When psionicists battle their foes, the main objective of their spells isn't always aimed to cause as extensive damage as possible. Every now and then, it is more desirable to make a surgical strike at a certain location of the target's mind. These attacks are often aimed to impair the target's performance in combat. The mental shackles assault the id--an unconscious part in person's psyche--and place mental blockades that deter the actions of the target. As a result, performing seemingly simple tasks might be deemed unthinkable in practice.