Psionics

[drothgery]

It seems to me that given 4e-style niche protection, the energy power blasting ought to go, at least as a major schtick (this is clearly the domain of 4e arcanists in general, and wizards in particular). And that probably goes for astral constructs as well (summoning really belongs to a dedicated Summoner). Mind-altering powers definitely should be one of the better psionic options (and probably the one thing the psion [or possibly telepath] best at).

As for ectoplasm... never really bothered me much.

 

[Nymrohd]

Well on one of the interviews it seems psionic and primal are posed to be in PHB2

 

[Sir Brennen]

Well, as there will probably be more than one class with a psionic (or is it "psychic" now? See the sample warlock's fey powers) power source, perhaps the snot will only be used by the BoogerCaster class.

Kahuna, while a "always-on" telepath may feel more accurate from a fictional genre standpoint, in a game, it's typically very unbalancing, and even plot-ruining. I've seen RPG's with entire sections devoted to "dealing with telepathic characters". I think 4e telepathic abilities will follow the same limited use model as other power's we've seen.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Well on one of the interviews it seems psionic and primal are posed to be in PHB2

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[The Ubbergeek]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Learn about it and you will love it too.

Wished there was a dm around who loved it...

 

[Kahuna Burger]

call it ... the Force, or whatever. But don't put sci-fi terms in my fantasy...

um, is this one of those "Star Wars isn't sci fi" things?

 

[Kahuna Burger]

Kahuna, while a "always-on" telepath may feel more accurate from a fictional genre standpoint, in a game, it's typically very unbalancing, and even plot-ruining. I've seen RPG's with entire sections devoted to "dealing with telepathic characters". I think 4e telepathic abilities will follow the same limited use model as other power's we've seen.

If telepathy is thrown on top of a system, then I agree that can happen. However, if it's integrated, I don't think that needs to be a problem. (or any more of a problem than the existance of divination spells). IME, most of the overpowering effects of psionics (or any other optional/house ruled system) come from throwing it into a world which is built as if the new factor never existed before.

 

[Matrix Sorcica]

um, is this one of those "Star Wars isn't sci fi" things?

No, but it is not a "modern" word. It's a good word for something controlled by the mind, the user's own strength, etc. If the connection to SW it too strong, try the Power, The Talent, The Gift etc.

 

[Matrix Sorcica]

But what about the snot?

If it is cthulhuesque blob of goo that must be consumed in ungodly rituals to power the mentalist, I'm all for it.

As a ghostbusters product placement, it needs to go.

Damn, double post!

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I like my science-fiction aspects in fantasy. Though... This could probably be chocked up to mostly a personal thing. Given my first 4E campaign has; Victorian-Steampunk, God-Machines, Reality/Energy Ley Lines that are tracked by machines, etc.

But I don't see why various things people dislike wouldn't work for psionics.

Ectoplasm: While yes, ectoplasm came into being in the 19th century. I think it is an important aspect of psionics and the spirit-world. It just needs to be reworked more properly, it can be "strands of fiber, like spider-web that twinkles in the light but vanishes when touched."

Energy: While hurling fireballs and acid is quite out there. There are psionic methods of combative-energy such as; pyrokinesis or thermokinesis.

I would love to see some passive abilities with telapathy too, perhaps bonuses to passive perception or insight?