From:Mario Roma <mroma@octava.it>
To:GURPSnet Archive
Subject: Rules for Psionics

A little introduction for all of You  who don't usually deal with Physics:
Let's suppose that an object is exposed to a force called Y which is
constant (i.e., doesn't vary in time) and receives from this situation a
damage we will call X: a typical example could be the weight of a huge
book pile bending a thin shelf.
If the same object is exposed to a force which is not constant (i.e.,
varies in time from -Y to Y, periodically), the effects (in
damage/deformation terms) caused by the force can be much greater of X: a
typical example are the vibrations in an internal combustion engine.

This situation of enhanced damage is called "resonance" and happens when
the mathematical law  which describes the variation from -Y to Y and
viceversa, has a frequency which is equal to the "resonance" frequency of
the object considered.
This "resonance" frequency is merely a characteristic of the object
considered NOT of the force applied to it. A very famous disaster caused
by resonance was the collapse of Tacoma Narrows Bridge (where in the U.S.
I dunno) caused by a strong oscillating wind. 

O.K. ...so how could we apply all this to our game?
I sent my "ruling" ideas to Dr.Kromm and He answered with a really simple
and straight system I'll report below:

A "resonance attack" on an inanimate object is to be considered like a
"Direct Telekinetic Attack", applying the following alterations:

1- The PSI has to see the object.

2-The PSI has to roll vs. his Physics-3 or Engineer-3: the choice is up
to the PSI, but either Physics or Engineering have to be at least at TL
7+, as resonance problems where unknown or misunderstood before that
period.This roll is necessary to the PSI to understand the object's
resonance frequency.

3-If the roll is successful the PSI rolls on his Telekinesis ability: if
this second roll is made, then the object will receive crushing damage
for an amount equal to "swing damage"x3 per second, based on PSI's PK
power. If the roll fails the PSI will receive a doubled amount of fatigue
(due to this "very hard" attempt)!

Note:
a-Dr.Kromm also warned me that Psionics was not basically intended to be
so deeply conditioned by Physics, as always the choice is up to You, Game
Mastering  Sirs!

b-Dr.Kromm reported that, at every TL level, the normal "Direct
Telecinetic Attack" can also affect inanimate objects on succesful roll
on Physics+3 or Engineer+3 (this was not plain to be understood by only
reading the Psionics book).The damage listed for the "Direct Telekinetic
Attack" is this way due to pure tearing or bending of the obejct.

c-To me one should not be able to perform a "resonance attack" against a
living being, 'cause the structure is too complex...

Have fun
Mario