Psionics Psimplified

[dead]

I want to introduce psionics to my game but I'm not too keen on all the math in the current WotC "Psionics Handbook" . . . what with power points, separate favoured attributes for each psionic "school", etc.

So . . . to simplify things, I wanted to use the Sorcerer class as a template for a new "Psionisist" class that I would create (like in 2E). However, I'm completely at a loss to decide what "prime requisite" this new take on the Psion will have. I want only ONE attribute to determine its ability to manifest powers, so would the "prime requisite" for my simplified Psion be Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma?

In the old 2E "Complete Psionics Handbook" the prime requisite for a Psionisist is Wisdom and Constitution.

I was thinking of adding up Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma and dividing by three to come up with a "Psi-talent" score. So, if you had 10 INT, 18 WIS, 7 CHR, that would be: 35 divided by 3 = 11.67 or rounded down to 11. This score would determine the level of powers you can manifest, the bonus powers you have for a high "Psi-talent" score, and the bonus you add to the DC of ALL the powers you manifest (no matter what school).

This solution greatly disadvantages the Psion, however, because it means you have to have high scores in 3 attributes as opposed to just 1 like the Wizard, Cleric, and Sorcerer.

So, if you had to choose, which attribute would be a Psion's "prime requisite"?

 

[Psion]

Since in XPH, it's intelligence regardless of specialty, I'd say intelligence.

But I must say, your psi talent score doesn't sound simpler.

 

[Spatula]

You should look at the XPH (or the psionics section of the current SRD), since it fixes those problems.

In the XPH, psions use Intelligence to manifest their powers, psychic warriors use Wisdom, and wilders (a new class) use Charisma.

In my own game, I've ruled that psions use either Int, Wis, or Cha, depending on their primary discipline. I dislike Intelligence as THE stat for psions - Wisdom makes the most sense of the three, IMO, if you're going to pick a single stat.

 

[dead]

You should look at the XPH (or the psionics section of the current SRD), since it fixes those problems.

In the XPH, psions use Intelligence to manifest their powers, psychic warriors use Wisdom, and wilders (a new class) use Charisma.

In my own game, I've ruled that psions use either Int, Wis, or Cha, depending on their primary discipline. I dislike Intelligence as THE stat for psions - Wisdom makes the most sense of the three, IMO, if you're going to pick a single stat.

Forgive me folks. I don't own the XPH. Sounds like I should pick it up.

So, in the XPH, do Psions *have* to pick a favoured school because I wasn't very keen on this. I like the idea of being a "generalist".

 

[Taluron]

The XPH does have only 'specialst' psions but it's much less harsh than in the 3.0 psionics. Mainly different class skills and some 'specialist only' powers. You can take a look at the SRD to see the basics of the 3.5 rules.

 

[Zappo]

You have to "specialize", but rather than preventing you from using certain powers (like wizard specialization), a psionic discipline gives you access to more powers. A bit like a cleric domain. Pick up the XPH, or read the psionics rules in the SRD, it's a lot better than the PsiHB.

 

[Aaron2]

Forgive me folks. I don't own the XPH. Sounds like I should pick it up.

How much of the XPH is in the SRD? Enough to play a psionic character?


Aaron

 

[CRGreathouse]

How much of the XPH is in the SRD? Enough to play a psionic character?

Almost all of it -- except for a few monsters, it's pretty well complete.

 

[Thanee]

In my own game, I've ruled that psions use either Int, Wis, or Cha, depending on their primary discipline. I dislike Intelligence as THE stat for psions - Wisdom makes the most sense of the three, IMO, if you're going to pick a single stat.

I'd think Charisma makes more sense, projecting one's will and all that.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Piratecat]

I agree, the XPH has much better psionic rules. I'm very glad I bought the book. Here's a link to a formatted SRD to get a preview of them.

http://www.d20srd.org/