D&D (2024) We have Arcane, Divine, and Primal lists now. Why not Psionic?

[Kobold Avenger]

They should have a psionics spell list, I even suggested the Bard should be a class that uses it, but I know they just aren't going to bother for the PHB.

 

[Shadowedeyes]

So, my two cents, but first I will note a disclaimer that I am not exactly a Psionics fan. so right off the bat we can acknowledge a bit of bias on my part.

I see two issues with a Psionic list.
1) If there is not anyone using it, it does take up valuable page space. While there is an argument for future proofing the new edition, I don't think making a whole spell list for something that doesn't exist, and might not even work as a standard caster is a good idea. I suppose right now you could argue that the Bard in it's current form could have that added as an option for their spell list, meaning it would have some relevance however.
2) How would it be differentiated from the current spell lists? The easiest and most likely way would be cutting a lot of the classic Psionic stuff from the other lists, probably Enchantment and Illusion stuff along with a smattering of ESP, Telekinetic and other select stuff. Which might even be a good idea from a balance standpoint, but thematically means cutting out classic concepts like witches scrying through a mirror, wizards who specialize in illusion, which is a D&D staple, and maybe even stuff like Druids controlling animals, depending on what your putting on the new list.

 

[Minigiant]

it sounds like psionic+time, and chronomancy is a thing already too isn't it.

It is psionics + chronomancy + gravity magic + sound magic

A full Psionics spell would not have enough spell until it devotes a whole book to it.

Combining some psionics with chronugry, graviturgy, and some sound mage like lullaby and shatter into Astral raise the speed some psionics gets in.

 

[Charlaquin]

They should have a psionics spell list, I even suggested the Bard should be a class that uses it, but I know they just aren't going to bother for the PHB.

That was where I got the idea

 

[Clint_L]

Crazy how anti-psionics people will argue against even having a spell list. The goal post is always moving.

I'm sorry? Are you referring to me? Because my goalposts are not moving, I have been very clear: I hate psionics and want them nowhere near my base D&D. There are quite a few folks who want nothing to do with them, which is likely why they have been kept well away from the PHB for all of 5e, though there are some spells and abilities you can choose to flavour that way if you are so inclined.

In an optional book like Planescape or Tasha's (psi warrior), fine. Not in the base game. In any form.

 

[Kurotowa]

I'm sorry? Are you referring to me? Because my goalposts are not moving, I have been very clear: I hate psionics and want them nowhere near my base D&D. There are quite a few folks who want nothing to do with them, which is likely why they have been kept well away from the PHB for all of 5e, though there are some spells and abilities you can choose to flavour that way if you are so inclined.

Personally, I don't have a beef with the existence of psionics per se. I have a beef with the requirements for "real psionics" that a lot of psionics fans will list. Stuff like that it should be free of VSM components, because it's purely magic of the mind, or that it should be an entirely different category than "magic", meaning all the existing bonuses to resist magical effects don't apply.

That's the sort of stuff that just completely ruins game balance if it were to be instituted. I feel that if psionics is to ever really have a place then it has to meet 5e on its own terms and be an integrated part of the game system. Like, magic is magic so spells and psionics are interoperable even if they have different mechanics, because psionics is a different way to access magic rather than an entirely different category of effect. Or that psionic effects manifest in a more anime way, where you have to shout the ability name and light up in a glowing halo of psionic bleed off when you use it, roughly matching spells in their blatancy.

The fact that these are deal breakers for so many people is a good part of why nothing ever made it past UA testing besides the Tasha's Cauldron subclasses.

 

[Emberashh]

That's the sort of stuff that just completely ruins game balance if it were to be instituted. I feel that if psionics is to ever really have a place then it has to meet 5e on its own terms and be an integrated part of the game system.

Its not an either/or. You can balance out what people want.

You just have to follow through on it and remember that if people are getting what they say they want but still complain because its balanced properly then theres no reason to continue listening to their desires, nor for that matter to just throw your hands up and not do them just because a miniscule amount of people might decide to act like spoiled brats.

 

[MGibster]

Man, I’d love it if each power source actually functioned in a unique way from the others!

In theory, I'd love it. In practicality you end up with something like Shadowrun where you have different sub systems very every little thing and it just gets tedious.

 

[billd91]

In theory, I'd love it. In practicality you end up with something like Shadowrun where you have different sub systems very every little thing and it just gets tedious.

And as someone relatively new to Shadowrun and learning some of those subsystems, they are definitely a hassle and an obstacle to learning the game. Maybe not as bad as off-board artillery in Advanced Squad Leader (I bought the flow chart), but still a hump to get over.

 

[Charlaquin]

In theory, I'd love it. In practicality you end up with something like Shadowrun where you have different sub systems very every little thing and it just gets tedious.

There’s a vast spectrum in-between “all magic works identically” and “every little thing has a different subsystem.”