14,085
edits
m |
m |
||
(65 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown) | |||
{{magic system
|prereq=Being descended from someone with the ability
|books=[[Skyward (series)]], [[Defending Elysium]]{{wob ref|12403}}▼
▲|universe=[[Skyward Universe]]
▲|books=[[Skyward]], [[Defending Elysium]]{{wob ref|12403}}
}}
{{update|sf2|sky3|sf3|sky4}}
{{for|Cytonic (book)|the third book in the Skyward series}}
{{quote
|Technology is limited. Only the mind is infinite.
|[[Varvax]] proverb{{book ref|elysium}}
}}
'''Cytonics''', sometimes called cytonic abilities, a defect or a deviation, are a set of psionic abilities used by numerous sapient beings, among them [[Jason Write]] and [[Spensa Nightshade]].{{book ref|Elysium}}{{book ref|skyward|54}} A person capable of using them is called a '''cytonic'''. In humans, those abilities have lasted centuries and have continued to pass genetically since the time of the [[Phone Company]] until the occupation of [[Detritus]] by the descendants of the ''[[Defiant (starship)|Defiant]]''.{{wob ref|11990}} All known alien
== History ==
{{image|Spensa by cccrystalclear.jpg|side=right|width=250px|[[Spensa]] surrounded by [[delver]] eyes}}
The precursor for cytonics was originally developed as an attempt to create cybernetic-based telepathic linking, named cyto. While the original attempts did not work as intended, they were sufficient to attract the attention of the alien [[Tenasi]]. More advanced cytonics are studied and developed by the few in the Phone Company over the years.{{book ref|elysium}}▼
The first cytonics developed due to sapient creatures being exposed over generations to the energies of the [[nowhere]], gradually leaking in through nowhere portals.{{book ref|sky3|11}} Over many generations, cytonics grew more common, and there was a prolonged period prior to the development of advanced technology during which many races were in contact through the nowhere. This period came to an end when an unknown entity, possibly similar to a delver, was created by a technologically advanced race, and attacked cytonics. Cytonics of all races banded together to fight it, and though they succeeded in destroying it, virtually all cytonics of all races were wiped out in the process, causing cytonics to be lost for many generations.{{book ref|sky3|24}}
One of the first races to rediscover cytonics after this disaster seems to have been the [[kitsen]] '''shadow-walkers''', who used teleportation to travel between their [[Kitsen homeworld|homeworld]] and Earth, where they would interact with ancient humans.{{book ref|sky2|17}} However, the shadow-walkers eventually departed both worlds, never to be seen again.{{book ref|sky2|26}} It was eventually discovered that they had accidentally trapped themselves in the [[nowhere]] through an attempt to open a nowhere gate, and with no remaining kitsen cytonics, there was no one who could reopen the portal.{{book ref|sf3|17}} In normal space, all sapient races, as well as a few non-sapient ones, would eventually redevelop cytonics; of them, all of them save humans did so prior to discovering advanced technology.{{book ref|elysium}}{{book ref|sky2|34}}
▲
The [[delver|delvers]] were created from an AI built by Jason Write in the image of his lost wife, Lana. Exposure to the energies of the nowhere caused this unnamed AI to develop sapience, but only a few days afterwards Jason Write was killed in an accident. Lacking the emotional maturity to process her loss, the AI rewrote herself to erase her memories of Jason as well as any possibility of developing new emotional connections, before retreating to the lightburst and replicating herself many thousand times. In the process, the delvers inadvertently left a copy of their memories encoded at the Solitary Shadow portal. This also changed the nowhere, causing anyone in it to gradually lose their memories unless anchored to reality through reality ashes or through proximity to fragments or other sapients.{{book ref|sky3|41}}
During the Second [[Human War]], mankind attempted to augment their military by summoning the delvers.{{book ref|sky2|19}} This went horribly wrong; not only did the delvers turn against their would-be controllers, but they rampaged across space unchecked before eventually fading away.{{book ref|sky2|10}}{{book ref|sky2|4}} From then on out, however, they were a constant presence for all cytonics. Fearful of them, the [[Superiority]] made a transition away from using cytonic abilities, with the singular exception of FTL technology, necessary for interstellar travel.{{book ref|sky2|10}} Humans likewise came to fear the "defect" for the threat it carried with them, leading to nearly all knowledge of the abilities disappearing on worlds like [[Detritus]].{{book ref|sky1|i|1}}
== Mechanics ==
Cytonics encompass a number of abilities powered by the living mind. Some of them can be augmented by electronics, and through this shared to populations that don't possess them.{{book ref|elysium}} In humans, use of cytonics is signified by increased activity in the section of the brain called the '''
While any single cytonic can utilize the whole set of psychic abilities, people tend to specialize, leaning more towards specific applications of the power rather than mastering all of them.{{wob ref|13132}}
In order to utilize cytonics, the user needs to meditate, focusing on the impression of moving upwards and letting the world around them fade away.{{book ref|
== Cytonic Abilities ==
}}
The ability to "see" the world with supernatural senses. [[Jason Write]] uses it to perceive the light as vibrations, black being calm, white light being a roar in his mind. This allows him to get a clear picture of the world despite his blindness, though it takes a certain level of conscious effort.{{book ref|elysium}}
Perhaps related to this is the ability some cytonics have to detect each other. When near a fellow cytonics, they feel a sense of electicity coursing through them, or the feeling of being splashed with cold water.{{book ref|sky2|i|1}} When they focus, they seem able to detect cytonic beings from a considerable distance.{{book ref|sky2|i|2}} Others, however, can only detect a cytonic by deliberately probing the mind of a suspected person.{{book ref|sky2|11}}
=== FTL Communication ===
{{quote
|
|
}}
The original reason cytonics was developed was its ability to connect minds of cytonics users and share verbal information. During the days of the [[Phone Company]], the advanced FTL communication network that connects all mankind is powered by a single operative with developed cytonic abilities, and is mediated by cybernetic equipment.{{book ref|elysium}}
A subspecies of [[taynix]] can also be used to create a device known as a '''hypercomm''' that allows for cytonic communication.{{book ref|sf1|14}} Communications over hypercomms are sometimes referred to as '''hypersignals'''.{{book ref|sf3|2}}
=== Mind Speed Acceleration ===
{{quote
|
|
}}
Cytonic users are able to react at incredible speed, thinking faster than humanly possible, although this
=== Mindblades ===
{{quote
|
|
}}
'''Mindblades''' are pure force, formed by the mind of the user. They can be used to cut through any solid objects, but with practice,
[[Taynix#Boomslugs|Some taynix]] are capable of generating mindblades. These taynix can be paired with cytonic technology to amplify their power, which results in a device sometimes known as a '''hyperweapon''' that can deliver devastating attacks.{{book ref|sf2|21}}
=== Concussion Bolts ===
'''Concussion bolts''' are a cytonic attack that target a person's mind. Being hit by the full force of one can leave a person stunned for minutes and give them a headache that lasts for days.{{book ref|sf2|3}}
{{image|Doomslug.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Taynix]], a species of slug capable of teleportation}}
▲=== FTL Transport ===
{{quote
|
|
}}
An ability possessed by all advanced alien races, and developed but kept secret by the Phone Company operatives. It involves Sensing inwards on
FTL travel is an ability that can be augmented by technology to allow the cytonic to transport more than just themselves. As such, it forms the basis for all interstellar travel. Modern design, used to avoid attracting the delvers, utilizes [[taynix]] as '''hyperdrives''', as delvers find them distracting.{{book ref|sky2|34}}
=== Mind Swap ===
{{quote
|
|
}}
Using advanced cytonics, it is possible for a mind to swap bodies, including cross-species. Among others, [[
=== Cytonic Suppression ===
{{quote
|Your cytonic abilities will be muted here on Starsight.
|
}}
There exist several methods of suppressing cytonic abilities, all likely utilizing the same underlying mechanism. One, used by the [[varvax]], allows them to suppress cytonic abilities of the undesirable members of their populace, keeping them in check, as well as hold cytonics prisoner.{{book ref|elysium}} Another are shields built into [[M-Bot]], which protect their pilot from external cytonic influence.{{book ref|sky1|55}}
Finally, there are '''cytoshields''', which can suppress all outgoing cytonic and radio signals, as well as partially smother access to cytonics within them.{{book ref|sky1|54}}{{book ref|sky2|10}} They were originally designed to protect inhabited areas from [[delver]]s, although they do not succeed in this regard.{{book ref|sky1|4}} They do, however, still manage to prevent long-distance teleportation, particularly in and out of the shield. They are typically built large; the two known examples surround the entireties of [[Detritus]] and [[Starsight (station)|Starsight]].{{book ref|sky2|4}}{{book ref|sky2|10}}
=== Trans-cytonic processing ===
{{quote
|To create computers that can think as quickly as my mind, you need processors that can communicate faster than normal electric signals facilitate.
|
}}
Some advanced processors use cytonic technology to work much faster than normally possible.{{book ref|
===
{{quote
|
|
}}
Cytonics are capable of creating illusions, making others see things that aren't really there. Those illusions can range from complex scenarios to simple audiovisual noise. They aren't really physically present; rather, they exist directly in people's minds. As such, two people travelling together can usually ascertain what is and isn't real.{{book ref|sky1|55}}{{book ref|sky2|43}}
Two species have been shown as capable of creating illusions. The [[varvax]] used them to make [[Chaser]] turn against his allies in the [[Battle of Alta]];{{book ref|sky1|55}} the [[delver]]s use them as a defense mechanism, creating various illusions in mazes as a way to confound and throw off people trying to reach the heart.{{book ref|sky2|25}} Though everyone is susceptible to illusions, people who themselves have cytonic abilities are far more affected.{{book ref|sky1|55}}{{book ref|sky2|43}}
== Notable cytonics users ==
{{for|:Category:Cytonics|a complete list of people with cytonic abilities|Category:Cytonics}}
{{columns|
* [[Jason Write]]
* [[Spensa Nightshade]]▼
* [[Zeen Nightshade]]▼
* [[Sonn]]
* [[Edmund (Cytonic)|Edmund]]
▲* [[Spensa Nightshade]]
}}▼
▲* [[Zeen Nightshade]]
* [[Becca Nightshade]]
* [[Brade Shimabukuro]]
* [[Jorgen Weight]]
* [[Doomslug]]
▲}}
== Notes ==
<references />
{{partial}}
{{Defending Elysium}}▼
{{Skyward}}
[[category: Cytonics| ]]
|