Psionics: Do you use 'em or did you lose 'em

[pogre]

I use core rules only, which means I don't have to ban them - right? Even if they were part of the core rules I would ban them - not as overpowered, but just from a flavor standpoint. The same reason I ban Monks - nothing wrong with them I just don't like them from a flavor point of view.

 

[francisca]

I've never used them as a player or DM in any edition.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I like psionics fine,but not so much as a player. As a DM I only allow certain race specific creatures to use the expanded psionics rules.

 

[Wombat]

I've been in a few games over the years that had psionics. If it was a sci fi game, I grudgingly accepted the powers; if it was fantasy, I did not.

Why? For me, psionics just feels massively out of place in fantasy. "Psionics" sounds like "scientifically explained magic"; in other words, "same product, different packaging".

So, no, I don't use psionics and probably never will, unless forced to do so.

 

[sjmiller]

My answer would be "I only consider using psionics in an SF or maybe a modern game." I do not like using psionics in a fantasy game. It's like allowing flashlights in a dungeon, sort of ruins the effect for me.

 

[zeo_evil]

I don't mind them much. Could sometimes ruin the flavor of a campaign. Like I might say okay if we are in an Underdark campaign but not in a Cormyr game unless there was a good reason. Have only seen maybe three psionic characters since 3rd edition but never before then. We have a game coming up that will feature them so I guess I better bone up. I couldn't vote in the poll. Should have had an, "I'm neutral about them." option.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

I voted for the only use them if the setting demands it option. As we mainly play fantasy, psionics does not seem to fit too well. In our group, there are 5 DMs: two would never use psionics, myself and another would only use it if forced to by the setting but another guy would most likely put it in if one of us asked - which as you can see we wouldn't.

... so I guess I better bone up.

I know what you mean... it's just that that expression means something slightly different down here in Australia than what it does over your way. Gotta love the English language and the confusion and mirth it can cause - I'm still laughing.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Jeff Wilder]

I hate psionics in "standard" D&D. (I own literally every WotC 3.0 and 3.5 product except those that are psionic-oriented.) If I were to use psionics, it would be as a replacement for magic. I'm not really anti-psionic in fantasy -- I love the Deryni books -- but I dislike mixing psionics and other magic: it just feels like a kludge, and D&D already has a little too much of a Kitchen Sink feel to it, IMO.

 

[Samnell]

I'm in the odd position where a just-started PBEM ended up with currently 2 15th level psions, a seer and a shaper. The party presently has no divine magic and very little arcane for the level. It's going to be very interesting and different. The most I've ever had previously was a lone PC, and a psiwar at that.

 

[Gez]

Like 'em. But mostly as a DM. I haven't played a psionic character yet. Not because I don't like them, but because I like other archetypes more.