D&D 3E/3.5 Creature Catalog 3.5 Overhaul Project

[Orius]

I'd say don't worry too much about 2e psionics. The rules in 2e were a bit different from the 3e rules, particularly in that abilites weren't leveled like spells but were divided into major and minor powers called sciences and devotions, of which psionicists had a certain number depending on level.

Anyway, I'd say don't worry too much about psion and power levels. Just give it whatever powers fits or is a close equivalent to 2e the psionics listed above, and then have it manefest the powers as a 9th level psion, in the same way a monster uses spell-like abilities as a sorcerer of a given level. I'd go into more detail, but I don't really know the 3e psionics very well, and to be honest I don't remember 2e psionics all that well either. I'd have to dig out the old Psionics Handbook (2e version), Skills & Powers, and compare them to the SRD to get really detailed.

 

[BOZ]

OK, I'm not too terribly worried about 2E psionics, I was just wondering if there was anything worth comparing to gain some insight. if there isn't, then it's no big deal.

However, since a 9th-level psion could have up to 5th-level powers. That would rule out suspend life.

that's where you're wrong! I'm assuming these work basically the same as spell-like abilities right? If so, check out this passage from the back of the MM page 315: "The creature's caster level never affects which spell-like abilities the creature has; sometimes the given caster level is lower than the level a spellcasting character would need to cast the spell if the same name."

Ba-da-bing!

I'd also ditch major creation, as it doesn't seem like it would need to make stuff. Tower of iron will can also go, since the creature is already immune to mind-affecting effects. I'd also lose teleport trigger.

I'll take those into consideration. If tower of iron will only grants immunity to mind-affecting effects and only targets the psion, then I agree that it is unnecessary and should be removed.

So is there no "summon planar creature" equivalent now?

Psi-Like Abilities (Sp): At will - body equilibrium, control flames, control object, control sound, create sound, empty mind, id insinuation, intellect fortress, major creation, matter agitation, mind thrust, psionic blast, psionic teleport, psychic crush, suspend life, telempathic projection, teleport trigger, tower of iron will. Manifester level 9th. The save DCs are Charisma-based.

 

[Shade]

that's where you're wrong! I'm assuming these work basically the same as spell-like abilities right? If so, check out this passage from the back of the MM page 315: "The creature's caster level never affects which spell-like abilities the creature has; sometimes the given caster level is lower than the level a spellcasting character would need to cast the spell if the same name."

Ba-da-bing!

Oh yeah, duh. Psionics work the same way. I think I had a brain fart.

I'll take those into consideration. If tower of iron will only grants immunity to mind-affecting effects and only targets the psion, then I agree that it is unnecessary and should be removed.

It actually grants power resistance rather than total immunity to M-A effects. It doesn't only target the psion, but I don't really picture the lythlyx helping others become resistant to mind-affecting effects.

So is there no "summon planar creature" equivalent now?

Astral construct is still the only ability I've seen that comes close to summoning a planar creature.

 

[Mortis]

Astral construct is still the only ability I've seen that comes close to summoning a planar creature.

Does it HAVE to be a psionic ability? How about just making it a spell-like ability, available x times per day.

Mortis

 

[Knight Otu]

Let's first see how it would look if we drop none of the powers BOZ suggested:

Psi-Like Abilities (Sp): At will - body equilibrium, control flames (increase or decrease by up to 4 size categories, maximum Medium*), control object, control sound, create sound, empty mind (+6 to Will saves), id insinuation (4 targets, DC 16), intellect fortress (2 rounds duration*), major creation, matter agitation, mind thrust (9d10, DC 15*), psionic blast (stunned for 3 rounds, DC 14), psionic teleport, psychic crush (DC 12**), suspend life, telempathic projection, teleport trigger, tower of iron will. Manifester level 9th. The save DCs are Charisma-based.
* Includes augmentation for the lythlyx' manifester level.
** Includes the inherent +4 save adjustment described in the power.

Mind thrust as a power is sometimes given a seperate, lower manifester level, which I would suggest along with reducing it to 3/day. I think tower of iron will and empty mind should be dropped entirely. I agree with Shade on major creation and teleport trigger.

 

[BOZ]

OK, I figure when Shade and Knight Otu agree on something, that is usually a good way to go.

Mind thrust as a power is sometimes given a seperate, lower manifester level

Why do you think that is?

For simplicity's sake, I'd make the 1st-3rd level powers at will, the 4th-6th 3/day, and the higher powers 1/day.

probably just fine. Not sure where control object and matter agitation fit in, without the book in front of me though.

Psi-Like Abilities (Sp): At will - body equilibrium, control flames (increase or decrease by up to 4 size categories, maximum Medium*), control object, control sound, create sound, id insinuation (4 targets, DC 16), matter agitation, psionic blast (stunned for 3 rounds, DC 14), telempathic projection; 3/day - intellect fortress (2 rounds duration*), mind thrust (9d10, DC 15*), psychic crush (DC 12**), suspend life, psionic teleport. Manifester level 9th. The save DCs are Charisma-based.
* Includes augmentation for the lythlyx' manifester level.
** Includes the inherent +4 save adjustment described in the power.

would an increase in Charisma score be a wise idea, you think?

 

[Knight Otu]

Why do you think that is?

It can be pretty ...potent when augmented, especially if the manifester level is higher than the CR/HD of the creature.

probably just fine. Not sure where control object and matter agitation fit in, without the book in front of me though.

1st for both of them.

would an increase in Charisma score be a wise idea, you think?

It would make it more dangerous, at least. But I wouldn't go higher than 15, myself.

 

[BOZ]

i'll leave the Cha score alone.

It can be pretty ...potent when augmented, especially if the manifester level is higher than the CR/HD of the creature.

OK then, fine by me... how would i change it?

Psi-Like Abilities (Sp): At will - body equilibrium, control flames (increase or decrease by up to 4 size categories, maximum Medium*), control object, control sound, create sound, id insinuation (4 targets, DC 16), matter agitation, psionic blast (stunned for 3 rounds, DC 14), telempathic projection; 3/day - intellect fortress (2 rounds duration*), mind thrust (9d10, DC 15*), psychic crush (DC 12**), suspend life, psionic teleport. Manifester level 9th. The save DCs are Charisma-based.
* Includes augmentation for the lythlyx' manifester level.
** Includes the inherent +4 save adjustment described in the power.

Lythlyx do not speak, and will use their psionic abilities only if psionic powers are used within 9” of them, or if they lose over half their hit points.

They use their psionics only if they lose over half their total hit points, or if psionics are used within 90' of them (note that their psionics can whisk them away from most dangers).

They use their psionics only if they lose over half their total hit points, or if psionics are used within 90 feet of them (note that their powers can whisk them away from most dangers).

is there anything useful in that, such as an ability to detect psionic powers in use?

 

[Knight Otu]

For example

mind thrust (ML 5th, 5d10, DC 13*)

is there anything useful in that, such as an ability to detect psionic powers in use?

The simple way would be to give it a constant detect psionics ability.

 

[BOZ]

do you have an example of this detect psionics ability, or is it a psionic power? (or both?)