Psionics

Psionics (also psionic energy) is the application of a specific frequency of energy analogous to, but not part of, the electromagnetic spectrum. This energy has a unique characteristic in that it is generated and controlled by mental impulses from a living organism, and cannot be replicated mechanically. Psionic energy can be harnessed for a number of uses, most notably through mutant power manifestations. Mutants who exhibit psionic powers are referred to generally as psis, or according to their specific manifestation.

Manifestations

Telepathy

from the Latin tele- (meaning at a distance) and -pathy (meaning feeling or perception)

Telepathy is most simply described as a link between two sentient minds. A common analogy for telepathy is that of two computers on a network, able to read files form the other, depending on the configuration of the link.

The first and most common expression of telepathy is communication via thought. A telepath may establish a communication link with one or more minds, depending on skill and power level. Even without a direct link, it is possible for a sensitive telepath to pick up on surface thoughts of nearby minds, or become aware of a non-telepath attempting to contact them.

A counter-application of this form of telepathy can be used to affect the senses of others, to broadcast sensory information along a link, or to alter or dull another's senses.

Another application of telepathy is that of locating a specific mind at a distance. This ability is amplified by the use of devices such as Cerebro. Use of telepathy in this manner may facilitate communication over great distances.

Telepathy can also be used violently, disrupting the operation of a target's brain to cause a temporary fugue state, or trigger pain sensations, paralysis, or other debilitating psychosomatic effects. Betsy Braddock has perfected a stunt where she focuses her telepathy into a short-range offensive weapon, symbolized by a "psychic knife".

Telepathy may also be used to project the telepath's self-image into the mind of another, creating a psi-scape, a sort of shared consensual hallucination almost indistinguishable from reality. This use of telepathy is common in various forms of therapy and deep communication.

Many telepaths form semi-permanent links with one or more minds, referred to as a psi-link. This results in all parties on the link sharing some degree of thought, emotion, and occasionally sensation. Severing of a psi-link can often be psychologically and occasionally physically traumatic.

Telekinesis

from the Latin tele- (meaning at a distance) and -kinesis (meaning motion)

Telekinesis is the ability to use psionic energy to exert force at a distance. Telekinetics are often able to lift objects with their mind, of masses ranging from molecules in a DNA strand to massive multiple-ton aircraft.

Some of the varied uses of telekinesis include:

• Exerting force on an object to move it or hold it in place. *Flight, either by lifting the telekinetic or providing raw thrust. *Exerting force in a specific area, creating a virtual 'shield' of force. *Separating a solution into its component parts, if the telekinetic has the ability to distinguish those components. *Altering the phase state of matter: from solid to liquid, or from an amorphous form to a crystalline form.

One of the unique aspects of telekinesis is that there is not necessarily an equal and opposite reaction to telekinetic force being exerted on an object. For example, a telekinetic lifting a car is not affected by an equal downward force. The reason for this has not yet been determined.

Precognition

from the Latin pre- (meaning before) and -cognition (meaning knowledge)

Precognition is the ability to perceive events that have not yet occurred, often referred to as "seeing the future". Quite possibly the most inexact of all psionic powers, there are a number of theories about precognition, centering around the nature of time and concepts such as multiple realities, causality, and the Uncertainty Principle.

Most precognitives have little control over their ability, having 'visions' or 'hunches' strike almost at random, or triggered by specific phenomena. Anecdotal evidence links chemicals such as phenylalanine can bring on precognitive flashes, resulting in odd interactions with foods like chocolate and some artificial sweeteners.

One of the common theories surrounding precognition is that a viewed future is potentially changed by having knowledge of it ahead of time, following the scientific "observer principle" that illustrates the theory that observing an object changes it in some manner. In many cases a precognitive vision is not fully understood until the predicted event has occurred. In others, changing actions that would lead to the predicted event can change the outcome or prevent it entirely.

Empathy

Empathy, often referred to as neuropathy, is a limited form of telepathy acting solely on emotional states. By psionically triggering specific neural responses, an empath can sense or manipulate the emotional state of a subject.

Empathy differs from telepathy in that full conscious thought cannot be affected, although psychologically the link between conscious thought and subconscious emotion can allow an empath to influence, although not directly control, the behavior of a subject. A subject's emotional state may also be linked to their physical responses (breathing, heart rate, etc), and empathic manipulation can be used by a talented empath to alter a subject's physical responses in a form of assisted biofeedback. In additon, empathy has been shown to be useful in mnemonic therapy, helping to release or suppress memory.

Forms of emotional manipulation not involving psionics are not considered to be empathy, for example: deducing a subject's emotional state through scent, or influencing it via drugs or pheromones.

Other Manifestations

Some mutants are able to use psionic energy to create visual images. Artie Maddicks uses such images to communicate, while Danielle Moonstar uses a form of empathy to make a subject's worst fear visible. Marie-Ange Colbert, in addition to her precognitive powers, can create solid ectoplasmic forms based off two-dimensional images.

Jamie Madrox manifests duplicates of himself, composed of ectoplasm and semi-autonomous, even though he displays no other psionic abilities.

Jono Starsmore has a unique mutation where his entire body is composed of psionic energy, contained in an approximation of a biological form.

The astral plane

The so-called "astral plane" is thought to be a manner of viewing psionic energy, much in the same manner some energy manipulators can view the world in relation to electromagnetic energy. However, the astral plane also exhibits properties of physical space. An odd form of matter, termed ectoplasm can be brought from the astral plane into physical space, often as a side-effect of psionic power or to form physical constructs animated by psionic force. While no conclusive studies have been made on ectoplasm, it appears to be indistinguishable from matter native to the physical plane. Ectoplasmic matter appears to violate the theory that matter may neither be created or destroyed, although this paradox can be explained by the transporation of ectoplasmic matter to and from the astral plane.

Psionic energy and technology

While not specifically part of the electromagnetic spectrum, psionic energy has been shown to be affected by certain frequencies and intensities of electromagnetic radiation. This discovery was instrumental in the creation of The Box, a "psi-proof" room located in the medical complex of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.

The theory has also been used to create devices, often termed "psi-bafflers" that interfere with psionic energy. These devices, although exceedingly rare and prohibitively expensive, can either interfere with or totally block psionic energy, similar to how different types of matter will block specific frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. To date, it has not been possible to mechanically replicate, store, or control psionic energy aside from providing the aforementioned technological interference.