Empath

​Empaths, also sometimes called “sympaths,” have an incredible ability to sense emotions. Some leading sages in psionics believe that such sensitive empathy is a natural ability, perhaps a benign genetic throwback from a prehuman race or a new sense appearing among all peoples. Empaths are able to pick up the emotions of many creatures as easily as smelling a scent, but they are also far more vulnerable to psionic attack than other psionicists because their minds are naturally more open. ​

Role

Empaths make excellent advisers and negotiators; they can sense what the other being is feeling and cater to those demands. They can warn of possible danger and use their other considerable psionic talents to protect themselves by influencing the reactions of others. Clearly, empaths could easily abuse their advantage over others - and there is many a tale of once-good empaths betraying their lord and dominating him from the sidelines. The thought is chilling but all too possible. ​

Distinctive Appearance

None

Special Benefits

​An empath can sense emotions without expending PSPs on a successful Wisdom check (+2). A failed check results in no information being obtained or misleading information (DM’s choice). Contact is still needed to sense the emotions of other Psions. The empath also gains the ability to use Identity Penetration and Life Detection with a +4, if these powers are known. ​

Special Hindrances

​Due to this openness of the empath’s mind, he is more vulnerable to psionic interference and attack. Using Conceal Thoughts is at a -2. He receives a -2 on saves vs. the psionic powers of Inflict Pain, Phobia Amplification, Domination, Mass Domination, Ultrablast, and Probe (the DM may rule that other psionic powers and some spells are included in this also).

Synaptic Static causes 1d3 hp damage per round, all psionic power rolls being at -2 while under its influence.

Finally, intelligent psionic creatures may find the empath’s naturally open mind an attractive temptation to infiltrate. Attacks from such creatures are at +2, and the empath receives a -2 penalty on saving throws against them. ​

Class

Psion ​

Attribute Requirements

​Charisma of 14 ​

Barred Beliefs

None

Race Requirement

Humans only. ​

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

None​

Required Weapon Proficiencies

None

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

None

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Body Language, Contact ​

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Animal Training, Animal Handling, Etiquette, Hypnotism, Information Gathering, Language (Modern), Reading Lips ​

Equipment

Normal

Wealth Options

Normal

Homeland Terrain

None

Economic System

​None​

Recommended Discipline(s)

Telepathy (required). Clairsentience. ​

Recommended Devotion(s)

ESP, Probe, Telempathic Projection, Awe, Conceal Thoughts, Danger Sense, Domination, Identity Penetration, Everlinking Chain, Mass Domination, Mindlink, Phobia Amplification, Post Hypnotic Suggestion, Psychic Impersonation, Send Thoughts, Sensitivity to Psychic Impressions, Switch Personality, Ultrablast ​

Recommended Science(s)

None

Barred Discipline(s)

None