I blast with my mind! But only here...

[not_me]

Here's a question for everyone: can a psionicist voluntarily 'pull' the area of their area affect spells, ie, if the power blasts everything within 40' of the psionicist, could they instead manifest the power to only do a 20' radius? 5'?

I'm guessing the RAW would say 'No' as it could allow much more free use of certain powers (and spells, for that matter), with less chance of hitting your buddies.

In a similar vein, what do you normally find more advantageous to have? A line-effect spell, or a cone effect spell? The former would probably hit less things overall, but would be easier to aim from the back ranks.

not_me

 

[Tatsukun]

I think there is a feat that allows you to shape the area of effect of spells. I assume it would apply to psionics too.

As for line / cone, I usually like a line. The cone requires you to be closer in, and that is dangerous. A line lets you fire from well back.

-Tatsu

 

[Spatula]

There's a kineticist in my Dark Sun game who has just about all of them. Energy line, cone, ball... Before he learned energy ball, he used the cone more than the line. Cones are much better for affecting multiple opponents, though as has been noted they require you to get close to the enemy (which has resulted in this character getting dropped below 0 hp more than once).