MYTHOLOGY
Supernatural Histories -> Supernatural Practices -> The Sight
Description
Since humankind gained the gift of self-awareness (and perhaps before then), some people have been blessed with senses and abilities beyond the physical. A select few have always been able to see into the minds of others, to catch glimpses of the past and future, and even to affect the world directly with no tools but their strength of will. These powers have long been known as “the Sight” or “the Second Sight,” since many such abilities involve sensing or seeing things beyond the scope of the five senses. Science has also labeled those powers, calling them ESP (short for Extra-Sensory Perception), and psychic or paranormal abilities.

Of all the powers of the supernatural, the Sight is the most widely accepted by the general public. Its existence is no longer doubted among most people, although the scientific community still strongly denies it. Most people have not been exposed to these powers, however, and they are likely to react to such displays with fear or hatred.

Types of Psychic Powers
Psychic Powers

Each psychic power is a branch of the same tree. All the powers are related, and all psychics have the potential to develop all such abilities. They include telepathic abilities (the power to directly communicate with and control other minds), psychokinetic powers (the power of the mind over matter and energy), and the ability to see into places and times where the normal senses cannot reach.

Seer Powers

Psychics that possess the skill to see into places and times where the normal senses cannot reach are generally referred to as Seers. These gifts include the ability to see flashes of insight or visions of doom regarding either the past or future. The powers of Seers are extremely rare, and are usually limited to a dozen or so individuals per generation throughout the world.

Mechanics of Psychic Powers

Using Psychic Powers

Psychic powers do not require rituals or Invocations, although some psychics have magical training. Unlike magic, the Sight does not involve invoking outside forces to perform tasks; the power is entirely internal. Also unlike magic, mundanes cannot neutralize these abilities.

All psychic powers have a table that shows the limits of the ability at each of the strength levels. The strength level of the ability represents the raw power the psychic has. This governs how far away the psychic can reach others with his abilities, the amount of damage he can inflict, and how lasting the effects he creates are. The higher the strength level of the power, the more far-reaching and impressive those abilities are.

Psychic Powers and Witches

Psychics and witches share an interesting relationship as they are often confused with each other by an unknowing population. Though rare, some psychics may also develop an interest in witchcraft; this is often due to the fact, if a honest balance between the two classes can be reached by the practitioner, magic can nearly double the potency of a psychic’s innate powers.

Nevertheless, the demands of both classes are very high and it is difficult to do either class justice — prompting most to follow one path or the other. In contrary, some witches can develop a random psychic skill, something unrelated to their magic. In most cases this can be considered a gift from their patron.

Defenses Against Psychic Powers

Mundanes can resist some psychic powers like telepathy by using their own will power. The effect of other powers, like mind control and clairvoyance, can be felt by others with supernatural abilities, but normal humans cannot resist the use of such powers.

Supernatural creatures may use their magic or psychic powers to resist intrusion. Witches can project mystical energy to interfere against psychic attacks; a Magical Shield will more often than not counter the use of psychic powers. Most psychic powers can be used defensively against mental intrusions or attempts at mind control by other psychics. Also, the Called can resist any psychic powers with a strong mind of will power and Faith.

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