If psionic powers are scientifically understood, it may be possible to use technology to amplify them. Such devices are called psi amplifiers (“psi amps”).

“Psi amps” boost a psi’s Talent level in a particular power, such as Psychokinesis. This boost can increase the psi’s Talent beyond the usual four-level limit. Optionally, each +1 bonus may instead add +1 level to any leveled psionic ability (e.g., Telekinesis or Innate Attack). The user can always choose to use less than the maximum boost, which reduces the danger should psychotronic feedback (below) occur.

A psi amp should be attuned to the user, and can only be attuned to one person at a time. This requires a successful roll against Electronic Operations (Psychotronics) skill. Failure wastes an hour; critical failure damages the device. It is possible to use a psi amplifier that is not properly attuned, or is attuned to someone else, but any roll of 15+ when using the device is treated as a critical failure.

The power surge a psi experiences when using an amplifier can be dangerous. If the user ever suffers a critical failure while using an amplified ability, he suffers psychotronic feedback. This burns out the machine, which requires minor repairs. The user must also make a HT+3 roll, at a penalty equal to the boost. Failure means he suffers a seizure for seconds equal to the margin of failure (along with the usual 1d FP loss afterward); failure by 5+ results in psionic feedback that leaves the user unconscious, suffering the Coma mortal condition.

This is a throne-like chair, with a helmet, biofeedback monitors, and a computer. The user sits in the chair, and power floods through him to be channeled into psionic energy. Unless the user is very powerful, machines amplifying teleportation will move the user, but not the machine! The device adds up to 5 to the user’s Talent in a particular power. $200,000, 1,000 lbs., external power.

Machines that can amplify more than one power at once are available – add $100,000, 500 lbs. per extra power. LC3.

These devices work in the same fashion as standard psionic amplifiers, but use a backpack-sized power pack connected to a helmet, and run off a D cell. Portable amplifiers can increase the user’s Talent by up to 3 in a particular power. $40,000, 20 lbs., D/1 week. Add $20,000 and 10 lbs. per extra power it can amplify. LC3.

This is a low-powered psionic amplifier. It adds a maximum of one level of Talent to a particular power. $25,000, 4 lbs., C/1 week. Add $10,000 and +2 lbs. per extra power it can affect. LC3.