psionics
Telepathy and telekinesis
Psionics refers to mental powers treated as a kind of technology or science—telepathy, telekinesis, precognition, and similar abilities imagined as natural phenomena rather than magic.
The term blends "psi" (from parapsychology) with "electronics," suggesting these powers can be studied, measured, and developed systematically.
Common in science fiction, role-playing games, and speculative fiction: The psionics system lets characters develop mental abilities alongside conventional skills.
A psionic character or creature possesses such powers.
Paranormal future awareness
- remote viewingAlleged psychic distance perception
- psychometrySensing history through touch
- sixth senseExtrasensory perception ability
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
premonition · second sight · divination · visions · extrasensory perception · future sight · aura reading · clairaudience
Soul separating from flesh
- spiritualismCommunion with the deceased
- mediumshipCommunicating with the dead
- channelingDirecting flow or energy
- séanceSpirit communication ritual
ethereal plane · occultism · ectoplasm · out-of-body · astral travel · spirit guide · paranormal · supernatural
Unsupported aerial suspension
- force pushPsychokinetic repulsion ability
- kinetic energyPower from movement
- mind over matterWill overcoming physical constraints
- floatingStaying atop liquid
Perceiving others' thoughts directly
- mental linkCognitive connection between minds
- brainwavesElectrical signals from neurons
- telepathMental message receiver
- empathySharing another's emotions
Directing another's thoughts
- brainwashingCoercive psychological manipulation
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- mind wipeErasing someone's memories
- thrallOne held captive
precognition
Paranormal future awareness
- remote viewingAlleged psychic distance perception
- psychometrySensing history through touch
- sixth senseExtrasensory perception ability
foresight · premonition · second sight · divination · visions · extrasensory perception · future sight · aura reading · clairaudience · clairsentience
astral projection
Soul separating from flesh
- spiritualismCommunion with the deceased
- mediumshipCommunicating with the dead
- channelingDirecting flow or energy
séance · ethereal plane · occultism · ectoplasm · out-of-body · astral travel · spirit guide · paranormal · supernatural · otherworldly
levitation
Unsupported aerial suspension
- force pushPsychokinetic repulsion ability
- kinetic energyPower from movement
- mind over matterWill overcoming physical constraints
mind-reading
Perceiving others' thoughts directly
- mental linkCognitive connection between minds
- brainwavesElectrical signals from neurons
- telepathMental message receiver
mind control
Directing another's thoughts
- brainwashingCoercive psychological manipulation
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- mind wipeErasing someone's memories
mindmeld
Telepathic union of minds
- X-COMaliens, soldiers, squad, UFO, overwatch
- pseudosciencehomeopathy, astrology, phrenology, numerology, palmistry
- GURPSadvantages, disadvantages, attributes, skills, critical success
- Space RPGstarships, space travel, aliens, planets, interstellar travel
psionicsphysical strength
Bodily force capacity
brute force · technology · cybernetics · machinery · muscle
psionicsmagic
Supernatural or illusory power
sorcery · wizardry · arcane magic · spellcasting · thaumaturgy
psionicsphysics
Science of matter and energy
natural science · materialism · physical laws · neuroscience