>From what I've been reading, Psionics is something a bit different. Vlad explains CONSTANTLY that Sorcery, which Dragaeran's most prominently use, comes from the Orb. Each citizens has a link to the Orb, which is in turn linked to the Great Sea of Amorphia/Chaos, and you shape this power to make it do what you want. Vlad also says, I think in Jhereg, that Witchcraft relies on internal (mental?) power, and I believe this is part of psionics. It seems that all Dragaerans and Easterners have the ability to use psionics, but I always got the impression that it was necessary for Witchcraft, but not for Sorcery. Another point I've noticed, since I've been reading the books in rough chronological order starting with Phoenix Guards, that the widespread use of psionics is relatively new among Dragaerans. In Phoenix Guards, Garland and that sorceress (who's name I can't remember) seemed to be the only ones who could talk over long distances, and Khaavren & Co. seem surprised when they learn about the device. In Five Hundred Years After, we learn that the Emperor can contact people through their link to the Orb, but this only appears to be a direct connection. The Emperor can talk to you, or you can talk to the Emperor. Adron and Aliera are able to use psionics, but Tazendra and Sethra explain that this is due to their close bond of father and daughter. But by the time Vlad rolls into the scene, everyone and their lackey seems to be able to use psionics. Vlad constantly queries his own men, and Morrolan's men, using this method. Again, this could just be because since Vlad obviously has his organization set up how he likes it, and also set up security at Castle Black, he insisted on the use of psionics. Just some random musings. Some of this could be dead wrong, and since I'm only 3/4 of the way through Yendi, it could be explained more in later books, but, ah well. __________________________________________________ Mark Porter "Anyone can be nice, but it takes a truly special person to be evil." ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Turkel" <zizban at adelphia.net> I think psionics and Sorcery are the same. I could be wrong but based on all the evidence I've seen I think that this is so. The Serioli are the original inhabitants of the world so their magic is probably unlike the other two varieties.