Psions vs Wizards : DCs

[marune]

Hi, I noticed that Psions with augmentation can have 1 more point of DC than Clerics/Sorcerers/Wizards.

For example, a fully augmented Charm, Psionic cast by a 20th level Psion would have a DC of 20(10 + 1 + 9), and a hypothetic 9th level charm spell cast by a Wizard would have a DC of 19(10 + 9). Of course, I did not include the ability modifier factor.

I don't want to start another balance war between Psion and other spellcasters, but I really don't like this little advantage. What do you think about it?

 

[irdeggman]

Hi, I noticed that Psions with augmentation can have 1 more point of DC than Clerics/Sorcerers/Wizards.

For example, a fully augmented Charm, Psionic cast by a 20th level Psion would have a DC of 20(10 + 1 + 9), and a hypothetic 9th level charm spell cast by a Wizard would have a DC of 19(10 + 9). Of course, I did not include the ability modifier factor.

I don't want to start another balance war between Psion and other spellcasters, but I really don't like this little advantage. What do you think about it?

I don't think a +1 DC at 20th level is anything that makes a difference really.

Remember that in in order to use a metapsionic feat requires expending your psionic focus while using a metamagic feat does not.

Regaining you focus requires a full-round action, unless you have psionic mediation (the feat) which makes it a move action. Either way a psion is more limited in how he can use metapsionic feats because he loses actions in the process.

 

[Lokishadow]

Also keep in mind that said psion is effectively paying the cost of casting a roughly 10th level spell (at least 9.5) instead of a vanilla (!) 9th level wizard spell.

But then, I prefer (gasp!) 1st edition spells and psionics. I LIKE overpowered characters. It means I get to throw horrendous beasties at them.

-Loki

 

[Sithobi1]

I think you mean 10.5 level spell, Loki

 

[Lokishadow]

I think you mean 10.5 level spell, Loki

Haven't played in 2 years. Too much work, kung fu, military, child, and spouse. I'm a little rusty. So I missed by half a point. Cut me some slack.

No, I'm not trying to piss you off, I just have an abrasive sense of humor.

 

[Enforcer]

Yeah, I think the disparity is mitigated by the higher pp cost for the psion. Also that the wizard's spells usually augment for free whereas a psion's usually do not (e.g. A 10th level wizard's fireball does 10d6 with a 3rd-level spell slot, a 10d6 energy ball from a 10th level psion, who's either a kineticist or took Expanded Knowledge, costs 10 pp--the equivalent of a 5.5 level spell).

I think this difference (and using the fixed DC augmentation of energy missle and similarly broken powers as in Complete Psionic) is what keeps wizards and psions different but balanced.

 

[Infiniti2000]

I don't want to start another balance war between Psion and other spellcasters, but I really don't like this little advantage. What do you think about it?

As evidenced in all responses so far, I think it's impossible to discuss it without discussing the balance war between Psions and other spellcasters.

 

[Enforcer]

Yeah, and I'm guilty for ignoring the OP's request. But you can't really say "the psion gets X and the wizard doesn't and that's unfair" without comparing other balancing factors that make it fair.

 

[Henry]

The particular difference you note only occurs after 18th level. It's really not a big consideration to me, as a result, since we rarely play so high.

 

[Infiniti2000]

To those noting it's not a big difference, I'll point out that it's the equivalent of a free feat, and big enough that WotC decided to nerf that feat in 3.5.