ESP (spell)

ESP is a spell that enables the caster to perceive the immediate thoughts of intelligent creatures within the spell's area of effect. The caster can focus on only one creature per round, though they may shift attention between different individuals as the spell progresses. The total number of creatures whose thoughts may be read is limited by the caster's level. However, only creatures with an intelligence of 5 or higher can be "read" — animals and creatures of lower intellect remain imperceptible to the spell.

ESP

Range	self
Duration	10 rounds per level
Area of Effect	1 creature per level, at a range of 10 ft. per level
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	none
Level	mage (2nd)

ESP does not provide access to past memories or deep-seated knowledge, instead revealing only the surface thoughts, emotions and intentions of the moment. Affected creatures do not mentally "speak" their personal details, so their name, residence, long-term plans or greater purpose are not immediately known. However, the caster can glean immediate concerns, current intentions, doubts and deceptive thoughts. This makes ESP invaluable for determining whether an individual is lying, what they are preparing to do in combat or what hesitation or fears they may hold.

Mind Reading

Revealing a creature's unspoken thoughts aloud can be startling or even paralysing, potentially causing hesitation or outright panic. Casters skilled in manipulation may use ESP to instill doubt, disarm aggression or provoke a reaction by answering unasked questions. The awareness that one's mind is being read may evoke fear, hostility or submission, depending on the situation and the personality of the target.

While employing ESP, the caster is required to remain motionless and silent for at least one full round and cannot expend any action points (AP), including for speaking aloud. The caster may end ESP at any time without breaking the spell's effect, but the duration continues to expire whether or not the ability is in active use. To resume reading thoughts, the caster simply declares on their next turn that they are focusing on ESP instead of taking any other action.