Mindlink

Mindlinking is the act of connecting the minds of two life forms in order to create a temporary shared consciousness.

Overview

Mindlinking was once exclusively performed by Domonids, as they naturally have the psychic ability to connect their minds with other beings. As primitive Domonids developed symbiotic relationships with the Wild Kreatures inhabiting their environment, this led to their learning how to mindlink with them, developing the art of Kreature Taming. They held a monopoly on this ability until Silarc scientists eventually found a way to replicate it artificially, creating Tamer Amulets. Mindlinking is used primarily by Kreature Tamers to "pilot" their Kreatures, but it's technically possible to mindlink with another person.

During a mindlink's duration, both entities effectively become one. The link goes both ways and they feel each other's every sensation exactly as they do. They even share their pain and if one is killed during a mindlink then both will die. It requires deliberate effort and deep concentration to maintain a link, though through consistent training a Tamer can build up mental fortitude, making it become easier to perform over time. High-Ranking Kreatures are generally more difficult to establish a mindlink with, and an unskilled Tamer may lose their sense of self and become swallowed up in the Kreature's instincts, causing both to go berserk.

Mindlinking is not possession or mind control. In order to set up a link the recipient must consent to it first or it won't work, and they are able to sever the link at any time or reject it outright. Neither does mindlinking give the participants automatic access to each other's memories - this also requires permission.

The act of mindlinking induces a deeply euphoric sensation, with some people even assigning spiritual significance to it, likening it to each inheriting a part of the other's soul. Even those with a less superstitious outlook admit that Tamers and their Kreatures tend to rub off on each other.

The success of a mindlink can be affected by the emotional state of the participants. Kreatures can pick up on bad vibes which might cause them to reject a mindlink. Developing a balanced emotional center will improve a Tamer's mindlink success rate. If a Kreature is content and well looked after it becomes more receptive to mindlinking, and connecting with a happy Kreature can have therapeutic benefits on people with emotional difficulties.