Which psionic rules you like best

[3catcircus]

Haven't had anyone use psionics in the FR campaign I run. If someone wanted to run a psionic character, I'd use the system in Spycraft's Shadowforce Archer and it's supplements. Its a nice feat-n-skill system (as opposed to skill-n-feat - you take a feat and then have access to certain skills), very easy to work with. As far as Spycraft's VP/WP system (the psionic system makes use of VP for certain psionic skill uses), there is nothing indicating that you can't call VP "Psionic Reserve" and calculate it like you would for Spycraft.

 

[Dragonhelm]

I've been a fan of psionics ever since I started playing D&D. My first DM allowed them in his game, and one player was a psionicist.

Even though the 2e psionics rules had some problems with them, I enjoyed them quite a bit. We used them in a sci-fi/fantasy crossover game, and they seemed to work well. We even created a new power we called telemechanics that allowed one to psionically interact with computers. I think Green Ronin has a power like that called cyberkinesis in their Psychic's Handbook.

The 3.0 psionics system wasn't bad, and added a lot of nifty things to psionics. Yet it came across as sort of an alternate spellcaster. I really dig the XPH (3.5) rules. It seems to capture some of that 2e feel that I liked, but with the 3e finesse. I'm not so sure that this would make for a good system for something futuristic, unless perhaps it had fantasy tied into it (i.e. Dragonstar).

The Force system is pretty cool, although I think a lot of it for me is because it is based on the WEG d6 Force system. They did a great job bringing this into d20.

I've got the Psychic's Handbook as well. It seems to borrow from the Force system with the enabling feats that grant access to powers within a psionic discipline. It has a bit more of the 2e feel for psionics, which I like. I'm not sure if I would use this side-by-side with magic, though.

I guess my rule of thumb would be whether you're using psionics side-by-side with D&D magic. If you are, go with the XPH. If not, then pick what works best for you.

 

[Deadguy]

You know I've always been in the 'no psionics in my fantasy' camp, so I really didn't care. Now I am preparing for a new campaign, and I decided 'what the heck, let's try it!' So I splashed out on the XPH and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. Aside from the slightly grating terminology (a different kettle of fish entirely), it's quite a usable system. Of course, at first it will only be in the hands of the bad guys, but if the players like what they see, they will get to use it.

 

[Greg K]

Add me to the list of those disliking both versions of WOTC's psionics. Neither is welcome at my gaming table. Green Ronin's Psychic's Handbook, however, is very impressive and always welcome when I DM.

 

[Planesdragon]

Craft of the Mind

So I have got a look at the new X-Psionic Handbook SRD, and found it is really excellent. As such, I think that I will someday buy that rulebook. Now, it isn't the only psionic system available out there. There is of course free stuff like the Craft of the Mind...

Minor note.

The Craft of the Mind is going professional. After 3.5 I gave it a through rewrite, and Alea Publishing has agreed to sell it as Mindcraft. It's in layout now, and I'll be sure to update my website (www.castlesteelstone.us) and let anyone know who asks me when the preivew and the final product are ready for sale.

It's still recognizable, but it's not quite "skills and feats" any longer.

 

[Turanil]

Green Ronin's book; it's very impressive.

Mmmh... the more I hear about it, the more I think I should get a torough look at it. I only regret that it isn't available as a 5-8 $ PDF though.

The Craft of the Mind is going professional. After 3.5 I gave it a thorough rewrite, and Alea Publishing has agreed to sell it as Mindcraft.

Interesting new. Will that supplement be available as a 5-8 $ PDF, or only a printed book?


Anyway, thank you everybody for all your imput! (I don't mean in saying that, that I don't want to hear anymore of it though!)

 

[Suldulin]

I prefer the skill&feat systems, particularly green ronin, of course I also prefer to have the psions/psychics renamed as 'mystics'

 

[dannymwilson]

While i didn't like the first wotc psionics system, i think that the newer is far more psi-like. You can boost your powers with extra power points, and the feats are also better. I think that it has a very distinct feel from magic (which it didn't have in 3.0)

 

[Krieg]

FWIW I have been a big fan of "skills-and-feats" psionics since the days of Alternity (Mindwalking IS skills and feats just using different nomenclature). That being said I love the Psyhic's Handbook & it will feature prominently in my upcoming campaigns, however the "official" WoTC psionics (while not really feeling like "psionics" to me) fits the Gith to well not to be used either in 3.5 or in 3.0+fixes (Errata, Dragon articles, If Thoughts Could Kill, Mindscapes etc) form.

Minor note.

The Craft of the Mind is going professional. After 3.5 I gave it a through rewrite, and Alea Publishing has agreed to sell it as Mindcraft. It's in layout now, and I'll be sure to update my website (www.castlesteelstone.us) and let anyone know who asks me when the preivew and the final product are ready for sale.

It's still recognizable, but it's not quite "skills and feats" any longer.

Great news Doug! A new addition to my "keep an eye out for" list.

 

[HellHound]

*Big* fan of the new 3.5 psi here. There were some trade-offs, but overall I'm very happy with it as it makes psi a little less like magic, without making it a wholly different system.