Basic Psionics Question

[Quasqueton]

Is a psionic character (psychic warrior specifically) more subceptable to psi attacks than a non-psi character?

Any other thing I should be aware of if I'm thinking of making a monk/psychic warrior combination? I'm thinking of combining the psychic warrior class with the monk class for martial weapons and the inertial armor feat. Is this a generally good or bad idea?

I'm reading the psi rules in the SRD, and it is slow going. I'm not buying the PsiHB til after the 3.5 version is released.

Quasqueton

 

[Dr_Rictus]

Nonpsionic characters do not have to put up defense modes against psionic attack modes; they automatically use a "nonpsionic buffer" defense which is quite effective against anything other than mind blasts. In addition, the two types of characters are affected by psionic attack modes differently. Psionic characters take ability damage; nonpsionic characters are stunned.

The difference in effects has plusses and minuses on either side, but overall the lack of a nonpsionic buffer is a problem for a low-level psionic character, the moreso for psychic warriors since they are not on a fast schedule for Will saves. The monk/psychic warrior multiclass character would have some advantage in that respect. But in general, your best response to a psionic attack would be to attempt to kill the attacker by conventional means.

Inertial Armor is nice for a monk, but not much nicer than a ready supply of mage armor spells within the party. The combination of movement enhancements available to the multiclass is attractive, though.

 

[Spatzimaus]

It also really depends how many psionic enemies your DM uses. Splashing in a level of Psychic Warrior may seem like a good idea, but even the lousy psionic defense modes cost 1pp per use, so you'll run out quickly.

Personally I'd rather take a little ability damage than be stunned for several rounds, but without enough power points you're just asking for trouble.

Now, if you can convince your DM to let you play a Gith, or some other race that has unlimited use of a basic defense mode, then everything gets better.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Now, if you can convince your DM to let you play a Gith, or some other race that has unlimited use of a basic defense mode, then everything gets better.

Has anyone worked out an ECL for the "Psionic Creature" template in the PsiHB?

-Hyp.

 

[Spatzimaus]

Has anyone worked out an ECL for the "Psionic Creature" template in the PsiHB?

-Hyp.

That depends, do you equate HD to level? If so, it's really broken. I mean, at 8th level, you'd be able to freely manifest any 6 powers in the book at will. Frankly, throwing 9th-level powers around AND not being limited to one discipline, I could do an awful lot of damage. Let's see... I pick Temporal Velocity, Shapechange, Astral Construct IX, Greater Emulation, Detonation, and maybe Monster Domination.

If you don't, then it's practically useless. Unless you had 4 or more HD, you'd only get one power, and a dinky amount of PR.

 

[Hypersmurf]

That depends, do you equate HD to level?

That's my understanding of how the Half-Celestial template works - HD and level are interchangeable for purposes of determining special abilities gained.

-Hyp.

 

[Jeph]

Yes. Yes they are.

But who cares? Be glad if someone decides to use psionic attack modes on you, instead of something that actually hurts. EDIT: Also note that, by about 10th level, your Will save will be high enough that you can just ignore psi attacks without missing a step. They're really useless, don't worry about 'em.

 

[Ravellion]

Yes. Yes they are.

But who cares? Be glad if someone decides to use psionic attack modes on you, instead of something that actually hurts. EDIT: Also note that, by about 10th level, your Will save will be high enough that you can just ignore psi attacks without missing a step. They're really useless, don't worry about 'em.

I concur.

And also, on the WotC site you have the Mind's Eye. In there is an "Improved Inertail armor" feat:

Improved Inertial Armor [Psionic]

You upgrade your Inertial Armor.

Prerequisite: Inertial Armor, reserve powerpoints (see text).

Benefits: The improved field of protective energy provides a +2 armor bonus. This bonus stacks with the bonus from the Inertial Armor feat. The reserve power points requirement from Inertial Armor is increased by 2.

Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time this feat is taken, it provides a +2 armor bonus. The bonus stacks with that of Inertial Armor and Improved Inertial Armor. The reserve power points requirement from Inertial Armor is increased by 2 each time the feat is taken.

For example, a psychic warrior has the inertial armor feat and has taken Improved Inertial Armor 3 times. As long as she keeps 7 power points in reserve, her armor bonus is +10. If she has only 3 power points in reserve, the armor bonus is +6.

 

[Quasqueton]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

I read through the psi combat rules. Wow, you're right. Psi combat is pretty lame. 1d2, 1d3 ability damage vs. defense hardness? I'm not worried now.

That Improved Inertial Armor feat looks fabulous. Might take it at 6th level.

If y'all would be so kind as to now visit my other thread here on the Rules forum:

http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/showthread.php?threadid=48468

I want to make this character as effective as possible, and I'd like your advice on psychic warrior abilities.

Thanks.

Quasqueton