Affirmation (sage ability)

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.