Psionics

Psionics is one of the three Supernatural Powers encountered in the Virasana Empire novels. 
==Basics==
Psionics is a very personal kind of supernatural ability, and even though the known expressions can be grouped roughly into sets, the individual expressions are basically unique and as varied as humanity. 
For the overwhelming part, psionic powers are relatively small in scope, and most practitioners will never reach the superhuman abilities shown in the movies. But the power curve increases logarithmically, and each generation a handful of individuals reaches power levels way beyond anything other supernatural powers can offer, dubbed ‘demi-god’ status. 
Being a psychic or not at least contains a genetic component, and can be tested for if the necessary tech level is availabe. Interestingly enough, so far no way has been found to read the actual psionic abilities out of a genetic code, leading to the theory that psions are totipotent - that is, theoretically able to learn anything, but settling on a specific expression once they awaken.
Psions usually awaken in their late teens, at the end of puberty. They can awaken much earlier under traumatic duress, for a short while displaying powers a few orders of magnitude larger then their later skills. The awakening of a psion is called a chrysalis.
==Energy Use==
The exact nature of the energy used by psychics to create their effects is still unclear, though evidence strongly supports the theory that it is at least partially an organic component involved. A notable peculiarity of psionic powers is the distinctively different energy use of casters, depending of whether they see their craft as a cerebral skill (hermetic / hermeneutic approach) or as a physical activity (visceral approach). Cerebral psions will feel mental exhaustion and lack of concentration if depleted and will need sleep to regenerate, whereas visceral psions will experience classic physical exhaustion and will need food to regain their strength. The cerebral approach is by far the most common and in many places considered the only 'proper' way of working psionics.
==Training==
Very much like a physical property, psionics can be trained. But any amount of training will only increase the magnitude of the effects, not their expression. Very rare cases of multiple talents are known, but those are arguably no ‘new’ skills, only weaker expressions and thus later to show up than the initial one.
==Expressions==
Some of the best known groups of psionic expressions are: telepathy, empathy, telekinesis, teleportation, Pyrokinesis, CAF (citius, altius, fortius), Premonition, etc.
==Notable psionic expressions==
Psionic Expressions
==Notable Psions and related articles==
Psions
==Other Articles on Psionics==
Psionics
Category:Supernatural Powers
Category:Items