Powers: Incarnum, Part 1 - Meldshaping

Powers: Incarnum, Part 1 - Meldshaping

Magic of Incarnum was released quite late during the lifetime of D&D 3.5 and contained a whole new "magic" subsystem with three new classes, tons of options. The wielders of incarnum (raw stuff of souls) create semi-permanent magic items on their bodies and bind them to their chakras to gain additional benefits. In addition, incarnum bears a moral flavor, and this fact makes this power more appropriate for settings where good, evil, chaos, and order powers are clearly defined. I liked everything about this book - the mechanics (eve though some options were quite bad), the lore, the flavor, the art, and I can't recommend it enough even if you don't play D&D. While converting this subsystem to GURPS I've encountered many problems. In this state it doesn't look like an exact mechanical duplicate of the original subsystem, but it still looks quite unique and different from all other powers.

A GCS library with all soulmelds can be downloaded here.

I will have to leave out all the flavor text, so I recommend you to check out Magic of Incarnum, it's worth it.

How Incarnum Works

A soulmeld is a semi-permanent supernatural effect crafted from raw incarnum. Soulmelds are “worn” much like magic items. Once shaped, a soulmeld lasts as long as its creator wants it to. All soulmelds are Switchable, even if the enhancement makes no sense for the advantage in question - the soulmeld’s effects and display are suppressed when it is not “on”. To shape or dismiss a soulmeld (switch it “on” or “off”), you must concentrate for 1 minute. This way you can’t switch between the alternative abilities in a single second or as a free action.

Essentia is a character’s personal store of incarnum. A character’s essentia pool is represented with ER (Incarnum) [3/point]. Essentia can be invested into soulmelds in order to enhance their effects and to use their abilities. Normally, a meldshaper can only invest essentia only in a single soulmeld with a Concentrate maneuver, but if he makes a successful Body Control roll, he can invest essentia into any number of shaped soulmelds. Note that the soulmelds can only be powered by essentia – a meldshaper cannot spend FP or HP to use abilities granted by the soulmelds.

Every soulmeld occupies a chakra, which cuts off the corresponding body slot from magic item (or psionic item, and so on) use—binding a soulmeld to your feet chakra means you can’t wear magic boots, for example. When a soulmeld occupies a chakra, the meldshaper can still wear a magic item that occupies the corresponding body slot, but cannot get any supernatural benefits from it. The soulmeld appears floating in the air around that part of the body or simply superimposed over it and any other gear the character might wear on that part of the body. You cannot shape two soulmelds that occupy the same chakra. For example, if you have a crystal helm occupying your crown chakra, the crystal helm appears floating over your head, encompassing your head as well as any helmet (even a magic helmet) you might wear. You cannot also shape an enigma helm soulmeld, because it would also occupy your crown chakra. Some soulmelds can occupy one of two or more different chakras. For example, the mauling gauntlets soulmeld can occupy your hands or your arms chakra. You choose when you shape a meld which chakra you want it to occupy.

The chakras correspond to body slots as follows:

Crown: Headband, hat, helmet, or phylactery.

Feet: Boots or shoes.

Hands: Gloves or gauntlets. A soulmeld bound to the hands chakra does not suppress magical rings.

Arms: Bracers, bracelets, or arms armor.

Brow: Eye lenses, goggles, or mask.

Shoulders: Cloak, cape, or mantle.

Throat: Amulet, brooch, medallion, necklace, periapt, or scarab.

Waist: Belt.

Heart: Torso armor, shirt, vest.

Soul: All armor, or robe.

You buy soulmelds that belong to a single chakra as Alternative Abilities, paying full cost for the most expensive one, and only 1/5 for all others. For example, a meldshaper spends 34 points to gain the ability to shape airstep sandals, but spends only 3 points to gain the ability to shape acrobat boots (full cost of 14/5=3). The same meldshaper would have to spend full 20 points to gain the ability to shape adamant pauldrons, because this soulmeld does not correspond to the feet chakra. Some soulmelds have multiple versions that correspond to different chakras. Such versions are bought separately. If effect, they are completely different soulmelds that use similar soul energies.

There are two ways to gain the ability to shape incarnum – by adhering to a strict moral code (see Meldshaping below) or by channeling wild energies of nature (see Totemism in the next post).

MELDSHAPING

Power Modifier: Every incarnum ability the limitation Meldshaping, -30% (Anti-Powers, -5%; Moral Code, -15%; Must be powered by essentia, -5%; Nuisance Effect, Interferes with magic items, -5%). This reflects that it is part of the meldshaping power, and that it uses the rules under How Incarnum Works and specific rules detailed below. Some specialized magical effects can suppress the meldshaper’s powers. The meldshaper’s ability to tap the power of incarnum comes from his dedication to a moral principle – Chaos, Evil, Good, or Law. This makes the meldshaper detectable with abilities and spells that allow detecting moral auras. Every meldshaper must adhere to a moral code at all times. This is a -15-point disadvantage, usually Fanaticism – although Honesty (9) or Sense of Duty (Humanity) is just as likely for Good. If the meldshaper falters, even for a moment, he loses his power instantly. To get it back requires an extreme demonstration of commitment that costs at least 2d days of lost time or earnings. Details are up to the GM, who should pick something appropriate to your power; e.g., a large donation to charity, for Good. Some soulmelds have additional requirements usually based on the chosen moral code.

Meldshaping Talent – 10 points/level

This advantage is the power Talent for meldshaping. Meldshaping Talent adds to every roll made to use an ability granted by a soulmeld or to use that soulmeld well. For example, it adds to Innate Attack (Projectile) skill to hit with the acid spit granted by the dissolving spittle soulmeld, to IQ rolls to open planar gates with the planar chasuble soulmeld, and so on. It even adds to Occultism or Thaumatology when rolling to answer questions about incarnum.

The GM must determine the maximum level of Meldshaping Talent in the campaign. For most games, four levels is a reasonable limit. In a cinematic or over-the-top setting, the GM may wish to raise this to six levels, 10 levels, or no limits at all! See GURPS Powers for much more on power Talents in general.

SOULMELDS

Acrobat Boots

Chakra: Feet.

Full Cost: 14 points.

While wearing acrobat boots, you gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics, Dancing, Escape, Jumping skills and a bonus of +1 on all DX rolls made to retain balance (for example, after being affected by knockback).

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

You subtract five yards from a fall automatically (treat this as an automatic Acrobatics success – don’t check again for it). In addition, a successful DX roll halves damage from any fall. To enjoy these benefits, your limbs must be unbound and your body free to twist as you fall. The bonus from this soulmeld applies to this DX roll.

Statistics: Talent 1 (Acrobatics, Dancing, Escape, Jumping; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Talent 1 (Acrobatics, Dancing, Escape, Jumping; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3] + Catfall (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [7].

Adamant Pauldrons

Chakra: Shoulders.

Full Cost: 20 points.

When this soulmeld is active, you treat hits to the “vitals” or “groin” as torso hits. You take reduced damage from piercing and impaling attacks as if you were an Unliving being; see Injury to Unliving, Homogenous, and Diffuse Targets (B380).

You can extend this benefit to your brain for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia. While this extension is active, any blow to your skull or eye is treated no differently than a blow to the face (except that an eye injury can still cripple that eye).

Statistics: Injury Tolerance (No Vitals; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Injury Tolerance (No Brain; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3] + Injury Tolerance (Unliving; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [13].

Airstep Sandals

Chakra: Feet.

Full Cost: 33 points.

While worn, the airstep sandals allow you to treat air, smoke, and other gases are as solid ground beneath your feet, allowing you to walk up and down “invisible stairs” at your ground Move. This won’t work in a vacuum – there has to be some kind of air present. If you get knocked down or slip, you fall! You may attempt one DX roll per second of falling. If you succeed, you stop in thin air, unharmed. Otherwise, you hit the ground for normal falling damage (see Falling, B431).

You can’t walk very high off the ground. You have a height limit of 5 feet, but you can remove this limit for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

You can gain the ability to fly for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia. This works at any altitude where there is still significant atmosphere – but in the upper atmosphere, you’ll need a way to survive in very thin, cold air (e.g., Doesn’t Breathe and Temperature Tolerance). You cannot fly in a trace atmosphere or vacuum.

Your flight Move is Basic Speed x 2 (drop all fractions). You can also “fly” at half-speed underwater. Flight does not confer the ability to do complex acrobatics and tight turns; for that, buy Aerobatics skill (B174). Flight skill (B195) improves endurance.

You cannot hover. You must always move at least 1/4 your top airspeed (round up) when flying.

Statistics: Walk on Air (Either/Or (Maximum Height, 5-feet, -25% or Costs 1 ER, -5%;), -2%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [15] + Flight (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Cannot Hover, -15%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [18].

Apparition Ribbon

Chakra: Throat.

Full Cost: 27 points.

By taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia you can grant any weapon you wield the ability to harm incorporeal beings for 1 minute. In effect, it gains the Affects Insubstantial modifier. In an over-the-top campaign, the GM may even allow this effect to extend to vehicular weaponry!

You gain the ability to become incorporeal for brief periods of time. Every activation of this ability costs you 1 point of essentia and lasts up to 10 seconds. After that, it shuts down without warning and you can’t reactivate it for five minutes. You can carry objects weighing up to your light encumbrance while insubstantial.

Statistics: Blessed (Ghost Weapon; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [11] + Insubstantiality (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Can Carry Objects, Light, +20%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Maximum Duration, 10 seconds, -75%) [16].

Arcane Focus

Chakra: Throat.

Full Cost: 20 points.

You gain Sorcery Talent 1, which makes your arcane spells more potent. You can double this benefit for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

You can reroll spellcasting rolls, potentially turning failure into success. You may use this ability immediately after any such roll you make. Every use of this ability costs 1 point of essentia. This lets you reroll your roll twice, taking the best result of the three. You may not “share” your luck with anyone. Once you use this ability, you must wait for a day of game world time before using it again.

Statistics: Sorcery Talent 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Sorcery Talent 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [6] + Luck (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Aspected, Quick Contests on Resisted Spells, -20%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Game Time, +0%; Meldshaping, -30%) [6]. Notes: This soulmeld assumes that Sorcery is the default magic system in the game world. If it is not true, substitute Sorcery Talent for a similar advantage (for example, Magery).

Armguards of Disruption

Chakra: Arms.

Full Cost: 19 points.

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of evil.

Your touch is harmful to undead. While wearing armguards of disruption, you can deal 1d toxic damage to an undead creature with a touch. This attack costs 1 point of essentia and ignores DR.

You gain DR 2 against attacks made by undead creatures. This DR takes the form of a field projected a short distance from your body. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

You get a +3 bonus to HT and Will rolls made to resist abilities used by undead creatures.

Statistics: Crushing Attack 1d (Accessibility, Only on undead, -30%; Cosmic, Irresistible attack, +300%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Melee Attack, Reach C, Cannot Parry, -35%; Meldshaping, -30%; No Blunt Trauma, -20%; No Knockback, -10%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [13] + DR 2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Force Field, +20%; Limited, Undead Creatures, -60%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3] + Resistant to Undead Abilities (+3) (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Astral Vambraces

Chakra: Arms.

Full Cost: 12 points.

Your astral vambraces infuse you with the fortitude of an astral construct, granting you DR 2. This DR does not work against magical attacks.

You can double this DR for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: DR 2 (Accessibility, Not against magic, -15%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [7] + DR 2 (Accessibility, Not against magic, -15%; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [5].

Bloodwar Gauntlets

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 23 points (see notes).

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

Your bloodwar gauntlets grants your hands DR 3. The nature of this soulmeld allows you to wear normal gauntlets as well.

While you wear your bloodwar gauntlets, you add +2 to your base ST solely for the purpose of calculating thrust and swing damage (see Damage Table, B16). You can double this bonus for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Change the damage you inflict with a punch from crushing to cutting.

Statistics: DR 3 (Meldshaping, -30%; Hands Only, -40%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [6] + Striking ST +2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is "on", -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [7] + Striking ST +2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [6] + Sharp Claws (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [4]. Notes: If you bought your ST with the No Fine Manipulators or Size limitation, apply the same limitation(s) to Striking ST.

Knowing Your Own Strength [14] Statistics: DR 3 (Meldshaping, -30%; Hands Only, -40%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [6] + Striking ST +2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is "on", -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [2] + Striking ST +2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [2] + Sharp Claws (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [4].

Bluesteel Bracers

Chakra: Arms.

Full Cost: 31 points.

Your bluesteel bracers enhance your reactions and keep your mind in a state of constant battle readiness, granting you combat reflexes. You get +1 to all active defense rolls, +1 to Fast-Draw skill, and +2 to Fright Checks (see Fright Checks, B360). You never “freeze” in a surprise situation, and get +6 on all IQ rolls to wake up, or to recover from surprise or mental “stun.” Your side gets +1 on initiative rolls to avoid a surprise attack – +2 if you are the leader. For details, see Surprise Attacks and Initiative (B393).

You can further increase your Dodge by 1 for 1 minute by spending 1 point of essentia and taking a Concentrate maneuver.

You can’t depend on it, but sometimes you get this prickly feeling right at the back of your neck, and you know something’s wrong . . . The GM rolls once against your Perception, secretly, in any situation involving an ambush, impending disaster, or similar hazard. On a success, you get enough of a warning that you can take action. A roll of 3 or 4 means you get a little detail as to the nature of the danger.

Statistics: Combat Reflexes (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [12] + Enhanced Dodge 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [9] + Danger Sense (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [10].

Cerulean Sandals

Chakra: Feet.

Full Cost: 46 points.

You can walk on the surface of any liquid as if it were solid ground. You move at your usual ground Move. This doesn’t protect you from any damage that you would take from coming into contact with the liquid, however. You can’t traverse volcanic lava or boiling acid without taking damage!

In addition, by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia, you can increase your Basic Move by 3 for 1 minute.

You gain the ability to teleport. You can teleport yourself (and equipment up to your No Encumbrance limit) to anywhere within 10 yards. To do so, make an IQ roll, using Teleportation Modifiers (see Psionic Powers, pg. 68) for how far away you want to travel and how much time you spend concentrating first. If the combined penalty is too great, you can expend essentia – every 2 points of essentia spent remove -1 point of penalties.

If you succeed, you immediately vanish and appear at the new destination. On a failure, you go nowhere and strain your power: you are at -5 to use it again in the next 10 minutes. On a critical failure, in addition to any other effects, you teleport to the wrong place (GM’s call).

You can avoid one attack on your turn with this ability. Roll against your IQ, with no penalty for distance and -5 for no preparation time. If successful, you disappear before the attack can hit and reappear somewhere random within your range, or within 10 yards. If there is no safe place to reappear, your roll fails automatically.

Statistics: Walk on Liquid (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [12] + Basic Move +3 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [9] + Warp (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Blind Only, -50%; Gyroscopic, +10%; Meldshaping, -30%; Range Limit, 10 yards, -50%; Reliable 10, +50%) [25].

Charming Veil

Chakra: Brow.

Full Cost: 8 points.

You can reroll rolls when you use a mind-affecting psionic ability, potentially turning failure into success. You may use this ability immediately after any such roll you make. Every use of this ability costs 1 point of essentia. This lets you reroll your roll twice, taking the best result of the three. You may not “share” your luck with anyone. Once you use this ability, you must wait for a day of game world time before using it again.

Statistics: Luck (Aspected, Quick Contests on Mind-Affecting Psionic Abilities, -20%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Game Time, +0%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8].

Claws of the Wyrm

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 7 points.

Requirements: Only creatures with dragon blood can shape this soulmeld. The source of the meldshaper’s draconic blood doesn’t matter. Draconic incarnum cares only that the meldshaper shares some small bit of definable heritage with the dragons of old.

Change the damage you inflict with a punch from crushing to cutting. You can spend 1 point of essentia to infuse your claws with fire for a single attack. When you do so, you deal additional 1d burning damage with your claw attack.

Statistics: Sharp Claws (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Burning Attack 1d (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Follow-Up, Claws, +0%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Crystal Helm

Chakra: Crown.

Full Cost: 26 points.

This soulmeld grants you a +3 bonus to Will rolls made to resist mind-affecting abilities.

In addition, you can grant yourself DR 2 for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia. This DR takes the form of a field projected a short distance from your body. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

Any weapons you wield have the ability to harm incorporeal beings. In effect, they gain the Affects Insubstantial modifier. In an over-the-top campaign, the GM may even allow this effect to extend to vehicular weaponry!

Statistics: Resistant to Mind-Affecting Effects (+3) (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + DR 2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Force Field, +20%; Meldshaping, -30%) [8] + Blessed (Ghost Weapon; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [10].

Diadem of Purelight

Chakra: Crown.

Full Cost: 10 points.

Your circlet emits light. This is equivalent to a torch (lights a 2-yard radius).

You can summon light equivalent to full daylight by making an IQ roll and spending 1 point of essentia; you may make this light manifest anywhere within 100 yards. The light is bright enough to eliminate all darkness penalties in a 10-yard radius. By concentrating, you can move this “zone of light” at up to 1 yard per second. This light lasts for 1 minute.

Statistics: Illumination (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [1] + Create Visible Light 1 (Accessibility, Limited to lighting a 10-yard radius for one minute, -40%; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Ranged, +40%; Reduced Fatigue Cost 1, +20%) [9].

Dissolving Spittle

Chakra: Throat.

Full Cost: 6 points.

You can spit a glob of acid at your enemies. Use Innate Attack (Breath) to hit.

This is a ranged attack with 1/2D 5, Max 50, Acc 3, RoF 1, Shots N/A, and Recoil 1. This attack costs 1 point of essentia, deals 1d corrosion damage, and can be blocked, but not parried.

Statistics: Corrosion Attack 1d (Blockable, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Reduced Range, x1/2, -10%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [6].

Dragon Mantle

Chakra: Heart, Shoulders.

Full Cost: 39 points (heart) or 28 points (shoulders).

Requirements: Only creatures with dragon blood can shape this soulmeld. The source of the meldshaper’s draconic blood doesn’t matter. Draconic incarnum cares only that the meldshaper shares some small bit of definable heritage with the dragons of old.

Chakra Bind (Heart): You recover 1 HP per minute.

Chakra Bind (Shoulders): You gain DR 4 against energy attacks. This DR takes the form of a field projected a short distance from your body. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

You can double this DR for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics (Heart): Regeneration (Fast; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [39].

Statistics (Shoulders): DR 4 (Force Field, +20%; Limited, Energy, -20%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [16] + DR 4 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Force Field, +20%; Limited, Energy, -20%; Meldshaping, -30%) [12].

Dragon Tail

Chakra: Waist.

Full Cost: 6 points.

Requirements: Only creatures with dragon blood can shape this soulmeld. The source of the meldshaper’s draconic blood doesn’t matter. Draconic incarnum cares only that the meldshaper shares some small bit of definable heritage with the dragons of old.

You gain a draconic tail that you can use to strike, but not to manipulate objects. The tail can attack at reach C (but see the text below), inflicting thrust crushing damage at +1 per die. Your tail is clumsy, roll against DX-1 or Brawling-1 to hit with it. You cannot use it to parry.

Your tail is long relative to your body. This increases your effective SM by 1 for the purpose of calculating the tail’s reach (see Size Modifier and Reach, p. B402).

Statistics: Striker (Crushing; Cannot Parry, -40%; Clumsy 1, -20%; Long 1, +100%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [6].

Elder Spirit

Chakra: Crown, Soul.

Full Cost: 14 points (crown) or 18 points (soul).

Requirements: Only creatures with dragon blood can shape this soulmeld. The source of the meldshaper’s draconic blood doesn’t matter. Draconic incarnum cares only that the meldshaper shares some small bit of definable heritage with the dragons of old.

Chakra Bind (Crown): You gain a +1 bonus Archaeology, Expert Skill, Geography, Heraldry, Hidden Lore, History, Law, Literature, Occultism, Philosophy, Research, and Theology skills, a +1 bonus to all IQ-based default rolls (as for Jack of All Trades, Power-Ups 3 – Talents, p. 11) made to recall general knowledge that falls outside your skills – not for practical feats.

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Chakra Bind (Soul): You can take a Concentrate maneuver and spend 1 point of essentia to grant yourself Dark Vision for 1 minute. You become able to see in absolute darkness using some means other than light, radar, or sonar. You suffer no skill penalties for darkness, no matter what its origin. However, you cannot see colors in the dark.

Statistics (Crown): Sage 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Sage 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [6].

Statistics (Soul): Dark Vision (Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [18].

Enigma Helm

Chakra: Crown.

Full Cost: 56 points.

You become nearly impossible to detect, see, or divine with any Information spells, regardless of the magic system used to cast them. Enigma helm reduces the diviner’s effective margin of success by 10 for these purposes – so a spell that succeeded by 0-9 completely fails to find the subject, while one that succeeded by 10+ provides less information than normal and is at a huge disadvantage if it’s resisted.

By spending 1 point of essentia and taking a Concentrate maneuver, you can gain a “shield” that warns you of and defends against mental attacks for 1 minute. Add 4 to IQ or Will whenever you resist an advantage with the Telepathic limitation (see Basic Set, Chapter 6) and whenever you resist a spell listed under Communication and Empathy Spells (B245) or Mind Control Spells (B250).

Your shield also resists attempts to locate your mind using magic or psionics. Such abilities must win a Quick Contest against your Will+4 to find you. You may voluntarily lower your mind shield during its duration if you wish – for instance, to let a friend read your mind. Lowering or raising your shield is a free action, but it must take place at the start of your turn. Enigma helm does protect you while you are asleep or unconscious, unless you fell asleep or were knocked out while your shield was voluntarily lowered.

Statistics: Obscure 10 (Information Spells; Defensive, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Stealthy, +100%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [46] + Mind Shield 4 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [10].

Fearsome Mask

Chakra: Brow.

Full Cost: 22 points.

You can fill your foes’ hearts with terror. All creatures who can see you must roll an immediate Fright Check (see Fright Checks, B360). Your victims get +1 per Fright Check after the first within 24 hours. If a victim succeeds at his Fright Check, he will be unaffected by your fear-inducing visage for one hour. Using this ability costs 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Terror 1 (Vision; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [22].

Fellmist Robe

Chakra: Soul.

Full Cost: 20 points.

This robe of mist masks your true location, protecting you from attacks.

This reaches to a two-yard radius around you. With care, you can include a few friends as well. Subtract 2 from any attempts to see you using normal vision or Infravision; there is no resistance roll. Even if someone does manage to see you, subtract 2 from any attack roll against you that relies on vision to hit. You can see perfectly while using this ability. You can double these penalties for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Obscure 2 (Vision; Defensive, +50%; Extended, Infravision, +20%; Meldshaping, -30%; Stealthy, +100%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [10] + Obscure 2 (Vision; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Defensive, +50%; Extended, Infravision, +20%; Meldshaping, -30%; Stealthy, +100%) [10].

Flame Cincture

Chakra: Waist.

Full Cost: 24 points.

You gain DR 8 against fire attacks. This DR takes the form of a field projected a short distance from your body. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

This soulmeld emits light. This is equivalent to a torch (lights a 2-yard radius).

Statistics: DR 8 (Force Field, +20%; Limited, Fire, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [23] + Illumination (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [1].

Gloves of the Poisoned Soul

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 18 points.

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

You can spend 1 point of essentia and touch your victim, and if you win a Quick Contest of your Will versus the victim’s HT, the victim suffers a temporary -2 penalty to IQ and ST. Lower all skills based on reduced attributes by a like amount. ST penalties also reduce BL and damage, while IQ reductions also apply to Will and Perception. Secondary characteristics are not otherwise affected. These penalties last for 3 minutes.

Statistics: Affliction 1 (HT; Attribute Penalty, ST-2, IQ-2, +30%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Fixed Duration, +0%; Melee Attack, Reach C, -30%; Malediction 1, +100%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [18].

Hunter’s Circlet

Chakra: Crown.

Full Cost: 7 points.

While wearing hunter’s circlet, you gain a +1 bonus to Camouflage, Hiking, Navigation (Land), Stealth, and Tracking skills and a bonus of +1 to Per rolls to keep track of a specific quarry you’ve already spotted using ither skills.

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Stalker 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Stalker 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Illusion Veil

Chakra: Brow.

Full Cost: 18 points.

You can see objects or individuals that are normally invisible. This only applies to magical invisibility. By taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia, you can extend this effect to cover all other forms of invisibility for 1 minute.

Additionally, this soulmeld gives you +1 on all mundane Will rolls to disbelieve magical illusions, on illusion-initiated Fright Checks, and on your IQ + Magery (or other magical Talent) roll to sense the magic of permanent illusions.

Statistics: See Invisible (Magic; Cosmic (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%), +30%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [17] + Intuitive Illusionist (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [1].

Impulse Boots

Chakra: Feet.

Full Cost: 21 points.

You gain a +1 bonus on Dodge rolls.

You can double this bonus for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Enhanced Dodge 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [12] + Enhanced Dodge 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [9].

Incarnate Avatar

Chakra: Soul.

Full Cost: 14 points (chaos) or 26 points (evil; see notes) or 28 points (good) or 22 points (law).

Requirements: The meldshaper must adhere to a moral code appropriate to the chosen version of the soulmeld. For example, the meldshaper must adhere to a moral code of good to shape the good version of this soulmeld.

You gain an ability based on your moral code.

Chaos: Your Basic Move is increased by 2. You can double this bonus for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Evil: You add +2 to your base ST solely for the purpose of calculating thrust and swing damage (see Damage Table, B16). You can gain the ability to fly for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia. This works at any altitude where there is still significant atmosphere – but in the upper atmosphere, you’ll need a way to survive in very thin, cold air (e.g., Doesn’t Breathe and Temperature Tolerance). You cannot fly in a trace atmosphere or vacuum.

Your flight Move is Basic Speed x 2 (drop all fractions). You can also “fly” at half-speed underwater. Flight does not confer the ability to do complex acrobatics and tight turns; for that, buy Aerobatics skill (B174). Flight skill (B195) improves endurance.

You cannot hover. You must always move at least 1/4 your top airspeed (round up) when flying.

Good: You have DR 2. This DR takes the form of a field projected a short distance from your body. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

You can gain the ability to fly for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia. This works at any altitude where there is still significant atmosphere – but in the upper atmosphere, you’ll need a way to survive in very thin, cold air (e.g., Doesn’t Breathe and Temperature Tolerance). You cannot fly in a trace atmosphere or vacuum.

Your flight Move is Basic Speed x 2 (drop all fractions). You can also “fly” at half-speed underwater. Flight does not confer the ability to do complex acrobatics and tight turns; for that, buy Aerobatics skill (B174). Flight skill (B195) improves endurance.

You cannot hover. You must always move at least 1/4 your top airspeed (round up) when flying.

Law: You are immune to paralysis. By taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia you can make yourself immune to pain for 1 minute. Immunity to pain lets you ignore shock, knockdown, physical stun, physical torture, and painful or stunning afflictions.

Statistics (Chaos): Basic Move +2 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Basic Move +2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [6].

Statistics (Evil): Striking ST +2 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Flight (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Cannot Hover, -15%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [18]. Notes: If you bought your ST with the No Fine Manipulators or Size limitation, apply the same limitation(s) to Striking ST.

Statistics (Good): DR 2 (Force Field, +20%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [10] + Flight (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Cannot Hover, -15%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [18].

Statistics (Law): Immunity to Paralysis (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Immunity to Pain (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [18].

Knowing Your Own Strength [20] Statistics (Evil): Striking ST +2 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [2] + Flight (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Cannot Hover, -15%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [18].

Incarnate Weapon

Chakra: Arms.

Full Cost: 8 points (chaos, evil, or law) or 19 points (good).

Requirements: The meldshaper must adhere to a moral code appropriate to the chosen version of the soulmeld. For example, the meldshaper must adhere to a moral code of good to shape the good version of this soulmeld.

You shape incarnum into a melee weapon (sized normally for you despite its overlarge appearance) that is particularly harmful to creatures of the opposing alignment. These weapons weigh nothing, and are not unbalanced, despite their shapes. They cannot break other weapons, and are themselves unbreakable.

You get a bonus to your weapon skill equal to your Meldshaping Talent.

The weapon’s form is based on your moral code.

Chaos: You can manifest an axe, one-handed but with a head big enough for a two-handed weapon. It deals sw+2 cut damage. It has Reach 1, and uses your Axe/Mace skill to attack and parry. It counts as an anarchic weapon, which is useful when combating lawful outsiders.

Evil: You can manifest a massive and vicious-looking one-handed mace. It deals sw+3 cr damage, has reach 1, and uses your Axe/Mace skill to attack and parry. It counts as an unholy weapon, which is useful when combating good outsiders.

Good: You can manifest a huge maul, its head bigger than your head. It deals sw+7 cr damage. It has Reach 1, 2, and uses your Two-Handed Axe/Mace skill to attack and parry. It always requires two hands, regardless of your ST. It counts as a holy weapon, which is useful when combating evil outsiders.

Law: You can manifest a sword, broad as the palm of your hand, and impossibly thin. It deals sw+2 cut damage, or thr+1 imp damage. It has Reach 1, and uses your Broadsword skill to attack and parry. It counts as an axiomatic weapon, which is useful when combating chaotic outsiders.

Statistics (Chaos): Cutting Attack 2 points (Cosmic, Counts as anarchic, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Melee Attack, Reach 1, -25%; ST-Based, +100%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8].

Statistics (Evil): Crushing Attack 3 points (Cosmic, Counts as unholy, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Melee Attack, Reach 1, -25%; ST-Based, +100%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8].

Statistics (Good): Crushing Attack 7 points (Cosmic, Counts as holy, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Melee Attack, Reach 1, 2, -20%; ST-Based, +100%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [19]. Feature: Two-Handed.

Statistics (Law): Cutting Attack 2 points (Cosmic, Counts as axiomatic, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Melee Attack, Reach 1, -25%; ST-Based, +100%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%; Thrusting Blade, +15%) [8].

Keeneye Lenses

Chakra: Brow.

Full Cost: 21 points.

You gain a +2 bonus on Vision rolls.

In addition, by spending 1 point of essentia and taking a Concentrate maneuver you can grant yourself true sight for 1 minute. You can see objects or individuals that are normally invisible. This only applies to magical invisibility. Your vision can penetrate all deceptions related to magic, including camouflage, disguises, and illusions.

Statistics: Acute Vision 2 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + See Invisible (Magic; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; True Sight, +50%) [17].

Lammasu Mantle

Chakra: Arms, Shoulders.

Full Cost: 4 points (arms) or 37 points (shoulders).

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of evil.

Chakra Bind (Arms): Your lammasu mantle protects you against the attacks of evil creatures. You gain DR 2 against attacks made by evil creatures. This DR takes the form of a field projected a short distance your body. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

In addition, by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia, you can grant yourself a +3 bonus to HT and Will rolls made to resist abilities used by evil creatures for 1 minute.

Chakra Bind (Shoulders): By taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia you can project an aura of good for 5 minutes. Non-good summoned creatures become unwilling to enter the area of 2-yard radius around you; any already within the area leave immediately and do not return for 3 minutes. This spell is resisted by each creature in a Quick Contest of your Will against the creature’s IQ. Victory allows the creature to remain within the area for three minutes, after which it must roll again.

Statistics (Arms): DR 2 (Force Field, +20%; Limited, Evil Creatures, -60%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Resistant to Evil Abilities (+3) (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Statistics (Shoulders): Affliction 1 (IQ; Accessibility, Non-Good Summoned Creatures Only, ‑60%; Area Effect, 2 yards, +50%; Based on IQ, +20%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Disadvantage, Dread, +30%; Emanation, -20%; Extended Duration on Persistent, 30x, +60%; Fixed Duration, +0%; Malediction 2, +150%; Meldshaping, -30%; No Signature, +20%; Persistent, +40%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [37].

Lifebond Vestments

Chakra: Heart.

Full Cost: 52 points.

By making physical contact with a subject, spending 1 point of essentia, and making a successful IQ roll, you may immediately heal him 1d HP. This also automatically stops any bleeding.

Your IQ roll is at -2 if the subject is unconscious. In addition, if used more than once per day on a given subject, you are at a cumulative -3 per successful healing. Failure costs you 1d FP in addition to the usual 1 point of essentia!

Statistics: Healing (Affects Self, +50%; Cannot restore crippled limbs, -10%; Capped, 2 FP, -25%; Injuries Only, -20%; Meldshaping, -30%; Reduced Fatigue Cost 1, +20%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%; Xenohealing, Anything Alive, +80%) [52]. Note: The 4 HP of healing has been converted to dice per p. B269.

Lightning Gauntlets

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 8 points.

You can spend 1 point of essentia to infuse any weapon your wield or any natural weapon with electricity for a single attack. When you do so, you deal additional 1d burning surge damage with your attack.

Statistics: Burning Attack 1d (Costs 1 ER, -5%; Follow-Up, Universal, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Surge, +20%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8].

Lucky Dice

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 11 points.

Once per day of game time of play, you may spend 1 point of essentia, reroll a single bad die roll twice, and take the best of the three rolls! You must declare that you are using this ability immediately after you roll the dice. Once you or anyone else has made another die roll, it is too late to use this ability. If the GM is rolling in secret (e.g., to see if you notice something), you may tell him you are using this ability ahead of time, and he must roll three times and give you the best result.

This ability only applies to your own success, damage, or reaction rolls, or on outside events that affect you or your whole party, or when you are being attacked (in which case you may make the attacker roll three times and take the worst roll!).

You cannot share this ability. If Strong Sam is trying to kick open a door, Lucky Lou can’t stand behind him and transfer his luck. He’ll have to kick that door himself.

Once you use this ability, you must wait a day of game time before using it again.

Statistics: Luck (Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [11].

Mage’s Spectacles

Chakra: Brow.

Full Cost: 10 points.

You can determine whether the subject (person, object, or area) is under the effects of magic; enchanted items definitely count. The GM will secretly roll against your IQ minus range penalties (p. B550) to the subject, which you must be able to see or touch. If you are familiar with the spells in question, this will reveal them. Otherwise, the GM will use the margin of success to determine how much information to give you.

You can take a Concentrate maneuver and spend 1 point of essentia you can make this ability use the Long-Distance Modifiers (p. B241) instead of normal range penalties for 1 minute.

Statistics: Detect (Magic; Long-Range 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%), +30%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%; Touch- or Vision-Based, -15%) [10].

Mantle of Flame

Chakra: Shoulders.

Full Cost: 8 points.

You are sheathed in fire that deals 1d burning damage to enemies who touch your body.

This soulmeld emits light. This is equivalent to a torch (lights a 2-yard radius).

Statistics: Burning Attack 1d (Aura, +80%; Meldshaping, -30%; Melee Attack, Reach C, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [7] + Illumination (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [1].

Mauling Gauntlets

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 27 points.

Your exceptional talent means you have half the usual penalty to make a Rapid Strike (see Melee Attack Options, B370), or to parry more than once per turn (see Parrying, B376). These benefits apply to all your unarmed combat skills (Judo, Karate, etc.) and Melee Weapon skills.

Furthermore, you can focus your inner strength (often called “chi”) to perform amazing feats! This permits you to learn Flying Leap, Invisibility Art, Power Blow, and many other skills – anything that requires the Trained by a Master advantage as a prerequisite (see Chapter 4 of Basic Set). You can use these skills only when this soulmeld is “on”.

By taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia, you can solidify this soulmeld and grant your hands DR 3 for 1 minute. This is useful when fighting unarmed against armed combatants.

Statistics: Trained by a Master (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [24] + DR 3 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Hands Only, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Necrocarnum Circlet

Chakra: Crown.

Full Cost: 12 points.

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

You can determine whether the subject is an undead creature. The GM will secretly roll against your IQ minus range penalties (p. B550) to the subject, which you must be able to see or touch. If you are familiar with the undead creature in question, this will reveal it. Otherwise, the GM will use the margin of success to determine how much information to give you.

You can touch a corpse, spend 1 point of essentia, and animate it as a necrocarnum zombie by making a successful IQ + Meldshaping Talent roll. If you succeed, the necrocarnum zombie rises, ready to obey your orders. The necrocarnum zombie lasts for 10 minutes and becomes inert when the duration ends. You need to wait at least 5 minutes before you can animate a new one. If it is killed, the you must wait a full day to call replacements. Dismissing the necrocarnum zombie is a free action, but you may only dismiss it if it is physically present. You can use this ability only if your character’s point total is at least 2 times bigger than the necrocarnum zombie’s. The stats for the necrocarnum zombie’s template can be seen below, but the actual statistics depend on the corpse in question.

Statistics: Detect (Undead; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%; Touch- or Vision-Based, -15%) [4] + Ally (Necrocarnum Zombie; Built on 50%; No roll required; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Accessibility, Requires a corpse, -10%; Conjured, +100%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Minion, +0%, Maximum Duration, 10 minutes, -50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Requires IQ Roll, -10%) [8].

Necrocarnum Mantle

Chakra: Throat.

Full Cost: 17 points.

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

While your necrocarnum mantle is shaped, you are immune to disease. In addition, you can take a Concentrate maneuver and spend 1 point of essentia to grant yourself immunity to poison for 1 minute.

Statistics: Immunity to Disease (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Immunity to Poison (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [9].

Necrocarnum Shroud

Chakra: Soul.

Full Cost: 16 points.

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

You force necrocarnum to shape a life-draining field around you. You can steal HP from a victim to replenish your own. There is no resistance roll, but the subject must be either willing or completely helpless. You must touch him constantly while stealing vitality. Every two seconds, he loses 1 HP; for every full 3 HP he loses, you recover 1 HP. Every minute if draining costs 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Leech 1 (Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%; Takes Extra Time 1, -10%) [16].

Necrocarnum Touch

Chakra: Arms.

Full Cost: 23 points.

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

Your fingertips or equivalent organs are extremely sensitive, allowing you to sense residual heat in a chair, faint vibrations in the floor as someone approaches, etc. You get +4 (in addition to any Acute Touch bonuses) on any task that utilizes the sense of touch; e.g., a Forensics roll to note the similarities or differences between two pieces of fabric, or a Search roll to feel out tiny concealed objects.

Your touch is harmful to living creatures. While this soulmeld is shaped, you can deal 1d toxic damage to a living creature with a touch. In addition, you can spend 1 point of essentia to use this ability at range! Treat it as a ranged attack with 1/2D 10, Max 100, Acc 3, RoF 1, Shots N/A, and Recoil 1. Both versions ignore DR.

Statistics: Sensitive Touch (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Toxic Attack 1d (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Cosmic, Irresistible attack, +300%; Either/Or (Melee Attack, Reach C, Cannot Parry, -35% or Costs 1 ER, -5%), -2%; Meldshaping, -30%) [15].

Necrocarnum Vestments

Chakra: Heart, Waist.

Full Cost: 15 points (heart) or 18 points (waist).

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

Chakra Bind (Heart): You gain DR 4 against cold attacks. This DR takes the form of a field projected a short distance from your body. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

In addition, by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia, you can grant yourself a +3 bonus to HT and Will rolls made to resist necromantic spells and abilities for 1 minute.

Chakra Bind (Waist): You are sheathed in necrocarnum energy that deals 1d toxic damage to living creatures who touch your body. This attack ignores DR.

Statistics (Heart): DR 4 (Force Field, +20%; Limited, Cold, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [12] + Resistant to Necromantic Abilities (+3) (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Statistics (Waist): Toxic Attack 1d (Aura, +80%; Cosmic, Irresistible Attack, +300%; Meldshaping, -30%; Melee Attack, Reach C, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [18].

Necrocarnum Weapon

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 5 points.

Requirements: The meldshaper must not adhere to a moral code of good.

By spending 1 point of essentia, you can infuse any melee weapon you wield with necrocarnum energy for a single attack. If this attack hits a living creature, it deals additional 1d toxic damage.

Statistics: Toxic Attack 1d (Costs 1 ER, -5%; Follow-Up, Universal, Melee Weapons, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [5].

Pauldrons of Health

Chakra: Shoulders.

Full Cost: 22 points.

Whenever you roll to recover lost HP or to see if you can get over a crippling injury, you get +5 to your effective HT.

In addition, by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia, you can grant yourself immunity to metabolic hazards (all threats that only affect the living, including all disease and poison, plus such syndromes as altitude sickness, bends, seasickness, and jet lag) for 1 minute.

Statistics: Rapid Healing (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Immunity to Metabolic Hazards (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [18].

Planar Chasuble

Chakra: Brow or Soul.

Full Cost: 20 points (brow) or 107 points (soul).

Requirements: The meldshaper must adhere to a moral code appropriate to the chosen version of the soulmeld. For example, the meldshaper must adhere to a moral code of good to shape the good version of this soulmeld.

Chakra Bind (Brow): When you wear the chasuble, you are considered a native on any plane with an alignment trait matching your chosen moral code (and you are considered to be an extraplanar creature while on the Material Plane). While on such a plane, you ignore the effect of any harmful effects of that plane’s environment.

For example, a lawful incarnate who shapes this soulmeld would be considered native to any plane with the lawful trait, including the Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia and the Nine Hells of Baator.

You also can take a Concentrate maneuver and spend 1 point of essentia to gain DR 8 to a specific energy type, based on your moral code, for 1 minute. This protects your body – including the eyes – as well as anything you are carrying, and reduces the damage from attacks before armor DR.

Chaos: You gain DR 8 against electrical attacks.

Evil: You gain DR 8 against acid attacks.

Good: You gain DR 8 against cold attacks.

Law: You gain DR 8 against fire attacks.

Chakra Bind (Soul): Once per day you can open a temporary gate to any plane to any plane with an alignment trait matching your chosen moral code or back to the Material Plane. To initiate a jump, you must visualize your destination, concentrate for 10 seconds, spend 1 point of essentia, and make an IQ roll. You may hurry the jump, but your roll will be at -1 per second of concentration omitted (-10 to jump with no preparation at all). On a success, you appear at your target destination. On a failure, you go nowhere. On a critical failure, you arrive at the wrong destination, which can be any place the GM wishes!

You appear at your destination at exactly the same place you left your previous plane – or as close as possible. This means the same place, but on a parallel world. If there is no corresponding “safe” location within 100 yards of your destination – for instance, if you jump while on an airplane to a destination with no plane at your location, or from a half-mile deep mine to a destination with no corresponding mine – the jump will fail and you will know why it failed. This does not prevent you from jumping into other types of danger, such as radiation, gunfire, or wild animals. If you have Danger Sense, the GM should roll before you make a hazardous jump; on a success, you get a warning.

You can carry up to your Heavy Load when you travel.

You always create a portal (of about your size) when you jump. Others may pass through it, even if they can’t jump. The portal lingers for 3d seconds, which can be good or bad – it means enemies can follow you!

Statistics (Brow, Chaos): Immunity to Planar Effects of Chaotic Planes (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + DR 8 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Force Field, +20%; Limited, Electricity, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%) [16].

Statistics (Brow, Evil): Immunity to Planar Effects of Evil Planes (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + DR 8 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Force Field, +20%; Limited, Acid, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%) [16].

Statistics (Brow, Good): Immunity to Planar Effects of Good Planes (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + DR 8 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Force Field, +20%; Limited, Cold, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%) [16].

Statistics (Brow, Law): Immunity to Planar Effects of Lawful Planes (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + DR 8 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Force Field, +20%; Limited, Fire, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%) [16].

Statistics (Soul): Jumper (Interplanar; Extra Carrying Capacity, Heavy, +30%; Improved, +10%; Limited Access, -10%; Limited Use, 1/day, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%; Tunnel, +40%) [107].

Planar Ward

Chakra: Throat.

Full Cost: 27 points.

You become immune to external control, which includes mind control, control by magic or psionics, mental influence, and possession.

In addition, you can take a Concentrate maneuver and spend 1 point of essentia to grant yourself a +3 bonus to HT and Will rolls made to resist abilities used by extraplanar creatures for 1 minute.

Statistics: Immunity to External Control (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [24] + Resistant to Abilities of Extraplanar Creatures (+3) (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Psion’s Eyes

Chakra: Brow.

Full Cost: 12 points.

You can sense nearby psionic activity. This is a passive sense, though it can also be used actively, if you suspect you may have missed something. The GM rolls against your Per (minus range penalties, p. B550) whenever anyone near you uses or is the target of psi. On a success, you are aware of it. Note that this ability does not allow you to follow up with a psionic ability of your own; it is not a “targeting sense.” Successful use of this ability gives you the direction to the nearest use of psi and allows you to follow-up with an IQ roll to determine which ability is in use.

Statistics: Detect (Psionic Activity; Meldshaping, -30%; Reflexive, +40%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [12].

Psychic Focus

Chakra: Throat.

Full Cost: 20 points.

While wearing psychic focus, you gain a +1 bonus Electronics Operation (Medical, Psychotronics, and Scientific), Expert Skill (Psionics), Hypnotism, Occultism, Physics (Paraphysics), and Psychology skills, a +1 bonus to resist the supernatural abilities of any psi you’ve already successfully examined using skills this Talent affects. The GM decides what time and equipment such preparation demands.

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Parapsychologist 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Parapsychologist 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Riding Bracers

Chakra: Arms.

Full Cost: 7 points.

While wearing riding bracers, you gain a +1 bonus to Animal Handling, Falconry, Packing, Riding, Teamster, and Veterinary skills and a +1 bonus on all reaction rolls made by ordinary animals.

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Animal Friend 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Animal Friend 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Sailor’s Bracers

Chakra: Arms.

Full Cost: 7 points.

While wearing sailor’s bracers, you gain a +1 bonus Boating, Knot-Tying, Meteorology (or Weather Sense), Navigation (Sea), Seamanship, and Shiphandling skills, a +1 bonus to HT rolls to avoid seasickness (B436), and -1 less-severe penalties from Familiarity (B169) when dealing with unfamiliar systems of any kind installed in a boat or a ship covered by this soulmeld’s skills.

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Born Sailor 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Born Sailor 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Sighting Gloves

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 16 points.

You can “zoom in” with your eyes as if using binoculars. This lets you ignore -1 in range penalties to Vision rolls at all times, or -2 in range penalties if you take an Aim maneuver to zoom in on a particular target. This ability can also function as a telescopic sight, giving up to +1 Accuracy per level with ranged attacks provided you take an Aim maneuver for seconds equal to the bonus (see Scopes under Firearm Accessories, B411). The benefits of this trait are not cumulative with those of technological aids such as binoculars or scopes. If you have both, you must opt to use one or the other.

In addition, you can drastically improve your archery for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia. You can draw and shoot a bow quickly. To do so, take a Ready maneuver to get an arrow. On your next turn, make a Bow roll at -3 to ready your bow in no time. Failure means you can only ready, but success lets you attack at -3 on the same turn! Both penalties are only -1 if you have Weapon Master (Bow). This trick shaves a second off the usual two-second ready time, letting you shoot every other turn. By making a Fast-Draw (Arrow) roll to ready an arrow instantly before either roll above, you can shoot every turn! You’re also a “natural” with the bow in general. Whenever you Attack or All-Out Attack, add your bow’s Accuracy bonus without taking an Aim maneuver (if you Aim, add another +1 after one second, or +2 after two). When you Move and Attack or are in close combat, ignore your bow’s Bulk penalty instead of adding Acc. Finally, ignore penalties for crazy positions or acrobatics while shooting, and halve similar penalties to Fast-Draw (Arrow).

Statistics: Telescopic Vision 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Heroic Archer (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [12].

Silvertongue Mask

Chakra: Brow, Throat.

Full Cost: 7 points (brow) or 8 points (throat).

Chakra Bind (Brow): While wearing silvertongue mask, you gain a +1 bonus Body Language, Detect Lies, Diplomacy, Fortune-Telling, and Psychology skills. In addition, you can use the special IQ roll described for Empathy (p. B51), but in this case, the roll is at IQ-3 (IQ-2, if you double the bonuses by spending essentia).

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Chakra Bind (Throat): You have a naturally clear, resonant, and attractive voice. This gives you +2 with the following skills: Diplomacy, Fast-Talk, Mimicry, Performance, Politics, Public Speaking, Sex Appeal, and Singing. You also get +2 on any reaction roll made by someone who can hear your voice.

Statistics (Brow): Empath 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Empath 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Statistics (Throat): Voice (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8].

Soulspark Familiar

Chakra: Crown.

Full Cost: 15 points.

You can shape a small mote of soul energy called a least soulspark, which accompanies you. f it is killed, the you must wait a full day to call replacements. Dismissing the least soulspark is a free action, but you may only dismiss it if it is physically present. You can use this ability only if your character’s point total is at least 2 times bigger than the least soulspark’s. The stats for the least soulspark’s basic form can be seen below.

The least soulspark gains a subtype based on your moral code: chaotic, evil, good, or lawful.

Statistics: Ally (Least Soulspark; Built on 50%; No roll required; Conjured, +100%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [15].

Soulspeaker Circlet

Chakra: Crown, Throat.

Full Cost: 7 points (crown) or 52 points (throat).

Chakra Bind (Crown): While wearing soulspeaker circlet, you can speak and understand one spoken language, chosen when you first shape this soulmeld. To change the language take a Concentrate maneuver and spend 1 point of essentia. You do not have to speak the language – in fact, this is an excellent way to get around that problem! However, the GM is within rights to declare certain languages “secret” or “lost” and thus unavailable unless you first learn the language (to at least Broken) legitimately.

Chakra Bind (Throat): You can hold a two-way telepathic conversation with another person. Make an IQ roll, minus any range penalty to the subject, to do so. This is one of the few telepathic abilities you can use “blind”; if you cannot see the subject, your IQ roll is at -1 for family, lovers, or close friends; -3 for casual friends and acquaintances; and -5 for someone you met only briefly. If successful, the subject hears your voice and may immediately respond. If he does not wish to speak with you, it’s a free action for him to mute your voice to a whisper. You may maintain a connection with that subject for as long as you’d like. No further rolls are normally required unless the range penalty worsens. Each attempt to establish connection costs 1 point of essentia.

Statistics (Crown): Cosmic Power 3 (Costs 1 ER, -5%; Limited, One Spoken Language, -50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [7].

Statistics (Throat): Mind Reading (Accessibility, Projected thoughts only, -20%; Link, +10%; Long-Range 1, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; Telecommunication, -20%) [27] + Telesend (Costs 1 ER, -5%; Link, +10%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [25].

Spellward Shirt

Chakra: Heart.

Full Cost: 19 points.

While spellward shirt is bound to the heart chakra, you are less likely to be affected by magic. Subtract 2 from the skill of anyone casting a spell on you, and add 2 to your roll to resist any spell that offers a resistance roll. In addition, you may roll against HT + 2 to resist the effects of magical elixirs.

You cannot “turn off” this ability to let friendly wizards cast spells on you (e.g., to heal you) or to benefit from helpful elixirs (but you still can unbind the soulmeld from this chakra)! This ability only interferes with spells cast directly on you. It provides no benefit against Missile spells (which are cast on the wizard’s hand and hurled at you), attacks by magic weapons, or information-gathering spells that aren’t cast directly on you. It also has no effect on supernatural powers other than magic; e.g., divine miracles, psionics, or the innate powers of spirits.

This ability, and its level, can be recognized by any mage who looks at your aura, or by anyone who casts a spell on you.

You can double this bonus for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Magic Resistance 2 (Improved, +150%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [10] + Magic Resistance 2 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Improved, +150%; Meldshaping, -30%) [9].

Strongheart Vest

Chakra: Heart.

Full Cost: 11 points.

You become immune to afflictions that impose penalties on your primary attributes (ST, DX, IQ, HT). In addition, by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia, you can grant yourself immunity to attribute drain from the Leech advantage for 1 minute.

Statistics: Immunity to Attribute Penalty Afflictions (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Immunity to Attribute Drain (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Theft Gloves

Chakra: Hands.

Full Cost: 7 points.

You borrow the talents of burglars throughout history to grant yourself a semblance of their ability. You have remarkably fine motor skills. This soulmeld gives you +1 to DX for tasks that require a delicate touch. This includes all DX-based rolls against Artist, Jeweler, Knot-Tying, Leatherworking, Lockpicking, Pickpocket, Sewing, Sleight of Hand, and Surgery, as well as DX-based rolls to do fine work with Machinist or Mechanic (e.g., on clockwork). This bonus doesn’t apply to IQ-based tasks or large-scale DX-based tasks, nor does it apply to combat-related die rolls of any kind.

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: High Manual Dexterity 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + High Manual Dexterity 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Therapeutic Mantle

Chakra: Shoulders.

Full Cost: 21 points.

You recover 1 HP every 12 hours, in addition to normal healing.

While wearing therapeutic mantle, you gain a +1 bonus Diagnosis, Esoteric Medicine, First Aid, Pharmacy, Physician, Physiology, Psychology, Surgery, and Veterinary skills, and a +1 bonus to HT rolls made by your patient to recover from one specific complaint if you treat him full-time for that problem, to the exclusion of other patients and ailments.

You can double these bonuses (but not the regeneration) for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Healer 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [8] + Healer 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [6] + Regeneration (Slow; Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [7].

Thunderstep Boots

Chakra: Feet.

Full Cost: 10 points.

You can declare a thunderous charge attack against any opponent. You pay 1 point of essentia, take a Move and Attack maneuver while traveling at least at half Move, and if the attack is successful, then it deals additional 2d points of burning damage with no incendiary effect (the damage comes from sonic vibrations, not fire).

Statistics: Burning Attack 2d (Accessibility, Must travel at half Move, -20%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Follow-Up, Any melee weapon, +50%; Meldshaping, -30%; No Incendiary Effect, -10%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%; Must be declared before rolling for the attack) [10].

Truthseeker Goggles

Chakra: Brow.

Full Cost: 7 points.

While wearing truthseeker goggles, you gain a +1 bonus Detect Lies, Expert Skill (Conspiracy Theory), Hidden Lore (Conspiracies), Intelligence Analysis, Interrogation, and Research skills, a +1 bonus in Contests against attempts to perpetrate a cover-up. This aids Vision vs. Filch or Sleight of Hand if someone tries to hide or swap documents on you, Hearing vs. Electronics Operation to hear voices deliberately hidden in static, etc.

You can double these bonuses for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Truth-Seeker 1 (Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [4] + Truth-Seeker 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].

Vitality Belt

Chakra: Waist.

Full Cost: 26 points.

You recover 1 HP per hour. In addition, by spending 1 point of essentia and taking a Concentrate maneuver, you can grant yourself a +3 bonus on HT rolls against metabolic hazards (all threats that only affect the living, including all disease and poison, plus such syndromes as altitude sickness, bends, seasickness, and jet lag) for 1 minute.

Statistics: Regeneration (Regular; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [20] + Resistant to Metabolic Hazards (+3) (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Meldshaping, -30%) [6].

Wind Cloak

Chakra: Shoulders.

Full Cost: 9 points.

You gain a +1 bonus on Dodge rolls to defend against projectile attacks. You can double this bonus for 1 minute by taking a Concentrate maneuver and spending 1 point of essentia.

Statistics: Enhanced Dodge 1 (Limited, Projectiles, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%; Switchable (Immediate Preparation Required, -30%), +7%) [6] + Enhanced Dodge 1 (Accessibility, Only when the soulmeld is “on”, -5%; Costs 1 ER, -5%; Limited, Projectiles, -40%; Meldshaping, -30%) [3].