Psionicists, also known as mind mages or amaunors,[1] were individuals that used the powers of the mind―or psionics―to supernaturally influence the world around them.[3]
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.[3]
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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
Abilities[]
Despite their rarity, master psionicists could be quite powerful. Their powers were said to be capable of reproducing many effects of magical spells;[5] these ranged from devastating mental attacks that dominated opponents,[6] to physical ectoplasm constructs,[7] to "fate links" that can inflict damage linked between individuals.[8] The use of these powers often took a great toll on the practitioner, especially those abilities were innate, rather than honed.[citation needed]
Psionicists drew their powers from their own consciousness using methods that must be replenished,[3][4] or from innate talents, as in illithid,[9] drow,[citation needed] and blue practitioners.[10] 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.[citation needed]
Possessions[]
Psionicists did not need any physical tools or weaponry to practice their discipline.[3]
Relationships[]
Psionicists were considered strange and dangerous people some areas of the Realms, such as the Dalelands,[11] and thought of as heretics by the barbarian tribes of the North.[12]
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.[13]
Notable Psionicists[]
- Kimmuriel Oblodra is a powerful drow psionicist as well as a lieutenant and temporary leader of Bregan D'aerthe.[citation needed]
- K'yorl Odran, matron mother of House Oblodra in Menzoberranzan.[14]
- Magadon Kest, the tiefling mind-mage progeny of the archdevil Mephistopheles.[15][page needed]
- Ralayn the Occultacle, an alhoon who was exiled from Undermountain and took up residence within the Forest of Tethir in the Lands of Intrigue.[16]
- Lord Ryvvik Dlardrageth, the half-elf cambion spawn of Countess Sarya.[17]
- Saed, the vampire lord that ruled over Veldorn as of the mid–14th century DR.[18]
- Urnvalt, a dwarven sailor who was taken captive by the Red Wizards, before being freed by Jaan'vald Llanou of the Sha'sal Khou.[19]
- 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.[20]
Appendix[]
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)
Further Reading[]
- Jon Winter (December 1993). “The Even More Complete Psionicist”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #200 (TSR, Inc.), pp. 97–101.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ed Greenwood (2023-02-23). "Amauna". Greenwood's Grotto (Discord).
- ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (1994). Planescape Campaign Setting, Sigil and Beyond. Edited by David Wise. (TSR, Inc), p. 28. ISBN 978-1560768340.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Steve Winter (1991). The Complete Psionics Handbook. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 7–8. ISBN 1-56076-054-0.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Steve Winter (1991). The Complete Psionics Handbook. (TSR, Inc.), p. 10. ISBN 1-56076-054-0.
- ↑ Kirk Botula (1994). The Complete Book of Villains. (TSR, Inc), p. 116. ISBN 1-56076-837-1.
- ↑ Steve Winter (1991). The Complete Psionics Handbook. (TSR, Inc.), p. 74. ISBN 1-56076-054-0.
- ↑ Steve Winter (1991). The Complete Psionics Handbook. (TSR, Inc.), p. 59. ISBN 1-56076-054-0.
- ↑ Steve Winter (1991). The Complete Psionics Handbook. (TSR, Inc.), p. 75. ISBN 1-56076-054-0.
- ↑ Eytan Bernstein (2007-06-27). Psionic Races and Classes (Ghostwise Halflings, Githyanki, Mind Flayers, Yuan-ti, and Psionic Bestiary). Class Chronicles. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-03-14. Retrieved on 2017-09-24.
- ↑ Eytan Bernstein (2007-06-20). Psionic Races and Classes (Blues, Duergar, and Elans). Class Chronicles. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-03-14. Retrieved on 2017-09-24.
- ↑ Richard Baker (1993). The Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 63. ISBN 978-1560766674.
- ↑ slade, et al. (April 1996). “The Wilderness”. In James Butler ed. The North: Guide to the Savage Frontier (TSR, Inc.), p. 20. ISBN 0-7869-0391-0.
- ↑ slade, Jim Butler (October 1996). “The Winds of Netheril”. In Jim Butler ed. Netheril: Empire of Magic (TSR, Inc.), p. 21. ISBN 0-7869-0437-2.
- ↑ R.A. Salvatore, Michael Leger, Douglas Niles (1992). Menzoberranzan (The Houses). Edited by Karen S. Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc), p. 28. ISBN 1-5607-6460-0.
- ↑ Paul S. Kemp (October 1, 2013). The Godborn (Hardcover ed.). (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0786963735.
- ↑ Steven E. Schend (January 1997). Undermountain: Stardock. Edited by Bill Olmesdahl. (TSR, Inc.), p. 14. ISBN 0-7869-0451-8.
- ↑ Steven E. Schend (March 1998). Hellgate Keep. (TSR, Inc), p. 11. ISBN 978-0786907861.
- ↑ Tom Prusa (1993). The Shining South. (TSR, Inc), p. 67. ISBN 1-56076-595-X.
- ↑ Greg Marks, Jonathan Connor Self (February 2022). Uprising (DDAL-DRW16) (PDF). D&D Adventurers League: Dreams of the Red Wizards (Wizards of the Coast), p. 11.
- ↑ Joseph C. Wolf (1999). Skullport. (TSR, Inc), p. 95. ISBN 0-7869-1348-7.