D&D 5E What are you looking for in Psionics (class/subclasses/etc.)?

[DND_Reborn]

With all the recent revival of Psionic threads, I was curious just what people are most interested in.

I will be making additional polls during the day. I am interested in how Psionics can be represented in the following areas:

1. Should it be a class with unique subclasses or not a core class but with subclasses under core classes or both or neither? (this poll)

UPDATE: You can vote twice now.

2. Should it use spell slots (caster-based), ki or sorcery points (monk or sorcerer), invocation powers (warlock), feats, or something unique (psi-die, etc.)?

D&D 5E - What are you looking for in Psionics (mechanic structure)

With all the recent revival of Psionic threads, I was curious just what people are most interested in. I will be making additional polls during the day. I am interested in how Psionics can be represented in the following areas: 1. Should it be a class with unique subclasses or not a core class...

www.enworld.org

3. Should it be another form of magic (so it can be dispelled and countered) or non-magical?

D&D 5E - What are you looking for in Psionics (Magic/Non-Magic)

With all the recent revival of Psionic threads, I was curious just what people are most interested in. I will be making additional polls during the day. I am interested in how Psionics can be represented in the following areas: 1. Should it be a class with unique subclasses or not a core class...

www.enworld.org

Thanks to all who contribute. If you have another aspect you want polled, please let me know or if you do it yourself I'll link it here.

 

[bedir than]

I'd like to pick two, because I actually like the subclass and feat structure.

 

[Bitbrain]

Sub-classes on preexisting classes. Feats too.

So... technically other.

I really love the idea of the Psi Knight Fighter. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but it makes me feel like I could play Luke Skywalker from Return of the Jedi without having to deal with cantrips or spell slots.

 

[DND_Reborn]

UPDATE: You can now select two options for those who want class structure AND feats.

 

[Vael]

Oops. Well, add an etra vote for feats. I would like to have a full class, subclasses in other classes and feat access.

 

[RangerWickett]

Man, some of this discussion is weird to me. Folks are getting upset about the way that fictional characters do impossible things.

Like, my favorite fantasy series of all time is basically Star Wars, and Jedi are clearly psionic. Aside from some of the witches of Dathomir, nobody chants when they use the force.

So I am in no way a purist when it comes to psionics in my fantasy.

---

That said, what do I want?

I want a ruleset that can handle mental conflicts, like something out of Legion on FX. I want surreal battles in mindscapes, where the visuals are simultaneously just aesthetics but also pivotal to the conflict. I want to win based on ideas, not numbers. I want someone who is being mind controlled to be able to actively fight back, not just hope that he rolls good on his dice.

I want psychic powers to have play and counterplay, so that the mental battlefield is as vivid as the physical one.

Basically, I want to rewrite the entire D&D magic system - and anything involving Int, Wis, and Cha saves - from the ground up.

 

[Minigiant]

UPDATE: You can now select two options for those who want class structure AND feats.

Wouldn't a class structure imply feats? Have we ever recieved classes in5th without optional feats as well?
Or do you mean stripping some psionic features away from classes and making them general feats?


Anyway I want

• Barbarian
  • Path of the "Rage mind"
• Fighter
  • Psi Knight/Warrior Martial Archetype
• Monk
  • Way of the Psionic Fist
• Psion
  • Seer
  • Telekineticist
  • Telepath
• Ranger
  • Psionic Slayer Ranger Archetype (with some soulbow in it)
• Rogue
  • Soulknife Roguish Archetype
• Sorcerer
  • Psionic Soul Bloodline
• Feats
  • A wild Talent feat
  • A Telekinesis Feat
  • A Telepathy feat
  • A "Mind over body" feat
  • An anti-psionic defense feat

 

[DND_Reborn]

Wouldn't a class structure imply feats? Have we ever recieved classes in5th without optional feats as well?
Or do you mean stripping some psionic features away from classes and making them general feats?

For that option I mean removing psionic features away from classes and subclasses completely. An example would maybe be the feats grant you psionic powers (similar to Force Feats a la Star Wars or something?) or something like the feats you list in your post.

Basically, it depends on the mechanics obviously, but this option means you would still select your class and subclass normally, with psionics being an extra. I liked the random nature of psionics in A&D when used--um--honestly?

 

[R_J_K75]

I went with: Make it a core class with subclasses (ex. Psion, with Psi Knight, Soulknife, Psionic Soul, etc.)

...and: Make it a non-class/subclass feature based on its own subsystem (random powers, using feats, etc.)

I want its own base class and mechanics to manifest psionic powers. Sub classes I suppose are just and extension of the class system at this point so why not. I do like the idea that if it isnt a class that its a feat or an add on of some sort to existing classes.

 

[Eyes of Nine]

Please not an entirely new rules set. We already have psychic damage type.