Editing Psion

{{Article quote|There is no higher warfare than deception.<ref>'''[[Grimoire]] description'''</ref>}}

Ancient Psions practiced a form of ancestor worship, communing with the divine spirits of the dead through a Y-goblet that "cupped their spirits" and poured out their souls into new Psions. Worship involved daily rituals in which the Y-goblet was filled with offerings for ancestors, such as water to wash out their eyes,<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry I|Entry I]]''</ref> salt to roughen their skin,<ref name="EII">'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry II|Entry II]]''</ref> or linen to bind their wounds.<ref name=EVI>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry VI|Entry VI]]''</ref> Other practices included physically drawing the Y-goblet on a nearby surface. Adherents believed that every other person, or at least Psions, had a spark of the divine within them, physically evident in their Y-shaped pupils.<ref name="EIII">'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry III|Entry III]]''</ref>

In prehistory, long before the Psion species joined the Cabal, a group of exceptionally powerful Psions known as the God-Thoughts dominated the species with their psychic abilities. They destroyed the Y-goblet faith for seeing divinity in every common person. Its suppression was so brutal that while the faith survived to the present, its practitioners still feared discovery and worshiped only in secret.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry VIII|Entry VIII]]''</ref>

The Psions would start to worship Nezarec as a deity and the tradition would continue among at least some of their race until relatively recently; the Psion [[Acasia]], who came to the Sol System at some point after the [[Collapse]] and joined the [[Acolytes of Nezarec]], lost her partner when he was abducted by a group of other Psions to be tortured as a sacrifice to Nezarec.<ref>''''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [[Breath of Detestation Suit#Boots of Detestation|Boots of Detestation]]''</ref>

The legendary, clairvoyant [[OXA Machine]] has been built, lost, and rebuilt many times in Psion history, passing down from civilization to civilization over the ages.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry IV|Entry IV]]''</ref> Its most recent iteration was destroyed by the Cabal, but rebuilt centuries later on [[Brand]] by [[Freeborn Otzot]], a particularly brilliant Psion. When [[Umun'arath]] moved to destroy this newest version of the machine, Emperor Calus stopped her in recognition of Otzot's genius, and welcomed the freeborn Psion into his court as his Imperial Dreamer.  

Late into Calus's reign, he attempted to grant freedom to all indentured Psions, but was [[Midnight Coup (event)|overthrown]] before this could happen. Ironically, Otzot was one of the conspirators against him.

However, thousands of years later, Calus' daughter, [[Empress Caiatl|Caiatl]] freed all Psions from servitude and made them full citizens of the Cabal Empire after the [[Hive]] war god [[Xivu Arath, God of War|Xivu Arath]] [[Fall of Torobatl|captured]] [[Torobatl]]. Caiatl offered to allow any Psions who no longer wished to serve the Empire the freedom to leave with supplies,<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]], [[Lore:Empress|Empress]]: [[Lore:Empress#CHAPTER_8:_EMPRESS|CHAPTER 8: EMPRESS]]''</ref> but many Psions found new loyalty and belief in the Empire thanks to Caiatl's reforms and elected to remain.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]], [[Praefectus Suit#Praefectus Strides / Greaves / Boots|Praefectus Leg Armor]] lore tab''</ref> Not all Psions swore loyalty to Caiatl, however, as a conclave of conspirators working to avenge Amtec began to masquerade and conspire to assassinate Guardians using Light-draining technology based on the [[Traveler Cage]].<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]], [[The Palindrome]] lore tab''</ref>. This would reach a head when, at the signing of the armistice after the [[Clash of the Chosen]], Psions used this technology to disable Commmander [[Zavala]]'s [[Ghost]], and almost had him killed. Though one of the conspirators was caught and executed, the mastermind behind the operation remained at large.

Later on, while the [[Imperial Cabal]] was busy dealing with the threat of the [[Lucent Brood]], a group of defectors gained the backing of the former Emperor Calus, and began broadcasting messages inciting rebellion against Caiatl's regime. The Empress requested their [[Vanguard]] allies lead an [[Vox Obscura|operation]] to silence this transmission, originating from a base on [[Mars]]. A [[The Guardian|Guardian]] fireteam stormed the base and killed the field leader, [[Qabix, Insurgent]], silencing the transmission, but this did little to deter the defectors, and they soon refurbished the base. Over several weeks, the Vanguard continued attacking the base, uncovering more of the transmission, and ultimately discovering its creator, the rebel [[Yirix]], who previously tried to assassinate Commander [[Zavala]], now seemingly allied with the [[Black Fleet]].

Normally, they are significantly smaller than their Cabal superiors; however, some high-ranking Psions, like [[Kargen, the Technocrat]], [[Inotam, Oblivion's Triune]] and [[Sizmic, the Net-Desecrator]], are far larger than the average Psion and tower over their Cabal compatriots. In the case of Inotam, this is a product of psychic joining between multiple Psions, who are individually normally-sized.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/12/10)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Dawn]], [[Weblore:Season of Dawn#Joining|Joining]]''</ref>.

Psions are skilled marksmen, as they can use their telekinetic abilities to slow their own breathing and steady their aim.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]], [[Armor of Feltroc#Vest of Feltroc|Vest of Feltroc]]''</ref> It is very common to see Psions providing long-range fire support for other Cabal units. Psions have been described as providing post-op analysis and other intelligence-work for Cabal forces in Sol, and have observed the phenomenon of [[Darkness Zone]]s (areas in which the ability of Guardians to reanimate is suppressed)<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost Fragment: Cabal 4|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 4]]''</ref>. Psions can use their powers to manipulate and communicate with machines, and even breach extra-dimensional portals.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/12/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Dark Below]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/Rasputin#Ghost Fragment: Rasputin|Ghost Fragment: Rasputin]]''</ref><ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/adventure-dark-alliance?highlight=alliance Adventure:Dark Alliance]</ref> They even managed to spy on [[Crucible]] matches such as at [[Firebase Thuria]], which oddly enough, bemused them at the [[Guardian]]s complaining.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/10/1)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]], [[Legion-Bane#Legion-Bane Helm|Legion Bane Helm]]''</ref>

Psions are telepathic and have limited clairvoyance. They employ this for mundane purposes, such as to converse among each other, or more offensive capabilities like stealing secrets from the minds of others<ref name="CLE3">'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 3 - Lust and Reappropriation Pt. II|ENTRY 3 - Lust and Reappropriation Pt. II]]''</ref>. Psions often connect in "metaconcerts", groups of synchronized minds where multiple individual combine their thoughts and intentions. This is a powerful ability, allowing large enough metaconcerts to even detect ships hidden by conventional sensors through the emotions of their crew<ref name=EVI>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry VI|Entry VI]]''</ref>. Metaconcerts can be opened to non-Psions, such as the [[Loyalists]]' one, of which Emperor Calus was also part. This telepathy may not be wholly consensual, and their higher level thoughts are broadcast to some degree. Psions are also capable of a permanent form of metaconcert called "joining", in which they fuse their bodies and minds into a larger, more powerful Psion. This process is only known through "ancient texts of the mind" and the sole example of it in recent history is the fusion of three [[Ozletc, the Sky Piercer|Psion]] [[Tazaroc, the Sun Eater|Flayer]] [[Niruul, the Hollow Voice|sisters]] into [[Inotam, Oblivion's Triune]]. The Psions are intelligent enough to understand the effects of [[Anthem Anatheme]].

The regular Psions in the Scout Legions have psychokinetic blasts that are [[Arc]]-based, which disorient the victims, while their equals in the [[Red Legion]], [[Shadow Legion]], and [[Loyalists]] have [[Void]]-based blasts and attacks<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Psion|Psion]]''</ref>. However, exceptional individuals such as [[Psion Flayer]]s have been seen employing other, more complex and powerful attacks that use all three elements.

{{Quote|Do you want to hear a joke? No, I already know I'll laugh. That is a Psion joke.|[[Match]], Councilor to Emperor Calus}}

Psions seem to have a deep reverence for the lives of those around them, as their clairvoyance allows them to sense them in intense and mysterious ways. They feel the imprints of those around them, noting the powerful gleaming aura of Calus to be so blinding that they cannot see past it. They are unnerved by the [[Hive]], because they appear to have empty minds besides their hate and need to survive<ref name="EII">'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry II|Entry II]]''</ref>. It is likely that Psions are naturally very social, as their telepathy gives them insight into the thoughts of those around them. A reoccurring idea is that they have no sense of humor, because humor comes from the unexpected, and they are considered clairvoyant<ref name="EIII">'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]], [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry III|Entry III]]''</ref>.

Within the Cabal Empire, Psions are second-class citizens at best and slaves at worst. They serve the Cabal as laborers, engineers, and mechanics. Psions have worked as pilots as well in their time of service<ref>'''Game Informer January 2014''', ''page 55''</ref>. Their integral part in the Cabal military is seen through the extent at which they rely on the Psions. Maintenance passages in most of their ships and structures are often too small for Cabal to move through comfortably, and [[Interceptor]]s are designed for use by Psions exclusively. Particularly talented Psions become [[Flayer Aspirant]]s and are trained to evolve into Psion Flayers, masters of their incredible power and intellect. The full extent of their abilities is unknown, but they are thought to have been able to alter the orbit of [[Phobos]] and possibly break entire worlds.<ref>''''Bungie (09/15/2015)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken#The Taken: Psion|Taken Psion]]''</ref> It can be inferred from the adventure [[Psionic Potential]] that an indulgence of sheer knowledge from even complex machinery can be enough to evolve Psions to the first stages of Flayers.<ref>https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/adventure-psionic-potential?highlight=psionic+potential</ref>  

Certain Psions are not born into slavery and are regarded with the title of 'Freeborn'. They are exceptionally rare in Cabal society and are of vastly superior social standing to others of their race, potentially being considered equal to other Cabal. or perhaps before, as there have been [[The Insight Terminus|multiple]] [[Psionic Potential|instances]] [[Sundial|of]] [[Amtec|Psions]] leading significant detachments of Cabal. Amongst the [[Imperial Cabal]], Psions have even been known to hold the dedicated rank of [[Optus]], placing them within the meritocratic command hierarchy alongside full serving Cabal soldiers.

Psion technology is deeply psychic in nature, and they are employed by the Cabal in the development of many pieces of equipment to deal with [[Paracausal]] entities. Most of the Light-Suppressing technology was developed under Psion direction, and is among the most powerful in their arsenal. Psions pursue the legendary OXA Machine, a clairvoyant device that was built and destroyed many times over the course of their history.

Psions are basic Cabal units, and the ones with the lowest health. Compared to similar troops in other races, like [[Dreg]]s, Psions are not used as cannon fodder, but as support and infiltrator units. While the main Cabal units like [[Legionaries]] and [[Phalanx]]es engage the enemy head on, Psions will hide and flank the opponents, in order to catch them off guard with their powerful psychic abilities. Psions are be able to send forth a damaging wave of psionic energy that travels across the ground, as well as a point-blank psionic attack at melee range. These attacks deal [[Arc]] (or electrical) damage, signifying their power over mind and (potentially) machine, and are the Cabal forces' only source of Arc damage. Certain Psions are known to channel [[Void]] and [[Solar]] power, though this is restricted to certain enemies such as Flayers. Psions become much more dangerous during [[Nightfall]] Strikes, as they acquire a Void shield.

The Psions now utilize Void-based abilities. These Psions have a different version of their old wave attack, now called Psionic Blast, which explodes and launches enemies into the air, dealing Void damage<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTws5eBDn90 '''Youtube''' - ''Destiny 2: A Closer Look at the Cabal Combatants - IGN First'']</ref>. Their melee attacks have also changed to deal Void damage. They are now equipped with jetpacks, which they can use to maneuver and travel at high speeds. Though most still use Slug Rifles, a number of them are employed as snipers, armed with [[Cabal Headhunter]]s. Elites can be found with [[Cabal Slug Shotgun]]s and very rarely [[Cabal Bronto Cannon]]s. [[Interceptor Pilot]] Psions are also introduced as drivers for [[Interceptor]]s. Psions in this game have the upper parts of their heads exposed.Certain Psion units float in mid-air and are surrounded by a shield that blocks all projectiles, and can only be killed by melee attacks.

*On occasions, Psions can be found with Symbiotes on mars that Guardians collect for Analysis.<ref>[https://www.destinypedia.com/Patrol#Mars]</ref>

File:Attendant_1.png|An [[Attendant]], a member of [[The Dread]].

File:Weaver_1.jpg|A [[Weaver]], a member of [[The Dread]].