Numerancer

By Jake Shultz

After extensive study, some wizards come to realize that there is a deeper system working behind the scenes of the multiverse. Wizards can manipulate the very fabric of their reality, but there are still constraints they must operate within. The most powerful wizards in the realms may be able to summon a hail of fire and rock from the sky, but only once a day? They are controlled by a system of numbers, formulas and calculations invisible and unfathomable to most. Do we have free will, can we truly affect our reality, or are we restrained by the calculations and random chance of an immutable will beyond our perception? Those that devote themselves to untangling this web of rules and manipulating the universal formula are known as Numerancers.

Add Numerancer to the list of available arcane traditions chosen by 2nd level wizards.

Universal Language

At 2nd level, you gain an intimate familiarity with the universal language of numbers.

You can read and understand numbers in any language or script, except for secret languages or codes such as Druidic and Thieves Cant.
With one minute of study, you can memorize any sequence of numbers, up to 10 digits per wizard level.
You can intuitively convert between any units of measurement.

Distort Number

At 2nd level, you gain the ability to manipulate the numerical actuality of your reality. As an action, you can choose a numeral you can see written in a language you can read. Choose one of the following:

Increase it’s value by up to double
Decrease its value by up to half.

This effect is permanent and not illusory: ink spreads and rearranges to form the new number; stone carvings shift and erode to match your numerical whim.

Careful scrutiny can reveal that the number has been altered, but not what the original value was, by succeeding on an Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC.

You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to your Intelligence modifier.

Improved Distort Number

At 6th level your increased mastery over numbers allows you to increase the number of times you can use Distort Number each day to 2 + your intelligence modifier.

Additionally, Distort Number gains the following additional options:

Transpose two adjacent digits (eg. 159 becomes 519 or 195.)
Swap the numeral with another numeral you can see and read with the same number of digits. (eg. 12 could swap with 19 but not 3 or 101)
Erase the numeral entirely

Imaginary Numbers

Upon reaching 10th level, when you cast a spell you can alter some of its numerical values. Choose one of the following:

Decrease the required spell slot by one, or treat the spell as if it was cast with a spell slot one level higher.
Double or halve the range or area of the spell.
Double or halve the duration of the spell.

You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to your intelligence modifier.

Audible Distortion

At 14th level, you can use your reaction to use Distort Number on a number spoken in a language you understand. Anyone who could hear the number must roll an intelligence saving throw against your Spell Save DC. On a success, they are aware of the change and the original value. On a failure, they do not realize the number was altered.

The Universal Formula

At level 14th, your research has finally bore fruit. You can reach beyond your reality to manipulate the underlying systems governing the multiverse. You can use Distort Number on any numerical values you (and I do mean YOU. The player. Yes, you!) can see or hear. For example, the number on a die face, numbers on your character sheet, or a damage result announced by the DM.

Reaching into the Universal Formula is taxing, and the effects only last until the end of your turn.