"Laran" is the Darkovan word for telepathic talent and the talents associated with it: telekinesis, precognition, a "sixth sense", empathy, teleportation, and others. It is the distinguishing feature of the people of Darkover. Although it appears mostly in Comyn, others may have it. It appears mostly in people who have red hair, and generally manifests itself at the time of puberty. Elorie Ardais, in "The Bloody Sun", Chapter 7, says, "Everyone alive has some small degree of "laran"." Damon Ridenow, in "The Spell Sword", Chapter 6, reflects on the odd fact that Andrew Carr, a Terran, has "laran", and can telepathically be in touch with Callista when he and Callista's twin sister cannot: