Universal Aptitude

Level: 1
Duration: 5 rounds
Saving Throw: None
Normal: You speak a word of proficiency and ability, increasing the natural aptitude of your ally. Your target is better able to block out distractions and perceive the subtleties of any task—almost as if the universe wants your target to succeed at upcoming challenges. He is aware of subtle clues in the environment as the world reworks itself in small ways to make success more likely. The target’s lockpicks might become slightly more supple, or the ground beneath her feet might be slightly better for tumbling. The target might notice subtle body language that makes a Sense Motive check easier, or she might find her steed unusually amenable to difficult equestrian jumps. For the duration of the utterance, the target gains a +5 bonus on skill checks.
Reverse: With the reversal of this utterance, you instruct the universe to hinder your foe’s ability to perform even everyday tasks. The reversed utterance causes the universe to conspire in small ways against your target. The lockpicks become too stiff to reach the inner workings of the lock, and small debris makes tumbling treacherous. Your target misses the subtleties of tone and body language in a conversation, and her horse is reluctant to attempt stunts. For 5 rounds, your target takes a –5 penalty on skill checks.