An idea struck me while I was considering my Dark Sun conversion (feel free to drop in on the Conversions forum for more about that), regarding psionics. The 2e system had some major problems (like allowing 3rd level characters to get Disintegrate), and 3e psionics are far from perfect either with the main complaint being that they aren't "psionic" enough (OK, after all the things about how they're underpowered). So, how about a new approach?
The idea I got was to use something similar to the magic system from Wheel of Time: you know a few relatively broad powers, and depending on how much juice (power points) you put into these powers you get different effects. One simple power would be Telekinesis, where more PP allow you to lift more stuff, from a pound or two for the equivalent of a 0-level power up to a few tons for the equivalent of a 9th-level power. Another simple example would be Concussion, where damage would depend on PP used. Teleportation might be more complicated, with higher levels either increasing maximum distance, or just mimicing the effects of Dimension Door, Teleport, Teleport Other and Greater Teleport.
You'd get access to a number of powers based on your level - not too many powers, though. Power points would also be based on level. I'm considering giving bonus powers known based on Wisdom (reflecting self-knowledge) and bonus PP based on Charisma (mental strength). The powers themselves would have different stats, though mostly focused on Wis and Cha with a few possibly being Con- or Int-based (Con would be for psychometabolic stuff).
This is still pretty much in the "rough idea" stage, and comments would be welcome.
The idea I got was to use something similar to the magic system from Wheel of Time: you know a few relatively broad powers, and depending on how much juice (power points) you put into these powers you get different effects. One simple power would be Telekinesis, where more PP allow you to lift more stuff, from a pound or two for the equivalent of a 0-level power up to a few tons for the equivalent of a 9th-level power. Another simple example would be Concussion, where damage would depend on PP used. Teleportation might be more complicated, with higher levels either increasing maximum distance, or just mimicing the effects of Dimension Door, Teleport, Teleport Other and Greater Teleport.
You'd get access to a number of powers based on your level - not too many powers, though. Power points would also be based on level. I'm considering giving bonus powers known based on Wisdom (reflecting self-knowledge) and bonus PP based on Charisma (mental strength). The powers themselves would have different stats, though mostly focused on Wis and Cha with a few possibly being Con- or Int-based (Con would be for psychometabolic stuff).
This is still pretty much in the "rough idea" stage, and comments would be welcome.
sure the psionic could get disentegrate around 3rd. Of course he had to use nearly all of his power choices to do so, could only use the ability once per day (after useing it be good for nothing for hours and hours), and ran a pretty good chance of killing himself. Plus the creature could save, be immune, or any number of other things. A strong ability yes but there were a ton of drawbacks that people seem to gloss over.
