Read Minds

Time: Action Target: A creature in True Throwing Distance(16u)
Test: None or Mage Strained Save: None or Focus
Effect: Buff, Silent

If you choose to skip the Mage Test, you can learn the surface thoughts of the target creature--what unguarded thoughts are most on its mind in that moment. Alternatively, you can search the area for the minds of creatures, revealing their presence, but not their exact location. These minds can then be targeted with future uses of the Spell.

If you make the Mage Test, the result is based on your Score:

• [..6] The target creature will know of your attempt.
• [7..9] You gain a stack of Strained. The target may recognize your mind-reading if you act on the information. The target only puts it together the next day, though.
• [10..] You gain a stack of Strained. The target doesn't know of your attempt.

If the target then Fails their Focus Save, you are able to probe deeper into their thoughts. You can ask the following question:

• What is the target's reasoning (if any) and what it its current emotional state?
• What looms largest in the targets mind at the moment? (such as worries, loves, or hates.)

Questions verbally directed at the target creature before the Spell was cast will naturally shape the course of its thoughts, so this spell is particularly effective as part of an interrogation.

Upgrades:

• Directed.
  • When the target Fails the Save for this Ability, you can also ask one of the following questions:
    • Who does the target work for? (You may get a nickname instead of a Ceremonial Name.)
    • What does the target fear the most?
    • What vice calls to the target the most?
    • Where does the target sleep at night?
    • Where does the target keep its valuables?