Psionics

Psionics is a power capable of manifesting in certain individuals (known as "Espers"), often being compared to the magics of ancient, pre-FTL mythologies. Drawing it's power from both the cosmic force known as "Impulse", as well as the will of it's users, Psionics and the various abilities associatted with it are capable of altering the world around them in many ways, from elemental manipulation, to telekenisis, to teleportation. While not many are capable of using this power, Psionics nonetheless remains a subject of great interest not just for the Espers who draw on its power, but for many scientific minds who wish to harness it for the benifit of all.

Effect

Elemental Manipulation
Among the various powers granted to Espers, the ability to manipulate elemental forces is perhaps the most common, as well as the most varied. This aspect of Psionics is further divided into several subcatagories (Pyrokinesis, Cryokinesis, Electrokinesis, Florakinesis, etc.), with practitioners specialising in one or more of these subtypes.

Psychic Influence
While mostly used as secondary abilities in conjunction with other abilities, the ability to influence objects or people with ones mind is seen as the most emblematic ability of Psionics as a whole. This often takes the form of telepaphy, telekinesis, mind control, the ability to influence emotional states, and the ability to induce visual and/or auditory hallucinations. Some claim that particularly powerful Espers can even "project" themselves out of their body, though this ability remains in the realm of speculation.

Spatial Manipulation
Alongside it's ability to influence physical matter and the mind, those capable of using Psionics are able to draw on the energy known as Impulse directly to distort space for various effects. This most commonly takes the form of teleportation, creating energy barriers to deflect damage, firing bursts of energy, creating objects (such as blades) of energy, and the ability to fly/hover unassisted. Particularly skilled Psionics can also refract light around themselves to make themselves invisible, create "stasis bubbles" to trap targets, and even create black hole-like singularities.

Side/Secondary Effects

It's been observed that those capable of using Psionics are much more resilient against any Psionic abilities that directly affect the mind, and can sense Psionic potential in others. Additionally, those capable of elemental manipulation are more resistant against physical damage from similar elemental forces (Pyrokinetics are more flame/heat resistant, Cryokinetics are more tolerable of cold temperatures, etc.).

Manifestation

Those who use Psionics have described feeling a "surge" running through their body whenever they use any of their abilities. Those who use elemental abilities also feel sensations related to whatever element(s) they are using (heat, cold, an electric tingle, etc.).

Source

While the power of Psionics draws on the background energy known as Impulse, the strength and manifestation of its myriad abilities is determined entirely by the strength of an Espers will.

Discovery

It's commonly acknowledged that Psionics was first discovered and used by the Shapers, the precursor race responsible for laying much of the groundwork for interstellar civilisation as it is now. While the Shapers would eventually disappear from the galaxy, Psionics still continued to crop up among the various other races of the galaxy, with many pre-FTL mythologies attributing such abilities to "magic" or some other such force before it's true nature was properly understood.

Applied Restriction

While Psionics is tied to the mind, and doesn't draw on any internal resevoir of power to fuel its abilities, it's still physically taxing on its users, often resulting in both physical and mental fatigue if pushed to far. Additionally, any abilities that directly affect the minds of others are under strict regulations throughout Inhabited Space.