XX Penetration feats and Psionics-Magic Transparency

[Shin Okada]

Assuming I am using Expanded Psionics Handbook and using default Psionics-Magic Transparency rules, shall I apply bonuses from Spell Penetration feats and Power Penetration feats to both caster level checks and manifester level checks for overcoming spell/power resistance?

I mean, bonuses from Spell Penetration and Greater Spell Penetration feats are also applied to Psionic Powers and Psi-like abilities, and bonuses from Power Penetration and Greater Power Penetration feats are also applied to Spells and Spell-Like abilities.

At this moment I am leaning toward "yes", because Third Eye Penetration in Expanded Psionic Book was originally for manifester level checks, then the Magic Item Compendium version only says about caster level checks for overcoming SR.

 

[BlackSeed_Vash]

When using the default Psionics-Magic Transparency rules (which I think is the only sane way to run psionics) you treat Power Resistance(PR) interchangeable with Spell Resistance(SR). Therefore, a character with Spell Penetration would have a +2 to overcome PR. So yes, you should allow the Third Eye Penetration (either version) to boost a character's ability to bypass SR/PR.

In my opinion, the Spell Penetration chain is slightly stronger for psionic casters since you don't have to sacrifice your precious focus to use. A +2 difference is rather tiny when a lot of powers and abilities require you to either have or expend your psychic focus; especially when without spending more feats it is a full-round action to regain your focus. Assuming you allow non-psionic casters to use Concentration to gain focus (personally I would tax them with having to take Autohypnosis in order to use), the Power Penetration chain is slightly better option for them if they only use it at most twice per fight.

 

[Shin Okada]

My first post was rather misleading. What I was trying to say are,

1) Bonuses from Spell Penetration and Greater Spell Penetration feats are also applied to manifester level checks for overcoming PR/SR with Psionic Powers and Psi-like abilities or not.
2) Bonuses from Power Penetration and Greater Power Penetration feats also applied to caster level checks for overcoming PR/SR with Psionic Powers and Psi-like abilities or not.

 

[BlackSeed_Vash]

Correct for both. As I mentioned in my previous post, non-psionic casters do need some way to acquire psionic focus in order to make use of the Power Penetration feats, though if your other post about Mind Flayers is any indication, that won't be a problem for your situation.