Difference between revisions of "ESP (spell)"

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[[File:ESP (spell).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
 
[[File:ESP (spell).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
'''ESP''' enables the caster to comprehend the thoughts of [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligent]] creatures within the spell's area of effect. Only one creature's thoughts may be heard in any given [[Combat Round|round]], while the total number of creatures whose thoughts can be understood is limited by the caster's [[Experience Level|level]]. However, the caster may focus back and forth between multiple individuals.  Only creatures with an intelligence of 5 or more can be "read."
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'''ESP''' is a spell that enables the caster to perceive the immediate thoughts of [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligent]] creatures within the spell's area of effect. The caster can focus on only one creature per [[Combat Round|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 [[Experience Level|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.
  
 
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{{Spelltable
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| level = [[Mage 2nd Level Spells|mage (2nd)]]
 
| level = [[Mage 2nd Level Spells|mage (2nd)]]
 
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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|combat]] or what hesitation or fears they may hold.
  
The spell doesn't allow the caster to peruse the past thoughts of individuals, only those immediate ideas, plans or beliefs in the immediate present. These thoughts are unlikely to include the creature's name, place of residence, grand purpose or long range plans.  That said, the caster is sure to learn what immediate intents and emotions a creature has, when creatures are knowingly lying, what they intend to do next in a  [[Combat|combat]], doubts they may have and so on.
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== Mind Reading ==
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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.
  
Calling out a creature's thoughts in the moment has the power to stop him or her in their tracks, as will answering questions that haven't been spoken aloud.  Knowing the caster is actively able to read thoughts may produce strong feelings of fear or aggression, depending on the individual and the situation at hand.
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While employing ESP, the caster is required to remain motionless and silent for at least one full round and cannot expend any [[Action Points|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.
  
While employing ESP, the caster cannot make any move that expends an [[Action Points|action point]] (AP) for a minimum of one full round.  This includes speaking aloud.  The caster may cease using ESP at any time without breaking the spell — but the time duration will pass whether or not the ESP is utilised.  To re-engage the caster's ongoing ESP, he or she need only state on their next round that instead of acting otherwise, they use the spell.
 
  
 
[[Category: Magical Spells]]
 
[[Category: Magical Spells]]

Revision as of 04:19, 6 March 2025

ESP (spell).jpg

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)

Contents

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.