Fold Lore covers recall of Fold and Kadiss theory, identifying psionic
powers in active use, predicting Perils risk during manifeStation,
identifying Fold phenomena and entities, decoding Fold signatures and
forbidden texts, and deep study of the boundary between psionic resonance
and physical reality. The Kadiss neural network maps how psionic resonance
propagates through matter; Perils manifest when a mind pushes past safe
thresholds or a Fold-entity responds. A Fold-Lore scholar names an entity
by its signature, predicts when the next push will trigger a Peril, and
reads a forbidden text without losing their mind -- or their freedom.
Xenology studies the alien body; Fold Lore studies the alien mind and
the things older than the stars. Knowledge only, not manifeStation.
Rules Reference
Field
Value
Armor Check Penalty
false
Key Ability
INT
Trained Only
true
Untrained Use
Common superstition and campfire tales at DC 12 only; deeper knowledge auto-fails.
Key Ability
INT
Notes
Special: Failed deep-insight (DC 30, fail by 5+) draws unwanted Fold attention.
Knowledge only, not manifestation. Unsanctioned possession may attract
investigation in Imperial space.
Special: A failed deep-insight check (fail by 5+ on the DC 30 task) draws unwanted
Fold attention: the GM may impose a minor Peril, a whisper, or a mark.
Fold Lore is not a psionic power -- it is knowledge. It does not let you
manifest, only understand. In Imperial space, possessing advanced Fold Lore
without sanctioned credentials is grounds for investigation.
Untrained: An untrained character knows common superstition and campfire tales at DC
12 -- ward-signs, ghost stories, the stuff spacers mutter before a jump.
Anything deeper than folklore auto-fails. You cannot fake understanding
of the Fold; it does not forgive amateurs.
Descriptors
dc: 12
Field
Value
dc
12
task
Recall Fold or Kadiss lore
dc: 15
Field
Value
dc
15
task
Identify a psionic power in active use
dc: 18
Field
Value
dc
18
task
Predict the risk of Perils during a manifestation
dc: 22
Field
Value
dc
22
task
Identify a Fold phenomenon or entity
dc: 25
Field
Value
dc
25
task
Decode a Fold cipher or heresy text
dc: 30
Field
Value
dc
30
task
Deep cosmological insight into the Fold's nature
Synergy
bonus: 2
Field
Value
bonus
2
from
Xenology
threshold
5
bonus: 2
Field
Value
bonus
2
from
Lore
threshold
5
Synergies
bonus: 2
Field
Value
bonus
2
ranks
5
skill
Xenology
bonus: 2
Field
Value
bonus
2
ranks
5
skill
Lore
Uses
application: Recall Fold or Kadiss lore
Field
Value
application
Recall Fold or Kadiss lore
dc
12
failure
You confuse two traditions or cite a discredited source.
success
You know the broad strokes -- field types, known manifestations, safety thresholds.
application: Identify a psionic power in active use
Field
Value
application
Identify a psionic power in active use
dc
15
failure
You misread it; wrong discipline or wrong threat level.
success
You name the power, its discipline, and approximate strength.
application: Predict the risk of Perils during a manifestation
Field
Value
application
Predict the risk of Perils during a manifestation
dc
18
failure
You miss the signs; Perils manifest without warning.
success
You gauge the instability and warn the manifester in time.
application: Identify a Fold phenomenon or entity
Field
Value
application
Identify a Fold phenomenon or entity
dc
22
failure
You misclassify it; treat it as something it is not at your peril.
success
You name it, its properties, and its known weaknesses.
application: Decode a Fold cipher or heresy text
Field
Value
application
Decode a Fold cipher or heresy text
dc
25
failure
Partial decode; you get a fragment and a wrong conclusion.
success
The meaning is clear; you understand the intent and the danger.
application: Deep cosmological insight into the Fold's nature
Field
Value
application
Deep cosmological insight into the Fold's nature
dc
30
failure
The insight is false or the Fold notices your prying; take 1d4 WIS damage.
success
A flash of terrible understanding; the kind that changes how you see the verse.