Mindlink

Mindlink, originally known as simply telepathy, was a psionic power of the telepathy discipline. It established a limited mental bond between the manifester and another being.

Effects
The manifester established a mental bond with a target creature. It let them communicate telepathically, even without a common language between them. It granted no other special power or influence over the target. Communication was two-way and wordless. It was not mind-reading: a participant received only thoughts the other wished to send.

On manifesting, the target originally needed to be in sight or well-known to the user, in which case they needed to be on the same plane and within one light-second (186,000 miles, or 300,000 kilometers). The telepathic waves could travel further only if both participants were telepathic. After the Time of Troubles of 1358 DR, this range was effectively unlimited. After the Year of Wild Magic, 1372 DR, the target just needed to be an open-minded or willing sentient being no more than 25 feet (7.6 meters) away, or further for more experienced manifesters, and thereafter it would function over any distance provided they remained on the same plane. If an experienced manifester spent more psionic energy, they could affect an unwilling creature or an additional creature, provided all were within 15 feet (4.7 meters) of each other.

Originally, it lasted only while one concentrated, but later it lasted at least 10 minutes, or longer for more experienced manifesters.

After 1358 DR, mindlink was a prerequisite for various other powers, but this was not necessary after 1372 DR.

Displays
Manifesting the power produced the standard mental display: a subtle chime ringing in the minds of those close by.

Usage
The owner of a psicrystal could communicate with it as if via mindlink, thanks to their telepathic link.

The anchored navigation power granted a mindlink with a designated creature as part of its function.

Users
Brain lock could be learned by people with wild talents,  by psionicists,  and psions specialized as telepaths.

In psionic terms, the mindlink power was possessed by aboleths, couatls, ki-rins, and lesser and greater shedu.

Notable Users

 * Gayrlana, "Lady Bloodsword", leader of the Mindulgulph Mercenary Company, had a psionic talent for mindlink. It aided her tactical and leadership abilities.
 * Ryvvik Dlardrageth, daemonfey psionicist and third-in-command of House Dlardrageth
 * Saryndalaghlothtor, "Lady Gemcloak", a crystal dragon

Background
In the 3-edition Psionics Handbook, there were three powers—lesser mindlink, mindlink, and forced mindlink—but in the 3.5-edition Expanded Psionics Handbook, these were merged into a single mindlink power with different augmented applications.