"The la-la land that the Haruspex live in is an entity unto itself. It's formed from the collective fantasies of a million powerful
Psionicists and I think it's self perpetuating, now. Don't get caught in it. It's informal, but there's a hierachy there and you're not a powerful enough psion to rate more than perpetual victim status or maybe rubbing the feet of some landed gentry. It's a great testing ground for amps, though... if your waivers are rock solid."
~CEO Samz Neamhan, Martian Arms
Dreamworld
True Phobos, the gestalt dreamworld of the Haruspices, presents a stark contrast to the desolate, impoverished reality of Phobos' surface. Within this collective unconscious, the Haruspices transcend their physical limitations, becoming strong, elegant, and godlike. They construct fantastical realms, unencumbered by pain and squalor. Here, they indulge in idealized relationships, often controlling and abusive, with lobotomized thoughtforms of those weaker than themselves. These mental forms serve as captive companions, perpetuating the Haruspices' sense of entitlement and privilege. True Phobos functions as a sanctuary, shielding its inhabitants from the harsh conditions of their physical existence.
A Gestalt Nightmare
The Haruspices' shared dreamworld is fueled by their collective psyche, fostering a nightmarish realm where exploitation and manipulation reign. Those drawn into True Phobos against their will – victims of "mental kidnappings" – are trapped, helpless, and subjected to the whims of their captors. The gestalt's influence extends beyond Phobos, allowing the Haruspices to "poke" at corporations and governments, provoking responses that enable them to ambush and exploit commandos and agents sent to punish them. This predatory behavior has led to conflicts with Martian authorities, culminating in a disastrous land invasion and an uneasy peace. The Haruspices' capacity for collective mental manipulation makes them formidable adversaries.
A Need for New Minds
The Haruspices' reliance on True Phobos drives their desire for fresh mental conquests, satiating their hunger for control and novelty. By incorporating new thoughtforms, they reinforce their sense of dominance and strengthen their gestalt. This perpetual quest for mental expansion underlies their criminal activities, from mental kidnappings to corporate espionage. The Pan-Solar Consortium and Martian government's cautious approach to Phobos stems from recognition of the Haruspices' unpredictable nature and formidable collective power. As long as True Phobos remains a sanctuary for the Haruspices, their need for new minds will continue to pose a threat to those outside their twisted dreamworld.
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