Tension from The Focused Ones.

[DoctaDajman]

So if there is a passive use of an ability and an active use for each ability belonging to a fused, what do you suspect is the passive use of tension for The Focused Ones. I know its probably all speculation but I so want to hear ideas tossed around here. 

[Armadillo]

I believe the Stormlight RPG World Guide says that the passive ability is that they can tense/release their body fibers (or whatever they are) without using Voidlight. Voidlight is required to use the tension surge on anything other than their own body, which is probably why they make those necklace-spear things out of their hair. (I should clarify that I haven't actually read the World Guide, just the updated Coppermind article).

Edited August 30, 2025 by Armadillo
Clarification

[Jult]

On 8/30/2025 at 5:54 PM, Armadillo said:

I believe the Stormlight RPG World Guide says that the passive ability is that they can tense/release their body fibers (or whatever they are) without using Voidlight. Voidlight is required to use the tension surge on anything other than their own body, which is probably why they make those necklace-spear things out of their hair. (I should clarify that I haven't actually read the World Guide, just the updated Coppermind article).

Did someone say RPG? I've got you.

They do need Voidlight to compress their bodies. The skill is called Tight Form. Here's the description:

Spoiler

Tight Form (Costs 2 Investiture). Until the end of the Focused One’s next turn, their size decreases to Medium and they gain the following benefits:

• Their deflect value increases to 6, and it can also reduce spirit damage.
• Their movement rate increases to 40 feet.
• Their physical tests have an Opportunity range of 18–20.
• They can’t be grazed by attacks that use weapons (including Shardblades) or that deal impact or keen damage.
• If they die while in this form, the explosive decompression of their flesh deals 26 (4d12) impact damage to each character within 10 feet of them

At the end of each of their turns, the Focused One can spend 1 Investiture to maintain this effect for an additional round.

However, they can decompress their bodies explosively for free since it's done by just releasing the Surge.

The Hair is a bit different. They can use it as a spear or whip without spending Investiture, but it does cost Investiture if they use the hair to restrain someone. Still, I'd vote for the hair thing as their passive Tension power. The skills where they can use it without spending Investiture still feel very Tension-related.

[Armadillo]

Oh awesome. Thanks! That explains a lot. Especially since the books describe them as glowing with Voidlight when they're in the Tight Form, I think.