D&D 5E Psionics in a sci-fi D&D

[SkidAce]

This is going nowhere. For some bizarre reason some people seem to think that psionics is somehow more scientific of plausible than magic. It is not. It is all made up nonsense and can and will work exactly as the creator of the fiction desires.

That's kinda slighting people who have explained their reasons to you.
Perhaps you don't get it, or don't agree, but calling it "bizarre" and "nonsense"?.

Speaking for myself, I agree with the statement "will work exactly as the creator of the fiction desires".

And my desire is to have psionics themed as scientifically connected semi plausible abilities. in contrast to magic.

Much like warp drives. /wink

 

[Cadence]

And my desire is to have psionics themed as scientifically connected semi plausible abilities. in contrast to magic.

So, like alchemy.

 

[SkidAce]

So, like alchemy.

Sure...maybe ish?

 

[Mordhau]

Cerrtain things can help psionics/magic feel more plausible than other things.

You use telekinesis to lift an object and the greater the weight, the more effort is needed makes a kind of intuitive sense. It's interacting with physics in a way that makes sense.

You waggle your fingers and a rug becomes animated and flies around on it's own initiative and smothers people on your behalf feels less plausible.

There's more steps involved in the second. In the first you only really need to postulate a single invisible force manipulated by the user in a way that makes a kind of intuitive sense. In the second you're postulating not just some kind of force but some kind of animating principle that is able to act with a kind of intelligence and in a manner independent from the original user.

It's sort of like a weird kind of magical Occam's razor.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Personally, my favorite depictions of psionics in fiction and RPGs often have these elements listed below. (The list is non-comprehensive, and no depiction has all of them. Some only have one or two.)

1) it is physically demanding, sometimes to the point that using your powers could render you unconscious or even kill you

2) it is internal to you; expression of psionics is a mastery of self. No outside conditions, materials, technology or beings are required to give you powers, but may increase your abilities or control

3) most of the time it’s not something just anyone can learn. You’re either born with psychic potential or you are not. Occasionally, a technology or “psychic surgery” can awaken psionic potential in those who are not so gifted, especially if the setting explicitly makes psionics genetic in origins, and features sophisticated DNA manipulation.

4) most psionics manifestors only have one or a small group of powers that they improve in with time and experience. Generalists who can “do it all” are rare.

5) psionics has limitations. Sometimes it’s general to a kind of powers, sometimes, it’s individual. Some limits are absolute. Others can be overcome by effort and/or training.

6) where magic and psionics exist, they are not the same. As such, each side has advantages and vulnerabilities against the other.

Forgot one, and was reminded of it by @Mordhau ’s post up there.

You use telekinesis to lift an object and the greater the weight, the more effort is needed makes a kind of intuitive sense. It's interacting with physics in a way that makes sense.

7) because of #1 (Psionics are physically demanding), Psionic characters consume more food and drink to support their abilities and keep themselves alive. That means, the more nutrient/calorie dense, the better. Some of them become health nuts. Some eat at buffets all the time. Others subsist on junk food and alcohol.

 

[Scars Unseen]

This is going nowhere. For some bizarre reason some people seem to think that psionics is somehow more scientific of plausible than magic. It is not. It is all made up nonsense and can and will work exactly as the creator of the fiction desires.

When you have to ascribe "some bizarre reason" to other people's arguments, it's a good sign you aren't trying to understand. There's a difference between not agreeing and not getting it. Pretty much everyone on both sides of this discussion has done a pretty good job of explaining their positions so far.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I would say that Star Wars: The Old Republic feels like a WoW sci-fantasy reskin but as done with the usual Bioware fanfare.

Kind of true, but having played TOR, I don't think it's very good. KOTOR, using a heavily modded D&D 3e system, was far superior.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

not always

I'm sorry to challenge your personal belief system, but yes, psionics is always scientific bollocks.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Not even remotely. Doctor Who spits gobbledygook from time to time but virtually never even attempts to explain anything.

Heck it’s a big timey whimey mess.

But, but, I always reverse the polarity of the neutron flow when I want to fix something, it never fails!

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Sure, but you could easily already use a magic reskin in a hypothetical sci-fi version of 5e. Why actively discourage a new design? It doesnt affect you.

Which was what we where asked. I think using a reskinned version of something that is the product of over forty years of playtesting is wiser than trying to reinvent the wheel*.

But @Morrus asked for our opinions, why do you object so strongly to me giving mine?




*Based on the assumption that the existing D&D spellcasting classes are not part of the setting.