Psionics: Yea or Nay?

[Mallus]

Speaking of having a number of kooky, incompatible, differently-implemented magic systems... doesn't the Palladium Fantasy game have this in spades?

 

[pawsplay]

Speaking of having a number of kooky, incompatible, differently-implemented magic systems... doesn't the Palladium Fantasy game have this in spades?

Yes, and it's pretty awesome. If it weren't for the wonky A.R./SDC rules, they would almost justify running it.

 

[Greg K]

I voted the second option. I have not been a fan of official psionics for any edition of D&D due to mechanics and many of the powers. Mechanically, I like a system like Green Ronin's Psychic's Handbook. Power wise, I prefer things like Animal Communication, Animal Control, Astral Projection, Telepathy, Mind Control, Telekinesis, and Clairsentience rather than reshaping the body into various weapons or materials.

 

[Celebrim]

In ERB's Mars series John Carter becomes telepathic in the first book. I think it's from contact with a machine but I can't recall.

No, it's because John has been a martian all along. Hense, his long life, natural telepathic ability, and ability to interbreed with the egg laying martians.

 

[Krensky]

Like any other power system (in the original sense, not the 4e sense), whether or not it belongs depends on the setting. Some settings shouldn't have priests working miracles (spells, whatever), some don't have arcane type magic of any sort, some have powers of the mind and inner strength, etc.

The 'fantasy' genre also has a strong history of it, and still does. Brust's Taltos series has at least six different types of magic (psionics/witchcraft, orb magic, old magic, chaos magic, divine pacts, and dwarven crafting. Darkover more or less a fantasy setting and is all psionics. For a recent example, Webber's War God series has three types of magic at work (magi, wizards, and champions).

So I voted yes. It needs to have a, reason's not the right word, but it should have a place in a world, just like wizards and clerics should before they exist. A good rule system should allow for magic other then the traditional D&D wizard (Vancian or otherwise).

 

[Mallus]

No, it's because John has been a martian all along. Hense, his long life, natural telepathic ability, and ability to interbreed with the egg laying martians.

That's what I assumed, but is it ever explicitly stated? I've only read the first three Barsoom books.

 

[pawsplay]

The magic of the Myth series is mostly psionic powers.

 

[Desdichado]

That's what I assumed, but is it every explicitly stated? I've read the first three Barsoom books.

Not that I've ever seen, no.

And if he was "always a Martian" he's got a bizarre appearance for one, not matching any of the current or historical Martian populations.

I don't buy it without a direct source.

 

[Goblyn]

Whenever I see discussions about the appropriateness of psionics in DnD I can't help but notice that a lot of those who don't like it dislike it because of it's sci-fi sounding names(which is a valid complaint, don't get me wrong. You don't need to strain your suspension of disbelief more than is absolutely necessary). But what if it was called something like Chi or, has been mentioned before, sorcery? Would there be the same problem with it, or is it the idea of 'magic from within yourself' that is unacceptable?

 

[pawsplay]

In many respects, Howard and Moorcock's stories were science-fictional, and Vance's obviously so. If you like your D&D more Tolkien and Alexander flavored, I can see how psionics might be jarring. Still, mental powers are integral to many mainstream fantasy books, including much of Lackey's work, Norton's Witchworld books, Stasheff, etc.