What Should Be Done With Psionics?

[Cadfan]

We know psionics will be in 4e in some manner (Eberron demands it). But what should be done to upgrade it for 4e?

Magical spellcasting is getting a serious overhaul, as we all know. Certain design principles, like making sure that wizards can keep using magic all day instead of running out and having to go back to a crossbow, affect Psions as much or more than they affect Wizards. And as the vancian magic system is mostly going away, it suggests that sacred cows like the psions spell point system are in danger as well.

So, what makes psionics what they are? What are the core aspects of psionics, in terms of fluff and the rules' interaction with the fluff, that must be kept? What changes ought to be made to bring psionics in line with the rest of the 4e design philosophy?

What aspects of psionics are sacred cows that should be kept, and what should be discarded? Psionic focus seems to be an early nod towards per encounter mechanics. What should be done there, now that per encounter abilities are spreading?

My personal thoughts are that I've never really liked the implementation of psionics, but I've always liked the idea of psionic powers. So this is an excellent chance for a revision that makes me want to play/allow psionics in my games. My pet brainstorm is a mental exhaustion mechanic tied to a psionic character's use of his powers.

Any thoughts?

 

[mhensley]

Sorcerers shoot Psions in the head and take their stuff.

 

[Cadfan]

Heh. Then psions will just need new stuff, right? Since its a given that they're going to be in, what stuff do they get?

It could even be a ground up rewrite. Goodness knows the wizard got one.

 

[F4NBOY]

Probably thoses crystal that psionics use (sorry, I don't know much about psionics) will be turned into Implements, just like Orbs, tomes, staff and wands for wizards.
I think the core mechanic for using their powers will be the same 4E wizards will use to cast spells.
Probably the recharge time/actions will be different.
I hope they make lots of free/swift/immediate actions psionic powers, it fits a lot their flavor in my opinion.

 

[Enforcer]

I want to see all of the pseudo-science get removed. No more ectoplasm or crystal matrices or anything like that.

I also want the magic/psionics overlap to go away. That is to say, I don't want arcane magic users and psions to be able to do the same stuff. No more psionic _____(insert wizard spell here) powers, certainly.

Let each realm hold their own. When it comes to things like ESP or telepathy, psionics should win. When it comes to blasting enemies with fire or conjuring demons, magic should likewise be superior.

Hopefully Wizards of the Coast can figure out how to do this.

 

[Masquerade]

I want to see all of the pseudo-science get removed. No more ectoplasm or crystal matrices or anything like that.

I do respect this position, but, if anything, I want more of that. I think D&D psionics should be more than the modern concept of psychic powers transplanted into a fantasy setting.

I hope we still see soulknives in some form or another.

 

[CleverNickName]

What aspects of psionics are sacred cows that should be kept, and what should be discarded? Psionic focus seems to be an early nod towards per encounter mechanics. What should be done there, now that per encounter abilities are spreading?

I think the most sacred cow of psionics is that it is different from magic, and immune to many of the things that suppress magic (yet having its own set of things that suppress psi power.) As long as this Most Holy Bovine is kept in 4E, I think fans of psionics will be pleased.

And I second what Enforcer said about reducing the science overlap. Absolutely.

 

[wedgeski]

I do respect this position, but, if anything, I want more of that. I think D&D psionics should be more than the modern concept of psychic powers transplanted into a fantasy setting.

Agreed. That stuff gives psionics great aftertaste.

I would like to see psionics re-introduced as a way of augmenting other sources. So, a wizard/psion could apply psionics to his spells to get different effects, and a fighter/psion could augment his attacks with psychic energy. Whether this leaves room for a pure psionicist I don't know. Secondly, I would like to see a re-imagining of psychic combat, both against non-psionicists, and characters with psionic abilities.

 

[GreatLemur]

I do respect this position, but, if anything, I want more of that. I think D&D psionics should be more than the modern concept of psychic powers transplanted into a fantasy setting.

I would think the way to do that would be to move away from the parapsychological and New Age tropes, and adopt more of the flavor that Eberron has given psionics. Less Uri Geller, more Tibetan mystic, I guess. I'd love it if Psions, Soulknives, and Monks all had the same power source...

 

[sirwmholder]

...Let each realm hold their own. When it comes to things like ESP or telepathy, psionics should win. When it comes to blasting enemies with fire or conjuring demons, magic should likewise be superior...

It appears they are starting to move in this direction... Wizards will be known as...

Tome user = Binder / Summoner = Warlock
Wand user = Various Offensive / Limited Defensive = Sorcerer
Staff user = Range Support / Greater Defensive = Priest
Orb user = Mental Influence / Utility = Psion

William Holder