Psionics DC: based on d20 or on flat 10

[lukelightning]

10+mods. The rolling D20 method is just an extra step, and reeks too much of "psionics must be special."

Psionics are an ability just like every other one in the game...spells and extraordinary and supernatural and spell-like abilities all use 10+mods...why should psionics be different?

 

[Kanegrundar]

D'oh! You're right. We';ve only used the XPH a couple times, but used the old Psionics book more regularly (before everyone quit using it). Forgot my RAW for a minute.

Kane

 

[Henry]

How about now?

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

Fair Warning:

I played a PW for 4 total levels, and never had any opponent fall prey to an external psionic effect of mine using the 10+ method. PW's are stinky, and don't you dare multiclass! IMO, evens psions are weaker than say sorcerers or wizards at low levels.

The average roll on a d20 is suposed to be 10 1/2, so maybe that would be the route to go, but that 2 1/2% statistical advantage is probably not a good trade off for the unpredictability. Playing at mid-high levels might offer a better roleplay experience, but I'm just supposing.

 

[Nyeshet]

I use 10 + mods, the default.

If you wish to use something more variable but are hesitant about using a d20, why not use 2d10? About half the time it will be within a two points of 11, and 9/10s of the time it will be from 5-17. Only very rarely will it be the extremes. Thus you can have some variety while also keeping (more or less) close to 10 + mods.

 

[Yair]

It seems 10+ is the way to go. Well, either that or tacos.

 

[reveal]

I do love me some tacos. I might have to hit up Taco Bell for lunch today...

The new Crunchwrap Supreme is good. We had it last night.

 

[Voadam]

Having varying DCs was neat, and gave you a shot against much more powerful opponents.

But in practice, I find it's not worth tracking the extra rolls. Fewer rolls, less in-game math = smoother pace and less accounting = good.

Agreed.

Unnecessary extra dice rolling and computations slows things down, particularly in combat.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

The new Crunchwrap Supreme is good. We had it last night.

Damn you all to hell. Now I'm hungry. At least it wasn't the Tendercrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch...then I'd have that song stuck in hy head all....oh, dammit.

In an all psionic campaign, I'd go with 10+. In a mixed campaign, it gives it a little something different and doesn't complicate things overmuch.

 

[Ace]

I'd use the core method of 10+spell level+ability mod as per the XPH.

As would I. It is more consistant with the other magic rules and slightly faster in play. In a Psi only game though, I might try the random system for flavor.