A Psion without Psionics

[EroGaki]

Specifically, a character modeled after a telepath. My DM loathes psionics, and thus doesn't allow them in his games. I have the desire to play a psionic character, so my goal is to take a normal spell-caster and mold the flavor of the class and spells to resemble psionic effects.

I've picked the beguiler for this purpose; most of the classes spells are mind-affecting, perfect for a pseudo-telepath.

I guess this is a rather long winded way of asking for advice: what feats, classes, prestige classes, etc, is out there to help make the character seem as psionic as possible, without using actual psionics? I would like the character to achieve most of the old psychic standards; using TK to move things, seeing the future, etc.

The game starts at 1st level, and I rolled the following stats: 9, 11, 13, 13, 16, 18. We use the Pathfinder RPG, but most WotC material is open, pending approval by the DM.

 

[Thanee]

Hmm... Eschew Materials.

Mindbender PrC maybe.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Jhaelen]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think in Complete Scoundrel there's a prestige class 'Psibond Agent' that doesn't actually use any psionics.

I guess the 'Mindbender' prestige class from 'Complete Arcane' would be a good fit, too.
For a completely different approach, consider the 'Master of the Unseen Hand' in 'Complete Warrior'.

Anyway, it will be difficult to cover powers from every psionic discipline without actually using psionics, unless you're simply playing a generalist wizard...

 

[Herzog]

as a reference point, the Complete Mage has several Archetypes, accompanied by class and PrC suggestions.

I think the Controller Archetype fits your situation best, which would result in a suggestion of the MindBender PrC (Complete Arcane).

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Well, one level of Mindbender, definitely. I wouldn't go any farther than that.

Crystalkeep lists a bunch of feats that revolve around first getting an "Arcane Focus" and then expending it for benefits, you might want to look into those feats. They were originaly in dragon mag #351, they're on page 63 here: http://www.crystalkeep.com/d20/rules/DnD3.5Index-Feats.pdf

 

[Dandu]

Just be very careful. You're going for a mind affecting character in a world where creatures immune to mind affecting abilities become more and more common as you level.

Hell, at level one skeletons and the like aren't uncommon...

Anyways, you'll want to load up on force themed spells, such as Mage Armor, Shield, Manyjaws, Wings of Flurry, and so forth. Perhaps Melf's Unicorn Arrows as well.

Meanwhile, Invisible Servant, Mage Hand, and Telekinesis give you the ability to manipulate from afar.

Nerveskitter gives you +5 to initiative, which covers precognition. Also, Celerity. Gotta love Celerity.

Enchantment wise, Charm Person, Hideous Laughter, Hold Person, Mindrape, etc.

Note some other Will save spells such as Slow can be fluffed as a mental attack on the opponent. Keep an eye out for these.

 

[Starbuck_II]

Nightmare spinner lets you use mind affecting spells on any creature immune to them. It is under the adaptation as a ability (instead of the fear stuff).

 

[Starbuck_II]

Nightmare spinner lets you use mind affecting spells on any creature immune to them. It is under the adaptation as a ability (instead of the fear stuff).

So by Psionic: what do you mean?
But Wizard with Nightmare spinner (take Telekinesis, charm person, Dominate, etc).

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

You might want to start off with a Beguiler as your base spellcaster- you'll get the armored spellcasting and at least a few of the mind-affecting spells you seek. Then take one of the PrCls mentioned above to complete the illusion.

Another option is to take one of the other armored arcanists, like the Battle Sorcerer, Stalwart Sorcerer or WarMage (to get the blaster spells that Psions love) and take Illithid Bloodline (DCv1 p100) to round out your spell-list.