Level Up (A5E) Psychic Warrior Combat Tradition

Steampunkette · Mar 16, 2022

I truly do wanna see Level Up have a really cool Psionic System with it's own neat tricks. But until we see what the Voidrunner's Codex comes out with I decided to toss together the Awakened Mind Combat Tradition this morning as a sort of "Lesser Psionics" form to be used by characters that aren't of the Psion class. It would also make a pretty great Combat Tradition for any Herald-Equivalent psionic-capable warrior class...

This started out as a pitch to the Gate Pass Gazette on the merits of creating combat traditions that can be learned in the world, but are not tied to any class by default. Such as an Arcane Knight Tradition, a Psychic Warrior Tradition, and other more Mystical combat traditions, some of which might even play into the Tome of the Nine Swords styles.

Could be fun. So without further ado:

Faolyn · Mar 16, 2022

This looks amazing! Having psionic maneuvers makes the idea of a psychic warrior a lot easier to create. Is it possible to get a version of this that's selectable text, though, not an image? I'd like to be able to copy-paste bits into a character sheet.

Precognitive Defense: I take it this is a bonus action and not a reaction so that it can stack with reactions that grant similar abilities?

Telekinetic Leap: You might want to specify that this doesn't cause AoOs.

Extra Sensory Perception: Nice! Is there a range limit to this, or could someone with a ranged weapon use this at far distances?

Psy Strike: Does the target have to be in the square that's in your reach?

Psionic Blast: While I know what you mean here, I think this could be phrased a little clearer. Roll damage as if you had made a successful attack roll... with what? If you were holding a dagger but also have a greataxe strapped to your back, can you roll the greataxe damage? It might be better to say "make a single attack roll against one creature in that area, and on a success, each creature takes damage." Also, as a 5th-degree maneuver, I kind of feel this should do a bit more damage. Maybe each creature that failed its save also takes additional damage equal to your Int bonus or PB or even both (and they don't on a success).

Steampunkette · Mar 17, 2022

Faolyn said:
This looks amazing! Having psionic maneuvers makes the idea of a psychic warrior a lot easier to create. Is it possible to get a version of this that's selectable text, though, not an image? I'd like to be able to copy-paste bits into a character sheet.

Precognitive Defense: I take it this is a bonus action and not a reaction so that it can stack with reactions that grant similar abilities?

Telekinetic Leap: You might want to specify that this doesn't cause AoOs.

Extra Sensory Perception: Nice! Is there a range limit to this, or could someone with a ranged weapon use this at far distances?

Psy Strike: Does the target have to be in the square that's in your reach?

Psionic Blast: While I know what you mean here, I think this could be phrased a little clearer. Roll damage as if you had made a successful attack roll... with what? If you were holding a dagger but also have a greataxe strapped to your back, can you roll the greataxe damage? It might be better to say "make a single attack roll against one creature in that area, and on a success, each creature takes damage." Also, as a 5th-degree maneuver, I kind of feel this should do a bit more damage. Maybe each creature that failed its save also takes additional damage equal to your Int bonus or PB or even both (and they don't on a success).

Awakened Mind Combat Tradition

Awakened Mind Maneuvers Awareness, Focus, Psionics Any warrior must make judgments in battle and focus upon their enemy, but those who make use of Awakened Mind maneuvers turn that focus inward and unleash it to startling effect. They rely not only on might, but the power of their mind to win the...

docs.google.com

Precognitive Defense is a bonus action so you have to activate it on your turn, specifically, rather than popping it like shield in response to a near-hit. It's good, but there's a chance you'll have wasted the exertion if you don't wind up getting attacked.

Telekinetic Leap does cause Opportunity Attacks. Or, well, the movement it creates -can-. It isn't meant to avoid them, only allow you to use your bonus action to essentially 'dash' with verticality as an option.

ESP: Works with melee or range.

Psy Strike: Yup. Target must be in the square and within reach. I should write it more clearly...

Psionic Blast: I used the Adamant Mountain's World-Shaking strike as a template for the amount of damage dealt. But you're right. Gotta get it reworded.

I'll work for clarity tomorrow or Friday.

Feralborn Trading · Mar 17, 2022

Big fan of this and would love to see what you come up with for the Arcane Knight tradition.

lichmaster · Mar 17, 2022

This is a great idea! I like the implementation of psi powers as a form of combat tradition instead of a full blown class. This allows a more gradual and nuanced approach for all characters, and in general shows how similar themes can be introduced in a very natural and non-invasive form within the rest of the framework. Can't wait for the arcane knight!

Steampunkette · Mar 17, 2022

lichmaster said:
This is a great idea! I like the implementation of psi powers as a form of combat tradition instead of a full blown class. This allows a more gradual and nuanced approach for all characters, and in general shows how similar themes can be introduced in a very natural and non-invasive form within the rest of the framework. Can't wait for the arcane knight!

The intention isn't "Instead Of" so much as "In addition to".

I'm still gonna work on my powers as previously conceived and work up a Psion based around them. Whole class. And possibly a Psychic Warrior, as well.

But since Heralds get Combat Maneuvers, so will Psychic Warriors. And a Combat Tradition like this? Would probably work super well with it.

After all, the Arcane Knight won't be replacing Arcane Spellcasters anytime soon!

Steampunkette · Mar 17, 2022

Changes:

Extra Sensory Perception (1 point)
3rd degree Awakened Mind bonus action

By trying to hear the whispers of the minds around you, you target an unseen foe with surprising accuracy. Make an Insight check against the passive Deception of a target you cannot currently see within 30ft. On a success, you know the target’s location and do not have disadvantage on your next attack roll against them before the end of your next turn.

Psy-Strike (2 points)
3rd degree Awakened Mind action (Prerequisite: Extra Attack)

Charging your blade with telekinetic force you make a powerful and explosive strike against a target within reach. Make a weapon attack roll with against your target and roll damage normally. Then choose a 15ft square that your target is in and make a separate attack and damage roll for each other creature within the 15ft square. You may attack a total number of creatures in this way equal to your Proficiency bonus.

And, finally, I decided to just decouple Psionic Blast from your weapon's damage, entirely. Little unorthodox, but interesting!

Psionic Blast (3 points)
5th degree Awakened Mind action

Lashing out with the full force of your mind you attempt to overwhelm your enemies with a powerful burst of psionic power. All targets within a 60ft cone must make an Intelligence saving throw or take 3d8 psychic damage and become Stunned until the end of your next turn. On a successful roll they instead take half damage and are not stunned.

TheHand · Mar 17, 2022

Wow, this is really cool; This just opens the creative possibilities that can be done with the Maneuvers system! Thank you, @Steampunkette . More please, haha!

Corinnguard · Mar 17, 2022

What about a combat tradition that involves Elemental Telekinesis like that seen in The Last Airbender and the Legend of Korra? Imagine fighting with the power of Air, Earth, Fire or Water while adopting a stance, a movement or an action/bonus action tied to a specific element.

Faolyn · Mar 17, 2022

Corinnguard said:
What about a combat tradition that involves Elemental Telekinesis like that seen in The Last Airbender and the Legend of Korra? Imagine fighting with the power of Air, Earth, Fire or Water while adopting a stance, a movement or an action/bonus action tied to a specific element.

Since this is D&D, I could see including maneuvers that deal with acid, lightning, and the other damage types as well.

Level Up (A5E) Psychic Warrior Combat Tradition

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