D&D 5E (2024) Psion Class: Green/Yellow/Red?

[Yaarel]

The issue a point system is that you just pick the best power (+ augment + feat + subclass), spam it, then take a rest.
I.e. cast Heightened Synaptics Static repeatedly.

I don't mind if Psions have less versatility, but I don't want to be (indirectly or directly) limited to 1 spell. (I don't like martials who only attack either).

So there should be something that forces you to cast a different spell. Which is why I vote for half caster + half points.

But I could also see something like "you can't use the same augment until the end of your next turn." Or something.

This happens anyway.

A Wizard uses the few best spells then rests for the night.

A Warlock uses the few best spells then rests for a meal.

The Warlock Short Rest slots are less disruptive to the narrative and to the gameplay, than the Wizard Long Rest slots are.

A Short Rest spell point system − is better than a Long Rest spell slot system. Also the smaller amount of points available at any given point in time, makes the Short Rest spell point system balance more robustly. Because, it is impossible to cast nine or so of the best spells in the same encounter.

With regard to a future spell point system that any spellcaster can use instead of slots, the Long Rest spellcasters would switch to a Short Rest regimen.

 

[mellored]

This happens anyway.

Agreed, but it's much worse with points.

A Short Rest spell point system − is better than a Long Rest spell slot system. Also the smaller amount of points available at any given point in time,

That helps. But I'd still prefer a step more.

I wouldn't want to cast 10 different spells before your could cast the first one against, but some extra anti-spam thing.

 

[Yaarel]

Agreed, but it's much worse with points.

That helps. But I'd still prefer a step more.

I wouldn't want to cast 10 different spells before your could cast the first one against, but some extra anti-spam thing.

Heh, I am afraid to suggest this because I am unsure how I feel about it. But mechanically it is simple, narratively makes sense enough.


In the Short Rest spell point system:

Energy = full spell caster level + 1
Cost = spell slot

Until the end of the next Short Rest, one can only exert the highest available slot once. (The first hour of a Long Rest also refreshes Energy.)


Example:

Level 6 Wizard
Energy = 7 points

• Fireball costs 3 points, which is the highest exertion available and can only be done once.
• Invisiblity costing 2 points.
• Shield costing 1 point, cast twice.

 

[Horwath]

This happens anyway.

A Wizard uses the few best spells then rests for the night.

A Warlock uses the few best spells then rests for a meal.

The Warlock Short Rest slots are less disruptive to the narrative and to the gameplay, than the Wizard Long Rest slots are.

A Short Rest spell point system − is better than a Long Rest spell slot system. Also the smaller amount of points available at any given point in time, makes the Short Rest spell point system balance more robustly. Because, it is impossible to cast nine or so of the best spells in the same encounter.

With regard to a future spell point system that any spellcaster can use instead of slots, the Long Rest spellcasters would switch to a Short Rest regimen.

as long as Short rest is 1 min long and not 1hr long.
as in, you can be ready for your next encounter, just you cannot use Short rest during encounter.

 

[Yaarel]

as long as Short rest is 1 min long and not 1hr long.
as in, you can be ready for your next encounter, just you cannot use Short rest during encounter.

I prefer a 15 minute Short Rest, but whatever. Each setting can define the lengths of the Rests separately.

 

[mellored]

as long as Short rest is 1 min long and not 1hr long.
as in, you can be ready for your next encounter, just you cannot use Short rest during encounter.

Nothing stops Psions from having their own timer.

I.e.
Once you cast a spell you can't cast it again for 1 minute.

 

[Horwath]

Heh, I am afraid to suggest this because I am unsure how I feel about it. But mechanically it is simple, narratively makes sense enough.


In the Short Rest spell point system:

Energy = full spell caster level + 1
Cost = spell slot

Until the end of the next Short Rest, one can only exert the highest available slot once. (The first hour of a Long Rest also refreshes Energy.)


Example:

Level 6 Wizard
Energy = 7 points

• Fireball costs 3 points, which is the highest exertion available and can only be done once.
• Invisiblity costing 2 points.
• Shield costing 1 point, cast twice.

this is a good variant.

but, I would either:

1. everyone recharges on Short rest, except HP and HDs
2. everyone recharges on Long rest

 

[SkidAce]

A 'psychic healer' is an important concept, both in modern popculture and in premodern cultures.

Like a Telepath can interact with any mind, a Psykinetic can interact with any mass, a Metamorph can interact with any body.

spock and the horta

 

[Xeviat]

@Xeviat, do you see your Elementalist class as a psionic class? curious

Nah, I meant it to be more generic. Someone could play it that way, though.

I'm working on an expansion right now, actually!

 

[Corinnguard]

I'm working on an expansion right now, actually!

More of everything, I hope. New elements, new augments, new adaptations...