Psychic magic is a moderately-sized class of magic that involves the projection and influence of will on the outside world, where the primary source is the mind of the wielder. Such practitioners are referred to as psychics, whose abilities are most often inherent. Some forms of psychic magic have been taught to otherwise normal humans.
The skill of psychics come typically from intense training to refine and expand the power, as with most magic. The method is variable, however; monkhood is a particularly popular choice for psychics of all skill levels, but this does not exclude others such as psychological study, supernatural exposure, and technological enhancement.
Common Types of Psychic Magic
Telekinesis
Telekinesis is the manipulation of matter using psychic power, wherein such psychics are referred to as telekinetics. The practice is similar to natural work and energy, in the sense that more “effort” being used in an action will result in more work being possible. This is the most direct psychic power used in combat, controlling weapons or the body of the enemy to inflict damage from afar. It similarly can be used defensively, where a common skill is “catching” projectiles to protect oneself from harm.
More complex forms of telekinesis include levitation (and flight, by extension) by controlling one’s body, transfiguration by manipulating matter into certain particular shapes, and even changing the intermolecular bonds.
Telepathy
Telepathy is the ability to emit and/or receive information from other minds within a given proximity. This psychic practice is considered simpler and easier to learn than others, as it remains entirely outside material reality, merely manipulating “psychic” energy (see Theories).
The practice is further divided into the capabilities of psychics: “passive telepaths” (known colloquially as mind readers) are only able to receive information from surrounding persons, often perceived as “hearing” others’ thoughts. “Active telepaths” possess the ability to project their thoughts onto others. In this way, others who may not have psychic capabilities will “hear” the telepath’s thoughts (though often will dismiss it as hallucinatory, if they are not previously informed). “Dual telepaths” are an uncommon class that can both receive and transmit thoughts. This skill has led to the alternative name “conversationalists”, due to the manner in which such telepaths can manage a two-way, purely psychic communication.
Suggestion
Also known by the more derogatory term “mind control” and the less sophisticated “hypnosis”, suggestion is similar to active telepathy. However, the distinction arises from the compulsion victims feel to follow the instructions given to them.
Akin to the real psychological practice of hypnosis, suggestion is most powerful whenever the action or belief is already something which the victim would want to do. Such suggestions become more difficult the further they deviate from one’s existing tendencies, often as a conflict moral principles. For example, it would take a powerful psychic to convince someone to kill their friend in cold blood, but it would be extremely easy in comparison to convince that same person to eat a meal they enjoy.
The word “victim” to describe those under the influence of such hypnotists is a controversial subject, but it relies on the understanding that all suggestions necessarily override consent. For this reason, suggestion is considered an immoral practice. In certain circumstances, hypnotists can obtain consent prior to any action committed and only lightly influence behavior, such that any strong objection on the part of the victim would break the weaker “bond”. Currently, the morality of practices is hotly debated.