act with precision rather than desperation. The investment of time grants a tangible advantage, making Affirmation a powerful tool for those who take the opportunity to prepare wisely.

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