D&D 3E/3.5 Converting Psionics from 1ed to 3.5ed

[Steve Jung]

In 1st edition, psionics were tacked onto regular characters. Now psionics come from specific classes. Since psionics are now in the SRD, how should we convert psionic characters?

1) Tack on psionic powers and keep the NPC's original class.
2) Change the NPC's class to a psionic one.
or
3) ?

Thanks.

 

[Golem2176]

1) Tack on psionic powers and keep the NPC's original class.

In first edition the rules were, as you call it, 'tacked on.' I'd say update the character (to whichever edition you are using). Use the first edition rules for psionics with the following exception: if you own the new 3.0 Psionics Handbook use the rules for using psionics powers only. I would then say that any character that has psionic ability, has full access to the skills and feats in the 3.0 Psionics handbook.

If a character later wanted to add more psionic abilities to his/her character, you could then choose to allow them to take levels in Psion or Pychic Warrior.

[EDIT] The 3.5 Expanded Psionics Handbook comes out April 2004.

 

[Steve Jung]

Thanks. That'ss what I did for the original module conversion, but psionics were added to the SRD since then. I want to ensure the conversion is compliant.

 

[Taluron]

When converting one of our campaigns for 2e to 3e the DM gave the characters with psionics 5 free levels in Psion to compensate for the pre-3e psi powers.

 

[BOZ]

create a "wild talent" PrC?

 

[Pagan priest]

Not a PrC, a template! Create a template that gives a certain number of psi power points and a psi ability or two. Base it off a progression similar to that of the half-celestial to gain more pp's, attack/defense modes.

As soon as I get a chance, I will play with some numbers for my 1st ed 16th level paladin with psionics and then I'll post something a little less off-the-cuff. Now I fainally have an excuss to convert Aanon the Younger!

 

[Golem2176]

Steve, how are you doing with this? Need anymore tips?

 

[the Jester]

Not a PrC, a template! Create a template that gives a certain number of psi power points and a psi ability or two. Base it off a progression similar to that of the half-celestial to gain more pp's, attack/defense modes.

As soon as I get a chance, I will play with some numbers for my 1st ed 16th level paladin with psionics and then I'll post something a little less off-the-cuff. Now I fainally have an excuss to convert Aanon the Younger!

There's a psionic creature template in the PsiHB...

 

[Pagan priest]

There's a psionic creature template in the PsiHB...

So, I guess the first thing I need to do is actually read the PsiHB.

 

[Steve Jung]

The psionic creature template looks like just the trick. I'm not familiar with psionics in anything past 1ed, so I hadn't heard of it before. This is for an update of a module conversion for the conversion library, so I need to follow Wizards of the Coast's rules. These characters appear to work with the template, except it doesn't look like psionic powers can't detect good/evil anymore. Thanks everyone.

The characters originally:
Human Ftr4

Attack Modes: psionic blast (mind blast), ego whip, id insinuation.
Defense Modes: mind blank (empty mind), mental barrier.
Disiplines: clairaudience, detection of good and evil.

Human Ill4

Attack Modes: id insinuation.
Defense Modes: mind blank (empty mind), mental barrier.
Disiplines: precognition, clairvoyance.