Magic and Psionic Powers

Though many fantasy races existed upon Alternate Earth, magic was decidedly absent. Magic was the stuff of fancy and over active imagination. It existed within creative minds, but never truly manifested itself in the real world. Technology was about as close to magic as anyone ever achieved.

Psionic powers, however; did exist. Though, these powers were a rarity among the population at large and a well kept secret. Great stories were often told about what people could accomplish with their minds. These stories were considered just as much of a fantasy as magic according the average person.

But fantasy became reality as soon as the people of Alternate Earth reached the Altherion solar system. A wondrous change began to take place among some of the people. To some this change was a violent and detrimental shock to their systems. Some were lost, as their bodies could not adjust to the flow of power that now singed in their blood. Others experienced nothing more distressing than the unexplained knowledge that they were somehow different. Magic became a strange and sometimes frightening reality. The prickle of power was an almost tangible presence within the new solar system. Enough so that even the magicless detect a slight difference in their new environment.

Magic wasn't the only thing to manifest itself. The new solar system seemed to open once closed minds. People found that they could now achieve things if they concentrated hard enough.

Reactions varied about the appearance of magic and psionic power. Some embraced the possibilities, others shunned them. Not everyone was inclined to trust this unexpected change. Those that did not develop powers of their own sometimes experienced resentment. Because of the divide in opinions those with magic or psionic powers are sometimes regarded with suspicion, if not malice. Though the population at large is trying to adjust and accept, there are those that take up the anti-magic cause and don't care who they have to harm to strengthen their movement.