Concentration (sage ability)
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Concentration is an amateur-status sage ability that enables the character to focus all their energies on a single all-out attack or performance of a skill. This gathering of concentration requires two complete combat rounds, during which the character does nothing whatsoever, in order to order and clear his or her mind. The effects are described below.
Combat
Having taken two rounds to prepare his or her force of will, the character is free to attack in melee or with missile weapons, so long as this can be done in the round immediately after. Preparation can take place with the weapon in hand, so long as the character's concentration isn't broken by taking damage or some other distraction.
The attack is done with +3 to hit and +1 damage. Whereupon the concentration is lost and the character can continue to attack, or withdraw to attempt another concentrated attack. There is no limit as to how many of these attacks can be made.
Performance
Concentration can also affect a wide range of other physical actions, such as attempting a leap, lifting an object, breaking through a door, catching a thrown object, navigating a difficult and treacherous passage, running or starting in a race, among many others. As before, the character must have time to concentrate for two rounds before the ability can be applied.
Where an ability check is required, the character increases the required stat by 15%, or a minimum of 2 points. In these calculations, the character should roll on a percentile die to get the best possible benefit.
- For example, Jack has a 16 constitution and is making a constitution check. He adds 2.4 constitution through concentration, so that he needs a 18.4 on a d20 to succeed. On a percentile die, this equals a 92% chance of success. If his constitution were 17, it would be increased to 19.55, or 97% (fraction is discarded). An 18 constitution would guarantee success for the check.
The same adjustment can be applied to saving throws (if the timing is right) and other calculated chances. Obviously, there isn't always enough time to accomplish the ability, which limits concentration somewhat for the character.
