Psionicist

Psionicists, also known as mind mages or amaunors, were individuals that used the powers of the mind―or psionics―to supernaturally influence the world around them.

Culture
These individuals were said to seek out and strive for enlightenment in all aspects of life, whether they were overworked to the point of exhaustion, or found in serene completion of their world. They were introspective souls, who sought to unite every part of their life into a single, cohesive manifestation. Only through intense self-discipline, inner-reflection, and meditation could they truly tap into the full power of their mind.

Although the specifics were not fully known, the gift was an inherited trait subject to genetic variations. It was rare to find psionicists of certain races wherein psionic powers were not the norm.

Manifestations
In many of the humanoid races, manifestations of psionic power could lead to a secondary displays that revealed the nature of their power. These included, but were not limited to, visual, auditory and olfactory senses that were triggered when their powers were used. Simple psionic charms and mind-reading abilities often elicited a low, droning sounds, while polymorphic manifestations induced phantom scents of saffron or ginger in others.

As most of these secondary displays are difficult to observe, most tactics used by psionicists can prove surprising to non-psions. If caught unaware, or in the case of a powerful mind mage very aware, a psionicist can be most powerful.

Abilities
Despite their rarity, master psionicists could be quite powerful. Their powers were said to be capable of reproducing many effects of magical spells; these ranged from devastating mental attacks that dominated opponents, to physical ectoplasm constructs, to "fate links" that can inflict damage linked between individuals. The use of these powers often took a great toll on the practitioner, especially those abilities were innate, rather than honed.

Psionicists drew their powers from their own consciousness using methods that must be replenished, or from innate talents, as in illithid, drow, and blue practitioners. Lacking the need perform somatic gestures or utilize spell components to use their powers, psionicists held the advantage of surprise over spellcasting mages and priests.

Possessions
Psionicists did not need any physical tools or weaponry to practice their discipline.

Relationships
Psionicists were considered strange and dangerous people some areas of the Realms, such as the Dalelands, and thought of as heretics by the barbarian tribes of the North.

History
During the Age of Humanity, there were no records of psionicists ever present in the empire of ancient Netheril. They were however present across other nations and kingdoms of Toril.

Notable Psionicists

 * Kimmuriel Oblodra is a powerful drow psionicist as well as a lieutenant and temporary leader of Bregan D'aerthe.
 * K'yorl Odran, matron mother of House Oblodra in Menzoberranzan.
 * Magadon Kest, the tiefling mind-mage progeny of the archdevil Mephistopheles.
 * Ralayn the Occultacle, an alhoon who was exiled from Undermountain and took up residence within the Forest of Tethir in the Lands of Intrigue.
 * Lord Ryvvik Dlardrageth, the half-elf cambion spawn of Countess Sarya.
 * Saed, the vampire lord that ruled over Veldorn as of the mid–14 century DR.
 * Urnvalt, a dwarven sailor who was taken captive by the Red Wizards, before being freed by Jaan'vald Llanou of the Sha'sal Khou.
 * Vhondryl, a female human psion living in Skullport in the 1360s and 1370s DR; one of the most powerful psionicists in the city, and also one of the top two dealers in poisons and potions.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * The Sword of the Dales • Undermountain: Stardock • Hellgate Keep
 * Novels
 * The Erevis Cale Trilogy (Twilight Falling • Dawn of Night • Midnight's Mask) • The Godborn
 * Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
 * Dreams of the Red Wizards (Uprising)