Mike: In the history of Dungeons & Dragons, the story of psionics too often has taken second place to its mechanics. Many readers and authors feel that psionics doesn't integrate seamlessly with the core concepts of a fantasy world.
Rather than treat that as a bug, we looked to it as a feature. The psionic power source -- or at least its expression as used by psions and other classes with power points -- is something new to the world of D&D. Monks have used psionic power for ages, but they tapped into it when it was relatively weak.
Recently, as the Far Realm's incursion into the world has grown more aggressive, psionic energy has become more common, stronger, and easier to control. Previously, only monks could tap into it with their rigorous discipline and self-control. Now others can utilize it, from psions who study and unlock its secrets to others who acquire psionic powers seemingly at the universe's whim.