Difference between revisions of "Illusion Powers (FiD)"
(→Survey) |
|||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{FiD}} | {{FiD}} | ||
{{FiD-Powers}} | {{FiD-Powers}} | ||
− | Illusion is the art of perception and deception. It is concerned with | + | Illusion is the art of perception and deception. It is concerned with perception, not substance. |
− | It can create some sounds, scents, tactile phenomena, and other sensory phenomena, but is | + | Illusion powers are most often used to deceive, but they can be used to educate and to discern new things. |
− | Illusionists whose primary sense is not sight would instead focus on illusions to their primary sense, this is not covered by the rules. | + | It can create some sounds, scents, tactile phenomena, and other sensory phenomena, but the main focus of Illusion is on vision. |
+ | Illusionists whose primary sense is not sight would instead focus on illusions to their primary sense, but this is not covered by the rules. | ||
− | Illusions create images of creatures and objects that are objectively real in the sense that | + | Illusions create images of creatures and objects that are objectively real in the sense that it registers on physical senses, including those of living creatures and sensory devices. Such images are still unreal in that they are mere projections, not the actual physical thing projected. An illusion cannot affect objects (other than sensors) unless the power explicitly says it can. An illusion of weight would cause scales to react, but could not cause a bridge to collapse. |
+ | A lift with a weight limit sensor could be made to shut off, but if the sensor is overridden, the lift would work normally despite the illusory overload. | ||
− | Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | + | Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down or provoking actions with lethal consequences. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. |
− | + | Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities, but observers will perceive such objects to take damage. | |
− | This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | + | This includes all objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria and ordinary plants. |
− | You should describe | + | You should describe each illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. |
Illusion creatures are called specters. They are very good actors and believe themselves to really be what they portray, allowing their illusions to respond to events without the user's intervention. | Illusion creatures are called specters. They are very good actors and believe themselves to really be what they portray, allowing their illusions to respond to events without the user's intervention. | ||
− | There are specters that believe themselves to be all sorts of things, people, | + | There are specters that believe themselves to be all sorts of things, people, animals, items, even terrain features, but finding the right specter may require a flashback or even a log-term project for unusual ones. |
− | Spectres that are aware they are illusion spirits are less specialized, not as good at what they do, but they can | + | Spectres that are aware they are illusion spirits are less specialized, not as good at what they do, but they can portray many things. |
− | The plane of dreams | + | The plane of Illusion is a plane of dreams, very ephemeral and subjective. It can change in moments and is shaped by dreamers world-wide. |
Creatures with powerful imaginations create their own dream-realms which persist even when they are not asleep. | Creatures with powerful imaginations create their own dream-realms which persist even when they are not asleep. | ||
Such realms can be studied for information and manipulated to change the mind of their creator, but this is difficult and dangerous. | Such realms can be studied for information and manipulated to change the mind of their creator, but this is difficult and dangerous. | ||
Line 32: | Line 34: | ||
|valign="top"| '''Sever Spectre''' <br> Dismiss a specter or end an illusion power. | |valign="top"| '''Sever Spectre''' <br> Dismiss a specter or end an illusion power. | ||
|valign="top"| '''Summon Spectre''' <br> Call a specter from another plane. | |valign="top"| '''Summon Spectre''' <br> Call a specter from another plane. | ||
− | |valign="top"| '''Dream Domain''' <br> Gate to the realm of dreams or | + | |valign="top"| '''Dream Domain''' <br> Gate to the realm of dreams or into a dream. |
|- | |- | ||
|align="left" valign="top" | '''Command''' | |align="left" valign="top" | '''Command''' | ||
Line 73: | Line 75: | ||
|valign="top"| '''Identify Illusion''' <br> Identify illusions. | |valign="top"| '''Identify Illusion''' <br> Identify illusions. | ||
|valign="top"| '''Illusion Insight''' <br> Learn the powers and abilities of an illusion. | |valign="top"| '''Illusion Insight''' <br> Learn the powers and abilities of an illusion. | ||
− | |valign="top"| '''Illusory Echoes''' <br> | + | |valign="top"| '''Illusory Echoes''' <br> A view from the past. |
|valign="top"| '''Panopticon''' <br> You see everything in a wide area. | |valign="top"| '''Panopticon''' <br> You see everything in a wide area. | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 102: | Line 104: | ||
== Expanded Illusion Powers == | == Expanded Illusion Powers == | ||
+ | Illusions can modify appearance, including shrinking things to reveal what was hidden, but can't render something invisible unless the power explicitly says it can. | ||
+ | |||
A recuring problem with illusion is that you need to conceal that they appear out of nowhere. | A recuring problem with illusion is that you need to conceal that they appear out of nowhere. | ||
This makes illusions more effective when you have some time to prepare, but having your illusion appear behind a corner can be effective enough. | This makes illusions more effective when you have some time to prepare, but having your illusion appear behind a corner can be effective enough. | ||
Line 115: | Line 119: | ||
You can see Illusion spirits and detect illusory creatures and powers. | You can see Illusion spirits and detect illusory creatures and powers. | ||
This is usually done to spot an illusion or a summoned creature so that it can be dispelled or dismissed. | This is usually done to spot an illusion or a summoned creature so that it can be dispelled or dismissed. | ||
− | This can spoil illusions, but you must actively use | + | This can spoil illusions, but you must actively use it to spot illusions, and you still perceive them even when you know they are not real. |
Limited outcome suffices against a creature you can clearly see. You need greater outcome against against a creature that is hidden (standard outcome) or behind a wall (great outcome). | Limited outcome suffices against a creature you can clearly see. You need greater outcome against against a creature that is hidden (standard outcome) or behind a wall (great outcome). | ||
Line 132: | Line 136: | ||
When used directly, the effect is usually limited unless the opponent is relying on powers for their safety. | When used directly, the effect is usually limited unless the opponent is relying on powers for their safety. | ||
Against an opponent in a firefight that hides behind an illusory wall you may have a better effect. | Against an opponent in a firefight that hides behind an illusory wall you may have a better effect. | ||
− | You can also use this to force an Illusion Spirit (a specter) to materialize. | + | You can also use this to force an Illusion Spirit (a specter) to materialize or revert to their true appearance. |
− | For specters obsessed with | + | For specters obsessed with an identity being revealed like this is extremely scary. |
When dramatically appropriate that a power is hard to dispel, often because it is the crux of the situation, this will not negate the power but instead give you a clue to what you need to do to resolve the situation. | When dramatically appropriate that a power is hard to dispel, often because it is the crux of the situation, this will not negate the power but instead give you a clue to what you need to do to resolve the situation. | ||
Line 153: | Line 157: | ||
Because of how specters work, it is very worthwhile to have a stable of specters with different interests. | Because of how specters work, it is very worthwhile to have a stable of specters with different interests. | ||
− | Depending on your degree of outcome the creature is willing to do different things. Limited outcome allows you to ask questions of an intelligent creature or demand a short period of work a simple creature. The creature will not fight for you. If forced into a fight due to circumstances, it will resent it. | + | Depending on your degree of outcome the creature is willing to do different things. Limited outcome allows you to ask questions of an intelligent creature or demand a short period of work from a simple creature. The creature will not fight for you. If forced into a fight due to circumstances, it will resent it. |
Standard outcome allows you to ask for any service appropriate to the type of creature. A devil will do evil, a fire elemental will burn stuff, and so on. This includes dangerous tasks such as combat if the creature has such abilities, which most of them do. Spectres will modify their interests a little to accommodate your task. | Standard outcome allows you to ask for any service appropriate to the type of creature. A devil will do evil, a fire elemental will burn stuff, and so on. This includes dangerous tasks such as combat if the creature has such abilities, which most of them do. Spectres will modify their interests a little to accommodate your task. | ||
Great outcome allows actions outside the creature's comfort zone, but not things it directly opposes. | Great outcome allows actions outside the creature's comfort zone, but not things it directly opposes. | ||
− | You can actually change the interests of a specter when you have great outcome, but this change is temporary and will still color | + | You can actually change the interests of a specter when you have great outcome, but this change is temporary and will still color the specter's illusions even after you have convinced it. |
Lengthy service also requires great outcome, like summoning the creature to guard a treasure for as long as it can. | Lengthy service also requires great outcome, like summoning the creature to guard a treasure for as long as it can. | ||
Line 174: | Line 178: | ||
'''Dream Domain''' | '''Dream Domain''' | ||
− | Gate to the realm of dreams or | + | Gate to the realm of dreams or into a dream. |
Illusions are linked to the Land of Dreams, where Illusion is dominant. | Illusions are linked to the Land of Dreams, where Illusion is dominant. | ||
Line 182: | Line 186: | ||
This will lead to encounters with that creature's fears and fantasies, and can potentially retrieve lost memories, cure mental ailments, or change the target's personality in radical ways. | This will lead to encounters with that creature's fears and fantasies, and can potentially retrieve lost memories, cure mental ailments, or change the target's personality in radical ways. | ||
− | + | Dream Domain lasts for a while, enough for a quick score. If things take a lot of time it might require a separate use of the power to return home. Gating can allow access to creatures too powerful to summon, so you instead ask for an audience. The creature may then use the gate to come to you, call you into its presence, or just communicate with you. | |
− | The first | + | The first time you gate to a certain place the position is at least risky and becomes desperate if there is any kind of disturbance. |
=== Command === | === Command === | ||
Line 193: | Line 197: | ||
You create an image of a threatening creature or situation. The image can be about man size or two cubic meters. You can move the image around and have it interact with creatures, but it lacks solidity and sound. | You create an image of a threatening creature or situation. The image can be about man size or two cubic meters. You can move the image around and have it interact with creatures, but it lacks solidity and sound. | ||
− | The byword here is "show, not tell". This can be a freestanding visual or audio illusion or modifying the appearance of something that already exists | + | The byword here is "show, not tell". This can be a freestanding visual or audio illusion or modifying the appearance of something that already exists. |
'''Majestic Mirage''' | '''Majestic Mirage''' | ||
Line 204: | Line 208: | ||
This creates an illusion of you that appears near a creature you have a clear mental image of. | This creates an illusion of you that appears near a creature you have a clear mental image of. | ||
− | Your image is bound to them | + | Your image is bound to them, will always stay to them, and your perception is focused on your target and what the target draws into the conversation. |
'''Mirage Arcana''' | '''Mirage Arcana''' | ||
Line 210: | Line 214: | ||
This is the same as Majestic Mirage, on a much larger scale, up to the entire area you can see. | This is the same as Majestic Mirage, on a much larger scale, up to the entire area you can see. | ||
− | This can create a small army or | + | This can create a small army or illusory terrain like a forest or even a mountain. |
− | A complex scene requires more concentration to maintain and | + | A complex scene requires more concentration to maintain and this might require additional rolls, but such rolls won't cause stress like the intimal use does. |
=== Consort === | === Consort === | ||
Line 227: | Line 231: | ||
Assume the appearance of any other creature. | Assume the appearance of any other creature. | ||
− | You can change into the appearance of any creature. This can help your interactions with people, tough extreme size changes are impractical, making yourself tiny will not let you pass through small spaces and people may run into parts of you they cannot see. Making yourself huge more or less requires that you use other powers to physically interact with anything. | + | You can change into the appearance of any creature. This can help your interactions with people, tough extreme size changes are impractical, making yourself tiny will not let you pass through small spaces and people may run into parts of you they cannot see. Making yourself huge more or less requires that you use other powers to physically interact with anything. |
You don't get any of the abilities of your assumed appearance, you can't breathe water or swim as an illusory fish or fly as an illusory bird. | You don't get any of the abilities of your assumed appearance, you can't breathe water or swim as an illusory fish or fly as an illusory bird. | ||
Line 234: | Line 238: | ||
This is Monster Mirage applied to others. | This is Monster Mirage applied to others. | ||
− | The duration depends of the outcome, limited outcome is very temporary. Standard outcome lasts for the duration of a score. Great outcome lasts a long time and potentially become permanent, depending on the the story | + | The duration depends of the outcome, limited outcome is very temporary. Standard outcome lasts for the duration of a score. Great outcome lasts a long time and potentially become permanent, depending on the the story. |
− | |||
− | |||
'''Mob Mirage''' | '''Mob Mirage''' | ||
− | Change the appearance of large number creatures | + | Change the appearance of large number creatures. |
− | This is Monster Mirage applied to all the creatures you can see. By changing the appearance of many creatures at once, you can confuse people about who is who. This can cause chaos on the street, in a court, or on a battlefield. People | + | This is Monster Mirage applied to all the creatures you can see. |
+ | You can give each an individual appearance or create a faceless mob | ||
+ | By changing the appearance of many creatures at once, you can confuse people about who is who. This can cause chaos on the street, in a court, or on a battlefield. People will not realize their own appearance has changed unless you let them know, causing further confusion. | ||
=== Finesse === | === Finesse === | ||
Line 251: | Line 255: | ||
You can change the appearance and to a lesser extent sound of your ride in any fashion you wish. | You can change the appearance and to a lesser extent sound of your ride in any fashion you wish. | ||
The illusion covers the vehicle and any tracks as long as you maintain the effect. | The illusion covers the vehicle and any tracks as long as you maintain the effect. | ||
− | |||
Covering a large ride like a yacht, bus, or dragon is an Advanced outcome. | Covering a large ride like a yacht, bus, or dragon is an Advanced outcome. | ||
Altering a huge ride like a tank or ship is a Master outcome. | Altering a huge ride like a tank or ship is a Master outcome. | ||
Line 261: | Line 264: | ||
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | ||
− | + | Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. | |
This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | ||
You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. | You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. | ||
Line 275: | Line 278: | ||
You create phantasmal steeds or vehicles for you and your crew. | You create phantasmal steeds or vehicles for you and your crew. | ||
− | These perform as ordinary vehicles of their kind, but appear as misty shadows, make no noise, and leave no trail | + | These perform as ordinary vehicles of their kind, but appear as misty shadows, make no noise, and leave no trail. |
=== Hunt === | === Hunt === | ||
Line 281: | Line 284: | ||
Track anything you have a good mental image of. | Track anything you have a good mental image of. | ||
− | You follow the memory something creates as it moves | + | You follow the memory on the image something creates as it moves. |
− | |||
These tracks also don't last long, and get confusing when many similar things are in the area. | These tracks also don't last long, and get confusing when many similar things are in the area. | ||
Consequences here are mainly from the environment and population and various dangers you might get into; obstacles, getting lost, traps, or even an ambush. | Consequences here are mainly from the environment and population and various dangers you might get into; obstacles, getting lost, traps, or even an ambush. | ||
Line 290: | Line 292: | ||
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | ||
− | Obviously illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack | + | Obviously illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. |
This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | ||
You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. | You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. | ||
Line 298: | Line 300: | ||
Change the appearance of your surroundings. | Change the appearance of your surroundings. | ||
− | + | You can cover a single house indoors or a city block or about an acre outdoors. | |
− | + | The change can be dramatic, but only changes the appearance of things that exists, it cannot create new things or make things invisible. | |
− | The change can be dramatic, but only changes the appearance of things that exists | ||
− | |||
The illusion affects all senses, but if pushed against it offers no physical resistance. | The illusion affects all senses, but if pushed against it offers no physical resistance. | ||
− | You can create environmental effects like mist, rain, smoke, and the heat and | + | You can create environmental effects like mist, rain, smoke, and the heat and scents like that of a bog or fire. |
Example are to make rocks and trees look like statues or make a fence appear as a strong wall. | Example are to make rocks and trees look like statues or make a fence appear as a strong wall. | ||
This is usually used as a setup, but may also change how people act in reaction to the environment—rain, smoke, or snow and the like are likely to make people want to stay indoors or run out as the case may be. | This is usually used as a setup, but may also change how people act in reaction to the environment—rain, smoke, or snow and the like are likely to make people want to stay indoors or run out as the case may be. | ||
− | Consequences | + | Consequences commonly distract you and your allies or allow a few opponents to pierce the illusion. |
'''Shadow Surge''' | '''Shadow Surge''' | ||
Line 322: | Line 322: | ||
Become almost invisible, you can use Prowl to sneak just about anywhere. | Become almost invisible, you can use Prowl to sneak just about anywhere. | ||
− | This is a very good stealth power, but not perfect, the air wavers just a bit and you glow very faintly in the dark. Sounds, strong light, and perfect darkness are your enemies. | + | This is a very good stealth power, but not perfect, the air wavers just a bit and you glow very faintly in the dark. Sounds you make, strong light, and perfect darkness are your enemies. |
'''Image Exchange''' | '''Image Exchange''' | ||
Line 328: | Line 328: | ||
Create an illusion of yourself at a spot you can see within the range of a long-range weapon. | Create an illusion of yourself at a spot you can see within the range of a long-range weapon. | ||
− | This has to be your actual appearance, and cannot be invisible or | + | This has to be your actual appearance, and cannot be invisible or disguised. |
You then exchange position with this image. | You then exchange position with this image. | ||
+ | If you are in disguise, you can drop that disguise as a part of using this power, making you and your image identical in appearance. | ||
'''Shared Self''' | '''Shared Self''' | ||
− | + | Allow others to use Invisibility and Image Exchange. | |
Allies still use their own Prowl action. | Allies still use their own Prowl action. | ||
Line 348: | Line 349: | ||
Block psychic damage. | Block psychic damage. | ||
− | Absorb | + | Absorb damage from illusions. |
− | This allows you to ignore most harm from a | + | This allows you to ignore most harm from a dangerous dream and illusory environments, such as a dreamscape or toxic fumes or illusory lava. |
− | Roll Skirmish when subject to | + | Roll Skirmish when subject to illusory harm. This is an inherent resistance, it does not require any activity on your part. |
Reduce the level of harm inflicted based on the level of success. 1-3: Nothing. 4-5: Reduce level of harm by one. 6: Reduce level of harm by two. Crit: Negate all harm and recover 1 stress | Reduce the level of harm inflicted based on the level of success. 1-3: Nothing. 4-5: Reduce level of harm by one. 6: Reduce level of harm by two. Crit: Negate all harm and recover 1 stress | ||
Line 357: | Line 358: | ||
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | ||
− | + | Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. | |
− | This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | + | This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination function, like bacteria and plants. |
− | You should describe | + | You should describe an illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. |
Besides variety in the type of damage, this only substitutes for equipment, mundane weapons are just as effective. Certain targets may be more or less vulnerable to certain attacks, but this is the exception. | Besides variety in the type of damage, this only substitutes for equipment, mundane weapons are just as effective. Certain targets may be more or less vulnerable to certain attacks, but this is the exception. | ||
Line 365: | Line 366: | ||
Negate scale. | Negate scale. | ||
− | This creates an illusory hindrance, perhaps spectral allies, perhaps a maze or concealing mist. The effect is to deny the advantage of | + | This creates an illusory hindrance, perhaps spectral allies, perhaps a maze or concealing mist. The effect is to deny the advantage of scale. |
'''Illusionary Onslaught''' | '''Illusionary Onslaught''' | ||
Fine and potent illusory attack against all. | Fine and potent illusory attack against all. | ||
− | + | Illusory Elite on a larger scale. | |
Turns you into a one-man army. Not only do you negate the advantage your enemy may get from numbers, you also spread your effect to hurt all your enemies in the skirmish. | Turns you into a one-man army. Not only do you negate the advantage your enemy may get from numbers, you also spread your effect to hurt all your enemies in the skirmish. | ||
=== Study === | === Study === | ||
− | Study and analyze illusions to gain insight and knowledge. The outcome required depends on range, limited outcome for touch, standard outcome for line-of-sight, and great outcome to reach a target you know of or have some link to, but which is out of line-of-sight. | + | Study and analyze illusions and images to gain insight and knowledge. The outcome required depends on range, limited outcome for touch, standard outcome for line-of-sight, and great outcome to reach a target you know of or have some link to, but which is out of line-of-sight. |
These powers can spoil illusions, but you have to actively use them to have any effect. | These powers can spoil illusions, but you have to actively use them to have any effect. | ||
Line 384: | Line 385: | ||
This gives the name of the ability used and very basic information in narrative terms, but not details or actual rules. | This gives the name of the ability used and very basic information in narrative terms, but not details or actual rules. | ||
+ | You learn that what you see is an illusion and what it is supposed to depict, but not what was originally there. | ||
'''Illusion Insight''' | '''Illusion Insight''' | ||
Learn the powers and abilities of an illusion. | Learn the powers and abilities of an illusion. | ||
− | Learn of any powers or special abilities the illusion has. This includes actual rules and game effects. | + | Learn of any powers or special abilities the illusion has. This includes actual rules and game effects as well as what the illusion hides or disguises. |
'''Illusory Echoes''' | '''Illusory Echoes''' | ||
− | + | A view from the past. | |
− | See | + | See a past view of an place, image, illusionist, or specter. |
− | This power works anywhere, not just on illusions. | + | This is much like playing a film backwards, but you can skip sections that do not interest you. |
+ | This power works anywhere on any view, not just on illusions. | ||
'''Panopticon''' | '''Panopticon''' | ||
Line 400: | Line 403: | ||
You see everything in a wide area. Darkness, walls and barriers do not limit vision, but enclosed spaces do. | You see everything in a wide area. Darkness, walls and barriers do not limit vision, but enclosed spaces do. | ||
− | |||
Provides a detailed view of events involving Illusions as far as you can see, pinpointing locations of interest. | Provides a detailed view of events involving Illusions as far as you can see, pinpointing locations of interest. | ||
You can then play back what you see in the area (not just the illusions), like Illusory Echoes. | You can then play back what you see in the area (not just the illusions), like Illusory Echoes. | ||
Line 416: | Line 418: | ||
Make a small illusion of a nearby location. | Make a small illusion of a nearby location. | ||
− | Anything you put | + | Anything you put into the small image will update to match what happens in the location as long as you concentrate. |
Things you did not put in the illusion will not be shown, but you do get clues when things in the image seem to interact with things that are not there. | Things you did not put in the illusion will not be shown, but you do get clues when things in the image seem to interact with things that are not there. | ||
Line 422: | Line 424: | ||
Let reality make an illusion. | Let reality make an illusion. | ||
− | As | + | As Perceive Image, but reality fills out the illusion with things you did not include as they interact with things you did include. |
− | You need not concentrate or even be there, but uncontrolled illusions can become very odd | + | You need not concentrate or even be there, but uncontrolled illusions can become very odd. |
'''Omnipresence''' | '''Omnipresence''' | ||
Create an illusion of a huge area, reality updates it. | Create an illusion of a huge area, reality updates it. | ||
− | This is Real Image but on a grand scale; you can represent several city blocks or a large terrain feature such as a wood, field, or hill. | + | This is Real Image but on a grand scale; you can represent several city blocks or a large terrain feature such as a wood, field, or hill and shift the view to see from a certain angle or location. |
=== Sway === | === Sway === | ||
Line 438: | Line 440: | ||
Create a full-sense image of something of human size or smaller. | Create a full-sense image of something of human size or smaller. | ||
This can be a creature that tries to convince observers, or something like a signpost. | This can be a creature that tries to convince observers, or something like a signpost. | ||
− | The image appears real to all senses, but if seriously pushed against it is | + | The image appears real to all senses, but if seriously pushed against it is immaterial. |
'''Phantasmal Procession''' | '''Phantasmal Procession''' | ||
Line 444: | Line 446: | ||
Similar but larger than Persuasive Phantom. | Similar but larger than Persuasive Phantom. | ||
− | An illusion of a dozen people or things like a large carriage or street scene. You can move the illusion as long as you move all the components, something left behind will soon disappear. This allows you to make an illusion of a group of monsters or | + | An illusion of a few dozen people or things like a large carriage or street scene. You can move the illusion as long as you move all the components, something left behind will soon disappear. This allows you to make an illusion of a group of monsters or people that move about, but their tracks and any items left behind will soon disappear as they move out of an area. |
'''Phantom Thought''' | '''Phantom Thought''' | ||
Draw illusion from another's mind. | Draw illusion from another's mind. | ||
− | Similar to Phantasmal Procession, but you give control over the illusion to a target's subconscious. You can give a general theme of the illusion, and the target will fill in the details. This frees you from having to concentrate on controlling the illusion, and it will always act appropriately to the target's expectations. | + | Similar to Phantasmal Procession, but you give control over the illusion to a target's subconscious. You can give a general theme of the illusion, and the target will fill in the details. This frees you from having to concentrate on controlling the illusion, and it will always look and act appropriately to the target's expectations. |
− | A target with high self-confidence will be able to convince any illusory creatures to do as they wish, but this | + | A target with high self-confidence will be able to convince any illusory creatures to do as they wish, but this actually makes it harder for the observer penetrate the illusion. |
'''Private Phantasm''' | '''Private Phantasm''' | ||
Line 458: | Line 460: | ||
The target must be in your power for you to do this. | The target must be in your power for you to do this. | ||
This places the target in an illusory world entirely of your creation. | This places the target in an illusory world entirely of your creation. | ||
− | You can create a theme for the illusion that repeats with simple variations, or you can give control to the target's subconscious having it play out the targets desires or fears. You can take detailed control at any time when you touch the target. | + | You can create a theme for the illusion that repeats with simple variations, or you can give control to the target's subconscious having it play out the targets desires or fears. You can take detailed control at any time when you touch the target. The target appears to be asleep, and any interaction with the target's actual body will be incorporated into the illusion, allowing the target to be fed, clothed, and led. |
=== Tinker === | === Tinker === | ||
− | Use illusion to alter items of all kinds or create | + | Use illusion to alter items of all kinds or create illusory items out of nothing, giving the impression you can create amazing things. |
Position depends on how quiet your workplace is and how much time you have to work with. The outcome determines how long it will last. Most illusory tinkering will only be good for a single scene, but if your outcome surpasses that required for the outcome you want, you can stretch the outcome until the end of the score. Long-term projects can create permanent illusory objects. | Position depends on how quiet your workplace is and how much time you have to work with. The outcome determines how long it will last. Most illusory tinkering will only be good for a single scene, but if your outcome surpasses that required for the outcome you want, you can stretch the outcome until the end of the score. Long-term projects can create permanent illusory objects. | ||
Line 471: | Line 473: | ||
Change the appearance of an object up to man size. This can seem to give abilities your item do not actually have or hide abilities it does have. | Change the appearance of an object up to man size. This can seem to give abilities your item do not actually have or hide abilities it does have. | ||
− | You don't change the basic form and size of the object, but you can change details, turning a stick into a weapon, a log into a mount, or clothes into armor—or the opposite. This is a full-sense illusion, including sight, sound, smell, and touch. This can create illusory kit to impress, or hide actual kit as just clothing or even rags. Items can create appropriate effects in their vicinity, such as recoil and muzzle flash from weapons, but | + | You don't change the basic form and size of the object, but you can change details, turning a stick into a weapon, a log into a mount, or clothes into armor—or the opposite. This is a full-sense illusion, including sight, sound, smell, and touch. This can create illusory kit to impress, or hide actual kit as just clothing or even rags. Items can create appropriate effects in their vicinity, such as recoil and muzzle flash from weapons, but don't work at range. If used, the items function normally, the illusion has no effect on effectiveness, but an illusory item can cause illusory harm in melee. |
When used against creatures, | When used against creatures, | ||
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | ||
− | + | Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. | |
This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. | ||
You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. | You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. | ||
Line 482: | Line 484: | ||
Make items invisible or create illusory items out of nothing. | Make items invisible or create illusory items out of nothing. | ||
− | You can make more extensive appearance changes | + | You can make more extensive appearance changes, making objects invisible or creating illusory items out of nothing. |
− | + | People using illusory items can manipulate them as if they were real, but the illusion cannot support any weight. You can make larger objects, up to the size of a large carriage. Objects that produce effects can now reach further, such as missiles from a missile weapon reaching out to create illusory damage at range. | |
A weapon made invisible might grant an advantage at the start of a fight but battering will soon make it visible. | A weapon made invisible might grant an advantage at the start of a fight but battering will soon make it visible. | ||
Line 489: | Line 491: | ||
Create semi-real things that only work for your crew. | Create semi-real things that only work for your crew. | ||
− | As Phantasmal Fabrication, except that things you create can be semi-real, able to do what a poor example of such a thing usually does, but only when you will it to do so. For example you can create an illusory stone bridge that supports you and allies as a rickety wooden | + | As Phantasmal Fabrication, except that things you create can be semi-real, able to do what a poor example of such a thing usually does, but only when you will it to do so. For example you can create an illusory stone bridge that supports you and allies as a rickety wooden bridge would, but doesn't support others at all. Tools and weapons made this way perform as a basic example of what they imitate, functional but not fancy or exact. |
'''Mass Mirage''' | '''Mass Mirage''' | ||
Phantasmal Fabrication on a grand scale. | Phantasmal Fabrication on a grand scale. | ||
− | This is similar to Phantasmal Fabrication, but you mass produce objects, even a set of different objects. You can also make something huge, such as a | + | This is similar to Phantasmal Fabrication, but you mass produce objects, even a set of different objects. You can also make something huge, such as a ship, building, or small landscape. |
=== Wreck === | === Wreck === | ||
− | Cover things with illusions of destruction. Illusion is one of the weaker wrecking powers since its unreal until Shadowy Shatter, | + | Cover things with illusions of destruction. Illusion is one of the weaker wrecking powers since its unreal until Shadowy Shatter, you can make things look broken to deny them to the enemy but its hard to get much use of the destruction yourself. |
Position depends on the situation; if you are unseen and undisturbed and know what you are pretending to bring down you have a controlled position. If lots of enemies are about, you don't know what you will uncover, or you might trigger an accident the position might be desperate. | Position depends on the situation; if you are unseen and undisturbed and know what you are pretending to bring down you have a controlled position. If lots of enemies are about, you don't know what you will uncover, or you might trigger an accident the position might be desperate. | ||
The outcome required depends on the size and structural strength of your target. Standard outcome is a car-sized hole in a brick or mortar wall. Construction significantly weaker than this only demands limited outcome. A smaller hole stil need the same outcome. Something larger and/or stronger requires great outcome. | The outcome required depends on the size and structural strength of your target. Standard outcome is a car-sized hole in a brick or mortar wall. Construction significantly weaker than this only demands limited outcome. A smaller hole stil need the same outcome. Something larger and/or stronger requires great outcome. | ||
− | The item is still there, but appears obviously broken. Its hard to make multiple such outcome credible, if you make an illusion a | + | The item is still there, but appears obviously broken. Its hard to make multiple such outcome credible, if you make an illusion of a rifle breaking ten times someone is bound try to use their "broken" rifle and find it works. |
Line 508: | Line 510: | ||
Illusion of damage to an object. | Illusion of damage to an object. | ||
− | This is illusory destruction of fragile things that you could destroy with a sledgehammer | + | This is illusory destruction of fragile things that you could destroy with a sledgehammer. |
− | + | This applies to both people and objects. | |
+ | Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. | ||
+ | Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. | ||
+ | This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination function, like bacteria and plants. | ||
+ | You should describe an illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. | ||
'''Phantom Fracture''' | '''Phantom Fracture''' | ||
Line 515: | Line 521: | ||
Faux Fracture on something strong, like a strong wall. | Faux Fracture on something strong, like a strong wall. | ||
+ | Can make a fine and potent illusory attack. | ||
'''Shadowy Shatter''' | '''Shadowy Shatter''' | ||
Phantom Fracture, but semi-real. | Phantom Fracture, but semi-real. | ||
− | Phantom Fracture, except that the damage you do is semi-real, | + | Phantom Fracture, except that the damage you do is semi-real, able to be exploited, but only when you will it to be so. |
+ | For example you can create an illusory hole in a wall you and your crew can use, but which doesn't let others pass. | ||
'''Apocalyptic Artistry''' | '''Apocalyptic Artistry''' |
Latest revision as of 14:21, 15 November 2024
Starfox's Blades in the Dark fan page |
Illusion is the art of perception and deception. It is concerned with perception, not substance. Illusion powers are most often used to deceive, but they can be used to educate and to discern new things. It can create some sounds, scents, tactile phenomena, and other sensory phenomena, but the main focus of Illusion is on vision. Illusionists whose primary sense is not sight would instead focus on illusions to their primary sense, but this is not covered by the rules.
Illusions create images of creatures and objects that are objectively real in the sense that it registers on physical senses, including those of living creatures and sensory devices. Such images are still unreal in that they are mere projections, not the actual physical thing projected. An illusion cannot affect objects (other than sensors) unless the power explicitly says it can. An illusion of weight would cause scales to react, but could not cause a bridge to collapse. A lift with a weight limit sensor could be made to shut off, but if the sensor is overridden, the lift would work normally despite the illusory overload.
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down or provoking actions with lethal consequences. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities, but observers will perceive such objects to take damage. This includes all objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria and ordinary plants. You should describe each illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage.
Illusion creatures are called specters. They are very good actors and believe themselves to really be what they portray, allowing their illusions to respond to events without the user's intervention. There are specters that believe themselves to be all sorts of things, people, animals, items, even terrain features, but finding the right specter may require a flashback or even a log-term project for unusual ones. Spectres that are aware they are illusion spirits are less specialized, not as good at what they do, but they can portray many things.
The plane of Illusion is a plane of dreams, very ephemeral and subjective. It can change in moments and is shaped by dreamers world-wide. Creatures with powerful imaginations create their own dream-realms which persist even when they are not asleep. Such realms can be studied for information and manipulated to change the mind of their creator, but this is difficult and dangerous.
Illusion Power Effects Table
Action | Basic No minimum 4 Stress |
Advanced Minimum 2 Dice 5 Stress |
Master Minimum 4 Dice 6 Stress |
Apex Minimum 6 Dice 7 Stress |
Attune | Dream Detection Detect illusory creatures and powers. |
Sever Spectre Dismiss a specter or end an illusion power. |
Summon Spectre Call a specter from another plane. |
Dream Domain Gate to the realm of dreams or into a dream. |
Command | Menacing Mirage Scary or awe-inducing images or sounds. |
Majestic Mirage Full-sense scary or awe-inducing illusions. |
Message Mirage Send an illusion of yourself to communicate. |
Mirage Arcana Vast scary illusions. |
Consort | Makeover Mirage Make illusory clothes and accessories. |
Monster Mirage Assume the appearance of any other creature. |
Metamorphosis Mirage Give a willing or helpless creature any appearance. |
Mob Mirage Change the appearance of large number creatures. |
Finesse | Vehicle Veil Change the appearance of a mount or personal vehicle. |
Mirage Melee Create an illusion of a fine and potent melee weapon. |
Phantom Path Alter the appearance of a road, misleading travelers. |
Phantom Passage Create phantasmal steeds. |
Hunt | Shadow Seeker Track any creature you have a good mental image of. |
Shadow Shot An illusory fine and potent ranged attack. |
Shadow Shift Change the appearance of your surroundings. |
Shadow Surge Illusory attack similar to a fine and potent grenade. |
Prowl | Invisibility Become almost invisible. |
Image Exchange Teleport and leave an image behind. |
Shared Self Use Invisibility and Image Exchange on others. |
Illusive Excursion: Teleport crew to a similar-looking place. |
Skirmish | Illusory Armor Block psychic damage. |
Illusory Elite Fine and potent illusory melee attack. |
Illusory Obstacle Negate scale. |
Illusionary Onslaught Fine and potent illusory attack against all. |
Study | Identify Illusion Identify illusions. |
Illusion Insight Learn the powers and abilities of an illusion. |
Illusory Echoes A view from the past. |
Panopticon You see everything in a wide area. |
Survey | Detect Image Sense illusions and invisible things. |
Perceptive Image Create an illusion, reality updates it. |
Real Image Let reality make an illusion. |
Omnipresence Create an illusion of a huge area, reality updates it. |
Sway | Persuasive Phantom Convincing visual image up to the size of a human. |
Phantasmal Procession Full-sense illusion of a stage and actors. |
Phantom Thought Draw illusion from another's mind. |
Private Phantasm An illusion around a creature replaces all sensations. |
Tinker | Illusory Enhancement Change the appearance of an object up to man size. |
Phantasmal Fabrication Make items invisible or create illusory items out of nothing. |
Shadow Structure Create semi-real things that only work for your crew. |
Mass Mirage Phantasmal Fabrication on a grand scale. |
Wreck | Faux Fracture Illusion of damage to an object. |
Phantom Fracture Illusion of damage to a place. |
Shadowy Shatter Phantom Fracture, but semi-real. |
Apocalyptic Artistry City-sized Phantom Fracture. |
Expanded Illusion Powers
Illusions can modify appearance, including shrinking things to reveal what was hidden, but can't render something invisible unless the power explicitly says it can.
A recuring problem with illusion is that you need to conceal that they appear out of nowhere. This makes illusions more effective when you have some time to prepare, but having your illusion appear behind a corner can be effective enough.
Attune
Harness the power to perceive and manipulate supernatural energies, allowing you to detect and interact with beings and phenomena from other planes of existence.
The consequences usually depend on what happens around you when you do it. Having helpers and bodyguards reduces the consequences, and sometimes a creature wants to be dismissed and the consequence might be that it loses control of itself, or that other creatures appear to intervene.
Dream Detection Detect illusory creatures and powers.
You can see Illusion spirits and detect illusory creatures and powers. This is usually done to spot an illusion or a summoned creature so that it can be dispelled or dismissed. This can spoil illusions, but you must actively use it to spot illusions, and you still perceive them even when you know they are not real.
Limited outcome suffices against a creature you can clearly see. You need greater outcome against against a creature that is hidden (standard outcome) or behind a wall (great outcome).
Sever Spectre Dismiss a specter or end an illusion power.
Dismissing a creature is hard and usually requires great outcome. A creature that has been wounded or otherwise weakened only needs standard outcome. A creature that wants to be dismissed requires only limited outcome.
Dispelling is usually easier. You can dispel any Illusion power or a power that affects a specter. Dispelling is often used as a setup action to help another character in a situation when the opposition is using powers. This improves the position of the supported action.
It can also be used to break the continuing effects of powers. When used directly, the effect is usually limited unless the opponent is relying on powers for their safety. Against an opponent in a firefight that hides behind an illusory wall you may have a better effect. You can also use this to force an Illusion Spirit (a specter) to materialize or revert to their true appearance. For specters obsessed with an identity being revealed like this is extremely scary.
When dramatically appropriate that a power is hard to dispel, often because it is the crux of the situation, this will not negate the power but instead give you a clue to what you need to do to resolve the situation.
Summon Spectre Call a specter from another plane.
Summoning can bring you allies to fight or labor for you, giving you scale. They can also give advice and information related to their power. Summons can use simple effects of their power and maintain power effects you have created.
Illusory summons are called specters. Specters are immaterial, ephemeral, manifesting as emotional and mental representations of their power. Advanced specters are tricksters and motivated to cause confusion and push their agenda, which can be quite strange. One specter might love processions, another loves races, a third loves when people use toilets, and all are enthusiastic abut using illusions to realize their very personal agenda. Simple specters are convinced they are in fact something else. This could be anything, from a tree to a policeman to a hole in the ground. They use illusion to manifest as what they believe themselves to be, and will go to any length to maintain this role.
You can summon generic creatures without having to do a flashback. Such a creature is similar to a gang member in ability and are often summoned in groups to add scale. To summon a particular creature, similar to a cohort, you need its unique identity, often called true name in the mystical power traditions. For a technomancer this would be a type id number or block of data. Learning about the right creature to summon is a task in its own right, often requiring a flashback or downtime activity to use Command, Consort, Study, or Sway to gain information. Because of how specters work, it is very worthwhile to have a stable of specters with different interests.
Depending on your degree of outcome the creature is willing to do different things. Limited outcome allows you to ask questions of an intelligent creature or demand a short period of work from a simple creature. The creature will not fight for you. If forced into a fight due to circumstances, it will resent it.
Standard outcome allows you to ask for any service appropriate to the type of creature. A devil will do evil, a fire elemental will burn stuff, and so on. This includes dangerous tasks such as combat if the creature has such abilities, which most of them do. Spectres will modify their interests a little to accommodate your task.
Great outcome allows actions outside the creature's comfort zone, but not things it directly opposes. You can actually change the interests of a specter when you have great outcome, but this change is temporary and will still color the specter's illusions even after you have convinced it. Lengthy service also requires great outcome, like summoning the creature to guard a treasure for as long as it can.
Typical consequences include:
- Playing along with the specter's role.
- You need to concentrate to keep the creature under control.
- Overly literal interpretations of your commands.
- Demanding not to be summoned again until some time or event has passed.
- General sulkiness.
Offering a creature gifts or services appropriate to its nature can help. This is essentially a devil's bargain, accepting a price in advance. Specters like gems and prisms.
Desperate position usually comes from trading position for effect, but it might come from a difference in ethos. If you are a priest of truth and summon a specter, or if the summon is three or more tiers above you the position will be desperate. Desperate consequences include the spirit demanding you sell your soul, become its agent in the world, that you come to its home plane to serve it there for a time (usually three scores), that you defeat the creature in a duel or similar dramatic story events.
Dream Domain Gate to the realm of dreams or into a dream.
Illusions are linked to the Land of Dreams, where Illusion is dominant. There are things that are possible to do on these planes that are not allowed in the regular world, most effects are reduced one step in difficulty, from advanced to basic, master to advanced, and apex to master. This opens the possibility of new super-apex powers that have to be negotiated with the game master. Such effects rarely reach outside the plane where you perform them, but if they affect creatures on that plane, the effect may remain when you return to the mundane world.
Illusion gates offer another option; to physically enter a creature's dreams. This will lead to encounters with that creature's fears and fantasies, and can potentially retrieve lost memories, cure mental ailments, or change the target's personality in radical ways.
Dream Domain lasts for a while, enough for a quick score. If things take a lot of time it might require a separate use of the power to return home. Gating can allow access to creatures too powerful to summon, so you instead ask for an audience. The creature may then use the gate to come to you, call you into its presence, or just communicate with you.
The first time you gate to a certain place the position is at least risky and becomes desperate if there is any kind of disturbance.
Command
Illusions don't control creatures tied to the power; instead, they create illusions that can influence anyone. They are not as direct as issuing commands, you have to craft illusions to provoke the desired reaction.
Menacing Mirage Scary or awe-inducing images or sounds.
You create an image of a threatening creature or situation. The image can be about man size or two cubic meters. You can move the image around and have it interact with creatures, but it lacks solidity and sound. The byword here is "show, not tell". This can be a freestanding visual or audio illusion or modifying the appearance of something that already exists.
Majestic Mirage Full-sense scary or awe-inducing illusions.
This is a full-sense illusion the size of a small house. It can be a group of about a dozen people or things enough to fill a large room. This illusion can speak, but it is hard to make this convincing unless you can see the image and what it is to interact with.
Message Mirage Send an illusion of yourself to communicate.
This creates an illusion of you that appears near a creature you have a clear mental image of. Your image is bound to them, will always stay to them, and your perception is focused on your target and what the target draws into the conversation.
Mirage Arcana Vast scary illusions.
This is the same as Majestic Mirage, on a much larger scale, up to the entire area you can see. This can create a small army or illusory terrain like a forest or even a mountain. A complex scene requires more concentration to maintain and this might require additional rolls, but such rolls won't cause stress like the intimal use does.
Consort
You change the appearance of creatures, first yourself, then others, and finally a crowd.
Makeover Mirage Make illusory clothes and accessories.
Add any illusory clothes and accessories to your outfit. You do not change your own appearance, you accessorize and change your outfit. This can mask your identity or create fabulous outfits. You can apply this to others as an Advanced effect.
Monster Mirage Assume the appearance of any other creature.
You can change into the appearance of any creature. This can help your interactions with people, tough extreme size changes are impractical, making yourself tiny will not let you pass through small spaces and people may run into parts of you they cannot see. Making yourself huge more or less requires that you use other powers to physically interact with anything. You don't get any of the abilities of your assumed appearance, you can't breathe water or swim as an illusory fish or fly as an illusory bird.
Metamorphosis Mirage Give a willing or helpless creature any appearance.
This is Monster Mirage applied to others. The duration depends of the outcome, limited outcome is very temporary. Standard outcome lasts for the duration of a score. Great outcome lasts a long time and potentially become permanent, depending on the the story.
Mob Mirage Change the appearance of large number creatures.
This is Monster Mirage applied to all the creatures you can see. You can give each an individual appearance or create a faceless mob By changing the appearance of many creatures at once, you can confuse people about who is who. This can cause chaos on the street, in a court, or on a battlefield. People will not realize their own appearance has changed unless you let them know, causing further confusion.
Finesse
Illusory weapons and rides.
Vehicle Veil Change the appearance of a mount or personal vehicle.
You can change the appearance and to a lesser extent sound of your ride in any fashion you wish. The illusion covers the vehicle and any tracks as long as you maintain the effect. Covering a large ride like a yacht, bus, or dragon is an Advanced outcome. Altering a huge ride like a tank or ship is a Master outcome.
You can alter your entire crew's ride as an advanced power.
Mirage Melee Create an illusion of a fine and potent melee weapon.
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. In a fight, using this does not take any more time, activating your attack power is equivalent to drawing a weapon, no more, no less.
Phantom Path Alter the appearance of a road, misleading travelers.
You can make roads and paths seem to disappear or lead into poor terrain and create the appearance of roads when there are in fact none. If others can see you riding on a road you concealed this will lead pursuers to doubt the illusion, and locals who know the terrain are hard to fool.
Phantom Passage Create phantasmal steeds.
You create phantasmal steeds or vehicles for you and your crew. These perform as ordinary vehicles of their kind, but appear as misty shadows, make no noise, and leave no trail.
Hunt
Shadow Seeker Track anything you have a good mental image of.
You follow the memory on the image something creates as it moves. These tracks also don't last long, and get confusing when many similar things are in the area. Consequences here are mainly from the environment and population and various dangers you might get into; obstacles, getting lost, traps, or even an ambush.
Shadow Shot An illusory fine and potent ranged attack.
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. Obviously illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. Essentially, this ability serves as a versatile replacement for traditional equipment; a fine and potent finesse weapon would be equally effective in combat. Moreover, using this action in a fight doesn't consume any additional time; activating your attack power is akin to drawing a weapon—neither faster nor slower.
Shadow Shift Change the appearance of your surroundings.
You can cover a single house indoors or a city block or about an acre outdoors. The change can be dramatic, but only changes the appearance of things that exists, it cannot create new things or make things invisible. The illusion affects all senses, but if pushed against it offers no physical resistance. You can create environmental effects like mist, rain, smoke, and the heat and scents like that of a bog or fire.
Example are to make rocks and trees look like statues or make a fence appear as a strong wall.
This is usually used as a setup, but may also change how people act in reaction to the environment—rain, smoke, or snow and the like are likely to make people want to stay indoors or run out as the case may be. Consequences commonly distract you and your allies or allow a few opponents to pierce the illusion.
Shadow Surge Illusory attack similar to a fine and potent grenade.
An escalation of Shadow Shot, this affects all enemies in a single location. The effect is more powerful but less precise. The illusion even includes some illusory damage to the environment, which can fool onlookers but soon fades
Prowl
Erase your own image and that of allies. Illusion is good at hiding, but offers little aid to mobility.
Invisibility Become almost invisible.
Become almost invisible, you can use Prowl to sneak just about anywhere. This is a very good stealth power, but not perfect, the air wavers just a bit and you glow very faintly in the dark. Sounds you make, strong light, and perfect darkness are your enemies.
Image Exchange Teleport and leave an image behind.
Create an illusion of yourself at a spot you can see within the range of a long-range weapon. This has to be your actual appearance, and cannot be invisible or disguised. You then exchange position with this image. If you are in disguise, you can drop that disguise as a part of using this power, making you and your image identical in appearance.
Shared Self Allow others to use Invisibility and Image Exchange.
Allies still use their own Prowl action.
Illusive Excursion Teleport crew to a similar-looking place.
Teleport between two places that look so similar causal observation cannot tell them apart. You can use other illusions to make the two places match. This is regional travel, you stay within the same city or region, but it is generally sufficient to escape just about any situation or location. Both effect and position is worse unless you know where you are going, which means it is great for escapes but less so for intrusion into an enemy's territory that you are likely to be much less familiar with.
Skirmish
Illusory Armor Block psychic damage.
Absorb damage from illusions. This allows you to ignore most harm from a dangerous dream and illusory environments, such as a dreamscape or toxic fumes or illusory lava. Roll Skirmish when subject to illusory harm. This is an inherent resistance, it does not require any activity on your part. Reduce the level of harm inflicted based on the level of success. 1-3: Nothing. 4-5: Reduce level of harm by one. 6: Reduce level of harm by two. Crit: Negate all harm and recover 1 stress
Illusory Elite Fine and potent illusory melee attack.
Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination function, like bacteria and plants. You should describe an illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage. Besides variety in the type of damage, this only substitutes for equipment, mundane weapons are just as effective. Certain targets may be more or less vulnerable to certain attacks, but this is the exception.
Illusory Obstacle Negate scale.
This creates an illusory hindrance, perhaps spectral allies, perhaps a maze or concealing mist. The effect is to deny the advantage of scale.
Illusionary Onslaught Fine and potent illusory attack against all.
Illusory Elite on a larger scale. Turns you into a one-man army. Not only do you negate the advantage your enemy may get from numbers, you also spread your effect to hurt all your enemies in the skirmish.
Study
Study and analyze illusions and images to gain insight and knowledge. The outcome required depends on range, limited outcome for touch, standard outcome for line-of-sight, and great outcome to reach a target you know of or have some link to, but which is out of line-of-sight.
These powers can spoil illusions, but you have to actively use them to have any effect.
Position depends on the situation. Safely in your base the position is controlled. In the middle of a fight or when pinned down the position is desperate. Sometimes thing you are researching it dangerous in itself, worsening position, consequences may give you knowledge that lacks crucial details.
Identify Illusion Identify illusions.
This gives the name of the ability used and very basic information in narrative terms, but not details or actual rules. You learn that what you see is an illusion and what it is supposed to depict, but not what was originally there.
Illusion Insight Learn the powers and abilities of an illusion.
Learn of any powers or special abilities the illusion has. This includes actual rules and game effects as well as what the illusion hides or disguises.
Illusory Echoes A view from the past.
See a past view of an place, image, illusionist, or specter. This is much like playing a film backwards, but you can skip sections that do not interest you. This power works anywhere on any view, not just on illusions.
Panopticon You see everything in a wide area.
You see everything in a wide area. Darkness, walls and barriers do not limit vision, but enclosed spaces do. Provides a detailed view of events involving Illusions as far as you can see, pinpointing locations of interest. You can then play back what you see in the area (not just the illusions), like Illusory Echoes.
Survey
Perceive and locate illusions. The outcome you need depends on the target's concealment. Limited outcome finds targets in concealment. Standard outcome finds those hiding behind cover and in far places you can only barely see. Great outcome can look behind walls and into hard cover. Yes, you can detect illusions even if nobody are currently experiencing them.
Detect Illusion You can detect illusions and invisible things.
This is a basic spotting power, selectively sensing illusions of a sort you specify.
Perceptive Image Create an illusion, reality updates it.
Make a small illusion of a nearby location. Anything you put into the small image will update to match what happens in the location as long as you concentrate. Things you did not put in the illusion will not be shown, but you do get clues when things in the image seem to interact with things that are not there.
Real Image Let reality make an illusion.
As Perceive Image, but reality fills out the illusion with things you did not include as they interact with things you did include. You need not concentrate or even be there, but uncontrolled illusions can become very odd.
Omnipresence Create an illusion of a huge area, reality updates it.
This is Real Image but on a grand scale; you can represent several city blocks or a large terrain feature such as a wood, field, or hill and shift the view to see from a certain angle or location.
Sway
Convince others by showing them illusions.
Persuasive Phantom Convincing visual image up to the size of a human.
Create a full-sense image of something of human size or smaller. This can be a creature that tries to convince observers, or something like a signpost. The image appears real to all senses, but if seriously pushed against it is immaterial.
Phantasmal Procession Full-sense illusion of a stage and actors.
Similar but larger than Persuasive Phantom. An illusion of a few dozen people or things like a large carriage or street scene. You can move the illusion as long as you move all the components, something left behind will soon disappear. This allows you to make an illusion of a group of monsters or people that move about, but their tracks and any items left behind will soon disappear as they move out of an area.
Phantom Thought Draw illusion from another's mind.
Similar to Phantasmal Procession, but you give control over the illusion to a target's subconscious. You can give a general theme of the illusion, and the target will fill in the details. This frees you from having to concentrate on controlling the illusion, and it will always look and act appropriately to the target's expectations. A target with high self-confidence will be able to convince any illusory creatures to do as they wish, but this actually makes it harder for the observer penetrate the illusion.
Private Phantasm An illusion around a creature replaces all sensations.
You encase the target in an illusion that controls every sensation the target perceives. The target must be in your power for you to do this. This places the target in an illusory world entirely of your creation. You can create a theme for the illusion that repeats with simple variations, or you can give control to the target's subconscious having it play out the targets desires or fears. You can take detailed control at any time when you touch the target. The target appears to be asleep, and any interaction with the target's actual body will be incorporated into the illusion, allowing the target to be fed, clothed, and led.
Tinker
Use illusion to alter items of all kinds or create illusory items out of nothing, giving the impression you can create amazing things.
Position depends on how quiet your workplace is and how much time you have to work with. The outcome determines how long it will last. Most illusory tinkering will only be good for a single scene, but if your outcome surpasses that required for the outcome you want, you can stretch the outcome until the end of the score. Long-term projects can create permanent illusory objects.
Consequences can change details of the illusion, such as altered colors or the object becoming too pretty, bent, twisted or markings, letters, and numbers giving cluse or just not making sense.
Illusory Enhancement Change the appearance of an object up to man size.
Change the appearance of an object up to man size. This can seem to give abilities your item do not actually have or hide abilities it does have. You don't change the basic form and size of the object, but you can change details, turning a stick into a weapon, a log into a mount, or clothes into armor—or the opposite. This is a full-sense illusion, including sight, sound, smell, and touch. This can create illusory kit to impress, or hide actual kit as just clothing or even rags. Items can create appropriate effects in their vicinity, such as recoil and muzzle flash from weapons, but don't work at range. If used, the items function normally, the illusion has no effect on effectiveness, but an illusory item can cause illusory harm in melee.
When used against creatures, Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination, like bacteria. You should describe the illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage.
Phantasmal Fabrication Make items invisible or create illusory items out of nothing.
You can make more extensive appearance changes, making objects invisible or creating illusory items out of nothing. People using illusory items can manipulate them as if they were real, but the illusion cannot support any weight. You can make larger objects, up to the size of a large carriage. Objects that produce effects can now reach further, such as missiles from a missile weapon reaching out to create illusory damage at range. A weapon made invisible might grant an advantage at the start of a fight but battering will soon make it visible.
Shadow Structure Create semi-real things that only work for your crew.
As Phantasmal Fabrication, except that things you create can be semi-real, able to do what a poor example of such a thing usually does, but only when you will it to do so. For example you can create an illusory stone bridge that supports you and allies as a rickety wooden bridge would, but doesn't support others at all. Tools and weapons made this way perform as a basic example of what they imitate, functional but not fancy or exact.
Mass Mirage Phantasmal Fabrication on a grand scale.
This is similar to Phantasmal Fabrication, but you mass produce objects, even a set of different objects. You can also make something huge, such as a ship, building, or small landscape.
Wreck
Cover things with illusions of destruction. Illusion is one of the weaker wrecking powers since its unreal until Shadowy Shatter, you can make things look broken to deny them to the enemy but its hard to get much use of the destruction yourself.
Position depends on the situation; if you are unseen and undisturbed and know what you are pretending to bring down you have a controlled position. If lots of enemies are about, you don't know what you will uncover, or you might trigger an accident the position might be desperate.
The outcome required depends on the size and structural strength of your target. Standard outcome is a car-sized hole in a brick or mortar wall. Construction significantly weaker than this only demands limited outcome. A smaller hole stil need the same outcome. Something larger and/or stronger requires great outcome. The item is still there, but appears obviously broken. Its hard to make multiple such outcome credible, if you make an illusion of a rifle breaking ten times someone is bound try to use their "broken" rifle and find it works.
Faux Fracture
Illusion of damage to an object.
This is illusory destruction of fragile things that you could destroy with a sledgehammer. This applies to both people and objects. Illusion attacks cause pain and apparent wounds, but can only kill indirectly, by causing the mind to shut the body down. Level 4 harm is more likely to be a coma than death. Illusory attacks cannot affect insensate things that lack cognitive abilities. This includes objects but also creatures under a certain threshold of perception and imagination function, like bacteria and plants. You should describe an illusory attack, and any defense or resistance the target has that would work against the attack you describe will work against the illusory damage.
Phantom Fracture Illusion of damage to a place.
Faux Fracture on something strong, like a strong wall. Can make a fine and potent illusory attack.
Shadowy Shatter Phantom Fracture, but semi-real.
Phantom Fracture, except that the damage you do is semi-real, able to be exploited, but only when you will it to be so. For example you can create an illusory hole in a wall you and your crew can use, but which doesn't let others pass.
Apocalyptic Artistry City-sized Phantom Fracture.
Rather straightforward, this just scales things up.