a different psion system and class

[dglass]

I have not read Mindscapes yet but it is on my list of stuff to get. What I wanted to make was another psion class that used psi powers in a different way. Sort of like a psychic sorcerer but more random the then the PsyWar. I intend for this as yet unnamed class to coexist with both classes from the handbook. I envision this class being a pure caster and a total meta-psionic feat whore.

To manifest a power this class does something called Focus. When they do that they roll a certain number of dice depending on level. The total of this roll is added to thier power pool. I am as yet undecided on whether or not to make Focus a move-equivent action. If they gain enough PP to manifest the power they do so. If not, then the points just sit there. If there are some left over after the cost of the power they stay there too. Every minute they have to make a Concentration check the DC is the total number of power points in the pool. If they fail they lose them.

This is my rough estimate on how the focus progression goes:
1st level: 1d4-1
3rd level: 1d6
5th level: 1d10
7th level: 1d12
9th level: 1d20
11th level: 2d10
13th level: 4d6
15th level: 3d10
17th level: 6d6
19th level: 4d10

thoughts?

 

[DreamChaser]

two things to remember:

more die rolls equals more time spent each round

and

randomness favors the bad guy.

your averages seem fine but this class would end up having to stand helpless all round (if it were a MEA) to use powers, might waste his round if he didn't get enough, and the player could become frustrated at rolling 6 dice plus the power check plus the damage dice to get a power going.

This psion could never adjust away from an opponent before using a power and would have to stand there and pray that he got enought to use the power he needs. If I were choosing a class, I would not want to play this one.

Just my thoughts, YMMV

DC

 

[Jeph]

Unless you want 1st level characters to constantly have a PP pool of ~8, then by all means, go right ahead. I figure 6 because: maxed out ranks, and then either a high Con (if they go Egoist) or Skill Focus will let them keep the points on anything but a natural one. Remember, that's 4 times as much as the Psion gets per day. And this guy can regenerate.

 

[Jeph]

Might I suggest . . . oh, what was that book . . . Codex Mysterium? Anyway, they have you roll d20, add your level, and compare to a Casting Threshold. Each round after that, you can roll d20 + level, which stacks with what you've already got, and compare the sum to the CT. Continue until you've got it.

Maybe, 1d20 + PsiGuy level + discipline's ability modifier, and then come up with an equation to convert PP into Casting Threshold? Maybe:

Lv. . Manifestation Threshold
00 . 3
01 . 9
02 . 18
03 . 30
04 . 45
05 . 63
06 . 84
07 . 108
08 . 135
09 . 165

That way, characters should be able to cast lv. 0 powers in one round no problem, lv. 1 ~80% of the time at lower levels and all the time at higher levbels, and beyond that, powers take about three rounds.

 

[dglass]

Thanks for the replies. I guess its back to the drawing board. Even if I increase the DC to 10 + pp there still would be too much rolling. I read Mindscapes over the past few days. It rocks!

I have not read Codex Mysterium but the word Threshold reminds me of Unlimited Mana by S. John Ross. I used to play GURPS. I think I'll take another look at that.