Why do you love psionics?

[I'm A Banana]

Because standard magic comes from without.

Wizards study, use science and ritual to tap powerful energies.
Sorcerers come to it naturally, but it's still tapping something outside fo themselves (it just comes naturally).

Psionics is all internal, all within oneself. You don't need components or rituals or words....just a thought...and boom...

That's why I like it.

 

[Desdichado]

I'm with you Joshua -- Let's start a d20 publishing company!!!

Alright, ya talked me into it. Now, who's going to front the capital?

 

[Gargoyle]

My biggest problem with D&D magic is that it isn't mysterious enough. Players know how to deal with all the spells, monsters, items, etc. So I make up new stuff for them to deal with to keep them on their toes. Having an alternate magic system like psionics gives me another tool to use in that regard, and at the same time gives the players more options. It's a win win.

I do have some problems with psionics though. I don't like psionic powers that duplicate existing arcane or divine spells. And I don't like arcane or divine spells that tread in the territory of psionics. In a campaign with both psions and wizards, I don't allow the detect thoughts spell, for instance, because I think psions should be able to read minds with more ease than wizards. Overlapping powers/spells is the biggest problem I have with it, though this is personal taste. Some like that aspect I suppose.

PS: Don't start a new d20 company, I've got enough competition already.

 

[SpuneDagr]

3 words.

A - KI - RA.

That movie inspired me more than anything else. Because of it, I even LIKE the psionic side effects (weird sounds, dust floating around, etc.).

 

[garyh]

I like psionics for two reasons:

1) The Psychic Warrior is a really neat way to have a highly customizable warrior-type with special powers. It fits a niche that the Paladin, Ranger, and Barbarian don't really address. It also lets you do things with Monks that all the characters in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon can do.

2) Psions allow much more variety in character type than a Wizard or Sorcerer, and the braniacs and charmers you often end up with. I like that the nimble elf can be a teleport master, and that the hulking half-orc can alter his body chemistry. The powers based on multiple stats approach can make for some very intersting characters.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

I really like psionics, but to be honest I can't articulate why.
I'm happy with 3e psionics; it has its problems, but it's 10 times better than that broken mess in 2e.

 

[drnuncheon]

1) they don't fit the high-fantasy archetype (no psionics in the greatest and most well-read fantasy literature, and that's the feel D&D tries to duplicate)

Actually, D&D tries to duplicate a mishmash of whatever the particular authors enjoy reading. That's why early D&D was heavily influenced by Fritz Lieber, why Bruce Cordell's stuff has ties to Lovecraft, etc.

But anyway...no psionics in high fantasy?

Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series
Katherine Kurtz' Deryni books
Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos books
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover books
Richard Adams' Horseclans series
Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders books (technically SF, but only barely)
Andre Norton's Witch World

In some of those books, they're the only 'magic'. In others (like the Valdemar books) they coexist with magic.

Plus, 3e psionics makes a decent basis for a spellpoint system. Psychic warriors do well for anime-style ki-focusing martial artists.

I think there's plenty of room for both in most worlds.

J

 

[jgbrowning]

i never liked the word "psionics." seems a little to modern a discription for "mind magic." as to psionics itself.... its always seemed a little to powerful.

joe b.

 

[JoeBlank]

Re: Re: Why do you love psionics?

OT:

Richard Adams' Horseclans series

It's Robert Adams, but it took a search at Amazon to remind me of the correct name. I have not even thought about these books since middle school (at least 15 years ago)! Wonder if they are still in a box somewhere at my parent's house?

And another entire series gets added to my reading list.

 

[Other Guy]

Magical psionics

If this has already been said please forgive me, for I have not read the other replies. I probably will, but I just wanted to post first since I love psionics so much, .

I tend to view psionics as another form of magic, and I'm a big fan of all things arcane. What appeals to me about this "mental sorcery" is that it comes from within the actual character, rather than a deity or some strange weave. I suppose that's probably why I also tend to favor sorcerers over wizards.

Psions seem to make better sorcerers than sorcerers in my mind, since they don't deal with any of the 3 spell components. It's always annoyed me how even the sorcerer can sometimes have no real power without eating a spider or buying some expensive jewel first.

On a related note, somebody on this board once pointed out that Galadriel of LotR resembles a telepath more than any other magic user. I was very happy when I read this because I finally felt as though we truly belonged, .