ESP

Divination [detection, language-dependent, mind-affecting, psionic*]

• • Level Magic-user 2

  • Components V, S, M

  • Casting Time 2 segments

  • Range 0

  • Area of Effect An area 10-ft. wide by 5-ft. long per caster level (aimed in one direction once per round)

  • Duration 1 round per caster level (C)

  • Save None

The spell gives the caster the ability to detect the presence of thinking creatures in the area of effect and read the surface thoughts of the one selected.

• When cast, the caster will point the area of effect in one direction, based on their facing and the effect will not move until they use an action to move it.

• The caster can sense thinking creatures in the area of effect. Mindless creatures will not register, nor will those immune to mind affecting effects.

• An invisible creature (if not mindless) can be sensed if in the area of effect and selected by the spell for thought reading. Hidden or camouflaged creatures can likewise be sensed.

• While the caster can sense creatures, no further information is given unless reading an individual's surface thoughts.

Detect Thoughts. [innate] (concentration) Each round, on their turn during group initiative, the caster can relocate the area of effect as an innate ability, based on their facing. The spell will reveal the number and location of any thinking creature in the area of effect and, each round, the caster can select one to read it's surface thoughts.

Physical objects, coverings, or structures will not limit the detection ability (with the exceptions noted below) but do limit the ability to clearly see the source of the emanation.

Surface Thoughts

• • For creatures under a Low Intelligence rating, surface thoughts will be current impulses (hunger, fear, territorial anger, etc.) and level of aggression.

  • For more intelligent creatures, if the caster does not understand the creature's native language, only surface level emotions will be sensed. A creature's native language is typically it's racial language or Common per the GM. In some cases, regional languages will be the native language over Common for humans, but only in very secular societies. A creature that is speaking will be thinking in the same language.

  • If the caster understands the creature's language, the surface thoughts of the creature can be detected. Thoughts range from emotions (anger, fear, lust, etc.) interspersed with short internal messages: statements, questions, expletives, etc. Unless being interacted with, these are fairly random.

  • Over time and through expert questioning, lies can be detected (although not with great certainty) and information gleaned (often incomplete).

  • While there is no saving throw, creatures familiar with the spell and suspect it's use can modify their surface thoughts unless the GM determines circumstances cause them to lose concentration. Otherwise, those in the area of effect or targeted feel nothing from the spell.

Limitations 

• • Some barriers will block the detection altogether: Any amount of lead; 2-ft. of stone; or 2-inches of metal (of any kind).

Material Components. A copper piece. The component is consumed in the casting of the spell. Cost/Scarcity. 1 c.p./Common.

Known Substitutions. None.