Psi and You - Revision history

Lex at 22:36, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T22:36:58Z

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	The truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have invested in some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.		The truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have invested in some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.

	Though House Decados has been burned once now by their psychic programs bad enough to fully appreciate the fire they play with, other Houses are similarly worried. Their utility is undeniable, but the risks are ~~oftentimes seen as too high~~.		Though House Decados has been burned once now by their psychic programs bad enough to fully appreciate the fire they play with, other Houses are similarly worried. Their utility is undeniable, but so are the risks. Spies regularly interact with individuals who possess highly important organizational secrets, and most agencies are aware of psychic-only entities like the Favyana and the Invisible Path. There is always the danger of psychic spies turning on their masters, either because of a radical ideology or because of a large paycheck.

	In general the social status of Psychic Spies is a bit of a moot point - they must hide their psychic status along with their spy status. If either is uncovered, they are rendered largely useless. An outed psychic is avoided and distrusted by those that know of his status, and an outed spy is of no use to the intelligence community he serves.		In general the social status of Psychic Spies is a bit of a moot point - they must hide their psychic status along with their spy status. If either is uncovered, they are rendered largely useless. An outed psychic is avoided and distrusted by those that know of his status, and an outed spy is of no use to the intelligence community he serves.

Lex at 22:28, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T22:28:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:28, 9 February 2010
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	The truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have invested in some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.		The truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have invested in some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.

	In general Psychic Spies ~~are~~ a bit of a moot point - they must hide their psychic status along with their spy status. If either is uncovered, they are rendered largely useless. ~~Usually very few~~ know ~~who these spies are~~, ~~but they are watched like hawks. Further, psychic spies are generally controlled directed by the heads~~ of ~~divisions devoted solely~~ to ~~controlling and containing~~ the ~~psychic spies~~.		Though House Decados has been burned once now by their psychic programs bad enough to fully appreciate the fire they play with, other Houses are similarly worried. Their utility is undeniable, but the risks are oftentimes seen as too high.

			In general the social status of Psychic Spies is a bit of a moot point - they must hide their psychic status along with their spy status. If either is uncovered, they are rendered largely useless. An outed psychic is avoided and distrusted by those that know of his status, and an outed spy is of no use to the intelligence community he serves.

	=== Dervishes ===		=== Dervishes ===

Lex at 22:11, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T22:11:45Z

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	== Exceptions ==		== Exceptions ==

	There are a few exceptions to the general rules above- psychics who enjoy a degree of trust and even acceptance in their community. This kind of egalitarian ethos is uncommon at the dawn of the end of the Fifth Millennium. Where it exists there are usually more pressing concerns than the danger of psychics ~~and those~~ beset by ~~foreign evils~~ cannot afford the luxury of selecting their friends.		There are a few exceptions to the general rules above- psychics who enjoy a degree of trust and even acceptance in their community. This kind of egalitarian ethos is uncommon at the dawn of the end of the Fifth Millennium. Where it exists there are usually more pressing concerns than the danger of psychics; people beset by dark powers, shapeshifting monsters, and other nightmares from between the stars cannot afford the luxury of selecting their friends.

	=== The Brother Battle and Manifest Light ===		=== The Brother Battle and Manifest Light ===

Lex at 22:10, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T22:10:39Z

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	Dervishes aren't ever regular people, but they are protected generally by their aloofness and the fact that their martial prowess serves as a powerful deterrent against violence. Even still, Dervishes get more than a few jump crosses burned in their fields or rocks through their windows.		Dervishes aren't ever regular people, but they are protected generally by their aloofness and the fact that their martial prowess serves as a powerful deterrent against violence. Even still, Dervishes get more than a few jump crosses burned in their fields or rocks through their windows.

	~~== Exceptions ==~~

	=== House Thana ===		=== House Thana ===
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	House Thana enjoys a small exception to the general rule - they have carved out a place for themselves as beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among powerful lord's and lady's retinues. House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless, even if that assumption is not necessarily true. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of other courts, particularly the more libertine al-Malik and Decados, that enjoy either the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles, or alternately the sense of the exotic and rare these nobles bring.		House Thana enjoys a small exception to the general rule - they have carved out a place for themselves as beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among powerful lord's and lady's retinues. House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless, even if that assumption is not necessarily true. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of other courts, particularly the more libertine al-Malik and Decados, that enjoy either the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles, or alternately the sense of the exotic and rare these nobles bring.

			That said, there are an awful lot of Thana nobles who have found the Pancreator, willingly or no, and wear the weeping jumpcross of the penitents.

			== Exceptions ==

			There are a few exceptions to the general rules above- psychics who enjoy a degree of trust and even acceptance in their community. This kind of egalitarian ethos is uncommon at the dawn of the end of the Fifth Millennium. Where it exists there are usually more pressing concerns than the danger of psychics and those beset by foreign evils cannot afford the luxury of selecting their friends.

	=== The Brother Battle and Manifest Light ===		=== The Brother Battle and Manifest Light ===

Lex at 22:01, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T22:01:46Z

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	House Thana enjoys a small exception to the general rule - they have carved out a place for themselves as beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among powerful lord's and lady's retinues. House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless, even if that assumption is not necessarily true. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of other courts, particularly the more libertine al-Malik and Decados, that enjoy either the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles, or alternately the sense of the exotic and rare these nobles bring.		House Thana enjoys a small exception to the general rule - they have carved out a place for themselves as beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among powerful lord's and lady's retinues. House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless, even if that assumption is not necessarily true. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of other courts, particularly the more libertine al-Malik and Decados, that enjoy either the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles, or alternately the sense of the exotic and rare these nobles bring.

	=== ~~Stigmata~~ and Manifest Light ===		=== The Brother Battle and Manifest Light ===



	[[Category:Psi]]		[[Category:Psi]]

Lex at 22:00, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T22:00:54Z

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	Dervishes aren't ever regular people, but they are protected generally by their aloofness and the fact that their martial prowess serves as a powerful deterrent against violence. Even still, Dervishes get more than a few jump crosses burned in their fields or rocks through their windows.		Dervishes aren't ever regular people, but they are protected generally by their aloofness and the fact that their martial prowess serves as a powerful deterrent against violence. Even still, Dervishes get more than a few jump crosses burned in their fields or rocks through their windows.

	== House Thana ==		== Exceptions ==

			=== House Thana ===

	Finally, there are the silver-haired minor House Thana. They are a bit of an oddity in that they are all psychics. From what is said above one might conclude that they would be universally shunned and avoided and indeed that's certainly not an uncommon issue that a Thana noble must deal with.		Finally, there are the silver-haired minor House Thana. They are a bit of an oddity in that they are all psychics. From what is said above one might conclude that they would be universally shunned and avoided and indeed that's certainly not an uncommon issue that a Thana noble must deal with.

	House Thana enjoys a small exception to the general rule - they have carved out a place for themselves as beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among powerful lord's and lady's retinues. House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless, even if that assumption is not necessarily true. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of other courts, particularly the more libertine al-Malik and Decados, that enjoy either the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles, or alternately the sense of the exotic and rare these nobles bring.		House Thana enjoys a small exception to the general rule - they have carved out a place for themselves as beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among powerful lord's and lady's retinues. House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless, even if that assumption is not necessarily true. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of other courts, particularly the more libertine al-Malik and Decados, that enjoy either the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles, or alternately the sense of the exotic and rare these nobles bring.

			=== Stigmata and Manifest Light ===



	[[Category:Psi]]		[[Category:Psi]]

Lex at 22:00, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T22:00:15Z

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	== House Thana ==		== House Thana ==

	Finally, there are the silver-haired minor House Thana. They are a bit of an oddity, in that they are all psychics. From what is said above, one might conclude that they would be universally shunned and avoided~~. Indeed,~~ that's certainly not an uncommon issue that a Thana noble must deal with.		Finally, there are the silver-haired minor House Thana. They are a bit of an oddity in that they are all psychics. From what is said above one might conclude that they would be universally shunned and avoided and indeed that's certainly not an uncommon issue that a Thana noble must deal with.

	House Thana ~~though, are an oddity~~ - beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among ~~power~~ lord and ~~ladies~~ retinues. ~~While it may well be untrue in some ways,~~ House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of ~~every court~~ that enjoy the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles.		House Thana enjoys a small exception to the general rule - they have carved out a place for themselves as beautiful pieces of living art that are something of collector's pieces among powerful lord's and lady's retinues. House Thana enjoys the protection of being considered harmless and powerless, even if that assumption is not necessarily true. Their presence is not a comfortable one in most courts - few Thana exist as courtiers in conservative households among the Hazat, Hawkwood, or Li Halan. Still, there are decadent lords and ladies of other courts, particularly the more libertine al-Malik and Decados, that enjoy either the philosophical nature and artistic temperament of Thana nobles, or alternately the sense of the exotic and rare these nobles bring.

	[[Category:Psi]]		[[Category:Psi]]

Lex at 21:55, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T21:55:12Z

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	== Employing Psychics ==		== Employing Psychics ==

	'But they aren't all bad!' you may be thinking to yourself. Surely they can't all mess with my mind! Some might have good uses! And you're right. Looking at the rule book, there are certainly a number of very advantageous things that psychics can do- A farsight/farsound psychic spy could easily eavesdrop on secret conversations. A vis-craft specialist could destroy enemy power systems and disrupt communications. Soma and Bedlam warriors are without equal. Why not use them?		"But they aren't all bad!" you may be thinking to yourself. "Surely they can't all mess with my mind! Some might have good uses!" And you're right. Looking at the rule book, there are certainly a number of very advantageous things that psychics can do- A farsight/farsound psychic spy could easily eavesdrop on secret conversations. A vis-craft specialist could destroy enemy power systems and disrupt communications. Soma and Bedlam warriors are without equal. Why not use them?

	You don't use them because you never know.		You don't use them because you never know.

Lex at 17:42, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T17:42:11Z

Lex at 17:38, 9 February 2010

2010-02-09T17:38:48Z

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	Now you understand how everyone deals with psychics in the Known Worlds.		Now you understand how everyone deals with psychics in the Known Worlds.

	Of course, noblemen can't kill other noblemen who are open psychics. But they can easily shun and avoid them. Outed psychics among the upper class quickly find themselves running short on friends - and a nobleman with few friends is in grave danger from the Church.		Of course noblemen can't kill other noblemen who are open psychics. But they can easily shun and avoid them. Outed psychics among the upper class quickly find themselves running short on friends - and a nobleman with few friends is in grave danger from the Church.

	Guilders are no better - Is a psychic merchant making more money because he has superior wares, or is he using his -powers-? Is that psychic Engineer really a better craftsman, or is he just using his telepathy to steal my genius? There is little tolerance for psychics among the League.		Guilders are no better - Is a psychic merchant making more money because he has superior wares, or is he using his -powers-? Is that psychic Engineer really a better craftsman, or is he just using his telepathy to steal your genius? There is little tolerance for psychics among the League.

	== Employing Psychics ==		== Employing Psychics ==
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	=== Psychic Spies ===		=== Psychic Spies ===

	What about spies? Psychic spies are the wet-dream of every intelligence agency across the galaxy. Surely the Decados, with their loose grasp on morality, would gather up some? Once they do, no other group could -afford- to fall behind in that race.		What about spies? Psychic spies are the wet-dream of every intelligence agency across the galaxy. Surely the Decados, with their loose grasp on morality, would gather up some? Once they do, no other group could afford to fall behind in that race.

	Well, the truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover, they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados, and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.		Well, the truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover, they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados, and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.

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	And if the neighbor is a noble...well, there are cases of peasants rising up in rebellion against their sorcerous leaders. Certainly other Nobles avoid psychics like the plague - nobles, and many high ranking guild and Church leaders, live lives that necessitate secrecy and diplomacy. Psychics pose a very real threat to that.		And if the neighbor is a noble...well, there are cases of peasants rising up in rebellion against their sorcerous leaders. Certainly other Nobles avoid psychics like the plague - nobles, and many high ranking guild and Church leaders, live lives that necessitate secrecy and diplomacy. Psychics pose a very real threat to that.

	Essentially, the point that must be hammered home is that there is no such thing as a 'run of the mill' psychic. One doesn't hire psychics to do psychic only work. One doesn't employ them openly, and ~~when~~ one does one must expect horrible censure from the Church, from the people, and most importantly from one's peers.		Essentially, the point that must be hammered home is that there is no such thing as a 'run of the mill' psychic. One doesn't hire psychics to do psychic only work. One doesn't employ them openly, and if one does one must expect horrible censure from the Church, from the people, and most importantly from one's peers.

	It is true that there are groups which are recognized as psychic organizations around the Empire. ~~But each~~ of these have strict rules governing them and their presence.		It is true that there are groups which are recognized as psychic organizations around the Empire. Each of these have strict rules governing them and their presence, however.

	=== Penitents ===		=== Penitents ===
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	So while perhaps there are some penitents serving rural parishes in places, using their powers to earn the trust of the locals and helping out, these penitents are few and far between. Instead, what is most common are the psychic spies and infiltrators, using their powers openly to confirm the faith of random people, often against their will.		So while perhaps there are some penitents serving rural parishes in places, using their powers to earn the trust of the locals and helping out, these penitents are few and far between. Instead, what is most common are the psychic spies and infiltrators, using their powers openly to confirm the faith of random people, often against their will.

	And strangely, the mortality rate on Church penitents, like Temple Avesti, is very high.		And strangely the mortality rate on Church penitents, like Temple Avesti, is very high.

	It's no matter, of course - the Church doesn't really care if one more psychic dies.		It's no matter, of course - the Church doesn't really care if one more psychic dies.
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	What about spies? Psychic spies are the wet-dream of every intelligence agency across the galaxy. Surely the Decados, with their loose grasp on morality, would gather up some? Once they do, no other group could afford to fall behind in that race.		What about spies? Psychic spies are the wet-dream of every intelligence agency across the galaxy. Surely the Decados, with their loose grasp on morality, would gather up some? Once they do, no other group could afford to fall behind in that race.

	~~Well, the~~ truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover, they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados, and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.		The truth is that the Decados are very, very careful with their psychics. They have a breeding program (and indeed all of the Major Houses and even many of the major guilds have invested in some manner of psychic spies), but the spies that they create aren't public. Moreover they are rare, precious commodities that are never truly trusted. Psychics at one point nearly took over House Decados and ever since then psychic spies, trained to infiltrate and subvert, are some of the most regulated and watched individuals in the intelligence agencies.

	In general Psychic Spies are a bit of a moot point - they must hide their psychic status along with their spy status. If either is uncovered, they are rendered largely useless. Usually -very- few know who these spies are, but they are watched like hawks. Further, psychic spies are generally controlled directed by the heads of divisions devoted -solely- to controlling and containing the psychic spies~~. Thus, if there are any psychic spies on Vargo, few if any know about it~~.		In general Psychic Spies are a bit of a moot point - they must hide their psychic status along with their spy status. If either is uncovered, they are rendered largely useless. Usually very few know who these spies are, but they are watched like hawks. Further, psychic spies are generally controlled directed by the heads of divisions devoted solely to controlling and containing the psychic spies.

	=== Dervishes ===		=== Dervishes ===