Telekinesis

Telekinesis is the psionic ability to manipulate energy, from moving objects to creating constructs. It's one of the most common disciplines, and one of the least-threatening per public opinion. Until the telekinetic masters the ability to control someone else's body.

The Science

Manipulating Objects

Current theories suggest ambient metadimensional energy exists around us in trace amounts too small to be detected. Telekinetics harness this energy to move objects through space, freeze or burn items, and create energy-based constructs. Experts can learn how to detonate the energy, causing tremendous destruction to an area, as well as lift enough weight to transport platforms of materials or people.
However, there are two key restrictions: One, the energy surrounding living creatures prohibits manipulation of objects being worn or carried. Two, since a telekinetic moves objects in relation to themselves, they cannot move platforms they themselves stand upon.

The age-old dilemma: snacks are on the table and a cat sleeps on your lap. But lo! You are a telekinetic! You focus on the snack bowl, feel the energy surrounding it, and summon it to your bidding.

— Excerpt from "Solving Problems With Telekinesis"

Manipulating Creatures

A telekinetic can bolster the metadimensional energy surrounding their own bodies to walk on walls, protect themselves from harm, or even harm others. Most can only affect their own MES field in this manner. Masters can affect others, such as by granting them the ability to fly, though these others must remain close to the telekinetic.
Their most frightening ability can subjugate another person's MES field and use it to forcibly control them. Some believe this ability has been used throughout history to frame others for murders and assassinations.

The People

Did you know?

If a telekinetic tells you they learned thermokinesis for anything other than keeping their food the right temperature, they're lying.

Common Traits

With their ability to bring objects to them, many assume telekinetics are universally lazy and never want to put in effort. They often call the psions "spoon benders", and dismiss their abilities as little more than a party trick. Even academics dismiss telekinesis as either a basic and uninteresting discipline, or the one for violent thugs who want to use psionics to hurt others.
Neither of these stereotypes hold true in reality. Many telekinetics point out that they still have to walk to the store the same as anyone else, and to be truly lazy, they'd need to combine their abilities with

Icon for Teleportation

teleportation.
Thankfully, most communities separate their telekinetic friends from the campfire tales of vindictive psions forcibly controlling campers. While such people do exist, they're far from the norm, and aren't the sort to partake in everyday society.

Common Jobs

Painter, Cleaner, Construction

Telekinesis removes the need for a ladder, makes it easier to keep tools nearby, and can lift equipment.

Spacer, Explorer

Space walks, ship maintenance, and trips to alien surfaces are safer and easier with telekinetic abilities.

Mercenary, Pirate

Those with more violent tendencies can find ample work that benefits from their psionics.

Performer

A practiced telekinetic can perform or support impressive stage shows with visual effects.

Search & Rescue

A telekinetic can arrive to clear debris sooner than most equipment can after a natural disaster.

Cybernetics and machinery can do what most basic telekinesis can, from walking on walls to moving heavy objects. What money might be saved on equipment by hiring a telekinetic is instead put toward their paycheck, making it unlikely a telekinetic is requested for most jobs.
Search and rescue is where telekinetics truly shine. Lives are lost in the time it takes to bring in equipment to clear rubble or dig snow, while a skilled telekinetic can act sooner and reach more difficult areas.

Content Warning:
Traumatic death

"The worst is leaving people behind. Ones that will survive the wait for digging crews. I place a beacon, make a promise, and leave them trapped. Sometimes I'm wrong, and the crew only finds a corpse. I hear their screams in my nightmares."

— Memoir of a telekinetic volunteer

This is an in-depth exploration of telekinesis. For a more general overview, read about the parent technology.

Parent Technologies

• Psionics

Limitations

Some limitations remain the same no matter the skill level of the telekinetic. To remember what they are, stay focused on the FACTS:

F for Far

Telekinetic manipulation can move objects as fast as a light jog, a speed limitation not even masters have been able to break past.

A for Amount

Only one object at a time can be targeted, but its weight can go from what can be lifted in a single hand up to a metric ton.

C for Consent

Unless the bearer permits it, a telekinetic cannot manipulate an object they wear or carry. But a master may be able to take control of another's body.

T for Time

Most telekinetic effects last for up to twenty minutes, though a few can last for as long as the telekinetic puts in the effort to maintain it.

S for Sense

Any object or location the telekinetic can see unaided is within range of their abilities. If sight is unavailable, touch is typically used instead.

For information on general limitations of all disciplines, read more about Psionics and the metadimension (article coming soon).

Known Telekinetics

Luis Gonzales

Incoming student at the Blue Spire Academy, and younger brother of Perimeter Agent Emil Gonzales

Jareth Quinn

Talmarian orphanage owner and founding member of the Night Knights.

Annie

Former pirate, spending her retirement like many pirates do: on Nisora.

Elenore King

Former deal of the college of telekinesis for the Blue Spire Academy.

Norah Everdin

Former president of the Blue Spire Academy.

Mys. Yasmin Ada

Unconventional psionics tutor and former founding member of the Witches.

Author Commentary

More Like Guidelines

I sometimes break the 'consent' rule to let my players mess with unaware security guards for the fun of it.