Mountebank

Mountebanks are Psions who use their psychic powers to pass themselves off as mages or priests. They are sometimes failed wizards or clerics who have discovered the hidden psychic potential that prevented them from excelling at their chosen career, and at other times people eager to exploit their talent for things psionic by using trickery. In Appollonia mountebanks are forced to pretend to be wizards in order to practice their powers without fear of reprisal. They try to avoid direct confrontation with real wizards in order to minimize the chances of discovery, and are usually very reluctant to display their talents in front of such an audience.

Role

In many lands, Psions are viewed as akin to witchcraft, despite the fact that the they are in no way related. Even in areas where wizardly magic is not feared, Psions are still often seen as inherently evil. This is perhaps because there are very few magical spells that provide protection from psychic powers, and the use of psionics is so secretive and easily concealed. Mountebanks tend to pose as the more accepted members of society; they can make some money selling “spells” (real or not) to willing customers, and save their skins at the same time.

Distinctive Appearance

None

Special Benefits

The major benefit of being a mountebank psionicist is the freedom to practice forbidden powers in an intolerant land without being fried, impaled, or beheaded. Mountebanks are also permitted to purchase any of the “recommended” proficiencies at their normal listed costs.

Special Hindrances

Mountebanks are hated by most “normal” (i.e., secretive) Psions, who see them as traitors to the “Way.” They can also get into trouble with local churches if they masquerade as priests. Such trouble tends to be permanently damaging to the mountebanks’ health.

Class

Psion

Attribute Requirements

None

Barred Beliefs

None

Race Requirement

Human

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

None

Required Weapon Proficiencies

None

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

None

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

None

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Diplomacy, Disguise, Etiquette, Fast Talking, Forgery, Healing, Herbalism, Hypnotism, Language (Modern), Pharmacy, Sleight of Hand

Equipment

Any mountebank valuing his life will have false holy symbols and magical components at hand to fool would-be Psion-hunters.

Wealth Options

Normal

Homeland Terrain

None

Economic System

None

Required Discipline(s)

Any one of Psychokinetics, Psychometablism, or Psychoportive.

Recommended Discipline(s)

Other “required” disciplines.

Recommended Devotion(s)

Psionic powers that could be confused with spells (e.g., Create Object, Detonate, Disintegrate, Telekinesis, Animate Object, Control Flames, Control Wind, and Levitation are just a few examples from the psychokinetic discipline).

Recommended Science(s)

None

Barred Discipline(s)

None