Aldarc
Legend
Let's build a psion that uses spells. I know this breaks a cardinal rule for some psionic fans, but let's try to work within the 5e system and framework. What kinda neat tricks can the Psion do that distinguish them from other mages? (1) Psions can bypass VSM spell components. (2) Psions can play with the Concentration mechanic. We may also give them some other basic telepathic, telekinetic, or psionic ribbon abilities.
Hit Points: 1d6
Proficiencies:
Spellcasting
Spell Slots: as a standard full caster. We could go the Warlock route with the short rest recharge mechanic, but let's keep it simple this first round. We could also include a side bar here about converting spell slots into spell points.
Spells Known: as a Bard.
Cantrips: Standard progression.
Spellcasting Ability: Wisdom. I'm gonna break tradition by going with Wisdom > Intelligence. But this puts the flavor more inline with being a "mystic," the monk, Extra Sensory Perception, willpower, intuition, etc.
Spell List: I'll put a tentative list in a separate post.
Ritual Casting: can cast ritual spells known as rituals.
Discipline (Subclass): may include Ardent (Empath), Awakened Mind, Shaper (Meta-Creativity), Nomad (Teleportation), Incarnate, Dreamwalker, Dread (fear!), etc.
Psionic Magic: No Material components for spells on the Psion spell list. While using a Spellcasting Focus, the Psion can choose to ignore either Somatic or Verbal components for any spell on the Psion spell list. At latter levels, the Psion loses the Verbal component and then the Somatic component. The reference back to the Psion spell list is a key point here. Psionic magic can't be used, for example, to bypass VSM for non-Psion spell list spells (e.g., Fireball, Magic Missile, Polymorph, etc.).
Telepathy (as per Mearls's Psion): At 1st level, your mind awakens to the ability to communicate via telepathy. You can telepathically speak to any creature you can see within 120 feet of you in this manner. You don’t need to share a language with the creature for it to understand your telepathic messages, but the creature must be able to understand at least one language or be telepathic itself.
Psychic Focus: The Psion can maintain Concentration on two different spells from the psion spell list. Losing Concentration while concentrating on two spells, pick one spell to lose. The Psion can use Wisdom for Concentration checks.
Breadth of Knowledge (as per Mearls's Psion): At 2nd level, you gain the ability to extend your knowledge. When you finish a long rest, you gain two proficiencies of your choice from tools, skills, or languages. This benefit lasts until you finish a long rest.
Ability Score Improvement: standard.
Psycho-Metabolism: One possible idea here is the ability to convert spell slots into HP and/or even HD into spell slots. Possibly either on a Short or Long Rest mechanic.
Psionic Body (as per the Mystic and Mearls's Psion): At 20th level, your mastery of psionic power causes your mind to transcend the body. Your physical form is infused with psionic energy. You gain the following benefits:
Hit Points: 1d6
Proficiencies:
- Armor: Light
- Weapon: Simple
- Tools: None
- Saving Throws: Wisdom, Intelligence
- Skills: Choose two from Arcana, History, Insight, Medicine, Nature, Perception, and Religion. (Mystic list.)
Spellcasting
Spell Slots: as a standard full caster. We could go the Warlock route with the short rest recharge mechanic, but let's keep it simple this first round. We could also include a side bar here about converting spell slots into spell points.
Spells Known: as a Bard.
Cantrips: Standard progression.
Spellcasting Ability: Wisdom. I'm gonna break tradition by going with Wisdom > Intelligence. But this puts the flavor more inline with being a "mystic," the monk, Extra Sensory Perception, willpower, intuition, etc.
Spell List: I'll put a tentative list in a separate post.
Ritual Casting: can cast ritual spells known as rituals.
Discipline (Subclass): may include Ardent (Empath), Awakened Mind, Shaper (Meta-Creativity), Nomad (Teleportation), Incarnate, Dreamwalker, Dread (fear!), etc.
Other psionic archetypes such as the Battlemind/Psychic Warrior, Soulknife, Wilder, etc. can be attached as subclasses to other classes.
Psionic Magic: No Material components for spells on the Psion spell list. While using a Spellcasting Focus, the Psion can choose to ignore either Somatic or Verbal components for any spell on the Psion spell list. At latter levels, the Psion loses the Verbal component and then the Somatic component. The reference back to the Psion spell list is a key point here. Psionic magic can't be used, for example, to bypass VSM for non-Psion spell list spells (e.g., Fireball, Magic Missile, Polymorph, etc.).
Telepathy (as per Mearls's Psion): At 1st level, your mind awakens to the ability to communicate via telepathy. You can telepathically speak to any creature you can see within 120 feet of you in this manner. You don’t need to share a language with the creature for it to understand your telepathic messages, but the creature must be able to understand at least one language or be telepathic itself.
Psychic Focus: The Psion can maintain Concentration on two different spells from the psion spell list. Losing Concentration while concentrating on two spells, pick one spell to lose. The Psion can use Wisdom for Concentration checks.
Breadth of Knowledge (as per Mearls's Psion): At 2nd level, you gain the ability to extend your knowledge. When you finish a long rest, you gain two proficiencies of your choice from tools, skills, or languages. This benefit lasts until you finish a long rest.
Ability Score Improvement: standard.
Psycho-Metabolism: One possible idea here is the ability to convert spell slots into HP and/or even HD into spell slots. Possibly either on a Short or Long Rest mechanic.
Psionic Body (as per the Mystic and Mearls's Psion): At 20th level, your mastery of psionic power causes your mind to transcend the body. Your physical form is infused with psionic energy. You gain the following benefits:
- You grain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
- You no longer age.
- You are immune to disease, poison damage, and the poisoned condition.
- If you die, roll a 20. On a 10 or higher, you discorporate with 0 hit points, instead of dying, and you fall unconscious. You and your gear disappear. You appear at a spot of your choice 1d3 days later on the plane of existence where you died, having gained the benefits of one long rest.
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