Spelljammer
Lightsleep
Lightsleep

A character with this ability possesses a strong sensitivity to disturbances, allowing them to awaken when something is amiss even before conscious awareness would normally permit it.

In order to purchase this talent, the character must have a perception (PER) of 18 or higher.

Base Effect (All Ranks):

When asleep (natural or induced), the character may automatically attempt a Lightsleep roll when something unusual occurs nearby.

Lightsleep Roll: ((PER – 15) × 3) + (Rank× 5)

Success indicates the character awakens instantly and is aware that “something is wrong.” The GM determines when a roll is appropriate, including but not limited to:
  • Unfamiliar or out-of-place sounds
  • Changes in environment (temperature, light, presence)
  • Intentional intrusion (stealth, magic, or otherwise)
  • Hostile intent directed toward the character

Failure means the character remains asleep unless awakened normally.

Passive Benefit:
Even without a roll, the character is extremely difficult to surprise immediately after waking and suffers no disorientation penalties from sleep.

Rank Progression
Rank 1 – Restless Awareness
  • The character gains the base ability described above.
  • Gains a +2 PER vs surprise for 1 round after waking.
  • Gains a +1 to all saving throws vs sleep magic, sleep poison, etc.

Rank 5 – Hair-Trigger Awakening
  • The character may awaken just before a threat fully manifests.
  • On a successful Lightsleep roll, the character:
    • Awakens in time to act in the first round, even if ambushed.
    • Cannot be considered “helpless” due to sleep.
    • Gains a +10 bonus to the Lightsleep roll against deliberate stealth or assassination attempts.

Rank 8 – Subconscious Vigilance
  • The character’s mind remains partially alert even while asleep.
  • On a successful roll, the character also gains a vague impression of the distrubance (e.g., "multiple presences", "movement to the left", "danger nearby")
  • May make a reduced Lightsleep roll (–20) to detect disturbances that are:
    • Extremely subtle
    • Magical in nature
    • Not tied to obvious sensory input

Rank 10 – Split Awareness
  • The character exists in a state between sleep and wakefulness.
  • While asleep:
    • The character may maintain a single simple intention, such as:
      • “Wake if anyone enters the room”
      • “Wake if my weapon is touched”
  • If the triggering condition occurs the Lightsleep roll is made with a +20 bonus
  • The character may also wake silently and remain still, appearing asleep if desired

Rank 12 – Sentinel Dreaming
  • The character’s awareness borders on supernatural.
  • Gains the following benefits:
    • If PER is 22 or higher, automatically succeeds on Lightsleep rolls against mundane disturbances
    • On a successful roll, the character may:
      • Instantly determine friend vs. foe intent (GM discretion, not perfect mind-reading)
      • Act immediately without penalty, even before others who are awake but unaware
  • Once per night/rest period the character may wake without any external trigger, sensing that “something is wrong” within a moderate distance (GM-defined)



Old Description

A character with this ability has a sixth sense that wakes him up when things aren't as they should be. It is up to the GM when this skill comes into play. Skill roll is equal to ((PER - 15) x 3) + (Level x 5).