shadow
First Post
I've been a fan of psionics for a long time and I hope to see psionics make an appearance soon in 5e soon. This leads to a question of how psionics should be handled with the 5e rules. Each previous edition has handled psionics differently. Back in 1st edition they were extra add-ons that characters could get if they were lucky. 2nd edition had the psionicist as a separate character class with unique powers that were distinct from magic in both mechanics and flavor (although could be a little overpowered). 3e psionics were more balanced, but were in many ways were very similar to magic with a slightly different flavor. (I never really played 4e, so I'm not for sure how they were handled in 4e.)
How do I think psionics should be handled in 5e? Well, I think that psionics should be distinct from magic in both terms of flavor and in terms of rules. Psionics should have less direct damage dealing powers than arcane magic and be able to do effects that are unavailable to both arcane and divine spell casters.
Also, rather than having powers grouped by level, there should be power chains with certain powers requiring certain prerequisites. (That will prevent psionics from seeming like just magic with a point system). Finally, psionic combat should be an integral part of the system with psionic attacks and defense separate from other power (so that psionic combat is more than just inflicting damage or status effects on a target).
Overall, I envision the 5e psionicist as a character that has some very powerful and unique powers, but is limited in the overall number of powers.
How do I think psionics should be handled in 5e? Well, I think that psionics should be distinct from magic in both terms of flavor and in terms of rules. Psionics should have less direct damage dealing powers than arcane magic and be able to do effects that are unavailable to both arcane and divine spell casters.
Also, rather than having powers grouped by level, there should be power chains with certain powers requiring certain prerequisites. (That will prevent psionics from seeming like just magic with a point system). Finally, psionic combat should be an integral part of the system with psionic attacks and defense separate from other power (so that psionic combat is more than just inflicting damage or status effects on a target).
Overall, I envision the 5e psionicist as a character that has some very powerful and unique powers, but is limited in the overall number of powers.