Psychically-Focused Spells
I’ve always been fond of the idea of characters being able to add their own little tweaks or adjustments to spells, altering minor aspects of the spell to get a slightly different result. One way that we’ve played with that in the past was with spells that had little extra effects depending on the spellcasting class of the person that cast them: the majority of the spell remained the same, but if cast by a bard it would also do one thing, whereas if cast by a wizard, it would do something else (you can find these in Advanced Arcana Volume IV, if that sounds like something you’d like to know more about).
Today’s article plays in that space, with a trio of spells that can be cast by lots of different casters, but which have extra benefits that can only be accessed by a psychic—and, specifically, a psychic who expends some of their phrenic focus. Of course, that doesn’t mean everyone can’t make good use out of them.
FOCUSED AWARENESS
School transmutation; Level alchemist 2, bard 2, bloodrager 2, cleric 2, druid 2, inquisitor 2, medium 2, mesmerist 2, occultist 2, psychic 2, ranger 2, shaman 2, sorcerer/wizard 2, spiritualist 2, witch 2
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Range touch
Target creature touched
Duration 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes (harmless)
You heighten the target’s senses and perception, allowing them to better focus their mind on the things that matter. The target gains a bonus equal to your caster level on Perception checks, to a maximum bonus of +10 at 10th level. Additionally, the target gains an almost superhuman ability to detect danger, gaining a +4 bonus on Initiative checks, and retaining half their Dexterity bonus to AC even when they are flat-footed.
A psychic that casts this spell can expend 1 point from her phrenic pool as she does so. If she does, the target also gains a bonus equal to her caster level on Sense Motive checks (to a maximum of +10 at 10th level), as their focus allows them to better detect minute facial tics and body language to read those they interact with.
FOCUSED PROJECTION
School divination; Level psychic 6, shaman 6, sorcerer/wizard 6, witch 6
Casting Time 1 round
Components V, S
Range unlimited; see text
Effect magical sensor
Duration concentration, up to 1 hour
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
You focus on a particular place, projecting your consciousness through space to the desired location. Your ability to cast your mind to the correct location is dependent on how familiar you are with the target area. This functions as the spell teleport, except that in the event of a mishap, the spell simply fails.
The spell creates a scrying sensor at the target location, which appears as a translucent image of you. You control the scrying sensor directly, and can fly up to 60 feet per round with perfect maneuverability. You are unable to physically interact with objects or cast spells while under the effects of this spell, and are unable to speak through the scrying sensor, but you may attempt to convey messages via pantomime or body language to those that can detect you, if desired. The scrying sensor can be detected with a successful Perception check (DC = 10 + your caster level + your primary spellcasting ability score modifier). Unlike many scrying sensors, this scrying sensor can be attacked and damaged. Its AC is equal to 10 + your primary spellcasting ability score modifier, and it has a number of hit points equal to your caster level. Additionally, each time the sensor is damaged, you must succeed on a concentration check (DC = 15 + the damage dealt) or the spell immediately ends.
While under the effects of this spell, your body is blind, deaf, and effectively unconscious. If your body suffers any damage, you are immediately aware. Your mind returns to your body the instant the spell ends, regardless of the reason or distance.
A psychic that casts this spell can expend 1 point from her phrenic pool as she does so. If she does, she gains a +5 bonus on concentration checks made to maintain the spell, and when determining if the scrying sensor arrives at the correct location, she may roll twice and choose which result to use.
FOCUSED RESILIENCE
School abjuration; Level alchemist 4, cleric 4, inquisitor 4, mesmerist 4, psychic 4, shaman 4, sorcerer/wizard 4, witch 4
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Range personal
Target you
Duration 1 round/level (D)
You focus your thoughts on mental defense, centering yourself to resist any intrusions into your mind. You gain a +4 resistance bonus on saving throws made to resist mind-affecting effects. Additionally, if you are affected by a compulsion effect that dictates or limits what types of actions you can take, you may make a Will save each round at the effect’s normal DC. If you succeed, you may choose to take no action that round, rather than whatever action the spell would normally force you to take.
A psychic that casts this spell can expend 2 points from her phrenic pool when she does so. If she does, then if she succeeds on a secondary Will save granted by this spell to resist a compulsion effect, and the result is at least 5 greater than the DC, she may act normally that round, rather than taking no action.