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

[Yaarel]

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

Wish surely needs to be slot 9. Even slot 10 is probably better.

Astral Projection could be a low slot spell, even say slot 3, perhaps 2. What makes it surprisingly powerful is its less obvious use as an expendable life. One can do stuff, get killed, and then like a video game start over wherever ones body is when casting the spell.

 

[Yaarel]

Even the name "psionic" from "psyche oun" literally means "soul movement".

It is literally the magic of the soul.

The Greek term "psukhe" also means "self". Literally the magic of the self.

There is strictly never material components, nor alien entities. Nothing external beyond ones self.

 

[Corinnguard]

It is literally the magic of the soul.

More like magic of the mind. Incarnum in 3e was considered to be a form of soul magic.

 

[Yaarel]

More like magic of the mind. Incarnum in 3e was considered to be a form of soul magic.

Actually, psyche means self, whence soul. Not mind.

The term "psychology" was intentionally invented because most of it was assumed to be "unconscious", not perceived by the mind.

But it is accurate to say, the soul is complex and includes various aspects, including the mind.

 

[Corinnguard]

Actually, psyche means self, whence soul. Not mind.

The term "psychology" was intentionally invented because most of it was assumed to be "unconscious", not perceived by the mind.

Actually, it can mean either mind or soul.

From Wikipedia:

In psychology, the psyche /ˈsaɪki/ is the totality of the human mind, conscious and unconscious. The English word soul is sometimes used synonymously, especially in older texts.

 

[Yaarel]

Actually, it can mean either mind or soul.

From Wikipedia:

In psychology, the psyche /ˈsaɪki/ is the totality of the human mind, conscious and unconscious. The English word soul is sometimes used synonymously, especially in older texts.

That is modern, under the influence of "psychology".

But in a premodern D&D context it is worthwhile to also keep in mind its more animistic and mystical meanings of "soul", "spirit" for psyche (psukhe).

 

[Corinnguard]

That is modern, under the influence of "psychology".

Psychology has been around for a long time, it's hardly modern.

Timeline of psychology - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Yaarel]

Psychology has been around for a long time, it's hardly modern.

Timeline of psychology - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Sure, but the modern understanding of psychology − and the term itself − is modern.

One of the significant departures away from the premodern views is Interpretation of Dreams, by Freud. It offers a meaningful and useful explanation for how dreams work that is strictly materialistic. It lacks the dreamer visiting spirit realms that premoderns understood. Apparently, Freud considered this book his most important book. I agree with this assessment. It is a short book, and definitely worth a read if there is an interest. And it is a worthwhile book as part of a cultural canon.

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

If there was some time spirit magic in 3.5 D&D this was the incarnum. This and the pacts with vestiges didn't work with daily spell slots, and the mysteries by the shadowcaster were algo a different way.

Maybe they could create psionic techniques, working like martial maneuvers (3.5 Tome of Battle) but instead spending power points the reload only needs a turn. Some techniques could be once-encounter, like in 4ed.

* Other possible class is somebody summoning a tulpa what works as monster ally but also like armour or even simbiotic exosuit. Do you remember the cancelled videogame "Rise of Incarnates"?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Magic or Psychic? - TV Tropes

Functional Magic and Psychic Powers frequently fulfill similar purposes in a plot. They're mysterious, fantastic, and enable one individual to wield incredible power. They are for the most part intertwined and interchangeable. What happens when a …

tvtropes.org

observe examples.

So you think WotC are likely to REMOVE regular core classes (and subclasses) from the game and REPLACE them with different classes? That’s never happening, even on a setting by setting basis.

One thing that has been consistent about D&D psionics is it’s in addition to regular magic, not an alternative magic system.