Psionics

The esoteric ability of the sentient mind to alter reality via a non-physical manifestation, colloquially known as Psionics, is little understood and much reviled in New Genesis.  Psionics were once unheard of, and those with the natural talent went utterly untapped. For better or worse, this all changed during the Illithid Invasion half a millennia ago.  The psionic Mind Flayers exerted their wills and eldritch powers over the all the races of NewGen, twisting each them and forever staining their lineages.

Of all the races to suffer at the hands (and tentacles) of the Illithids, the Dwarves were hardest hit. Dozens of Holds were utterly eradicated, ceaselessly fed upon by the mauve aliens. A portion of the Dwarves were selectively altered and bred to have mild psionic abilities, in an effort, assumedly, to enhance their 'flavor' for their squamous masters. Today, these Dwarves are known as Fallen Dwarves. They are pale, hairless and are often covered in psionic runes. Hidden from the surface world in the depths of the Underdark, their only friendly neighbors are the mysterious Myconids.

Since it was Terra where the Illithids began their invasion, a large number of Humans were also so altered by psionics. Many of these wretched thralls died during the final battle for Terra, their bodies and minds warped beyond recognition or redemption. The hundreds that survived, with psionic powers intact, were quickly stigmatized. They were, afterall, forever tainted by the Mind Flayer threat. Who could trust a person who's very mind was compromised and controlled by such a horrible enemy? After a few generations of being the victims of witchhunts, marginalization and being forced, sometimes quite literally, underground, the Psions were united by a mysterious leader.

This messiah taught them to pool their powers into a collective whole that seemed greater than their individual parts. Soon, the Psions disappeared from the kingdom of Terra and are rumored to live upon a rocky island floating amidst the clouds. Where this island is actually located, or if it evens exists, is a mystery only whispered amongst the most learned sages.

Nowadays, the incidents of psionic-capable people being born (usually Human), is about 1 in 1000. These individuals are usually hunted down, by means unknown, and slain by the Crimson Guard as soon as their powers begin to manifest. Occasionally, a young Psion hears the whispers of the Island of Psions calling to her, beckoning her to "come home" where she will be safe and appreciated. However, this is all the information given and most are forced into hiding or slain before ever even knowing their potential.

 Psionics in New Genesis is completely different than magic; the two rarely affect each other. For instance, psionic powers work within an Anti-Magic Field and is invisible to a Detect Magic spell. This opacity of energies can be a boon or a hindrance, depending on the situation.