Aptitude Talent

Talent assesses the degree of potential powers related to it, based on an Aptitude score denoting how many measures (quantifiable potential) they possess and their Outlook in employing associated capabilities. Those with measures are called “Practitioners“, and have specific labels associated with them: Follower (Divine), Adaptate (Kinetic), Magus (Occult), and Actualizer (Psychic). Outlook indicates the emphasis the character will use on addressing issues/problem solving and accumulating power that rely on the aptitude. Character Pathways may have specific Callings that require an Optimal Talent configuration that reflects a set # of measures of aptitude(s) to unlock their potential.

It is recommended that a character seeking to unlock, develop, and make best use of aptitude capabilities should have the Meditation feature.

Familiar – Latent Talent

Measures of Potential: 0 + Has only a Reservoir (Well) of Energy

Only characters with a greater than latent aptitude can actively develop their powers.

Latent Perspective: The powers of the Latent Talent lay dormant. Without a positive measure of aptitude, an entity cannot acquire and develop powers under normal aptitude saturation levels. They are capable of activating related powers in Imbued Items and Imbued Places. Saturation levels may allow latent talents glimpses into the powers and the ability to use them temporarily or unconsciously, but they cannot be consciously developed. such powers are viewed as undependable at best, and sometimes a curse.

Competent – Undeveloped Talent

Measures of Potential: 1 (5 Essence Total)

Undeveloped Perspective:

Accomplished – Active Talent

Measures of Potential: 2 (5+4 = 9 Essence Total)

Active Perspective:

Expert – Developed Talent

Measures of Potential: 3 (5+4+3 = 12 Essence Total)

Developed Perspective:

Master – Apex Talent

Measures of Potential: 4 (5+4+3+2 = 14 Essence Total)

Potency Conduit: Each Aptitude has a means of enhancing a vital principle of powers related to it. It typically changes the dynamic of effort and effect. This typically manifests as an effect triggered by fuel from an Energy Pool. These ‘conduit’ related capabilities are [outside of time].

Apex Perspective:

Natural Talent

Measures of Potential: 4 [Apex] @ time of Character Inception.

If the character starts as a Natural Talent and has their permanent Aptitude drained somehow, they are still considered a Natural Talent.


Aptitude Thematic Adjustments

Aptitude can cause an effect (spell, feature, or power) to have its potency adjusted because of the association with the knowledge, skill, and/or insight gained from a particular pathway of development. Usually this potency adjustment is applied to such effects that are noted as Emblematic in the source of the development pathway. The potency will often rely in a Focus; Those adjustments imparted by Institutional study and binding will have their limits adjusted by the symbols’ bond and Good Standing with the Institution. The maximum positive adjustment is limited to the related aptitude of the effect.


Incarna d20™ Aptitude Thematic Adjustments Details/Mechanics

This content is part of the i20™ Variant for the d20 System™.

Example: Occult Order of the Golden Hand

Potency Measurement: Total Damage, Spell Save DC, and Spell Attack to spells not of greater level than their Occult Aptitude without their orders’ Mystic Focus Point [emblem/symbol]. The positive adjustment cannot be greater than the Occult Aptitude of the practitioner.

  • Thematic Emphasis: Divination [+2], Earth [+1]
    > Increased potency on related Emblematic spells and powers: All ‘detect’ spells and spells affecting, conjuring, evincing, shaping, or damaging with ‘earth’ or ‘stone’.
  • Thematic Frailty: Fire [-2]
    > Reduced potency on related Emblematic spells and powers: Any effect affecting, conjuring, evincing, shaping, or doing damage with ‘heat’, ‘flame’ or ‘fire’.

iCore Aptitude Thematic Adjustments Details/Mechanics

Example: Occult Order of the Golden Hand