D&D 5E (2024) [+] What does a non-spellcaster Psion need/look like?

[bedir than]

If I want no-slot, no-points I would go
Cantrip-y stuff
Per encounter stuff (at least two per discipline with one that is on until the encounter is over) but call this per PB per short rest in 5e's language.
Per day stuff at PB (so similar in power level to the Warlock)

Psionic dice I would move to subclasses and feats only

 

[mellored]

To toss out another idea.

You have a small pool of points (5) and regain a few (2) at the start of each turn.

So you can enter combat and use an "encounter" power that cost 5 points, and then use your 2 point "at-will" on later turns.

Or do a 3 point blast turn 1, use 1 point reaction to defend, and another 3 point blast turn 2.

Cantrips cost 0 points if you want to save up, or use a 1 point bonus action movement.

Or other combinations.

 

[Crimson Longinus]

But seriously, to me it seems people are mostly just throwing around disconnected bits of mechanics. I think one needs to start by nailing down the fiction that is to be represented by these mechanics first. If psions and spellcasters are different, then what that difference is in the fiction? How are they metaphysically different? How does psion and spellcaster using their abilities appear different to the onlookers? How do they feel different to the character using such powers? What sort of strengths and limitations stem from these differences? Once you have defined this, then you can start to design mechanics that represent it.

 

[Neonchameleon]

What do you mean "non-spellcaster"? If it's non-full caster I really don't think there's any point wriggling in between the wizard and sorcerer.

Because I'm on team "Mystic needed at least one and probably two more drafts before being put out for public playtesting" and failing that team "Int-based warlock, renaming Pact Magic to Channelling".

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

My thought has been that you get at-will powers, that can be boosted by expending a slot. Each at-will has a list of the effects that you can use by expending a certain level slot. No worrying about what spells are on your list.

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

If you say one thing, other will suggest a different thing, for example to recycle the jedi powers from Star Wars d20.

I remember the "mysteries" by the shadowcaster from 3.5 Tome of Magic. I guess the shadowcaster would be now a subclass for the elementalist class, with "mysteries" for other elements besides shadow, maybe even also metal and wood.

Sorry but when I try to imagine D&D psions in 5e it is not only Eleven(Stranger Things) but also superheroes comics and Asia fantasy fiction about "cultivators".

What if I want the metapsionic feat "energy subtitution"? (It appeared in Dragon magazine).

 

[mellored]

I think one needs to start by nailing down the fiction that is to be represented by these mechanics first. If psions and spellcasters are different, then what that difference is in the fiction? How are they metaphysically different? How does psion and spellcaster using their abilities appear different to the onlookers? How do they feel different to the character using such powers? What sort of strengths and limitations stem from these differences? Once you have defined this, then you can start to design mechanics that represent it.

IMO thinking is more of a continuous activity. You can think harder for a limited time, but push yourself too hard and it causes self harm.

Thus my 2 suggestion had at-will effects with points to push above the limit, and spend HD if your past the points.

Many other suggestion seem to fall along similar lines.

 

[CreamCloud0]

But seriously, to me it seems people are mostly just throwing around disconnected bits of mechanics. I think one needs to start by nailing down the fiction that is to be represented by these mechanics first. If psions and spellcasters are different, then what that difference is in the fiction? How are they metaphysically different? How does psion and spellcaster using their abilities appear different to the onlookers? How do they feel different to the character using such powers? What sort of strengths and limitations stem from these differences? Once you have defined this, then you can start to design mechanics that represent it.

the difference between psionics and magic is similar to the difference between sorcerers and wizards: psionics is a raw font of power that comes from within, is instinctual and more directly connected to the vitality of the body, magic is a more structured form of power, one that is pervasive throughout the world and is more controlled through understanding.

psionics is a power that is formed in the absence of magic, however, for the people who refuse to care about the distinction and simply put all supernatural powers under the banner of 'magic' this seems like an oxymoronic statement and it is impossible to understand the nuance without first acknowledging there can be fundamental differences in supernatural powers.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Pathfinder has ignored psionics in favor of occult magic which uses spells to fill similar-ish niches. I find it a touch ironic both Paizo and WotC went down the spellcaster route, I guess KP is the only major company that could build a non spellcasting psionics system

PF kineticist is the closest thing in PF to a non-spell psion, that reskins the 3.5 warlock.