[FOCI]
Torment Explorer's Guide
It isn't just that you know how to be sneaky and silent, although that's a part of it (and you might lead others to believe that is the entirety of your skillset). But in truth, you have learned how to access and control a rare and fickle type of extradimensional energy—called shadow or shade—that manifests itself as the complete absence of light.
You likely dress in dark colors that cloakthe majority of your body. You probably choose your fabrics with care, selecting material that invites the eye to skip right over your movements.
Nanos in particular shine here, as they can use the numenera to further increase their skills. Nanos who follow this path are called shadewalkers, and jacks are sometimes called duskers.
You have a special paste that you can apply to your clothing and equipment that reflects, absorbs, and refracts light as you desire. There's enough paste for three uses; each one lasts ten minutes and gives you an asset in sneaking.
If you perform abilities, those that would normally use force or other energy instead use shadow. For example, when you use Ward, a deep black force envelops your body when you would be attacked, preventing your enemies from landing a solid blow.
You are able to manipulate the light better than expected, extending the reach of your attack.
You are able to slip the shadows around you after your decreasing the difficulty of your next defense action by one step.
At your command, your entire body becomes shrouded in shadow that lasts up to ten minutes. The shroud decreases the difficulty of all skills involving sneaking, hiding, and escaping by one step.
Action to initiate.
While your Shadow Shroud is active, you can gather the darkness between your palms until it becomes a solid mass of darkness. You can hurl the mass at a single target within short range for 4 points of damage.
When use the Ward ability and your Shadow Shroud is active, you gain +1 to Armor.
At your command, you can cover yourself and two other living creatures within immediate distance in shadow, essentially making them invisible for one round. You can spend 1 additional Intellect point per person to cover additional targets. Moving beyond immediate distance or engaging in combat dissipates the shadow.
When your Shadow Shroud is active, you can attack as a sneak action from any vantage point, dealing 4 additional points of damage.
You extend your Shadow Shroud out around your body in a writhing mass of darkness for one hour. While the shroud lasts, you gain +4 to Armor.
You have mastered the play of light and dark, which seem to obey your every command. You create a child out of shadow that is approximately half your size. It is a level 5 creature and lasts for ten minutes. It always stays right on your heels, and its purpose is to protect you and your allies at all costs. It provides +2 to Armor to everyone you choose within short range.
Action to create.