Orion Sphere LRP

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====== Kordai Psionic Paths ======

The Kordai's traditional approach to their gravitic manipulation powers centres around their historical spiritual concept of Aura - a theorised "force" that connects all things in harmony and balance, but is particularly concentrated around living things, and places of natural serenity. Gravity, the fundamental force that attracts things together, is seen as mirroring the nature of Aura in the physical universe of raw matter. 

In the [[Free Union]], the secrets of Kordai psionics have been kept by the adepts of [[species:kordai#the Kordaiaura]], travelling mystics that preserve the culture of their ancient homeworld. The teaching of psionics is intimately connected to Kordai pre-flight cultural practice, the master-student relationship, and the philosophy of Aura. In the [[Commonality]] on the other hand, there have been numerous studies and attempts to document and codify their powers, resulting in a framework of psionic teachings that are much more widely available, but mostly divorced from their mystical underpinning. While attempts have been made to advance Kordai psionic practice, their profound sensitivity and reaction to strong psionic fields has made progress limited and slow, and there are just two few Kordai in the faction to have made much progress by themselves.

Kordai see the gravitic connection between everything as being a balance of forces and energies, a complex web of direct connections between everything that has mass. With training, Felani Psions can tilt one end of this balance in one way or another, directly manipulating one of the most fundamental physical forces of the universe.

===== Root Path =====

==== Gravitic Equilibrium ====

[{{ :image:space:gravitational-waves-confirmed-2016021159.png?300|<html><font color=black>The powers of the Kordai can manipulate gravity - one of the fundamental forces of the universe.</font></html>}}]Gravitic Equilibrium is the most basic application of Kordai psionics - the ability to shift gravitic fields to move things around, directing and strengthening its attractive force in specific directions and amounts. Uses of this power are conceptualised as putting unseen pressure on one side or the other of the gravitic connection between two or more objects, a metaphysical effort that translates to physical effect.

=== Rank 1 - Aura's Binding ===

**Cost:** 1 Psi Point\\
**Effect:** [[calls_effects#ROOT_duration|ROOT]] (10) call.

By spending 1 Psi Point, the Psion locks a character's feet to the floor for a short time, calling ROOT (10).

The Kordai psion tips the balance of the targets gravitic connection with the planet, station or ship on which they stand, massively strengthening the pull between them. This makes it extremely difficult for the target to move their feet, as their body and legs become momentarily too heavy to move.

=== Rank 2 - Become the Static Point ===

**Cost:** 1 Psi Point\\
**Effect:** Allows the psion to call [[Calls_Effects#RESIST]] to [[Calls_Effects#REPEL]] or [[Calls_Effects#STRIKEDOWN]] Calls.

By spending 1 Psi Point, the psion can reflexively manipulate the gravitic connections between themselves and their environment to anchor them in physical space. This rapid anchoring can be deployed to RESIST the REPEL and STRIKEDOWN calls. 

Having learned how to apply psionic pressure to the ephemeral links between all objects of mass, the psion can now simultaneously amplify all of the connections around their own body, creating a stabilizing ripple of gravitic force that holds them steady.

=== Rank 3 - The Irresistible Pull ===

**Cost:** 1 Psi Point\\
**Effect:** The psion can call [[Calls_Effects#REPEL]] at a target within 10 metres.

By spending 1 Psi Point, the psion can call REPEL against another character within 10 metres. This power grants access to the [[#Gravitic Force]] Path.

Mastering the dynamic use of their power, the psion can reach behind a target and flash a jolt of power into the gravitic connections behind another being, suddenly yanking them backward. Having mastered the raw strength of this power allows a psion to specialise in the application of raw gravitic force.

=== Rank 4 - Hone the Blade ===

**Cost:** 1 Psi Point\\
**Effect:** The psion can call [[Calls_Effects#STRIKE]] with a melee weapon up to 3 times in the next 10 seconds.

Spending 1 Psi Point allows the psion to empower a melee weapon they are using with gravitic force for a short time. They may call STRIKE with the chosen melee weapon up to 3 times within the next 10 seconds. On the third strike or when 10 seconds have elapsed (whichever is the soonest) this power expires. This power grants access to the [[#Gravitic Focus]] Path.

By wrapping a melee weapon they are holding in a spinning halo of graviton particles, the psion can briefly strike with devastating blows, causing objects they strike to be simultaneously crushed by the force and flung apart by the spinning gravity field. Maintaining this field for longer than a few seconds is extremely draining, as the gravitons tend to diffuse rapidly into the surrounding environment as the local gravity fields assert themselves.

=== Rank 5 - Aura's Blessing ===

**Cost:** 1 Psi Point per target\\
**Effect:** Grants any number of targets the ability to call [[Calls_Effects#RESIST]] to [[Calls_Effects#REPEL]] or [[Calls_Effects#STRIKEDOWN]] calls for the next hour. Psionic Ritual.

By performing 1 minute of roleplayed ritual action and spending 1 Psi Point, the psion can surround a target with a sustained series of gravitational eddies that cushion them from sudden impacts. For the next hour, the target can call RESIST to any REPEL and STRIKEDOWN calls that target them. This power can be performed multiple times in sequence to affect more targets, but the preparation is mentally taxing on the psion - once this power has been used on any number of targets as part of a single sequence (even one target), the psion cannot use it again for another hour.

If the psion uses this power on themselves, the gravitational eddies leave lingering remnants that can be reinforced to renew its effects. If the psion has used this power on themselves at any point in the same day, they can reflexively spend 1 Psi Point in response to a REPEL or STRIKEDOWN call that targets them to re-activate the power for another hour.

Building on the effect of earlier powers, the psion can create a series of self-sustaining gravitational eddies that enwrap a target and cushion them from rapid changes in direction. Seen as a protective bubble of Aura that envelops and protects their target, this power is seen as granting Aura's grace and blessing to others.

=== Rank 6 - Gravitic Equilibrium Summit ===

Obtaining rank 6 in Gravitic Equilibrium grants 1 additional Psi Point.

===== Branch Paths =====

==== Gravitic Force ====

Once they have learned to wield raw gravitational force, a Kordai psion can develop their abilities to tap into more potent applications of this practice. Adepts of Gravitic Force can use gravity as a powerful weapon, using strong deformations of the gravity fields that connect all things to hurl away, lock down or even directly injure opponents. A Kordai Psion must have learned the Rank 3 Gravitic Equilibrium power The Irresistible Pull to purchase ranks of this path.

=== Rank 1 - A Singular Point ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** [[Calls_Effects#THROUGH]] call at a character within 10 metres

By gesturing at a target within 10 metres and spending 2 Psi Points, the psion can create a localised gravitic pull within the target's body, calling THROUGH, which may specify a location on the target if desired.

Using raw gravitational force, the psion creates a gravitational anomaly within the target's body, causing a minor implosion that can inflict damage even through armour and energy fields. The spike of gravitic force, though it only manifests in a volume about the size of a grain of sand, is strong enough to pull and squeeze nearby tissues enough to cause injury.

=== Rank 2 - Eddies in the Void ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** Improves Turn Rate when used on a Starship mission. Psionic Ritual.

The Psion can use gravitational force eddies to improve the Turn Rate of starships they are directing. By spending 2 Psi Points and performing 1 minute of roleplayed ritual action while on a starship, the Psion can increase the ship's Turn Rate by 5 (a 25% on increase on standard hired ships). If the Turn Rate is already at maximum, this power will instead increase Maximum Impulse Speed by 20. In order to use this power, the Psion must have some awareness of the speed and direction of the ship, so they must either be occupying a Console, or be the ship's Captain - passengers cannot make use of this power. This power must be used at the beginning of a starship mission, and you must inform the Spacer Collective NPCs or whoever is running the starship sim of your intention to use it. The power lasts for a single mission or 2 hours, whichever is sooner.
 
When in the relatively open environment of space, the psion can spin up some enduring gravitational eddies around the outside of the ship, which can later be lessened or increased in response to the ship's movement. This provides additional agility to the ship performing maneuvers or, if already at the limits of operational capacity, to speed. This power, or variants of it, was used by Kordaiaura refugees in the flight from their homeworld, and its users are revered by Kordai in the Free Union who preserve the history of the species.

=== Rank 3 - Still the Chase ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** The psion can call MASS [[calls_effects#ROOT_duration|ROOT]] (5) after 10 seconds roleplayed action. Psionic Ritual.

By performing 10 seconds of roleplayed ritual action and spending 2 Psi Points, the Psion unleashes a gravitational anomaly over a wide area that locks the victims in place, unable to move their feet off the ground. This ritual action typically involves a series of ritualistic physical movements resembling martial arts, but it can take the form of concentration or a held pose - it must be obvious to onlookers that the psion is engaging in some kind of ritual. After 10 seconds of this action, the psion can call MASS ROOT (5), and can direct this mass call as normal. In addition, a Psion who has learned this power can use the **Rank 1 A Singular Point** power for only 1 Psi Point.

By reinforcing the gravitational connections over an area with the dominant mass (usually a planet), the Psion can briefly still any opponents movement, making their feet so heavy they are unable to move them. The effect is brief, as the wave dissipates quickly, but it can be a crucial intervention in any combat or dangerous situation.

=== Rank 4 - Grasp of Aura ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** [[Calls_Effects#FREEZE_(DURATION)|FREEZE (10)]] or [[Calls_Effects#ROOT_(DURATION)|ROOT (30)]] call at a character within 10 metres

By spending 2 Psi Points, the psion can grasp a target's body or legs in a tight grip of gravitic force, making it impossible for them to move. The psion can call FREEZE (10) or ROOT (30) at a target within 10 metres. The latter effect is applied over a smaller area, so is more durable.

Gesturing with a closing hand, the psion surrounds their target in gravitational anomalies, encasing them in incredible weight and even preventing air movement around them. The effect is short-lived, but can turn the tide of battle profoundly.

=== Rank 5 - Strike the Weave and Weft ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** The psion can call either MASS [[Calls_Effects#REPEL]], MASS [[Calls_Effects#STRIKEDOWN]] or MASS [[calls_effects#ROOT_duration|ROOT]] (10) after 10 seconds roleplayed action. Psionic Ritual.

By performing 10 seconds of roleplayed ritual action and spending 2 Psi Points, the Psion unleashes a wave of gravitic disturbance that can throw opponents away, knock them to their feet, or lock them in place. Most commonly the ritual action will involve a series of ritualistic physical movements resembling martial arts, but it can take the form of concentration or a held pose - it must be obvious to onlookers that the psion is engaging in some kind of ritual. After 10 seconds of this action, the psion can choose to call either MASS REPEL, MASS STRIKEDOWN or MASS ROOT (10), and can direct this mass call as normal.

At this level of mastery over their powers, the psion can create a spreading ripple of gravitic disturbance with unparalleled flexibility. Rather than manipulating specific gravitic connections, this power distorts space-time itself, as if a sudden force was applied to a rubber sheet to create a ripple of mass-interactions. By imparting a meta-directionality to the distortion, the psion can influence how the spreading gravitic wave affects other beings; by directing it horizontally they can fling opponents away from them; an upward motion causes opponents to briefly lose their footing and fall; while a downward motion anchors them to the floor.

=== Rank 6 - Gravitic Force Summit ===

Obtaining rank 6 in Gravitic Force grants 1 additional Psi Point.

==== Gravitic Focus ====

With a greater understanding of creating gravitational eddies and spinning gravity fields, a Kordai psion can unlock powerful defensive abilities. Using a melee weapon as a focus (traditionally a single-handed blade), an adept of this path can block and redirect weapons fire and even more esoteric attacks. A Kordai Psion must have learned the Rank 4 Gravitic Equilibrium power Hone the Blade to purchase ranks of this path.

=== Rank 1 - The Master's Disdain ===

**Cost:** 1 Psi Point\\
**Effect:** The psion can call [[Calls_Effects#DISARM]] with a melee weapon strike.

By spending 1 Psi Point and striking an opponent's held object with a melee weapon, the psion can call DISARM.

A development of the **Hone the Blade** power, this power surrounds the psion's weapon with a halo of gravitic energy. The difference is that this power discharges that energy into the first object it strikes, randomly strengthening the gravitic connection between the struck object and another object of mass nearby. This typically causes the object struck to fly out of its holder's grip.

=== Rank 2 - The Barrier Blade ===

**Cost:** 1 Psi Point\\
**Effect:** Deflects incoming blaster fire for 30 seconds while holding a melee weapon.

While holding a melee weapon, the psion may activate this power by spending 1 Psi Point. For the next 30 seconds, they may call RESIST to any blaster hits that strike them from the front. They must roleplay actively using their melee weapon to attempt to block the incoming fire (although they do not need to actually block the incoming darts to RESIST them). They may also use their melee weapon to make attacks or block melee attacks while this power is active, but cannot call RESIST on incoming fire while doing so. 

__**This power cannot be used to block projectiles - arrows or bolts**__. Attempting to deflect or block projectiles such as arrows and bolts is unsafe and breaches our [[safety_at_events|Safety]] rules for [[safety_at_events#Bows and Crossbows]].

One of the most storied abilities of the ancient Kordaiaura - this power grants the ability to use a blade or other weapon to protect the psion and others from harm. By imbuing their weapon with an expansive field of swirling gravitic force and entering a state of hyperfocus, the psion's perception of time stretches and slows, and they can perceive the rippling gravitic fields around them. This perception allows a certain amount of prescience, as the gravitic waves propagate at the speed of light in the void. The eddies of gravity around their blade are calibrated to disrupt and dissipate the delicate cohesive packets of plasma that are fired by most energy weapons, and by precisely blocking them with the wide eddy fields around their weapon they can be rendered harmless. Traditional Kordaiaura believe that the awareness they obtain in this state allows them to briefly glimpse the interconnectedness of all things that embodies their concept of Aura.

=== Rank 3 - The Splintering Blade ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** The psion can call [[Calls_Effects#THROUGH]] with a melee weapon up to 5 times in the next 10 seconds.

Spending 2 Psi Points allows the psion to empower a melee weapon they are using with a powerful gravitic force for a short time. They may call THROUGH with the chosen melee weapon up to 5 times within the next 10 seconds. On the fifth strike or when 10 seconds have elapsed (whichever is the soonest) this power expires. Knowledge of this power reduces the cost of the Gravitic Force [[#Rank 1 - A Singular Point]] power to 1 Psi Point.

A development of previously learned powers, this power surrounds a held melee weapon with a halo of graviton particles, much like the Gravitic Equilibrium Rank 4 power **Hone the Blade**. Unlike that power, the gravitons generated detach when they strike an object, creating micro-eddies that then spike massively in amplitude, creating an extremely small pseudo-singularity for a few picoseconds. Before it dissolves, the pseudo-singularity exerts tremendous force on the surrounding volume. Rigid objects such as armour tend to be unaffected by the short-lived effect, but living tissues rupture under the outward force.

=== Rank 4 - Warp the Aura's Path ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** Redirects an [[Calls_Effects#IMBUE_X|IMBUE]] call at another target within 3 metres.

When the psion is targeted by an IMBUE call they may reflexively spend 2 Psi Points to RESIST the call and then immediately target the exact same IMBUE call at another target within 3 metres. They cannot redirect the call back to the source character that made the original IMBUE call, and if there is no other viable target for the redirected IMBUE call then this power cannot be used. Use of this power is typically accompanied by a hand gesture pointed towards the source and then at the target of the redirected effect.

One of the most esoteric of Kordai powers, this power is often conceptualized as altering the "psionic gravity" of the immediate area for a moment, pulling other psionic effects towards an alternate target. How the Kordai's powers can be used to affect emotional powers when all of their other abilities are so grounded in the physical is very poorly understood, even among Elysian psionicists. On the Kordai homeworld of Bruna, this power was seen as a stepping stone towards understanding of the Aura rather than a practical method of psionic self-defence. As the Kordai had no documented contact with other psionic species, and no facility with emotional manipulation and empathy-casting themselves, it is hard to conceive of a scenario where this power would even have been developed in the first place. It survives as a taught part of Kordaiaura and Kordai psionic lore, and devoid of its theoretical and philosophical underpinning merely hints of untapped depths of Kordai psionic ability.

=== Rank 5 - The Master's Barrier ===

**Cost:** 2 Psi Points\\
**Effect:** Redirects incoming blaster fire for 30 seconds while holding a melee weapon.

While holding a melee weapon, the psion may activate this power by spending 2 Psi Points. For the next 30 seconds, they may call RESIST to any blaster hits that strike them from the front, and in addition for each blaster dart that they RESIST they may call STRIKE against another character within 5 metres (at no additional cost in Psi Points). They must roleplay actively using their melee weapon to attempt to block the incoming fire (although they do not need to actually block the incoming darts to RESIST them). They may also use their melee weapon to make attacks or block melee attacks while this power is active, but cannot call RESIST on incoming fire while doing so. 

__**This power cannot be used to block projectiles - arrows or bolts**__. Attempting to deflect or block projectiles such as arrows and bolts is unsafe and breaches our [[safety_at_events|Safety]] rules for [[safety_at_events#Bows and Crossbows]].

A step beyond the Barrier Blade, this power surrounds the psion's weapon with gravitational swirls that can catch and redirect blaster fire at other targets, effectively slingshotting each plasma packet around the weapon to strike another target. This technique requires incredible concentration to keep track of the position and speed of incoming projectiles, potential targets, and also the psion's own body and weapon. Those who master this technique become an incredible threat to any armed patrol, able to turn their attacker's weapons against them, often while closing the distance to engage their startled opponents in melee combat for which they are deeply unprepared.

=== Rank 6 - Gravitic Force Summit ===

Obtaining rank 6 in Gravitic Focus grants 1 additional Psi Point.

{{tag>psionics commonality free_union species characters rules}}
Orion Sphere LRP

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