Pattern Recognition (Talent)
The character excels at identifying recurring structures in behavior, environment, and systems. Through observation, they can anticipate actions, detect inconsistencies, and exploit weaknesses.
This talent is about:
- Reading the room (social)
- Reading the fight (combat)
- Reading the world (exploration)
It rewards:
- Observation
- Patience
- Smart play
And gives players something powerful but grounded. Not “I know everything” — but “I know what you’re about to do.”
Note that this talent does not work against creatures of chaos, which includes all demons. However, it does work well against golems and automatons, as well as targets with an intelligence of 5 or less (+10 to skill roll).
After observing a target, situation, or environment, the character may attempt a Pattern Recognition roll.
In combat, this can be used at the beginning of each round after the first round.
Pattern Recognition skill roll: (5% × Rank) + ((PER– 15) × 3)
Observation Requirement:
- Combat target: 1 round of observation
- Social target: 1 exchange of dialogue
- Environment/object: 1 round of examination
On Success the player selects a Pattern Effect (more at higher ranks).
- Ranks 1 to 5: 1 effect
- Ranks 6 to 9: 2 effects
- Ranks 10 to 13: 3 effects
- Ranks 14+: 4 effects
Min Rank Required | Recognition Type | Name | Effect |
1 | Noticing the Rhythm | Anticipate Action | +2 Initiative or +10 DEF vs the target this round |
| Spot the Oddity | +15 to find traps, hidden elements or something "out of place" |
| Read Intent | Determine if a target is hostile, fearful, deceptive or neutral |
5 | Emerging Insight | Exploit Opening | Gain +10% to your next attack or action against the target
(or grant it to an ally if communicated) |
8 | Predictive Analysis | Predict Next Move | The GM will tell the character the next action of the target. If you act in response to that action, gain a +10 (this could be SC, Save or whatever is most appropriate) |
| Defensive Read | +15 DEF vs the target this round |
| Behavioral Flaw | Identify a repeatable weakness. Gain +10 to all social interactions with that target for the rest of the encounter |
10 | Layered Patterns | Control the Flow | Gain +2 Init and +10 to SC and DEF this round OR impose the same as penalties against the target (-2 Init, _10 SC, -10 DEF) |
12 | Strategic Foresight | Chain Prediction | Predict 2 sequential actions from a target. Same as Predict Next Move but bonus applies to both actions. |
| Expose Critical Weakness | Once per encounter gain +20% to a single attack or decisive action
(or grant to an ally) |
Rank 5 – Emerging Insight
You begin connecting patterns across moments.Improvements:
If a successful Pattern Recognition roll is made against the same target for 2 consecutive rounds, gain an additional +5% cumulative bonus (max +15%) to Pattern Recognition rolls on that target.
Rank 8 – Predictive Analysis
You can anticipate likely outcomes with useful accuracy.
Passive ability: Gain +10% to detect lies, disguises, and behavioral inconsistencies.
Rank 10 – Layered Patterns
You can track multiple variables at once.
Observation time reduced:
- Combat: May make a Pattern Recognition roll on round 1 after the target's first action
- Social/Environment: brief glance or moment
Rank 12 – Strategic Foresight
You begin shaping outcomes rather than just reacting.
Effects of Pattern Recognition rolls last 2 rounds instead of 1 (where applicable)
Rank 15 – Near-Precognitive Insight
Your recognition borders on foresight.
Benefits:
- May attempt Pattern Recognition without observation if context exists. On success you may act as if you are never surprised.
- Gain 3 to all initiative rolls automatically
Once per scene:
- Treat a failed Pattern Recognition roll as a success with two effects (absolute failure and blunder are treated as failure with no ill or positive effects).
Failure Rules
- Failure = no effect
- Cannot retry on the same target/situation unless:
- New behavior emerges
- Circumstances significantly change
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