Psionics

Psionics is a catch-all term for abilities that are granted through a developed Zona Bovinae, which the vast majority of species do not have in a usable form. These abilities are somewhat available to Skrell, the only playable sapient species with a developed Zona Bovinae, but can be granted to players through antagonist status or equipment, such as a Loner’s cerebro-enhancer helmet or a cortical borer infestation.

Lore-wise, everyone who has an active Zona Bovinae, developed or otherwise, is at least partially connected to the Psionic Wake, otherwise known as the Nlom. Only Skrell have naturally developed enough Zona Bovinae to be able to interact with it, and in turn, be significantly influenced by it. However, if someone experiences repeated psionic assault or connection, they can be both influenced by it and develop certain disorders because of it. Due to this, most psionic actions against non-psionic sentients are considered to be battery or assault, with exceptions being made for two-way psionic communication.

In the game itself, psionic abilities come with significant limitations, but can also be quite powerful or useful at higher ranks. All psionic abilities have a cost upon your psionic stamina, which slowly regenerates over time. In addition to this, each psionic ability has a cooldown after it’s used.

=Psionic Ranks= Mechanically, there are four ranks of psionic abilities. These ranks are called Operant, Master, Grandmaster, and Paramount, in ascending order of strength. People at the operant level can typically perform mild feats of psionic ability, such as lighting a cigarette with their mind, reading surface thoughts, or sensing nearby psionic signatures. Masters can perform more impressive feats, such as generating EMPs and manifesting psionic tools. Grandmasters are typically the highest you’ll ever see in-game, as well as representing the peak of psionic power, only available with admin intervention and special events, being able to utilize telekinesis or perform psionic assaults on everyone around them. Finally, Paramounts are nigh-godlike in their ability to wield psionics, able to mind control others, raise the dead, and blast people with lightning. For this reason, you're guaranteed to almost never see any in-game.

=Types of Psionics= There are four types of psionic faculties, each having its own separate ranking. It’s entirely possible to be an operant in one area and a grandmaster in another. Each faculty specializes in different areas and has different abilities related to their field of expertise.

Coercion
Coercion is the faculty built around mental interaction, both positive and negative. This faculty contains the secrets of mental assaults, mind reading, and psionic senses.

Energistics
Energistics is the faculty built around pyrokinesis, electrokinesis, and electromagnetic manipulation. If it burns, shocks, or makes an EMP, it’s in here.

Psychokinesis
Psychokinesis is the faculty built around manipulating items and creating items. If you want to make your own sword, make your own tools, or manipulate items from afar, this is the choice for you.

Redaction
This is the faculty to do with biokinesis and healing. If you’re looking to be a portable health analyzer, heal wounds, or purge radiation, you’ll be right at home here.