D&D 5E Psionics in a sci-fi D&D

[Paul Farquhar]

Is paranormal generally read as being closer to the mundane than supernatural? (But then I think of X-files and I guess not).

Paranormal includes subnatural as well as supernatural.

 

[Cadence]

Paranormal includes subnatural as well as supernatural.

What definition are you using for subnatural and do you have a favorite relevant sentence?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

What definition are you using for subnatural and do you have a favorite relevant sentence?

Maybe?

 

[Cadence]

Maybe?

I'd appreciate if you did, because without it I'm struggling with your last post (and a quick Google didn't help).

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I'd appreciate if you did, because without it I'm struggling with your last post (and a quick Google didn't help).

"sub-": less than
"natural": existing in or derived from nature

Example sentence: "Subnatural is a made up word that means whatever I want it to."

 

[Scars Unseen]

Tautologies are really getting out of hand, supernatural and paranormal are effectively synonyms. What's next, different rules for hand-to-hand combat and melee?

They aren't effectively synonyms within the context of comparing science fiction and fantasy.

As for "what's next," how about this. Nothing you say about magic, psychic abilities, definitions of paranormal and how it compares to definitions of supernatural or anything else will change the following:

Psionics in a sci-fi D&D​

Whatever you think about any of the above, this entire thread is about implementing psionics in a sci-fi setting of 5E, so for the purposes of this thread, psionics is sci-fi, not fantasy.

 

[Crimson Longinus]

They aren't effectively synonyms within the context of comparing science fiction and fantasy.

How? Explain an actual functional metaphysical difference, not one that is merely circular semantics.

Whatever you think about any of the above, this entire thread is about implementing psionics in a sci-fi setting of 5E, so for the purposes of this thread, psionics is sci-fi, not fantasy.

I am glad someone remembers what the topic of the thread was. Most people seemed to instantly ignore it, and merely started talking about introducing psionics into fantasy D&D.

But in scifi context the answer is super easy: psionics is what you call magic in scifi. And as there is no actual magic in scifi, no separation is needed and there is no possibility of confusion.

 

[Hussar]

The definition of what is and isn't science in fiction is entirely defined within the fiction itself. Their plausibility outside of fiction is irrelevant. It's why science fiction that falls outside of the narrow category of "hard sci-fi" is still called science fiction and not fantasy. Magic is magic because the fiction defines as so. When magic isn't magic, but just "sufficiently advanced science," again, it's because the fiction defines it so. If psionics is tapping into some "other," like the Force, then it could be plausibly compared to magic, but say if it's the result of using mechanical implants to harness and amplify unused portions of the brain, then it doesn't matter that the concept doesn't hold up under real world scientific scrutiny; pseudoscience is still within the purview of science in a fictional context, not magic.

No.

SF is defined by the themes of the story, not by the plausibility. Doctor Who is SF, not fantasy, because it deals with SF themes like what does it mean to be human, among other things, despite it's "science" being 100% magic, the lead character being a wizard with a magic wand. Doesn't matter - it's still SF because that's the themes. Shadowrun is fantasy, not SF, because it is pretty much D&D with a new coat of paint. You are dealing with issues, typically, revolving around good and evil. It might be evil vs bigger evil, but, it's not about the loss of humanity due to computerization.

SF and fantasy are not defined by "what is plausible".

 

[Hussar]

And, since we're in the topic of "Psionics in a Sci-Fi D&D", then the worry about wizards disappears. This isn't straight up D&D, so, wizards, presumably, wouldn't exist in the setting. So, why are we worried about wizards getting psionic spells?

IOW, we're apparently concerned about a purely hypothetical.

 

[Cadence]

@Morrus Regular magic in the game too?