Sandbox:WilliamMurdoch

Psionics are the manipulation of metaphysical forces through concentrated effort employing the Zona Bovinae. The manipulation of these forces is, in practice, the use of influence over a Psionic Wake, also known as the Nlom. The only known sentient species with a naturally developed Zona Bovinae are the Skrell. However, some undiscovered species also possess a developed Zona Bovinae, and classified technologies exist which allow for other species to influence the Nlom as well.

All organic life originating from the Spur possesses a Zona Bovinae, and sequentially, can be affected by Psionics. Research into the field has show, however, that strong exposure to Psionics can cause long-lasting damage both mentally and physicially. As such, laws restricting the use of Psionics have been almost universally adopted across the spur. Generally, the unconsented usage of Psionics on an individual is considered battery or assault, depending on the severity. Those fitted with Psionic Receivers are considered allowed bodies to send Psionic Communications to, but any other actions require explicit consent by the receiver.

Using the Nlom

The fundamental elements in the use of psionics are Psionic Power and Psionic Abilities (also referred to as Psionic Powers). Psionic Abilities use up Psionic Power, the latter of which represents, in essence, your Psionic stamina. As abilities are used, you Psionic Power lowers. Over time it will regenerate, however it is not at a rate able to keep up with constant Psionic use. Over use of your Psionic Abilities will lead to Psishock, a state which stuns and damages you through overuse of your Zona Bovinae.

Keeping track of your Psionic Power is essential, as well as access the Psionic Shop to acquire Psionic Abilities. On the right of the HUD, a brain icon is present. Just below this icon is a number representing your current Psionic Power. By left-clicking the brain icon, you can access the Psionic Shop.

Psionic Abilities appear in the top right of the HUD. You can use an ability by clicking on it, and using the item which spawns in an open hand on either yourself, someone else, or using it in-hand. By shift-clicking the Psionic Abilities, you can see what the ability does.

Psionic Ranks

Psionics Ranks are a mechanical method for describing how developed and sensitive someone's Zona Bovinae is. These ranks define and limit what abilities can be bought from the Psionic Shop, and also define how many Psipoints you have to gain Psionic Abilities.

The ranks are:

• Sensitive: 0 Psipoints. Skrell are at this rank.
  • Skrell spawn with 4 Psionic Abilities by default, however they have 2 additional points for use in a limited Psionic Shop.
• Harmonious: 10 Psipoints. Antagonists are at this rank, and some event Skrell.
• Apex: 14 Psipoints. This rank is limited to event characters only.
• Limitless: 40 points. Admin-only.

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.

Name	Rank Required	Description/Use	Cost	Cooldown
Psi Ping	Operant	Activate an empty hand on help intent to detect nearby psionic signatures. This does not work on mindshielded personnel or synthetics, as they lack an active Zova Bovinae to target.	5	30
Commune	Operant	Target the mouth and click on a creature on disarm intent to psionically send them a message. This does not work on mindshielded personnel or synthetics, as they lack an active Zova Bovinae to target.	15	10
Assay	Operant	Grab a patient, target the head, then use the grab on them while on disarm intent, in order to perform a deep coercive-redactive probe of their psionic potential.	15	100
Read Mind	Operant	Target the head on disarm intent at melee range to attempt to read a victim's surface thoughts. This does not work on mindshielded personnel or synthetics, as they lack an active Zova Bovinae to target.	30	150
Agony	Master	Target the chest or groin on disarm intent to use a melee attack equivalent to a strike from a stun baton.	8	50
Spasm	Master	Target the arms or hands on disarm intent to use a ranged attack that may rip the weapons away from the target.	15	100
Focus	Master	Grab a patient, target the mouth, then use the grab on them while on disarm intent, in order to cure ailments of the mind. At Grandmaster ranking, this removes hallucinations, awakens patients, and cures paralysis. Otherwise, it is purely an RP effect.	10	80
Blindstrike	Grandmaster	Target the eyes on disarm intent and click anywhere to use a radial attack that blinds, deafens, and disorients everyone near you.	8	120
Mindslave	Paramount	Grab a victim, target the eyes, then use the grab on them while on disarm intent, in order to convert them into a loyal mind-slave. The process takes some time, and failure is punished harshly. This does not work on mindshielded personnel.	28	200

Energistics

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

Name	Rank Required	Description/Use	Cost	Cooldown
Spark	Operant	Target something in melee range on harm intent to cause some sparks to appear. This can light fires but does no direct harm to any living target. If you target someone who has a cigarette in their mouth, it will light the cigarette.	1	1
Electropulse	Master	Target the right hand while on harm intent and click an object to use a melee attack that causes a localized EMP. This activates the EMP function on things, but it takes a while and applies a long cooldown, in addition to being expensive.	40	100
Lightning	Master	Use this ranged lightning attack while on harm intent. Your mastery of Energistics will determine how powerful the lightning is. Be wary of overuse, and try not to fry your own brain.	20	20
Electrocute	Grandmaster	Target the chest or groin while on harm intent to use a melee attack that electrocutes a victim.	15	25

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.

Name	Rank Required	Description/Use	Cost	Cooldown
Psiblade	Operant	Click on or otherwise activate an empty hand while on harm intent to manifest a psychokinetic blade. The power of the blade will vary based on your mastery of the faculty.	10	30
Tinker	Master	Click on or otherwise activate an empty hand while on grab intent to manifest a psychokinetic tool. Use it in-hand to switch between tool types.	5	10
Telekinesis	Grandmaster	Click on a distant target while on grab intent to manifest a psychokinetic grip. Use it to manipulate objects at a distance.	5	10

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.

Name	Rank Required	Description/Use	Cost	Cooldown
Skinsight	Operant	Grab a patient, target the chest, then switch to help intent and use the grab on them to perform a check for wounds and damage.	3	30
Mend	Operant	Target a patient while on help intent at melee range to mend a variety of maladies, such as bleeding, or broken bones. Zone selection will affect which limb will be healed. Higher ranks in this faculty allow you to mend a wider range of problems. This does not work on prosthetic limbs.	7	50
Cleanse	Grandmaster	Target a patient while on help intent at melee range to cleanse radiation and genetic damage from a patient.	9	60
Revive	Paramount	Obtain a grab on a dead target, target the head, then select help intent and use the grab against them to attempt to bring them back to life. The process is lengthy and failure is punished harshly.	25	80