What's wrong with the Psion? (Advice, please)

[zorlag]

zorlag

There should be new power point progression as well (on level 20: from 183 to 265 if I recall correctly). Also few new really good feats like creature capacitor (even more power points) and Transcend Limits (break the metapsionic cap, can get abusive if taken multiple times though...)

Z.

 

[Psion]

Re: variant psion

Okay, so I broke down and bought the .PDF of If Thoughts Could Kill so I could check it out before my player makes his character, even though I would've prefered to wait for the print version. It's late, so I've only just flipped through it really quick. It looks like most of the new rules are just add-on options. Am I correct that the fix to the class is basically just the one sidebar "Variant: Secondary Disciplines and Variant Powers Discovered" on page 35?

That and the power scaling rule on the previous page.

The nice feats and access to a much larger variety of powers doesn't hurt, either.

Zorlag, that progression is in the sidebar he mentioned.

 

[Jarval]

Since all of the DND games I have played in never kept track of spell componets, I was never impressed with advantage of "no spell componets." Most DM I played with just used spell componets as fluff to explain casting times.

Fair enough. Quite a few people's games don't use spell-components in any detail. That said, a psion is likely to find getting out of a cell somewhat easier than an arcane caster minus their spell components.

Come again? Are you saying that mulitclassed psion is good deal or bust?

I'm saying that multiclassing psions is a very good deal. They work better with other classes than any of the arcane spell-casters.

 

[Psion]

Since all of the DND games I have played in never kept track of spell componets, I was never impressed with advantage of "no spell componets." Most DM I played with just used spell componets as fluff to explain casting times.

I find that an odd stance. All through second, my attitude was "if its not exotic and there is no cost listed, assume you have unless you are deprived of your stuff." And in 3e this is the default, and I see most poeople use it.

If you don't see people using material components for spells like identify and stoneskin with explicit costs for components, then I suggest you are doing it wrong and are giving your mages too much power.

 

[Voneth]

If you don't see people using material components for spells like identify and stoneskin with explicit costs for components, then I suggest you are doing it wrong and are giving your mages too much power.

I'll suggest it, like I have before. But most DMs roll their eyes and say it's too much of a pain to keep track of even a few of the more expensive componets (unless the mage is making scrolls or magic items, then they want to do the book keeping ... because that motivates players to go into the DM's dungeons for the gold) So it's assumed that mages always have what they need on them for any spell they prepare.

So while spell componets may be a disadvantage in some games, there is a large contingent of campaigns where that is not so.

As an aside, when most mages see what damage fighters take in high level games, they ususaly say they're not high powered enough even after they put on mage armor. Then again, what do do you expect an educated bookworm to say in the middle of battle.

 

[Victim]

I don't keep track of spell components. In general, the spell component pouch covers your needs. However, if someone steals it, you could be in trouble. For expensive materials, I subtract the GP cost of the items from by total. People don't keep track of the exact stuff on hand for spells, but still lose money when casting restoration or stoneskin. Essentially, the spells just cost gold, but have some flavor aspect - and if you actually find some components like pearls, you can cast the spell for free.

Therefore, the free psionic identify and "stoneskin" (inertial barrier) are neat.

I think the ITCK psion is much more interesting than the standard. I like the idea of a weak seer also having psychometabolism powers.

 

[Dark Psion]

My current psionic rules.

Psi-crystals are optional. A psion gains a bonus feat at 1st level and may take any psionic, meta-psionic or psionic item creation feat, including "Pet Rock" to create a Psi-crystal. This feat is available to Psychic Warriors who are lonely.

Psions gain a bonus feat every 5 levels and may choose any psionic, meta-psionic or item creation feat. see here for more feats

Upgrade power is a class ability. Anytime a psion discovers a second power from a recognized power chain ( see here ) he may "trade in" the lesser version for a different power. If he gives up a discipline power, the replacment must also come from his discipline. Note the Trigger Chain Feat for using a higher level power to mimic a power lower on the chain.

Downshift Power is a class ability. A psion may give up a higher level power and gain it's level in lower level powers. Say a psion multiclasses as a Slayer and realizes that she missed out on several key Telepathic powers, this allows her to give up a 8th level power in exchange for Conceal Thoughts(1st),Brain Lock(2nd), Suggestion(2nd) and Mindlink(3rd).

Psionic Combat: first I added Psionic Base Attack Bonus for psions, which is the same as a fighter's BAB, but can only be used for psionic combat. Second I dropped the PsiHdbk version of the combat modes and went with Time Waster's versions . His version drops ability damage in favor of two uniquie effects one for psi creatures and one for bonebrains. For example; Ego Whip causes non-psionic creatures to be Shaken for two rounds, but psionic creatures may not use their abilities or use psionic items for one round. He also has additional attack and defense modes based on disciplines other than Telepathy. Also note that Att/Def modes have Effective Levels, this means that 0 level modes may be manifested for free as Talents and if you take the revised Metamind, you can manifest freely any 1st, 2nd or 3rd level combat modes as if they were powers. You may also take Trigger Power feat for combat modes.

You will also find conversions at Time Waster's site to give psionic creatures power points to even the score a little.

For more info see;
RPG Cosmos
Illithid Empire
Burnt World of Athas for over a hundred powers.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

Spell Components

I'd worry less about material components and worry more about vocal components. You can silence a psion's aural display, but the psion isn't hindered at all. Silencing a sorcerer is really funny to watch (all spells become full round spells), and silencing a bard shuts down all of their spellcasting. Bards and psions can use Sculpt Spell and control sound to mess up with spellcasters, with no saving throw!.

 

[Moleculo]

I think that the psion is a little underpowered, but its a fine class on its own. It works very well with multiclassing though. I mean, whatever type you choose, you could have your prime req. match anotherclasses. Also i think another advantage to the psion lies in the fact that they get power points for having exceptional scores. That means they can cast a ninth level spell as opposed to lower level spells. The power points makes them VERY versatile. The point was brought up that thier level 1 skills are completely render useless as the level up, but i think its balanced by the fact that in the end they will cast more higher level spells in favor of the lower ones. I don't have the book with me, but other wise i think tehy are ok.

jake