D&D (2024) Githzerai Psion? Thri-kreen Psion? Where's My Psion?

[Yaarel]

With regard to mechanics for the Psion class, I love using the Warlock chassis. It is comparable to how the Cleric class uses the Wizard chassis.

The Warlock chassis, including access to the highest slot spells is perfect. Wish in the sense of mind over matter is the essence of psionics. The Warlock class mechanics behaves in a way that is spot on for psionic flavor, including always on cantrips, enhanced cantrips, unique talents, mental fatigue, and even novas.

Absolutely use spell points for the Psion class. 1+level = spell point pool. Cost = spell slot. So a level 10 Psion has 11 points, and a Fireball costs 3 points (or higher if using a higher "slot").

These spell points are because they work so well, simply, intuitively, and with better balance, and other caster classes can (should) use spell points as well.

 

[Corinnguard]

With regard to mechanics for the Psion class, I love using the Warlock chassis. It is comparable to how the Cleric class uses the Wizard chassis.

The Warlock chassis, including access to the highest slot spells is perfect. Wish in the sense of mind over matter is the essence of psionics. The Warlock class mechanics behaves in a way that is spot on for psionic flavor, including always on cantrips, enhanced cantrips, unique talents, mental fatigue, and even novas.

Absolutely use spell points for the Psion class. 1+level = spell point pool. Cost = spell slot. So a level 10 Psion has 11 points, and a Fireball costs 3 points (or higher if using a higher "slot").

These spell points are because they work so well, simply, intuitively, and with better balance, and other caster classes can (should) use spell points as well.

Psion | Level Up

Does this come close to what you are looking for in a Psion?

 

[Yaarel]

Psion | Level Up

Does this come close to what you are looking for in a Psion?

If I understand correctly, the LevelUp Psion isnt a fullcaster. Its features only go upto "VII", whatever this means.

Access to slot 9 spells is vital. The Psion is a fullcaster.

The only difference between Psionic and other magic power sources is, the source is internal, namely the "soul" (aura, mind, spirit), and strictly never uses material components as requirements for psionic spellcasting. There can be psionic magic items created psionically or enhancing psionics, but these are never "components".

The 2e-ish concept of a "skill" Psionicist, might work well as a Rogue subclass. (Maybe even a Ranger subclass?)

 

[Yaarel]

Animistic concepts like "mountain spirit" and "tree spirit" are innately using Psionic "soul" magic.

 

[Yaarel]

Many slot 9 spells belong to the Psion class:

Wish = mind over matter = the essence of the Psionic power source
Foresight
Heal Mass
Invulnerability
Polymorph Mass
Polymorph True
Psychic Scream
Shapechange
Ravenous Void
Resurrect True
Time Stop
Weird

Astral Projection is appropriate for certain Psionic concepts that emphasize the thoughtscape of the Astral Plane.


In my view, any spell that is Elemental (Air Fire, Earth Water) is nonpsionic. Any spell that is a fiddly complex apparatus is nonpsionic. The psionic flavor needs to visualize or similarly focusing to "manifest" a specific outcome.

I prefer the Fire flavor stay with the Druid and Sorcerer. But I can handle a Psion "Pyromancer" subclass.


I view the Primal power source that is especially Elemental as a kind of Psionic. Psionic and Primal are two sides of the same coin. But they are distinct. Both use "soul" magic.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

I'm also of the idea that generally Bruce Cordell had the right ideas the 2nd time around with Psionics with the 3.5e Expanded Psionics Handbook.

It was successful enough that all spellcasting classes 5e stole one of the big things that Psionic classes got in 3.5e, which was being able to enchance powers by spending more.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Definitely talking about previous editions. Especially 2e psionics. If a DM has to learn about the 5 psionic attack and defense modes because of just one player or MTHAC0, that's already grounds for banning.

If you say so. YMMV.

 

[Micah Sweet]

When it comes to psionics, what matters is the flavor. So far, in every single edition of D&D, since the origins of D&D, fringe mechanics have killed this flavor.

Heh. If players want fringe mechanics − try not to contaminate psionic flavor with it.

Subjective opinion, that's all this is. Flavor is simply not objectively all that matters. Mechanics matter quite a lot to some people, otherwise we would have gotten an official version already.

 

[Steampunkette]

A5e's Psionic Powers do not map directly to spell levels.

Fold Space | Level Up

a5e.tools

This Power Level 5 power transports you, and everyone inside a vehicle with you, to any place on the same planet.

Or if you're in orbit, sends you and the spaceship and everyone in the spaceship instantly to any other star system you've ever visited.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Many slot 9 spells belong to the Psion class:

Wish = mind over matter = the essence of the Psionic power source
Foresight
Heal Mass
Invulnerability
Polymorph Mass
Polymorph True
Psychic Scream
Shapechange
Ravenous Void
Resurrect True
Time Stop
Weird

Astral Projection is appropriate for certain Psionic concepts that emphasize the thoughtscape of the Astral Plane.


In my view, any spell that is Elemental (Air Fire, Earth Water) is nonpsionic. Any spell that is a fiddly complex apparatus is nonpsionic. The psionic flavor needs to visualize or similarly focusing to "manifest" a specific outcome.

I prefer the Fire flavor stay with the Druid and Sorcerer. But I can handle a Psion "Pyromancer" subclass.


I view the Primal power source that is especially Elemental as a kind of Psionic. Psionic and Primal are two sides of the same coin. But they are distinct. Both use "soul" magic.

Does Astral projection even need to be a 9th level effect?