This power allows the psionicist to do terrible things to the nervous system of another creature. With a touch, he can inflict wracking pain, unconsciousness, or even death. This power works best on creatures of the psionicist's own species; there is a —2 penalty to the power check if the psionicist uses the power on a creature of a different species, and a —4 penalty if the psionicist uses the power on a creature of a different order such as an insect or a mollusc.
The psionicist must touch the skin of the victim, which can be a difficult proposition in combat—a normal attack roll to hit the victim is required. If he attacks successfully, the effect on the victim is determined by the psionicist's initiation roll.
| Power Check |
Result |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Spasms:—2 to victim's attacks and AC for Id3 rounds |
| 4-5 | Pain: —4 penalty to victim's attacks and AC for Id3 rounds |
| 6-9 | Stunning: the victim is stunned and unable to act for 1d4+1 rounds |
| 10-12 | Unconsciousness: the victim is out cold for 2d6 full turns |
| 13+ | Death: the victim collapses and dies in 1 d3 rounds |
The victim may attempt a saving throw versus poison to avoid the effects of the psionicist s touch. Any of the effects can be neutralized by the application of a neutralize poison spell or the successful use of the antidote function of the science poison simulation. If the psionicist wishes, he can pull his punch, using a lesser effect on the victim than that indicated by the power check result.
Power Score: Even if the victim makes his saving throw he is still stunned for 1d2 rounds.
20: The psionicist must save versus poison or suffer one of the above effects, determined randomly