Psionic Hypnosis

[JustinInOz]

A player in my game diced for the special psionic power. When it came to determining what it was, he went for psionic hypnosis. I thought that sounds pretty good. Let’s go with it.

Now we have to come up with an interesting way of making it work. We are going for a way that does not simply make the person have mind control over everyone he gets into a conversation with. That would quickly lead to a boring, puerile game.

I guess the idea is to come up with self-hypnosis, therapeutic hypnosis and post hypnotic suggestions. Maybe even something like the abilities of Mesmer.

From what I understand, it is not possible to suggest to someone to do something a person particularly does not want to, at least not in the real world. In the world of science fiction, this stricture may be somewhat more relaxed, the question is how much more relaxed and under what conditions?

The overall goal is to create circumstances that will lead to interesting play, without leaving the orbit of science fiction or descending into “4 colour comics” mind control.

I am keen to hear how you would handle this power at the various levels.

 

[Spinward Scout]

Which version are you playing?

You could have an opposed Will (or INT or even END) roll with levels of success - with Psi strength of the target modifying the target's roll (i.e. making it harder for a Psi to be dominated/hypnotized). A Psi shield could block it, as well as the Telepathic Shield power. You could also handle it the same way Assault is handled.

 

[JustinInOz]

In truth, I am playing in the CT epoch using the Silhouette system that was used for heavy gear.

I will have to read how the mental assault works.

 

[Icosahedron]

"These are not the droids you are looking for... Move along..."

The essence would appear to be that the suggestion is quite believable. Suggestions such as "We are invisible, you haven't seen us" probably would not work as invisibility is not credible, whereas the suggestion actually used is more likely and believable than the reality.
Successful suggestions will most likely prey on desires, fears and vices.
Psi and Int scores also would certainly feature in the success rate.

 

[jfetters]

Not to sound like the wet blanket here (and I don't have handy access to the CT rules at the moment), but this basically sounds like a shortcut to a hugely successful telepathy task roll. I mean, isn't this just another telepathy type skill? If you get deep enough in, can't you have them act as your puppet and plant suggestions anyway?

I mean I could see having a shortcut to a specific subskill, but I dunno, I'd rather have a more unique psi special skill.

 

[Jame]

The essence would appear to be that the suggestion is quite believable. Suggestions such as "We are invisible, you haven't seen us" probably would not work as invisibility is not credible, whereas the suggestion actually used is more likely and believable than the reality.

If we're talking about telepathy-based skills, then yes, one could not have invisibility, and would need to know how to implant suggestions.

I would allow a skill of Invisibility under the Arcana/Special group, and base it around being able to manipulate light.

 

[Merxiless]

It needs a limit.

Maybe some kind of times per day, or power points, or something.

it would also take time, and work easier if the target was tired, weakened or drunk.

Exceeding the limits should potentially cause danger to the hynotizer, ie. higher blood pressure stroke, or somesuch.

also if the targets End + INt is higher, it seems like it's going to have a possibility of psionic blowback, i/.e. with minds linked by telepathy the target can probe the hynotizer, or counter hypnotize.

Look to other game stystems with psionics for more clues.

 

[JustinInOz]

Thanks Heaps for the Suggestions Guys.

The bugger has changed his mind and opted to take telekinesis instead.

Since TK is easier to roll and very well defined, I have said sure.

Isn't that the way of things?

J.