Anyone Using GR's Psychic Handbook in place of Psionics?

[el-remmen]

So, I got my hands on the Psychic Handbook and really like it.

I have had a moritorium on psionics in my campaign since 3E came out because I was never satisfied with the system and wanted something closer to 2E psionics (of which I had a decent amount in previous campaigns). Finally, after a good number of recommendations I ordered the book off of Amazon and found it to be just what I was looking for (though I still am going to tweak some mechanics - like I don't like non-lethal damage as the means of tracking "psychic strength" and plan to use a combination of the PSP and "fatigue" alternate rules).

Anyway, so who is using this book in place of psionics in their game (basically making it their game's psionics)? How is it working for you? Anything to look out for? Anything too weak or too strong? How are players who are running one of these psychics liking it?

Thanks.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

I'm not playing 3e right now, but if I were, I would definitely use the Psychic Handbook. It really was the exact iteration of mental powers that I was looking for.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Found it underpowered when running NPC's with it.

 

[Psion]

Found it underpowered when running NPC's with it.

Really? What level were they? My impression was that at low levels it seemed better than stock D&D magic, but gradually trending to worse at higher levels.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

I will be one I have my fully HRed campaign going. At the moment one of my players is new to 3.x so I'm running one campaign "straight" as it were.

 

[Turanil]

I don't like non-lethal damage as the means of tracking "psychic strength" and plan to use a combination of the PSP and "fatigue" alternate rules.

I have both X-Psi and Psychic's Handbook. I like both, but Psychic's Handbook has a more different feel, while X-Psi looks like another variant of magic (and its ambiance doesn't mesh very well with an European medieval type of setting). In any case, I agree that giving the Psychic a reserve of PSP per day would simplify the class and make it on par with other classes, power-wise. However, the problem is to give it the right amount of PSPs, not too few, not too much.

 

[el-remmen]

In any case, I agree that giving the Psychic a reserve of PSP per day would simplify the class and make it on par with other classes, power-wise. However, the problem is to give it the right amount of PSPs, not too few, not too much.

I am just going to make it so the total PSPs will always be close to their HP total thus keeping close to the system as presented.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Really? What level were they? My impression was that at low levels it seemed better than stock D&D magic, but gradually trending to worse at higher levels.

Played it from 7th to 10th level.

 

[Dragonhelm]

I have had a moritorium on psionics in my campaign since 3E came out because I was never satisfied with the system and wanted something closer to 2E psionics (of which I had a decent amount in previous campaigns). Finally, after a good number of recommendations I ordered the book off of Amazon and found it to be just what I was looking for (though I still am going to tweak some mechanics - like I don't like non-lethal damage as the means of tracking "psychic strength" and plan to use a combination of the PSP and "fatigue" alternate rules).

As a fan of 2e psionics myself, I rather enjoyed The Psychic's Handbook. It has much the same feel, and isn't all that different from the Force in Star Wars in terms of feel.

I would definitely use it over 3.0 psionics, but I'm not sure about 3.5 psionics. I like the crystal theme that 3.5 psionics has and the XPH is much more along the lines of a 3e version of 2e psionics in itself.

So I really don't think you'd lose out either way. If you want more of a 2e feel, go with the Psychic's Handbook. If you want more of a 3e feel, go with the XPH. Remember, too, that Green Ronin says that the two can work in the same campaign as well.

 

[el-remmen]

I would definitely use it over 3.0 psionics, but I'm not sure about 3.5 psionics. I like the crystal theme that 3.5 psionics has and the XPH is much more along the lines of a 3e version of 2e psionics in itself.

I did not find 3.5 psionics to be any kind of improvement over 3.0 - at least to my tastes.