The role of psions in the party

[Davelozzi]

Considering that 3e game balance is built around the assumption of a four character party, how do you envision psions fitting into the party? Do they fill the role of the arcane spellcaster, replacing wizards and sorcerors. Or do they fit into one of the other three major class roles (divine spellcaster, combat specialists, or skill specialists)? Or do you think they fit none of these rolls, forming a fifth category, and fitting best in a five person party rather than the standard four?

 

[Tsyr]

Five person party role.

I think they _can_ replace an arcane spellcaster, at least at the higher levels... at lower levels, I think you almost have to use one of the assorted rule mods for them (Scaling damage, more PP, something) for them to be an equal to a wizard in terms of artillery.

Yes, they are more flexible, I know. But in terms of filling a specific role in the "quintesential four person adventuring party", they really don't.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Fighter, mage, thief, and cleric are the "core" classes. They are specialists and are good at their job because of it. However, they are also highly dependent on each other (one could argue a case for a cleric of war being more independent, but really the "core four" need each other).

Psions are not one of the core four. Ergo, they fall into this wishy-washy area and that causes some people to state -- incorectly -- that they aren't as good. However, I would submit that psions are amazing in a city adventure where there are a lot of minds to play with.

Biggus Geekus

PS Take my words with a grain of salt. I'm the guy who thinks rangers are fine the way they are.

 

[Fayredeth]

Seeing as how the arcane spell list and the psionic powers listed in the PsiHB have a lot of crossovers, I would say that a psion would fit the role of the wizard/sorceror in the quadclassed party system. I view psionics as just a different way of doing arcane magic, seeing how there are so many similarities with the powers and items.

This similarity is also an easy way of playing psionics as a different form of arcane magic, with the same difference from a wizard as a sorceror. It is a good solution for avoiding the "futuristic" aspect of psionics that some people (including myself) get, and making psionics work the same as magic makes it easier to fit the system into a "traditional" Dungeons and Dragons setting.

 

[Thaumaturge]

With Empathic Transfer and Lesser Body Adjustment, the Psion can become the cleric of the party when necessary. With concussion he can be the damage dealer. With the Claw powers he can stand and fight (a little Claw of the Vamp when he is low on HP). With the telepathy discipline he becomes the face man of the party. Very flexible class which is limited by the imagination of the player. He can fill any niche as long as her remains focused.


Thaumaturge.