An empath was a sentient who apparently had the ability to manipulate the minds of Humans, and possibly other species as well. They could reach into their victim's minds and paralyze them, or draw out the buried memories of their past misdeeds, overwhelming them with their own conscience. In this way the empath's suggestion for their absolution, that they commit suicide, was accepted and embraced.
The only recorded empath was Clat of the Guild of Vindicators.