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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Thanee" data-source="post: 1490369" data-attributes="member: 478">Class Comparison - Psion versus Wiz/SorMany class features are quite similar or equal (BAB, HP, Saves, Skills (sorcerer loses out a bit here, but that's not too bad, charisma has some advantages, too)).Psionic powers and arcane spells are roughly equal. Of course there are differences, some spells are better, some powers are better, some are equal. The big picture looks pretty equal, tho.There are more arcane spells than psionic powers to choose from, that's a given, and an advantage for the wizard primarily. The sorcerer still has a somewhat better selection to choose from.Spells are automatically scaled with caster level, while psionic powers need to be augmented with additional PP. However, spells have caps, while psionic powers are not restricted in this fashion. A level 1 psionic power can still be quite effective in high level play at the expense of a higher level power's PP, of course. Still it's a fact, that psions need to spend more PP compared to the "cost" of a spell level to achieve a similar result, which in turn is greater, tho, due to higher DCs mainly, which should not be forgotten.If you now get back to the comparison I posted above (the 27 9th level powers per day, still 22 if you manifest them at 20th level), you'll see, that even if the psion wastes all his PP on highest level powers, he has a respectable amount of castings per day!I believe, that psionic powers and arcane spells are roughly equal, all things considered, especially if you consider, that in higher level the high level spells are usually the ones that count.Ok.Now, if you compare the psion with the arcane casters...Under the assumption, that the core classes (especially sorcerer and wizard) are quite balanced (which I believe is the case, and my experience with both classes also tells me that, even tho the sorcerer might seem a bit "bland" he's still very powerful, since the ability to spontaneously cast is quite powerful, indeed), comparing the psion and the sorcerer (which makes sense, as they are based on very similar concepts - both are spontaneous casters), you'll have to note, that the psion is way ahead there...- quicker access to higher power levels- even higher flexibility- higher flexibility when choosing powers known- a lot more high level powers known at all levels- bonus featsComparing with the wizard is trickier than that, since the wizard uses the preparation method. The wizard has most of the above, as well, and has a possibly almost unlimited spell knowledge base. But then again, psions manifest their powers spontaneously, which is a huge advantage, as we know from the sorcerer... and they are even better at it than sorcerers!Now metapsionics might be an issue, as this is something the sorcerer stands out at. Psions surely have harsh limits when it comes to applying metapsionics (psionic focus). Granted. Altho, ones you pick up Psionic Meditation (remember the bonus feats), it's basically the same as for the sorcerer.But don't forget, that effectively, psions automatically get the effects of Silent Spell, Still Spell, Heighten Spell, Energy Substitution/Affinity und Quicken Spell without any feats necessary (Quicken Spell --> Schism is pretty much the same - ok it's a power, but still - furthermore, it allows an effect similar to spontaneous application of Quicken Spell, something the game designers have taken great care to disallow in the core rules!). The psion will probably learn no more than one metapsionic power (i.e. Maximize) and use it once (or only a few times) per combat. Still not too bad and combined with the above, hardly a disadvantage at all. Schism alone is a huge power boost!One thing, psions are actually limited with, are the discipline lists. Many of their more powerful powers are found there, so not every psion will have access to all of them. However, Expanded Knowledge allows to pick any those powers, so that's not too bad either. Given the bonus feats and the fact, that they don't need some feats arcane casters do (like Spell Focus - they can essentially buy that one (Psionatrix), or metapsionic feats - see above).So, the only true disadvantage psions have is their limited selection of powers to choose their powers known from. The advantages on the other hand seem to be overwhelming at least to me.ByeThanee</blockquote>

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