[3.5 Psionics] How would you fix psionics?

[Viktyr Gehrig]

I'd definitely like to use a more feat-based system, with the psionic classes getting more feats for use with psionic abilities-- possibly maintaining separate bonus feat lists for both classes, and still using the PP as both prerequisite and as fuel for certain powers.

I'm also in favor of linking psionics with ki, and I use a lot of Psychic Warrior (or Psion) and Monk combinations. Expanding the psionic feats and linking psionics with Ki powers both gives the Psion a more unique feel, as well as making it fit better in D&D, nichewise.

 

[I'm A Banana]

I like the idea of aligning psionics with Ki.

I like it so much, I'm working on a Psychic Monk class. Like a psychic warrior, but with more focus on the unarmed/armored butt kickin' an' stuff.

 

[Severion]

My Psi fix is all retro. I'm reintroducing the 2e PsiHB with a 3e twist. The power scores will be a DC of 10 + the listed modifier using the listed ability for the primary discipline and 15+ for the others. I may introduce a feat to change a lesser discipline to a primary one. Thats all for now.

 

[EarthsShadow]

my .02 .

First, in ITCK, it says you get one Primary and two Secondary Disciplines. Cool idea, but for me the question that seems to be not answered is: are these the only Disciplines that you can pick powers out of, or can you still pick powers from all Disciplines? and Do all three of these Disciplines use one Ability score for their modifiers, and if so then why is it considered Primary and Secondary and not just say 'pick three disciplines and that's it' or something like that?

Now, as for 3.5e psionics, the changes that I think would be good: Alternate combat system. I think there needs to be a psionic combat system where psions can battle each other where no one else would really know what's going on, but the current system is really bad.

or...
Use a skills-n-feats system like Ken Hood's...if anybody has the links for his systems can you post them. I had them at one time but lost them when my harddrive crashed a while back.

or...
more signature, psion only powers that are heavily emphasized.

but I think we all have suggested good ideas, and I am sure that whatever they do, a revised edition can only be better than the current one (if they take into consideration what we as customers are telling them).

 

[Staffan]

my .02 .

First, in ITCK, it says you get one Primary and two Secondary Disciplines. Cool idea, but for me the question that seems to be not answered is: are these the only Disciplines that you can pick powers out of, or can you still pick powers from all Disciplines? and Do all three of these Disciplines use one Ability score for their modifiers, and if so then why is it considered Primary and Secondary and not just say 'pick three disciplines and that's it' or something like that?

You can still select powers from the other three disciplines, but they're limited by the associated stats and not your primary stat. Both the primary and secondary disciplines use your primary stat, but you must still have one power from your primary discipline per level, and I think there are a few feats where you have to select it for a certain discipline and you must select your primary one first.

 

[Chauzu]

How would I fix Psionics?

Make the Iconic Psychic Warrior chick wear less armor.

 

[EarthsShadow]

I second Chauzu's idea also.

 

[Simulacrum]

Psionics has no signature powers???

I dont think so.

Psionics is all about Telekinesis and stuff.
Psions should start with things like wizards can do in later levels but should end with things like they are seen in AKIRA. Mass destruction and mayhem on a grand scale. (Epic Telekinesis etc)
&
Mindreading/control & Braindamage like in Scanner, Star wars and DUNE.

For my taste that is signature enough. Most of that is well covered.

I'm absolutely ok with psionics only having a very small selection of powers, but they should at least scale up and outshine anything similar a wizard could do. It's not so much about doing the same damage like the wiz, its more about the utility and usefulness of the powers. The biggest advantage of psionics should be to keep their powers running a looooong time. even tho they might be only half as strong as a wizards damage potential at first but should have 10 times the staying power.
+ a single power should might be useful for many different tasks, in contrary to wizards who need the right spell for each situation independently.
The problem is balancing such a class. Make it not too strong but very recourceful and unpredictable.

 

[Tom Cashel]

How would I fix psionics?

I'd remove the durn things. That'd "fix" 'em real good.

 

[netnomad]

I've been thinking after reading a few of these posts and a few things occurred to me:

- Make Psionic combat a free action but it requires a concentration check if you are doing anything else (I.E. combat). DC varies by the type of action. This way two psi-warriors can fight could fight a physical and mental battle at the same time but with penalties. When two psions face each other they stop look in the eye and go at it. That seems to have the right “feel” to me.

- Get rid of that horrid Psi-table and make psionic combat simpler. Maybe a DC vs. DC check using Psi-blast/ Psi-shield skills. Whatever the difference between the checks (If positive) equals to the amount of sub-dual damage the PC takes. For non-psionic aware the psi-blast skill roll is the DC check for the targets will save. If fail they are stunned for one round. Increase the skill points for Psions/Psi-warriors by 2 points per level to compensate for the new skills.

- Add two new feats Psionic Sensitive and Wild Talent. Psi Sensitive is that you can now get the psi-blast /psi shield skills and 3 0-level powers that require a concentration DC 15 to manifest. Wild Talent feat allows you to pick to a level one power that require a concentration DC 20 to manifest.

- Remove all the psionic type spells from other spell casters. Off the top of my head I think most of them we be from the Enchantment school but I would have to look at the list.

NetNomad