Why do you love psionics?

[LostSoul]

I dig psionics because it seems to have a lot more to do with the person using psionics rather than some kind of strange science that can be manipulated by anyone. Psionics come from inside, rather than an outside force that you manipulate. It's about you, not about some kind of science.

But magic can be seen this way as well.

 

[Bonedagger]

I never liked the slotsystem. It gives me a feeling that magic is something you wear, not something you have. I don't mind dusty old tomes and secrets of magical rituals and formulars. But I would like inner source of power/mana and spontaneous casting.

I guess that's why I started the "Mana users & Divine channeling" project of mixing Divine, Arcane and Psionics.

 

[shadowlight]

So, MerakSpielman, what are your thoughts on the responses? Are you a convert yet?

 

[Larry Fitz]

I'm sorry, I know you asked people who don't like psionics not to post, but I can't take it anymore... The Other Guy calling Galadriel a psionicist just made something in me >snap<.... ok... I'm calmer now... I'll just let it go... again... sorry....

 

[diaglo]

Why do i love them?

b/c they were introduced in Supplement III Eldritch Wizardry.

 

[MerakSpielman]

So, MerakSpielman, what are your thoughts on the responses? Are you a convert yet?

Not really, but I am starting to see some of the benefits of the Elements of Magic pdf I picked up...

On the other hand, I have to admit, that if they were to change the name of psionics to, say, "Pure Magic" or "The Gift of Power" (and change all the flavor text of the abilities to match these concepts) I would probably like it better.
That said, I'm probably a pretty shallow non-psionicist.

 

[megamania]

The reason I like psionics is related to my paranormal beliefs. In the "real" world we live in there are no true magicians. However, there is enough proof to suggest the existance of TK and Prophesy using psionics.

Psionics come from within. The Sorcerer is in a sense a magic using psion. They gain/retain spells similiar enough to psions to see how they bridge the mage to psion.

Modern Fantasy has tons of Psionics within it. Jedi Knights, the Matrix and various horror based characters all have psionics. The best thing about 3e psionics from 1st and 2nd is balance (thus why most abilities mirror existing spells) and the use of visual and audible sideaffects. Very manga and speaks to my sense of drama.

I have only played one mage in a campaign but have played two Psy Warriors and three psions thusfar and have enjoyed them completely. I just wish there was more support given to these two classes (hint hint)

 

[Voneth]

Re: Re: Why do you love psionics?

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

J

and C.S. Friedman's Dark sun Rising Trilogy

Some of my other thoughts.

You can manipulate Psi points.
Besides spending them for an effect,can keep them in you to fuel feat powers, store them in a battery, and share them with others. To me, that sounds more like maniupulating magic than "spend more slots to get an enhanced effect."

Psionics has a more visual theme.
All the crystal stuff looks cool and gives a sort of trademark style to all that psionics do.

I got issues with DND magic system.
I won't go into it here, out of respect to our thread host. But they are not favorite way of doing magic.

Do I think the psionics shstem is perfect? Nope. Unfortunantly, my GM is pretty strict and the changes I see in 3rd party products that I want he won't allow until WotC address the same issues. sigh

 

[Psion]

On the other hand, I have to admit, that if they were to change the name of psionics to, say, "Pure Magic" or "The Gift of Power" (and change all the flavor text of the abilities to match these concepts) I would probably like it better.
That said, I'm probably a pretty shallow non-psionicist.

Use some white-out. Or yellow stickies, if you don't want to damage your book.

 

[drakhe]

Though I've never dealt with psionics either as player or DM, I kinda like the idea from the DM's standpoint.

You can give an NPC a definative edge, or maybe even use psionics as an easy explanation when the group starts to ask you how this NPC knows so much

For PC's, I also like the concept because I can play with a players mind. If ever I allow psionics in my campaign, I will definatly include some sort of insanity system. I already experimented with this combination (psionics/insanity) in an X-files style one-off campaign. Needed some twidling, but was definatly very fun!