Phlô

Description:
 * To many, Phlô is considered the art of exquisite stillness. Not just of heart beat and breath, though that too is important, but of mind as well.


 * It is theorized that Phlô originated from the time of the Oceanborn's first centuries in the Deep - when the surface and High Ocean were still so badly irradiated that Mother Ships were forced to seek shelter in the eternal darkness of the abyssal plain. It would have been a time where terror so great that it was a hairsbreadth from madness could have gripped the most sane and rational soul. It is in fact the reason many believe that most of the original Mother Ships failed, such as the Lost.


 * Those societies who survived (The Mantean, Naian and Syren ) found a war to conquer their fear - with the possible exception of the Makaran who, some say, became it.


 * Phlô is more than just a meditative technique - when fully realized it is a state of hyper-awareness, and of complete attunement with the water that surrounds you.


 * Phlôcannot be attempted successfully while safe and dry, or when using a rebreather.
 * While in such a state of extreme attunement, the Oceanborn experience a state of serenity and mild euphoria - enhanced by the danger they are in. In this hyper-aware state, the Oceanborn could sense the cruising hum of a UCM Boomer more than thirty klicks away - or perceive the flickering of a school of fish at the edge of their perception and know exactly what startled them, or maybe even the flap of an SCI security diver's flippers, hundreds of meters above on the surface.


 * In this dangerously exhilirating state, the Oceanborn can feel the push and pull of the currents with such exquisite sensitivty, that some claim they could actually ride them. There are even some Oceanborn who go so far as to take the water into their mouth - and in this heightened state, they swear they can taste every particle of blood that the most predatory eater can.
 * There are many mysteries to Phlô that must be experienced to even attempt to gain greater understanding.
 * By far, the most bizarre claims about Phlô are those Manteans who dare to speak of what to them is a sacred yet terrifying experience - whispers of 'manifestations' in the eternally living blackness of the Abyss.
 * Mechanically, successfully assuming a state of Phlô will offer significant bonuses to various Perception-related and Willpower rolls, as well as offer insights that are not possible in any other way.
 * Assuming a state of Phlôcan extend the amount of time that a Naian can spend submerged without taking a breath by an astonishing two hours, if they are exceedingly adept. Although this requires a nearly motionless, meditative state and may have long-term complications.
 * Phlô is an Advanced skill. It can not be used without training.