Power in the Bond: Symbiotic Evolutions

So...I told you I really like character options! Symbiotic Evolutions is yet another character option that exists in Shroudwake.

At higher levels, characters in Shroudwake gain access to Symbiotic Evolutions: special Enhancements that alter mutation powers they already possess.

Unlike a typical Evolution, a Symbiotic does not place your character on a new path or replace an existing one. Instead, it bonds with a mutation power and changes how that power functions when invoked.

A Symbiotic might expand a power’s area, change its range, affect additional targets, alter which attribute resists it, or add an entirely new effect. The original power remains intact, but the Symbiotic gives the player another way to use it.

How Symbiotics Work

Symbiotic Evolutions are selected as Enhancements. Once chosen, they may be applied to qualifying mutation powers.

The player declares the Symbiotic when invoking the power. Using it costs one additional Mutation Use beyond the power’s normal cost. Multiple Symbiotics may be applied to the same power, but each requires another Mutation Use.

This gives players a choice between conserving their resources or investing more heavily in a power when the situation calls for it.

Generic Symbiotics at Level 10

At level 10, all characters unlock access to Generic Symbiotic Evolutions.

These options are available regardless of a character’s mutation path and modify broad parts of a power, such as its damage, movement, duration, area, or targeting.

Because of this, two characters with the same mutation power can develop very different versions of it.

Evolution Symbiotics at Level 15

At level 15, characters unlock Evolution Symbiotics.

These are tied to specific Awakening or Racial Evolutions and are designed to reinforce the mechanics and themes of those paths. A Symbiotic created for a Shade will offer different possibilities than one created for a Druid, Templar, Elf, or Dwarf.

These options reward the path a character has taken and provide new ways to build upon powers gained earlier in their journey.

Additional Enhancement Options

Symbiotic Evolutions do not replace normal Evolution choices.

They are added to the list of Enhancements available to the character. When gaining an Enhancement, a player may still choose an option from any Evolution along their path or select an unlocked Symbiotic instead.

This adds another layer of customization without requiring the character to abandon their existing identity. Players can strengthen the powers they use most, create new combinations, and shape how those powers function at the table.

Symbiotic Evolutions are not new paths.

They are new possibilities within the path you have already chosen.