[Psionics]

[James McMurray]

Should I allow these feats in my campaign? They are from the Mind's Eye section of WotC's website.

Resculpt Mind [Psionic]
Prerequisites: Psion only, manifester level 3rd+
Benefit: Instead of gaining a new psionic combat mode when you go up a level, you instead choose any metapsionic feat, gaining it as a bonus feat. You now choose to gain a metapsionic feat or a psionic combat mode at each level you normally qualify for a new psionic combat mode (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th).
You still have the option of gaining four of the five the psionic combat modes you gave up for bonus metapsionic feats, at levels 13th, 15th, 17th, and 19th, respectively. You may not give up psionic combat modes for bonus metapsionic feats at these higher levels.

This could get fairly nasty, considering it would give the psion in question 2 metamagic feats for the cost of a regular feat. The character would be picking up the feat at 9th level, thus trading in two fairly useless combat modes for two very useful feats.

Fortify Power [Metapsionic]
You can manifest powers to greater effect.
Benefit: All variable, numeric effects of an fortified power are increased by one-quarter (minimum of 1). A fortified power deals an extra twenty-five percent damage, cures twenty-five percent as many hit points, affects twenty-five percent more targets, and so on, as appropriate. For example, a fortified lesser concussion deals twenty-five percent more damage (roll 1d6 and multiply the result by 1.25, with a minimum extra damage of 1). Saving throws and opposed rolls (such as the one you make when you manifest negate psionics) are not affected. Powers without random variables are not affected. A fortified power costs a number of power points equal to its standard cost + 2.
Special: You can apply Fortify Power to the same power multiple times. Each time you apply it, the power is fortified another twenty-five percent, and it costs 2 more power points. For instance, a lesser concussion fortified 3 times deals 1d6 x 1.75 damage for a cost of 7 power points. You can't break the power point limit of the manifester level minus one when using Fortify Power multiple times on the same power. Thus, an 8th-level manifester could have used the power as described in the above example, while a 7th-level caster could not, though he could use Fortify Power twice on lesser concussion so that it deals 1d6 x 1.5 damage, for a cost of 5 power points.

Much like Empower Spell, but even more versatile. Of course, psion powers don't scale with level, so it usually wouldn't be as devestating as stacked empowers can be.

Chain Power [Metapsionic]
You can manifest powers that arc to other targets in addition to the primary target.
Prerequisite: Any other metapsionic feat.
Benefit: You can chain any power that specifies a single target and has a range greater than touch. The chained power affects that target (the primary target) normally, then arcs to a number of secondary targets equal to your manifester level. Each arc affects one secondary target. You choose the secondary targets as you like, but they must all be within 30 feet of the primary target, and no target can be affected more than once. You can affect fewer secondary targets than the maximum.
If the chained power deals damage, the secondary targets each take half as many dice of damage as the primary target (rounded down) and can attempt Reflex saving throws for half of the secondary damage. For powers that do not deal points of damage, the save DCs against arcing effects are reduced by 4. For example, a 16th-level psion manifests a chained baleful teleport on a nearby githzerai and can specify up to ten secondary targets. The githzerai, as primary target, must make a Will save against DC 17, while those affected by the secondary arcs save against DC 13.
A chained power costs a number of power points equal to its standard cost +6.

This could be very troublesome, given that it would allow chained Disintigrates to be done.

Augment Construction [Psionic]
Prerequisite: Manifester level 2nd+.
Benefit: Astral constructs you create with the astral construct powers gain +1 hit point per Hit Die and a +1 competence bonus on attack and damage rolls.

This is not overpowering, but would be taken mainly as a bridge to other construct enhancing feats. (see below)

Extended Construction [Psionic]
You gain an increased duration on your manifested astral constructs.
Prerequisite: Manifester level 3rd+, Augment Construction, Ecto Manipulation.
Benefit: Astral constructs that you manifest have a duration of 1 minute per manifester level instead of their normal duration. For example a 13th-level psion manifests astral construct VI, creating a single type VI construct with a duration of 13 minutes

constructs that last normally for a single encounter would last through several if they happened in rapid succession.

Ecto Manipulation [Psionic]
You can manifest a more powerful astral construct at the expense of flexibility.
Prerequisite: Manifester level 3rd+, Augment Construction.
Benefit: When you manifest an astral construct, you can trade in two abilities from the same menu for an ability from the next highest menu. For example when manifesting astral construct VI you can trade in two Menu B selections for a single Menu C selection.

Doesn't look too bad to me. This basically allows the construct to trade abilties up. Normally you can trade abilities down (i.e. 1 C ability trades for 2 A abilities.

Empower Construction [Psionic]
You can manifest astral constructs with additional special abilities.
Prerequisite: Augment Construction
Benefit: Astral constructs you create with the astral construct powers gain one additional special ability. The ability must be from a menu that the construct can legally choose from. This ability cannot be traded in for choices from lesser menus, as is normally the case.

Could really be useful with the above feats.

Psionic Infusion [Psionic]
You can use your free 0-level manifestations to decrease the power point cost of manifesting a power.
Prerequisite: 1st-level psion or psychic warrior.
Benefit: When manifesting a power, you can trade in two of your free 0-level manifestations to reduce the cost to manifest the power by 1 power point.
Special: You can apply this feat multiple times to the power as it is manifested. A power that has its cost reduced to 0 is manifested for free.

Is trading 0-level powers for a power point a viable use of a feat?

There is also a feat called advanced Construction which basically gives more abilities that Astral Constructs can have. Currently the list is fairly decent, but restrictive.

Thanks for your help folks!

 

[thegreatbuddha]

I wouldn't allow Chain Power, but the rest of themn aren't too bad. If the psion in question has Psychofeedback, he can throw out a Chained Disintegrate at higher levels that has a DC in the mid to high 100s.

 

[James McMurray]

No feedback ability, but the DC for the guy is already 16 +1d20. Against a lot of straight from the book monsters, that's more than enough. Especially against undead.

Of course, we rule that disintigrate destroys gear as well, so it isn't as frequently used in our group as in others.

 

[Zhure]

Resculpt Mind is very powerful, especially if taken at 3rd level. I house rule it as any mode traded in for a feat is gone. That seems to balance it somewhat, otherwise every Psion of 3rd level and above will take this.

Fortify Power seems to work just fine. It's so similar to Empower Spell, if you allow the one, you should allow the other.

Chain Power is the same as Chain Spell. Allowing one means you should allow the other.

If anything Augment Construction is weak.

Extended Construction seems really powerful at first, but let me point out that rarely do fights occur within 20 minutes anyway. The danger is that it's not a metapsionic feat, so it can be extended to boot. I think it probably should've been metapsionic +2 or so.

Ectomanipulation seems ok. It'd certainly make lower level AC's more useful at high levels, other than to set off traps.

Empower Construction suffers from not being metapsionic, so it's one of those things a Shaper about has to have. I tend to like it not at all.

I do not like Psionic Infusion. It gives away 11 free power points by 20th level and is thus far far better than Inner Strength.

My opinions,
Greg

 

[Destil]

This could get fairly nasty, considering it would give the psion in question 2 metamagic feats for the cost of a regular feat. The character would be picking up the feat at 9th level, thus trading in two fairly useless combat modes for two very useful feats.

Resculpt mind is a poorly concevied patch to some of the minor issues with psions (lack of bonus feats because of combat modes, despite the near useless of psionic combat). I wouldn't allow it. If you think psions could use some help (many do) then give all psions the benifits of this feat from level 1. If you don't, ignore it.

Much like Empower Spell, but even more versatile. Of course, psion powers don't scale with level, so it usually wouldn't be as devestating as stacked empowers can be.

Indeed, if you don't any allow power scaling variants this is fine, and even if you do it should work well.

This could be very troublesome, given that it would allow chained Disintigrates to be done.

Disintigrate does not specify a target, it has an Effect: Ray. So it's inelagable for this power.

This is not overpowering, but would be taken mainly as a bridge to other construct enhancing feats. (see below)

Then allow it and worry about the later feats in the chain on their own merits.

constructs that last normally for a single encounter would last through several if they happened in rapid succession.

Yeah, this is a 10x empower, in effect, with no added PP cost. While it's fine at low levels, around the time you get the 4th level power this would make them very powerful. As a comprmise I'd allow that feat only by increasing the mafisting time: So 2 full rounds of manifistation gives you a construct that lasts two round / level. For one to last this long would take 10 full rounds (I'd also cap it at 10, so 1 minuit / level would be the maxmum). As is I wouldn't allow it.

Doesn't look too bad to me. This basically allows the construct to trade abilties up. Normally you can trade abilities down (i.e. 1 C ability trades for 2 A abilities.

No, nor to me... it also only works with AC II, III, V and VI. I'd be a little careful with it, it could make AC II and V very powerful with a good choice. Looks ok, but I think I'd really need to play-test it. I'd definatly allow it if you traded three powers to get one on the next list.

Could really be useful with the above feats.

Indeed. Clearly you shouldn't be able to trade the power up with the previous feat, either, even though that's not specified. I'd allow it.

Is trading 0-level powers for a power point a viable use of a feat?

I'd allow it. Psions are really all about flexibility, after all.

 

[James McMurray]

Resculpt Mind is very powerful, especially if taken at 3rd level. I house rule it as any mode traded in for a feat is gone. That seems to balance it somewhat, otherwise every Psion of 3rd level and above will take this.

That sounds like a good house rule for it.

Fortify Power seems to work just fine. It's so similar to Empower Spell, if you allow the one, you should allow the other.

That's what I was thinking. It is a bit better than Empower in that it specifically mentions being able to stack uses of it so there can be no confusion. It also has the benefit of added flexibility.

Chain Power is the same as Chain Spell. Allowing one means you should allow the other.

There's soundness to that. I've allowed Chain Spell in the past, but it had some difficulties as well.

If anything Augment Construction is weak.

I don't think its too weak. +1 to hit and damage can stack up fairly quickly. +1 hit point per die is also nice. The true benefit of this is at lower levels though, when foes have fewer hitpoints and do less damage. At high levels, it won't be much benefit.

Extended Construction seems really powerful at first, but let me point out that rarely do fights occur within 20 minutes anyway.

I don't know about that. If you are in a situtation where ou are exploring a ruin or assaulting a complex of some sort, many fights will tend to happen in a relatively short amount of time.

The danger is that it's not a metapsionic feat, so it can be extended to boot. I think it probably should've been metapsionic +2 or so.

That might be a good fix. +2 would make it much better than Extend. I think its limited use should make it better than extend, but maybe +4 or +6 would be more balanced? You still get 10 times the effect for 2 or 3 times the cost.

Empower Construction suffers from not being metapsionic, so it's one of those things a Shaper about has to have. I tend to like it not at all.

What do you mean by that? How is not being metapsionic bad for this feat?

I do not like Psionic Infusion. It gives away 11 free power points by 20th level and is thus far far better than Inner Strength.

True, but you do have to give something up for those power points. At 20th level it is better than Inner Strength, but at 1st it wouldn't be. Maybe trading three for 1 PSP would be better?

 

[James McMurray]

Re: Re: [Psionics]

Resculpt mind is a poorly concevied patch to some of the minor issues with psions (lack of bonus feats because of combat modes, despite the near useless of psionic combat). I wouldn't allow it. If you think psions could use some help (many do) then give all psions the benifits of this feat from level 1. If you don't, ignore it.

I don't know that it should be a bonus feat, but I do like the idea of making the modes be forever given up.

Indeed, if you don't any allow power scaling variants this is fine, and even if you do it should work well.

I haven't seen any power scaling variants yet that I'll allow.

Disintigrate does not specify a target, it has an Effect: Ray. So it's inelagable for this power.

True, I hadn't thought of this. There are other powers as destructive as disintigrat though, which could make this a powerful feat. I allowed Chain Spell and had problems with it. I think I'll disallow this for now.

Yeah, this is a 10x empower, in effect, with no added PP cost. While it's fine at low levels, around the time you get the 4th level power this would make them very powerful. As a comprmise I'd allow that feat only by increasing the mafisting time: So 2 full rounds of manifistation gives you a construct that lasts two round / level. For one to last this long would take 10 full rounds (I'd also cap it at 10, so 1 minuit / level would be the maxmum). As is I wouldn't allow it.

That might work. What do you think about making it metapsionic (at +4 or +6 PSPs)?

Indeed. Clearly you shouldn't be able to trade the power up with the previous feat, either, even though that's not specified. I'd allow it.

True.

I'd allow it. Psions are really all about flexibility, after all.

So now we have one for and one against. Any tie breakers?

 

[Shard O'Glase]

Resculpt Mind: basically a patch because they realized psions needed bonus feats to be competative. It's fine IOW.

Fortify Power: basically empower though slightly better since it is mroe flexible, but since psions powers don't scale it needs to belsightly better IMO.

Chain Power I've in practice found this a bit weak on the chain spell end, The psions d20 roll thing might make this brutal on some occasions. but that -4 to the DC thing generally makes it so even when targeting a weak save opponents of any note have a decent chance of success so you blow a high level spell(lots of PP) for nothing.

Augment Construction I think its weak for a feat even at low levels. Not a compleat waste, but I'd only take it because its a rpe-req for some decent feats.

Extended Construction It's good, but IMO, it just fixes the duration of summons to what they should be. SM spells are weak, Astral constructs are weaker, the round based duration was just silly.

Ectomanipulation decent feat, but something that shouldn't of needed of feat to do anyway IMO.

Empower Construction since you can't trade down, I wouldn't let them trade up, so I think it's fine.

Psionic Infusion I like it, effectively gives a decent # of PP but not for free.

 

[Zad]

Well, I never knew that stuff was out there. And I'm playing a psion in a new campaign who does a lot of constructs/metacreativity.

Thanks. I have some reading to do.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

A post on psionics, and no one invited me?

All are fine, IMO.

For Resculpt Mind, you might want to drop it and give psions bonus feats every five levels. Note that Bruce Cordell intended for it to work with psionic and item creation feats as well.

It's only problem is that it's a bit front-loaded.

Please note that you cannot give up combat modes granted by psychic warrior or PrC levels - only psion levels.