Psionics
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History of Psionics on Ghoraja Juun:
Psionics have a bit of a unique history on Ghoraja Juun. The exact
date when psionics came into existence is unknown, but research by
various scholars/sages put it at approximately 1453 A.G. It is known
that the discovery/creation of psioncs is a direct result of the
research and experiments of Deneba Senthyr, a renowned mage of that
time. Deneba began experimenting with alternative methods of
speeding up the spell casting process. This then led into other
methods of accessing and manipulating the Cynoeth (the magical flows
which surround the planet). Deneba was convinced that a way could be
found to produce spell-like effects without the constraints of
various components and formulae as magic was currently done.
After several years of research and experimentation, with little
actual success, Deneba received what she deemed an 'intellectual
epiphany' from a being she described as 'angelic'.
"The answer lies within," the figure said, "you must delve deep into
your inner-self, unlearn what you know and believe. Release your
mind from the constraints the teachings of the past have bound it
in."
What followed was a series of visions of Deneba traveling down long,
dark corridors periodically blocked by complex locking mechanisms.
With each lock she opened the answers to her research slowly became
clearer, but the deeper into herself she traveled, the greater the
effort that was required. After some nights she would wake
completely exhausted, at times unable to even move. But the answers
were there, she could picture them in her mind. The basic concepts
of what she was trying to accomplish were there, all she had to do
was master them.
Her waking hours were spent attempting to make use of the concepts
she had come to understand. One night, after many exhausting months,
her vision brought her to a mechanism unlike any other she had
previously encountered, a pulsing mosaic comprised of what appeared
to be various precious gems. Deneba sensed that the pattern was
wrong, to pass she must put the mosaic in order.
For what seemed like days she manipulated the various gem pieces,
each failure bring her intense pain and magnifying her exhaustion
well beyond normal limits. But finally, when pain and exhaustion had
become almost unbearable the mosaic came together. As the last gem
piece slid into place the pain and exhaustion flowed from her body
like water down a peaceful stream. In a final great, flaring pulse
of light the mosaic shattered, the pieces piercing her body. As each
piece entered her body, all the concepts she had learned began to
assemble in a puzzle-like manner. When she woke though her body was
physically spent but her mind felt refreshed. As though all the
doors were open and a cool spring breeze had flowed through her
brain and wiped away all the cobwebs and dust.
Over the next 12 years Deneba formed the basic tenants of psionics
as they are currently known. As she discovered new abilities, she
began grouping related skills into various 'sciences' and/or
'disciplines'. Deneba categorized all the various skills into two
distinct paths of learning; the Sarinnian (named for her mother);
was the more cerebral path, dealing with Clairsentience, Telepathy,
etc. The Drasuthian path (named for her father) encompassed those
skills that affected the physical world; Psychokinetic,
Psychometabolic, Psychoportive, etc. During this period her skills
with more 'mundane' magic as she now considered it, atrophied. She
could still cast spells, but she found that there were few spells
which she could not develop a psionic equivalent or substitute for.
Now what she needed was students.
Deneba spent the next several years searching for students,
concentrating mostly in the community of mages where she still had
contacts. Most of those she found were unable to free themselves of
the bindings of their teachings and ultimately failed. Then along
came Agemon, a young, aspiring mage who could 'see' the cynoeth
without the use of spell, but could not keep the symbols and
formulae of typical spell casting within his mind. After years of
failure with various teachers Agemon came to Deneba. He took to
Deneba's teachings like the proverbial fish to water, never had she
seen someone to whom psionics came so naturally. Agemon mastered
every skill with astonishing ease. Deneba, like an overly proud
parent, heaped her praise upon him.
Though easily mastering any psionic skill Agemon seemed to have a
special affinity toward the Drasuthian path. His skill and power in
psychokinetics being particularly noteworthy. Over the next several
years Deneba and Agemon continued to develop new psionic skills and
seek out new students. Deneba soon allowed Agemon to do much of the
actual teaching, only taking on those students who particularly
caught her notice.
Inevitably there came a time when Deneba's and Agemon's philosophies
began to separate. Agemon wanted his students to wander out in the
world, seek adventure and use their abilities as they saw fit.
Deneba felt that those psionically gifted should remain in the
background, continually developing their skills with little worldly
interaction. This philosophical difference ultimately developed into
a rift that couldn't be closed. Agemon gathered those students who
agreed with him and left to find their own way.
Eventually Agemon and his followers settled and a school for
psionics was founded. Before her death in 1545 B.G. Deneba sought
out Agemon in an attempt to close the rift that had grown between
them. What she found appalled her, Agemon had become twisted and
bitter. Once his school was well established, he had begun research
in a direction she had never dared go. He had attempted to trancend
death and become a 'psionic lich', but the attempt had failed.
Agemon's mind had been severely damaged by his attempt, most of his
skills were gone. Though he could still manipulate small objects in
the simplest of manners. Deneba left and died soon after knowing he
greatest student had also become her one great failure. Agemon's end
is unknown, it is assumed he died several years after Deneba, but no
evidence has surfaced to prove it.
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Psionics in Present-Day Ghoraja Juun:
Though psionics are now an accepted 'school' of magic, the use of
psionics today is as rare as it was at their initial discovery. The
mental skill and strength required are rare and most of those that
do try fail miserably. There are two main established schools that
have descended from Deneba and Agemon.
The Halls of Mental Harmony, attached to the Tower Illuminate
(outside Videssos), is the home of the Senthyrites. Named
after the matriarch of psionics, the Senthyrites generally keep to
themselves and spend much of their time in research and
experimenting with new devotions or sciences. They are not
adventurous and generally travel only when absolutely necessary.
There is a small faction among the Senthyrites who consider
themselves a sort of 'psionic police force'. This group, known a the
'Guardians of the Mosaic', travel the world seeking out those who
attempt to abuse their gift, and steer them down the "proper path".
A majority of the Senthyrites follow the Sarinnian path.
The second school, known simply as 'The Academy', is the school
founded by Agemon after his split with Deneba. It is located within
the city of Avenor in south-central Ashtalarea. Members of the
Academy often refer to themselves as "Wardens of the Way". The
Warden's are generally more adventuresome, and many take on other
skills once they have mastered the basic teachings of the Academy.
There is a large faction within the Academy who are talented
warriors as well as accomplished psionicists. This faction is known
as the 'Knights of Agemon'. Named for the founder of the Academy.
This group is well known for upholding justice, the rights of the
poor and downtrodden, and hunting down those psionicists who would
use their talents for 'evil' purposes.
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