Expanded Psionics Handbook - Where is psionic displacement explained?

[EricNoah]

I think they maybe intended it to be a new word, with the definition built into the power's description ("[a] translucent, amorphous enclosure") and under Effect ("quasi-real amorphous film").

 

[Greatwyrm]

Given the Special Abilities section on page 65, I'd say it's just like regular Displacement. Then again, based on the psi-like abilities guidelines in that section, Greater Concealing Amorpha would be the psi-like version of Displacement. Go figure, everybody it right!

 

[Count Arioch the 28t]

On the bottom right of page 184, it explains that psi like abilities can be of magical spells, just treat it like the spell of the same name, and uses the Duergar's Invisibility as an example, as invisibility doesn't have it's psionic equivalent, only the (Largely inferior) cloud mind.

Besides, what's cooler, a thri kreen in a bubble of snot, or a thri kreen being refrected several times, you don't know where it's coming from.

 

[Shadowdweller]

I think they maybe intended it to be a new word, with the definition built into the power's description ("[a] translucent, amorphous enclosure") and under Effect ("quasi-real amorphous film").

Not to repeat what is likely obvious to many, but the word is based on classically defined pre- and suffixes. "A.." meaning not, "morph" meaning shape or form. So it literally means something along the lines of "Concealing thing without form."

Also, there might actually be some mechanical differences between the two interpretations. Greater Concealing Amorpha, I'd expect, would be vulnerable to Dismiss Ectoplasm. Some generalized psionic version of displacement likely would not.

 

[warpmind]

BTW is anyone else having problems with the word amorpha? I keep reading it as amphora

I reveiecd a mial a few tmie ago wree it was setatd taht popele can eysaly raed a txet woshe wrdos are medisorerd as lnog as tehy iulcdne eltcxay the same ltetres as the oanigirl wrod and the fsirt and the lsat ltetres are the smae. It smees taht wlhie rndeaig our biarn tndes to pay aonteatitn jsut to this two apetcss of the wdors. Ain't taht fnuny?


Edit: Misspelling

 

[Kalendraf]

Thanks to all who answered. I agree with Spatula that it is likely a misprint in the character race entry. Seems extremely likely that the ability "Greater Concealing Amorpha" should have been listed instead. Maybe the name was in flux or changed during the editing process.

This new name seems overly cumbersome and confusing compared to something simple and obvious like Psionic Displacement. Fallout from design by committee?

Designer 1: "Thri-kreen have this cool psionic ability give them Displacement. What should it be called?"
Designer 2: "Uh...Psionic Displacement?"
Designer 3: "Too close to the regular spellname Displacement, which might lead people to think that our new Expanded Psionics is just repackaged magic."
Designer 4: "Can't have that! These are new non-magical powers! It needs a new name. Let's brainstorm and come up with something really unusual."
(several hours later...)
Designer 1: "OK. We've eliminated the other fifty suggestions as being to similar to other names, too wierd or potentially politically incorrect. That leaves only a few choices left. How does everyone feel about this Greater Concealing Amphora...er...Amorpha one."
(silence)
Designer 1: "Anyone?"
Designer 2: "Uh...it's kind of wierd, but I'm getting hungry, so I'll vote yes."
Designer 3 & 4 in unison: "Me too"

 

[Christian]

Besides, what's cooler, a thri kreen in a bubble of snot, or a thri kreen being refrected several times, you don't know where it's coming from.

Thri-kreen in a bubble of snot!

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Ever!