Psychic Powers & Disciplines
Relevant source files
The following files were used as context for generating this wiki page:
The Psychic Powers and Disciplines system represents the metaphysical capabilities of Librarians and other warp-sensitive units within the project. It defines a structured framework where individual psychic abilities are categorized into broader "Disciplines," which are assigned based on a Space Marine Chapter's legacy, specialty, or mutations.
This system handles the data for offensive "attack" powers, utility "buffs," and the inherent risks of channeling the warp, such as "Perils of the Warp." Sources: datafiles/data/psychic_disciplines.json, datafiles/data/psychic_powers.json
Psychic Disciplines Architecture
Disciplines act as containers for sets of psychic powers. Each discipline is defined by a unique prefix, a descriptive name, and a list of internal keys referencing specific powers defined in the powers registry. Some disciplines are marked as sourcery, which often corresponds with higher risk factors.
Discipline Data Structure
The following diagram illustrates the relationship between a Discipline and its constituent Powers.
A visual representation of the link between disciplines and the specific powers they grant. Sources: datafiles/data/psychic_disciplines.json:1-180
Primary Disciplines
Major disciplines provide a specialized focus for a Chapter's Librarius.
| Discipline | Prefix | Focus | Primary Powers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomancy | BIO | Biological manipulation, healing, and physical buffs. | Haemorrhage, Regenerate, Iron Arm |
| Librarius | LIB | Battle-focused powers, protection, and crushing foes. | Smite, Force Dome, Vortex of Doom |
| Pyromancy | PYR | Unleashing blasts and walls of flame. | Inferno, Sun Burst, Molten Beam |
| Telekinesis | TEL | Manipulating gravity and kinetic force. | Assail, Crush, Shockwave |
| Rune Magick | RUN | Elemental summons and feral spirits. | Living Lightning, Stormbringer |
Sources: datafiles/data/psychic_disciplines.json:2-41, 147-180
Psychic Powers Mechanics
Individual powers are categorized by their type, which dictates their logic during combat resolution. The two primary types are Attack and Buff.
Power Attributes and Logic
Powers utilize several fields to determine effectiveness and flavor:
- Magnitude: The raw power value (e.g., damage for attacks, potency for buffs).
- Armour Piercing: A binary or graduated value (0 or 1) indicating if the power ignores protection.
- Target Type: Defines valid targets, such as
enemy_unitorenemy_vehicle. - Flavour Text: Conditional text strings that change based on chapter disadvantages like "Warp Tainted".
Sources: datafiles/data/psychic_powers.json:6-45
Power Execution Flow
The logic for resolving a psychic power involves checking unit conditions and target types.
Flow of data when a psychic power is triggered in the combat engine. Sources: datafiles/data/psychic_powers.json:75-120
Warp Interaction and Risk Factors
Casting psychic powers is inherently dangerous. This risk is modeled through "Perils of the Warp," which is influenced by both the Discipline used and the Chapter's traits.
Perils Configuration
Certain "Minor" or "Occult" disciplines have explicit penalties:
- Minor Tzeentch/Nurgle/Slaanesh: 30%
perils_chanceand 30perils_strength. - Occultism: 20%
perils_chanceand 20perils_strength. - Default Disciplines: Typically 0% base risk, modified by unit traits.
Sources: datafiles/data/psychic_disciplines.json:62-115
Chapter Influences
Chapter-wide advantages and disadvantages directly alter the psychic system's behavior:
- Warp Touched: Increases the frequency of psykers among aspirants and marines.
- Favoured By The Warp: Reduces the frequency of Perils.
- Warp Tainted: Makes Perils less likely to occur, but devastating when they do; also triggers unique flavor text for powers like
SmiteandInferno. - Psyker Intolerant: Completely disables the creation of Librarians.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapter_advantages.json:115-135, datafiles/main/chapter_disadvantages.json:85-115, datafiles/data/psychic_powers.json:188-210
Psychic Equipment
Specialized gear enhances or protects psychic units.
| Item | Effect | Metadata |
|---|---|---|
| Psychic Hood | Enhances control and protects from enemy powers. | psychic_focus: 15 |
| Force Staff | Attuned melee weapon for psykers. | psychic_amplification: 25 |
Sources: datafiles/data/gear.json:44-50, datafiles/data/weapons.json:492-510
Summary
The psychic system is a data-driven module that integrates with Chapter generation and combat. By linking psychic_disciplines.json to individual power profiles in psychic_powers.json, the project allows for high variability in how different Chapters utilize the warp, balancing high-magnitude effects like Vortex of Doom (800 magnitude) against the inherent risks of the perils_chance system. Sources: datafiles/data/psychic_powers.json:548-560, datafiles/data/psychic_disciplines.json:101-105