Psionics Opinion

[Archimedes]

I really enjoy the idea of psionics - I'm not completely thrilled with the rules, but then again, I'm not completely thrilled with a lot of things in 3rd Edition. Where it stands, though, is that I'd enjoy using psionics in my campaign, save for two things - I find that integrating it, in character, seems slightly awkward, and, moreover, I dislike the actual use of the system. It seems so little supported, that it makes it difficult to run alongside 'traditional' classes... ok, so I'm not explaining this well. What I think it boils down to is that, while I love the idea of psionics, I tend to only have the time to run pregenerated modules, and I dislike the idea of only the PC(s) being psionic, since I rarely find something with others.

I know EXACTLY where you're coming from.

Do you think WotC would have had better support for Psionics if the rules had been better?

Sam

 

[Archimedes]

Re: Psionics Greatest Weakness

I can live with the PC weakness. I don't want psionics to sound/feel just like:
1) a wizard without a spellbook,
2) a sorcerer who uses the point system, or
3) an arcane spellcaster with different names for the same things.

This, and the comic bookish feel of the system, are the main problems I'm having with Psionics.

I wouldn't be surprised if I'm breaking some kind of board etiquette rules with all these piddly 'me too' replies. I'll pack it up for tonight. Over and out.

Sam

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

We weren't unable to use the system until now, though at least one master already allowed it.
I made some psionic characters using the standard system via PCGen, and they looked quite interesting, though I cannot say much about their balance or power.

For my Dragonstar-based campaign, I will use them.

I will probably change the psionic combat system, because it seems to complicated, and maybe I will use some modification like in "if thougts could kill". (I consider even buying it, but probably I can't use the adventure... We will see)

Secondary Disciplines seem to be a nice idea. My main idea is allowing to use any powers if your main ability score is high enough, but using the corrosponding ability score for setting DCs. (Don`t know if this will be really fair. But even without this, it seemed possibly - with the intensive use of stat increasing equipment - to make a fine and relatively flexible psion)

For psionic combat, I think I will allow to use any power as a psionic attack, which force a psionic defense...

Mustrum Ridcully

 

[Garmorn]

For my Dragonstar-based campaign, I will use them.

I will probably change the psionic combat system, because it seems to complicated, and maybe I will use some modification like in "if thougts could kill". (I consider even buying it, but probably I can't use the adventure... We will see)

For psionic combat, I think I will allow to use any power as a psionic attack, which force a psionic defense...

Mustrum Ridcully [/B]

I have found just the most basic changes form ITCK are a major improvement. As for psionic combat, I have been considering just droping it as it poorly writen and detracts from the fantsacy feeling. I am thinking of giving PW psicristales and pison bonus feats as wizards.

 

[Voneth]

For psionic combat, I think I will allow to use any power as a psionic attack, which force a psionic defense...

Mustrum Ridcully

My solution to psionic combat was a bit of fluff for my game world.

Psi combat is a ritualized form of dueling between psionists. It replaces swords or pistols at 10 paces. It also represents a conduit of psi energy that is opened up between the two people for the duel, thus why the two are more senstive to the attacks (in regular DND, I understand the game balance of how non-psionis are tougher in psi combat. For fiction, I would never "get it"). I was even tempted to make a "psi duelist" prestige class on the idea.

 

[Monte At Home]

If Thoughts Could Kill

(I know, this is a shameless plug. Being in this business makes you shameless.)

Just so you know, (the ENnie Award nominated) If Thoughts Could Kill is available from us as a pdf. It's wrriten by Bruce Cordell himself, of course.

http://secure.white-wolf.com/catalog/default.tpl?point=16163

or from RPGNow:

http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=87&

But if you don't like downloads, you can get it in print from your local game store. You can also get it from WW mail order:

http://secure.white-wolf.com/catalog/default.tpl?point=16150

Or from on-line retailers like Talon or RPGShop.

However, I think we might be getting close to it running through its print run. We might reprint it (we did with Book of Eldritch Might), or we might not. We don't know yet. Just a heads-up.

Bruce is currently working on Mindscapes, another psionics supplement for us. This 96-page book offers all kinds of cool new psionics material, including a whole new variant psi-combat system. Not to mention more psionics monsters (which I think the system really needs).

 

[MJEggertson]

Re: If Thoughts Could Kill

Heh, I usually just ignore the whole psi-combat thing, I don't like it much.

Bruce is currently working on Mindscapes, another psionics supplement for us. This 96-page book offers all kinds of cool new psionics material, including a whole new variant psi-combat system. Not to mention more psionics monsters (which I think the system really needs).

Music to my ears. We can never have enough psi material...my modem awaits the day it's available at Malhavoc press.

 

[Archimedes]

Several people mentioned that psionic combat was broken. I certainly concur. The whole 'psions are more vulnerable' thing doesn’t work for me. I’d prefer a system where psions are immune to a telepath’s powers until that telepath broke through the psion’s defenses using psionic combat. That was one of the things that worked in the 2e system. I don’t like the ability damage either.

I don’t like the Psicraft skill. I’d prefer a system in which you can’t tell what a psion is cooking up until he’s done it. Psions really need that advantage over spellcasters.

Basing power points on level was a mistake. It doesn’t look that way at first, but it made assigning power points to monsters problematic. I’d prefer to calculate power points on powers known and the mental abilities of the Psion or creature, then it would be flexible enough for both characters and monsters.

Sam

 

[Archimedes]

Re: If Thoughts Could Kill

Just so you know, (the ENnie Award nominated) If Thoughts Could Kill is available from us as a pdf. It's wrriten by Bruce Cordell himself, of course.

Wasn’t Bruce Cordell the guy who wrote The Illithiad? That was a really good supplement.

Bruce is currently working on Mindscapes, another psionics supplement for us. This 96-page book offers all kinds of cool new psionics material, including a whole new variant psi-combat system. Not to mention more psionics monsters (which I think the system really needs).

Yes, more psi-critters are badly needed.

Monte, is there any chance you can sneak us a preview of that new psi-combat system? You could consider it as advertising.

I’m done griping now. The next time I post about psionics it’ll be something constructive. At least I hope so.

Sam

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Well, Monte_At_Home, I live in Germany, which makes getting the PDF versions more difficult.
But I believe the print version is available by "Dragonworld" (a german retailer specialied on RPG Products of all kinds), and I might give it a try.

And I am looking forward to Mindscapes.

Mustrum Ridcully

(Hmm, buying the Psionic Handbook itself now might be a good idea, too. The SRD is nice, but not good enough... Hmm. What can I buy next. Shadowrun - Target: Wastelands? Or will I wait on the German version with extra material... )