of psionics and saving throws

[Korin Tempest]

question.... the ability modifier for the save DC for psionic powers and attacks... is it the corresponding ability to the power, or a psions chosen discipline ability.... i've heard mention of both, curious which one it actually is... is there any official ruling on this?

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

It's the first: the appropriate ability score, not the primary ability score.

 

[SteelDraco]

It's the ability modifier corresponding to the power's discipline. Psychoportation powers use d20 + Dex mod + Power level, Telepathy d20 + Cha mod + Power level, etc. The attack powers each specify a stat to use to set the DCs in their description.

There are a few variants of this from some of the psionics sourcebooks out there. In particular, the variant from If Thoughts Could Kill lets a psion pick two secondary disciplines. These use the ability modifier for the psion's primary discipline to set DCs for powers in those disciplines. So, for example, you could be a telepath with Metacreation and Psychoportation, and use your Charisma modifier for all Telepathy, Metacreation, and Psychoportation powers. That's a variant, though.

 

[Korin Tempest]

ok.. thanks guys

 

[justfisch]

From the Psionics errata posted at Wizards:
"The attacker's ability modifier is always his key ability modifier, regardless of the specific attack mode used."

So from the errata, if your character has Str has his primary stat, then you would use your Str modifier for all attack modes. I have been playing this way and it does make psionic combat a bit more debilitating.

cheers,
justfisch

 

[Korin Tempest]

ok.. is that just for psionic attacks?

 

[justfisch]

that is the way that I read it.

cheers,
justfisch