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The Vorpal Tribble
2007-01-06, 09:40 PM
Are you a psionics fancier? Bring yourself into the open and proclaim your love for the powers of the self and mind. Don't know anything about psionics? Ask away.


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Psionic Links

<NEW, 4/1/08>
GITP Monster Competition XX - Gone Mental (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76657)

Psionics on the SRD (http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/psionic.html)
All open content material of the Expanded Psionics Handbook (see below)

Psionic Forums (http://boards1.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30)
Official Wizards of the Coast forum devoted to discussions on psionics.

Order of the Pstick (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1569977&postcount=9)
Collection of psionic avatars made in the OOtS fashion. All are up for grabs and permission previously granted for their use (I did not make them. The skilled artist's names can be found with the avatars).

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Psionic Books


http://www.wizards.com/global/images/products_dndacc_966660000_lgpic.jpg
The Expanded Psionics Handbook (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/966660000)
This is the official 3.5 edition guide to psionics. It brings to the table the first balanced and well written psionic system yet published.

Complete Psionic (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/953670000)
A continuation of the Expanded Psionic Handbook, it was nevertheless not well recieved by the psionics community (including yours truley). I give the link however for if you wish to make that judgement for yourself.

Hyperconscious (http://www.montecook.com/mpress_Hyper.html)
Though not official Wizards material, this supplement was written by Bruce R. Cordell, the writer of both the XPH and Complete Psionics. It is what many believe Complete Psionic should have been. It includes many new powers, feats, monsters and PrC's, as well as a brilliant psionic adventure and the 'psionic combat' system. It deals heavily with dream and subconscious based psionics.

Winged One
2007-01-06, 09:46 PM
I like psionics because it allows me to RP a character who has absolutely no control over the fact that they have such powers. That, and I just read Carrie.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-01-06, 09:47 PM
Psionic Artwork

Here is some various psionic artistry I thought that I might share.

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A banner of my favorite psionic characters

http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album01/acf.gif

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Deepti, the Crystal Goddess
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album07/aaf.sized.jpg


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Mickle the Northman
(Psychometabolicist)
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album07/aaa.sized.jpg


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Plethelid
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album07/aag.sized.jpg

oriong
2007-01-06, 09:49 PM
Aren't you missing the Erudite from the poll? Or was it just a variant?

I approve of psionics myself, especially liked the changes from the 3.0 psionics rules to 3.5, it feels a lot better with the power scaling and the actual use of power-points as more than just a system to track your number of abilities per day.

I do get annoyed with a few things about psionic, and I'm afraid that the Complete Psionic filled me with unfathomable rage, especially after I paid for it.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-01-06, 09:53 PM
Aren't you missing the Erudite from the poll? Or was it just a variant?
Ugh... had completely forgotten about that one as they stuck it in the very back of Complete Psionic instead of with the other class.

I personally felt it was very unpsionic myself. Book-learned psionics is just so completely againsts its very concept.

Krimm_Blackleaf
2007-01-06, 10:26 PM
I love psionics. Ever so much. I love the thought of power in the mind, bringing forth the power of self and mind into potent force against those you oppose(or even those you do not). Plus the mechanics are alot nicer than those of arcane magic, it feels alot smoother with power points instead of spell-slots.

I voted Psion.

Shhalahr Windrider
2007-01-06, 10:46 PM
I'm not in a particularly talkative mood right now, so I'll just say I'm a fan of all things psionic and will leave it at that for the time being.

Emperor Tippy
2007-01-06, 11:51 PM
I love my Psionics but any one who tries to use Complete Psionics in any of my games gets a long tirade on why its the 1 book that I will not allow in its entirety.

oriong
2007-01-07, 12:14 AM
personally, I find there is good and useful stuff in complete psion, but it's cluttered with a lot of bad ideas, and frankly just was a terrible disapointment in terms of actual amount of content.

Nerd-o-rama
2007-01-07, 12:19 AM
Haven't really played with psionics. But the BBEG's of my current campaign shall be hideous psionic nightmares, so I better read up on the rules.

Umm. Players of mine, you didn't hear that.

Lord Iames Osari
2007-01-07, 12:19 AM
@^^: Same here. I voted Psion, but I like Wilder just as much.

Behold_the_Void
2007-01-07, 12:45 AM
Absolutely love psionics. It needs to be core.

Brickwall
2007-01-07, 12:55 AM
I like the psionics. When I first saw them, I thought they were an unnecessary added dimension. So they're still unnecessary. But now I have come to like them.

So, psionics...

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7003/appreciationix7.png

I picked psychic warrior, but psion is a close second.

PinkysBrain
2007-01-07, 01:25 AM
As long as you are linking third party stuff you might as well link Untapped Potential, partially written by a CO forumite ... so it can't be all bad.

Skyserpent
2007-01-07, 02:09 AM
I liked the Henna on that one pic...

Khantalas
2007-01-07, 02:13 AM
I voted Ardent.

You can kill me now.

pestilenceawaits
2007-01-07, 02:25 AM
I always loved psionics and they are finally playable with 3.5 wohoo.

Leon
2007-01-07, 05:48 AM
Nomad Psion, with Psi Warrior a very close second

cokefiend
2007-01-07, 06:17 AM
I just love the Wilder. It's what the Sorceror always wanted to be, but failed miserably at. And psychic warriors are pretty awesome too.
Psionics in general are made of Win, I feel. Except for Psicrystals... ew. Just ew.

Oh, and what is the consensus on how balanced psionics is/isn't? Are psions as bad as wizards? Are wilders better than sorcerors?

Pegasos989
2007-01-07, 06:22 AM
Had hard time choosing between psion and psywar... Chose the latter.

To tell the truth, I haven't ever played with psionics (we aren't counting two level dips to psywar...) but I still like the system.

Bears With Lasers
2007-01-07, 06:24 AM
Oh, and what is the consensus on how balanced psionics is/isn't? Are psions as bad as wizards? Are wilders better than sorcerors?

Arcane casters are significantly more powerful than their psionic counterparts. Most of the top-rank arcane spells have no psionic equivalent (or a much less effective equivalent).

squishycube
2007-01-07, 06:33 AM
I love psionics, I think its fantastic. I love the flavour of it and all the original ideas for powers and feats etc.
The messages of many posters here made me try to convince my group that psionics is balanced, to no avail alas. This has made me doubtful, but I won't post about that here, as it would not be very appreciative.

Were-Sandwich
2007-01-07, 06:43 AM
Psionics, I love them.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i263/WereSandwich_2006/detectwin.jpg
I voted soulknife, because although they are woefully underpowered, they are so freakin' awesome. Especially once you get Races of Eberron. For Kalashtar goodness

Ikkitosen
2007-01-07, 07:24 AM
Psions for me.

Leon
2007-01-07, 09:16 AM
Arcane casters are significantly more powerful than their psionic counterparts. Most of the top-rank arcane spells have no psionic equivalent (or a much less effective equivalent).

And...?

Psionics is a interesting change of pace from the standard "Caster" of D&D, when i first saw the book (EXP) i wasnt that interested but my DM loaned me his book to read (and point out what he had used in the games we had played) i saw that it had some interesting idea's aswell as classes and races.
Since then i know own EXP and have read the various other things relating to it (Not mentioning the books name...), i am looking foward to playing in a series of Dark Sun games soon - cant still decide what it will be as

Telok
2007-01-07, 01:42 PM
I rather approve of the base psionic system. It is (for me) both a more flexable/freeform magic and a more limited/not overpowered magic.

Unfortunately the Soulknife is recycled vegetation via cow and pisons have a rather hard time running out of power points at high levels. Meaning that you have one class that needs a home-brew no-magic-weapon world to be semi-useful, and a "caster" who gets confused as to why the party wants to stop and rest a day after two minutes of combat. Oh, and the steaming, huge pile of fermented recycled vegetation via cow that was never actually published has only one good point, Cranial Deluge.

Pegasos989
2007-01-07, 01:45 PM
And...?

Psionics is a interesting change of pace from the standard "Caster" of D&D, when i first saw the book (EXP) i wasnt that interested but my DM loaned me his book to read (and point out what he had used in the games we had played) i saw that it had some interesting idea's aswell as classes and races.
Since then i know own EXP and have read the various other things relating to it (Not mentioning the books name...), i am looking foward to playing in a series of Dark Sun games soon - cant still decide what it will be as

I don't think that he meant it as a negative thing but was just answering to question about it's balance.

Bears With Lasers
2007-01-07, 02:07 PM
And...?

And... and that answers the question someone asked about arcane vs. psionic balance?

Balesirion
2007-01-07, 03:30 PM
I voted Soulknife, though Ardent and Shaper Psion come in a close second. Soulknives are a very cool concept, though the game material itself doesn't always come off very well. I also think Ardent could work very well, and I'm about to start playing a shaper.

Khantalas
2007-01-07, 03:34 PM
Well, the question is, why isn't there a naturally psionic baatezu?

Yithian
2007-01-07, 03:53 PM
Psionics are very interesting. I personally enjoy psionic gish. They may not be incredibly powerful, but they can certainly hold their own. I think psion is by far the most interesting class simple, and so many options...

Yithian

Marius
2007-01-08, 09:30 AM
Voted for Psion (I love Nomads and Telepaths) but I love Soulknives too.

Ambrogino
2007-01-08, 09:56 AM
For me flavour > optimisation in every way. Soul knives reek of flavour, especially as a base class rather than PrC, so I voted there. I'd love to see them as gladiators in a revised Dark Sun.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-01-08, 10:12 PM
Y'know, I'm really scared for the one of you who chose Divine Mind...

Bears With Lasers
2007-01-08, 10:13 PM
For me flavour > optimisation in every way. Soul knives reek of flavour, especially as a base class rather than PrC, so I voted there. I'd love to see them as gladiators in a revised Dark Sun.

"I have a mind knife" is a gimmick, not a flavor.

Fax Celestis
2007-01-08, 10:22 PM
There's two of us now. Shoot me all you want. I think the Divine Mind has merit, if used correctly (which it hardly is).

Envision thus: a normal man is given a quest by a deity. Pretty typical for a D&D setup. Martial deities would give their chosen physical strength; magical ones would give them mystical powers; it only follows that psionic deities would give their followers psionic powers.

As far as psionics in general, I like it all: better than the magic system, to be certain.

The_Snark
2007-01-09, 01:15 AM
Hah, I actually voted almost as soon as this thread opened, but only now do I get around to explaining. I ended up picking wilder, because I've always liked characters that can reliably fight and use spells (or, in this case, powers).

And abilities that come with possible repercussions are fun, too.

Psions and psychic warriors are neat also. Never much liked soulknives, though. The system in general works better, I feel, than the Vancian system of casting a certain number of spells each day, both flavorwise and mechanically.

Cranial Deluge and Death Urge are fun, fun powers. I'd also contend that Complete Psionic had a few decent other things, but except for the Ectopic Form feats I can't actually remember any of them. (And ectopic form feats are only really cool if you rule that they can be combined, producing, say, a three-armed creature that bursts out of the ground, grapples you, and then explodes.)

Druid
2007-01-09, 01:59 AM
I love psionics. Had Druid been taken i was going ot use the screen name Psionic Viking. One of these days I'm going to make a psionic version of the arcane hierophant.

Saithis Bladewing
2007-01-09, 02:03 AM
I'm a pretty big fan of psionics, particularly as I feel its closer to what I wanted the spellcasting system to be like. I'm all over Psions (Seers in particular), but Soulknife isn't far behind. Soulknife may be underpowered but something about its flavour is just beautiful.

Dicemaster
2007-01-09, 09:01 AM
My first character ever was a Gnome Psion. Guess my vote.:smallwink:

pestilenceawaits
2007-01-09, 09:06 AM
I really think one of the best things of about the soul knife is the money you get to spend on other magic since your weapon is taken care of psionically. magic weapons are the biggest money drain in the game.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-01-14, 08:18 PM
There's two of us now. Shoot me all you want. I think the Divine Mind has merit, if used correctly (which it hardly is).

Envision thus: a normal man is given a quest by a deity. Pretty typical for a D&D setup. Martial deities would give their chosen physical strength; magical ones would give them mystical powers; it only follows that psionic deities would give their followers psionic powers.
Mmmm... I suppose, and that is one of the only explanations for the class I've heard that I genuinely like.

Now why couldn't they have written it that way? As is you tap into your faith and draw power through it that way. That just rankles at my psionic-loving soul. Psionics should never draw upon another source if at all possible. The entire concept is based on the power of the self.

Fax Celestis
2007-01-14, 08:31 PM
Yeah, I know. I just change the flavor (and some of hte mechanics)

Khantalas
2007-01-14, 08:33 PM
Who else loves Ardent? We need to found a club of people that appreciate Ardent.

Frojoe21
2007-01-15, 01:15 AM
I voted for wilder, just because they are super fun to play. Unfortunately, I can't play one RL because Mr. DM thinks psionics are broken, because you can manifest a couple hundred unaugmented first level powers per day. He has a million and one reasons, and I think he hasn't even read the rules.

I like the ardent as a concept, but it just seemed a little lacking in execution. I mean there is no encouragement to take the full 20 levels.

As for the divine mind, before CP came out, I had an interesting concept for a divine psion character for Forgotten Realms. Essentially, It was a dwarf seer/cleric who believed his visions of the future came from Dumathoin, the keeper of secrets. In that method, his powers came from within, but he used them in a god's name and acredited his gaining of them to that very same god.

Shazzbaa
2007-01-15, 01:50 AM
I avoided the psionic stuff for a long time. But one day, when I was bored and had nothing better to do than read the SRD, I actually read all about psionics, the psionic system, the psionic classes, and every last one of the psionic powers.

And I was positively gleeful.

All I can say, however, is that I really like the concept of the way the system works; I've never actually gotten to see it in action (YET!) Sooner or later I will play a psion. I'd love to be a telepath despite the fact that they seem rather specialised... some of their powers are just... sadistically evil. :smallbiggrin:


Why is it that people seem to think psionics is broken? And why is it that people on boards like these say psionics is more balanced than Vancian magic, while the rest of the world jerks back at the very mention of psionics? It confuses me.

ghost_warlock
2007-01-15, 02:04 AM
Egoist, here. When given the choice, the only time I'll chose something arcane over psionic is if the characer idea focuses on Illusion (shadow) magic. I'm also quite fond of the lurk, but I'd usually go with psion for a character.

As for the Complete Psionic, I'm one of the few people who didn't absolutely hate it when it first came out. I came up with my own flavor for most of the content that other people couldn't stand (such as my twist on the flayerspawn psychic to make these individuals the ancestral illithids from which the time-travelling race would actually evolve).

I do, however, profess to an undying hatred of the divine mind. :smallfurious: Just because I hate it, though, doesn't mean that I wouldn't allow a player to play one, provided they can come up with a flavor I didn't despise. A while ago I ran a short-lived "psi-fi" campaign that completely eschewed traditional magic and only featured psionics. For that campaign the divine mind filled the role of the paladin.


Why is it that people seem to think psionics is broken? And why is it that people on boards like these say psionics is more balanced than Vancian magic, while the rest of the world jerks back at the very mention of psionics? It confuses me.

Many people here (and elsewhere) will say that those players who view psionics as broken have never actually used the psionics system and are just having a knee-jerk reaction to a little hype about specificlly powerful powers (such as energy missile) and charactes (the first version of that kobold). The unenlightened fear what they don't understand. :smallwink:

Jade_Tarem
2007-01-15, 02:21 AM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH HHH!

Don't peddle your candy to me, candy man! (VG Cats)

*Sigh* Some of you who have read some of my other posts (I like to flatter myself) know that our group horribly messed up the dynamics of psionics and ended up with such mystical wonders as thousands of damage at level 7 and an unavoidable 6d6 charisma damage a round, not to mention more than one immortality gimmick. In time, all of these were proven false but to avoid further confusion our group opted to ban psionics indefinitely. As one who knew much more about the magic system, I was in favor of this.

So, Shazzbaa, It isn't just hype, some of us have been personally violated and abused by the psionically ignorant but highly enthusiastic. It's worse when you're the DM. Which I was.

Still, people here speak in such glowing terms of psionics that I will undertake to learn the mechanics, and allow them to be played again, in the future.

My roommate has left his psionics book here... the slippery slope awaits.

*screaming in distance*
(this is why you don't post at 1:23 AM)

Jerthanis
2007-01-15, 05:58 AM
*screaming in distance*
(this is why you don't post at 1:23 AM)


Because you might be convinced to change your mind about something, challenging your preconceptions? Man, I wish the whole world, myself included was always posting at 1:23 AM!

I voted Psion... is there really any other class that better represents the flavor of psionics in general? In a way as consistent and interesting? I actually also really like the Ardent, but reading its mechanics made me think of another class entirely from what was described. It's a class that really appealed to me in terms of flavor, but which I wouldn't want to play. Or I'd just use the flavor and play with the rules for a Psion.

My opinion on Soulknives is that they look cool in your imagination. Kind of like a Jedi, having a glowing sword is cool, but psionically speaking, having a glowing sword made from your mind doesn't seem like the coolest manifestation of mental powers possible. If I could pull out the hidden potential deep in my mind to exert my will on reality, I sure hope I'd do something more impressive than, "Um... I want a cool glowy sword." I feel they're stylish, which isn't the same as flavorful. Wilders are flavorful, though I feel it's wierd that people who spontaneously learn powerful psionics and have little control over it all wear decent armor and make a better Gish than caster. Psions are flavorful because they ARE psionics, mastery of thought as a perfect machine of mind over matter. Psychic Warriors are a little wierd, but are perfectly justifiable as a sort of warrior-monk type of cultural super warrior... like Jedi. Soulknives just don't fit with the other types. They don't produce any real supernatural effects, they don't qualify for half the psionic feats, they can't hold psionic focus,
they just HAVE a sword as their one psionic power, and psionically they make it better. Who would find as the sole sum and object of their internal will and dedicated practice, a glowy sword and naught else?

I one problem with psionics that I've been thinking about lately is the perfectly silly things you can do as a psion in fullplate. Armor not affecting psionics, and some really good powers not requiring attack rolls, you can suit up without proficiency and walk around dominating peoples minds while protected by fullplate with very little penalty if you're careful. This is more of a "man, if you wanted to be silly there's a way you can optimize X" rather than a real problem.

Starbuck_II
2007-01-15, 09:30 AM
Soulknives just don't fit with the other types. They don't produce any real supernatural effects, they don't qualify for half the psionic feats, they can't hold psionic focus,
they just HAVE a sword as their one psionic power, and psionically they make it better. Who would find as the sole sum and object of their internal will and dedicated practice, a glowy sword and naught else?

If yu have at last 1 power point you can hold a psionic focus: Soulknifes get Wilf talent at 1st level. Thus Psionic focus if they concentrate.

Bladewind is kinda supernatural (really just a whirlwind attack with mind blade).

Morty
2007-01-15, 10:27 AM
I don't use psionic and I won't, but I have an off-topic question: what's the matter with Complete Psionic? Almost everyone on this board seem to dislike it heavily.

Bears With Lasers
2007-01-15, 10:30 AM
Basically? It's a crappy book, is all. The fluff is mediocre at best, and only small amounts of the crunch are good.

Morty
2007-01-15, 10:36 AM
Basically? It's a crappy book, is all. The fluff is mediocre at best, and only small amounts of the crunch are good.

I could say the same about other Completes only without 'crappy book'... but thanks anyway.

Bears With Lasers
2007-01-15, 10:38 AM
Okay--compared to the other completes, see above. The Good Stuff to Bad Stuff ratio is significantly worse. Do you want me to discuss the material in detail? You're not familiar with it, so that wouldn't help.

Jerthanis
2007-01-15, 10:56 AM
If yu have at last 1 power point you can hold a psionic focus: Soulknifes get Wilf talent at 1st level. Thus Psionic focus if they concentrate.

Bladewind is kinda supernatural (really just a whirlwind attack with mind blade).

Wouldn't you know I'd forget that? All I remember is that they don't gain a power point reserve from their class and forgot about the Wild Talent feat. Now that you mention it I remember the party Soulknife doing Up the Wall the last time I saw one in action, but I guess I assumed he had taken Wild Talent as his first level feat, rather than gained it as a bonus feat. That's what you get for posting... whenever the heck I posted that... without double checking your facts. I think my other comments on Soulknife flavor are good (sorta).

Does anyone think that a "favorite psion discipline" poll would be interesting?

Coffee_Dragon
2007-01-15, 11:15 AM
Psychic rogue?

ImperiousLeader
2007-01-15, 02:35 PM
I just wish the Lurk had trapfinding, it's a pretty solid class.

Psions and Wilders are my favourites. Wilders are tricky optimization beasts, but they can make excellent fighter/mages without a lot of multiclassing. And, while I do despise CP, I do draw some of those wilder feats out for fun.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-01-15, 02:50 PM
And, while I do despise CP, I do draw some of those wilder feats out for fun.
Speaking of that, heres where you can find all the feats out of Complete Psionic:
http://realmshelps.dandello.net/datafind/feats.shtml

Just select the book and scroll down to 'Find'.


Eh, heres some more from other books as well. Most psionic feats from other books were put into Complete Psionic, so these are just what aren't.

Lords of Madness
Craft Psionic Seal (http://boards1.wizards.com/leaving.php?destination=http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl%3FCraft_Psionic_Seal,LoM)
Warped Mind (http://boards1.wizards.com/leaving.php?destination=http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl%3FWarped_Mind,LoM)

Magic of Incarnum
Azure Talent (http://-http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Azure_Talent,MoI)
Midnight Augmentation (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Midnight_Augmentation,MoI)
Psycarnum Blade (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Psycarnum_Blade,MoI)
Psycarnum Crystal (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Psycarnum_Crystal,MoI)
Psycarnum Infusion (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Psycarnum_Infusion,MoI)

The Mind's Eye
Focused Body [Psionic]
Psionic Feint [Psionic]
Psionic Tumble [Psionic] (http://boards1.wizards.com/leaving.php?destination=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp%3Fx%3Ddnd/psm/20040723c)
Psychic Meditation [Psionic]
Deep Psychic Meditation [Psionic] (http://boards1.wizards.com/leaving.php?destination=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp%3Fx%3Ddnd/psm/20040827b)

Races of Stone
Earth Power (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Earth_Power,RS)
Deflective Armor (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Deflective_Armor,RS)

Blades of the Quorri
Flowing Blade (http://boards1.wizards.com/leaving.php?destination=http://wizards.com/default.asp%3Fx%3Ddnd/ebds/20050110a)

ImperiousLeader
2007-01-15, 03:04 PM
There's also a psionic feat in ToB, that allows you to expend power points to regain expended maneuvers ... I'd love to try a gestalt Psychic Warrior/ Swordsage.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-01-15, 03:06 PM
There's also a psionic feat in ToB, that allows you to expend power points to regain expended maneuvers ... I'd love to try a gestalt Psychic Warrior/ Swordsage.
Oh, there are many more feats, these are just the only ones I know where to link to.

Khantalas
2007-01-15, 04:34 PM
Proof that the authors of Complete Psionics was high while writing the book: Dante.

How can anyone justify a CG character being the disciple of Cuthbert, nearly the most lawful deity around?

John_D
2007-01-15, 05:49 PM
When I first picked up the XPH the race that really caught my eye was the half-giant. It was a big, muscle-bound race that had bound up in it all the flavour that the half-orc lacked. In fact, when I ran my own campaign half-orcs were bred as slaves and freed in a recent civil-rights movement. Sound familiar?

My soft spot for half-giants could also stem from the fact that I'm a tall bugger myself. Oh, and it should be no surprise that my favourite psionic class is psychic warrior. As well as being half-giant through and through,
it's got powers and bonus feats. De-gish-ous!

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-02-17, 04:40 PM
Heyas, just added a number of Pstick avatars, including the Dromite Elocater from the XPH, the Wonderworker from the BoED, and an Intellect Devourer. Also have Ialdobode and a Blue in Erfworld style.

For those that are interested, I've written up a number of new psionic creatures of late:
Cranny Creeper (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34255)
Guible (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35219)
Nihil (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34443)

A couple powers:
Euphoria (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35020)
Shifting Philosophy (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34602)

And some feats (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1981555&postcount=4)

Khantalas
2007-02-17, 04:44 PM
Oh, I have a creature, too!

Cyrocerebellus (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1788588&postcount=5).

Woot Spitum
2007-02-17, 05:00 PM
I like psionics, even though it is pretty complicated to play a full psion. I think it's rather ironic that two of the best melee races (half-giant and Thri-Keen) are found in the psionics handbook.

Ramza00
2007-02-17, 05:15 PM
No Erudite?

martyboy74
2007-02-17, 05:18 PM
XPH was the first 3.5 book I bought (yes, that includes the PHB). I'm a shaper myself, partial to them non-CP astral constructs (The shaper PrC? *shivers* Yech...).

For CP, I just take the few feats/powers that I like. Cranial Deluge is nice, as is metapower (feat), and Serenity is nice as well.

Ramza00
2007-02-17, 05:26 PM
Arcane casters are significantly more powerful than their psionic counterparts. Most of the top-rank arcane spells have no psionic equivalent (or a much less effective equivalent).

And that is part of the reason I love them.

Plus they are less paperwork and more flexible.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-02-17, 05:37 PM
I like psionics, even though it is pretty complicated to play a full psion.
More so than a wizard? Wizards make my head hurt.


No Erudite?
As mentioned in the first couple posts I forgot about it, being in the very back of Complete Psionic like it was ashamed or something (which in my opinion it should be... book-learned psionics, PFAW!)


Also just added a few pieces more of psionic-based artwork.

CockroachTeaParty
2007-02-17, 06:09 PM
The XPH was the first 3.5 book I bought as well. I remember how I was all like '3.5? Scoff! I don't need to buy new books!'

...And then I saw something new and psionic. And I was lost. It is in my opinion the best D&D book out right now.

I have many complaints about Complete Psi, but I still take many things from the book. I enjoy several of the feats, quite a few powers, the Synads, and Ardents make me very happy. Personally, I ignore the Astral Construct nerf. However, truth be told, if you desire more psionic goodness without paying for CP, the Mind's Eye articles on the WotC site have several free feats, PrC's, etc., that are very good.

And if you want to go third party, I highly recommend Untapped Potential. Psionic racial substitution levels, yes please!

Ramza00
2007-02-17, 06:15 PM
As mentioned in the first couple posts I forgot about it, being in the very back of Complete Psionic like it was ashamed or something (which in my opinion it should be... book-learned psionics, PFAW!)


Also just added a few pieces more of psionic-based artwork.


No they aren't book learned psionics. They are psionics who learn things and store things in there unconscious, where it is difficult for them to access yet has infinite potential.

Lord Zentei
2007-02-17, 06:19 PM
...

Psionics are for the win.


Ugh... had completely forgotten about that one as they stuck it in the very back of Complete Psionic instead of with the other class.

I personally felt it was very unpsionic myself. Book-learned psionics is just so completely againsts its very concept.

Heresy!!!

Erudites are brilliant. You might also claim that a "divine mind" is unpsionic in its own way: just a cleric wannabe.

Not that being an Erudite is neccesarily book learned, as such. They use training and psicrystals. Very Eldar. :smallwink:

Kantolin
2007-02-17, 06:23 PM
Made my first psionic class today (A Blue Psion).

Learning about psionic powers is interesting, although they don't seem to have as many 'fun' powers as arcanists... one of my favorite parts of playing a wizard is being able to spend a spell slot occasionally on something amusing. But no cantrips...

Oh well. There's still Matter Agitation, which while not necessarily useful, is rather amusing. Burn a hole in the door with my mind. ^_^

martyboy74
2007-02-17, 06:41 PM
You mean burn down the building with yourr mind ad become apyrokineticist, just because they're so damn cool.

jjpickar
2007-02-17, 10:44 PM
Wilders and SoulKnives. They may not be the best mechanically but they are pretty cool.

Sam K
2007-02-18, 06:03 AM
I absolutely love psionics, in ways which are illegal (or atleast immoral) in most nations. Why? Because psionics wont spawn conversations like this:

Fighter: There's another group of them coming towards us. Wizard, we need another fireball, quick!
Wizard: Im sorry, I cant cast another fireball.
Fighter: What? You're out of spells already?
Wizard: No, I can cast several other spells.
Fighter: So what, fireball is too powerful for you to cast with the magic power you have left?
Wizard: No, I can cast several equally powerful spells, as well as some more powerful, but I cant cast another fireball.
Fighter: WHY?
Wizard: I dont remember how to!
Fighter: How can you not remember? You just cast it a minute ago!
Wizard: Exactly!
Fighter: What in Pelors name are you talking about???
Wizard: When I cast a spell, I forget how to do it. I know it sounds strange, but trust me, that's how it works. Once I cast a spell, the knowledge of how to cast it is erased from my memory. If I want to cast a spell several times, I need to memorize it more than once.
Fighter: You have int 18 and that's the best you can come up with? Just admit your wand is getting soft or something!
Wizard: I hate you!
Fighter: Im so trading you in for a kineticist in the next city!

On the bad-idea-meter, the spell slot system rates with ideas like 'star wars: episode 1' and "Hey, lets attack russia during the winter!"

My favorite psion is the kineticist, since they can fulfill the fire support role that most arcane casters are expected to do, and get some other nifty powers as well.
I personally think the soul knife is a cool idea, but it seems more like a prestige class than anything else. It is such a narrow specialization that it doesn't seem like something you'd just randomly decide to become: it would be something established psions (or more likely, psy warriors) may decide to specialize in.

Were-Sandwich
2007-02-18, 06:28 AM
The new Minds Eye article makes the soulknife slightly more playable.

TimeWizard
2007-02-19, 10:36 PM
Fighter: There's another group of them coming towards us. Wizard, we need another fireball, quick!
You'd be surprised that the most likely answer to that statement is

Wizard: I don't do evocation. What am I, a lowly sorceror ?

such a shame, anyhoo, let me take you on a journey back in time...

I love Psionics. They are the warm blanket in the cold wind that is reality. Wizards have always been, y'know, very much wizardy. No real change since Gandalf and Vecian or someone patented fire and forget magery. or Magicka. Or whatsnots. But then one day, someone with exotic markings and unusual demeanor leaned across the table and said "there is a different path, for those who don't walk the mind on the crutch that is arcanism" And behold, Psionics was. Like most aspiring DnD mages, I was a wizard. We all were. We all knew the ins and outs of summoning and what spells were the hot ticket to sure victories. Like many, I was introduced to psionics by other mediums. Comic books and movies. We all saw Carrie. Low class stuff, wasn't it? Not meant for Wizards. It wasn't Psions of the Coast. But then a change happened, science fiction came around, Arthur C. Clarke and Orson Scott Card made us aware of extraordinary new possibilities. And so we traded in our spellbooks for tattooes, our wands for crystals. And we were Psions. The creme de la creme. We knew our Powers and talked about our Manifestor Level. Life was good. Of course, there were other classes. There allways are. Warriors and Knife-weilders. Firestarters. Chumps. We knew that like our ancestry in arcanism, the masterful class was the way to go. Wizards, Psions... Psions, Wizards. And then, like David Bowman (and possibly Bowie) I was sent through a myriad of lights and evolution again by Orson Scott Card. This time it was an ill-fated game, Advent Rising. And behold, the glory that was the Wilder was reveiled! "Wilders?" many said "they are but sorcerors to our Mighty Wizards". But I was not like them. I had changed. I knew the glory for the first time again that was awakening to Psionics. The emotion, the rage, the fear, the love. Emotions the powered Psionics. Rage and Love sprang out of me powering my Powers through raw force of unbriddled emotion! a Surging Euphoria! To stand in awe as forces of phenomenal strength poured out of me! The fabric of reality crackled and ripped at my beck and call, not from dusty tomes but from Me!

And lo! I was a Wilder!

(thank you for your time)

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-02-21, 11:45 AM
Welcome to the thread, Peter Petrel... err, TimeWizard :smallwink:


And have just added a few more Pstick Avatars, including another Ialdobode as well as the Psion-Killer/Crystal Golem

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-06-25, 08:28 AM
*send out a psychic summoning to draw in more thralls*

Jimbob
2007-06-25, 08:42 AM
Greetings!!! I have answered your psychic summoning!:smallbiggrin:

I have to say I voted Psychic Warrior! I love playing them, its gives a real twist on playing the front rank tank! So many different things you can do with the class LOVE IT!!!!

And 'The Vorpel Tribble' love your stuff you have done, might have to use some of it if you dont mind?

Celsius
2007-06-25, 12:22 PM
Awww.. come on, Ardent is obviously the best Psionic class...

With Practised Manifester, you can even squeeze in up to 4 levels of multiclass without even losing the ability to manifest powers at the same level as a Psion of equal level!!!

Not to mention its versatility if you pick the right mantles, you can be a gish, a blaster and a summoner all at the same time!

Check out that Fate mantle power, a +20 on any d20 roll once per day? How about using it on that Augmented Dispel Psionics against that all-powerful Persistent DMM cleric BBEG? :smallwink:

Alleine
2007-06-25, 01:00 PM
I love psionics, I picked psion.

I saw the regular psionics handbook and thought it was pretty awesome, prepared to draw up a character, and then took a look at the expanded one. I almost exploded with joy! The power! UNLIMITED POWER!!! Well, mostly unlimited. I loved all the powers, especially the ways they could be used for torture or the setting on fire of many things. Seeing as I'm pretty new to DnD, I haven't looked a whole lot at spellcasters, I was afraid of the complexity and the burden of preparing spells. But psions, oh glorious psions, can probably unceasingly manifest death & doom all day long! I don't care if the wizard can do more damage, I can do it longer! And besides, can he Fuse Flesh? Hehe.

I haven't looked at Complete psionic very much, but I didn't like some of what I saw. Racial Feats are actually really cool, at least for an Elan, especialy their retainment. But for the most part I ignored it seeing as it didn't help me on my path to unspeakably vile powers. I did like cranial deluge though, hehe. I am very much sad at the lack of PrC for a psion, most of them focus around dealing more damage with a weapon, completely ignoring the low BAB we psions have. I want power, dangit, not a sword! If I wanted a sword I'd be a soulknife or Psychic warrior!

The only problem is, I think psionics may have turned me away from spellcasting forever.

Oh, and I enjoy the fact that psionics has the longest living race I know of. Its funny to be older than the elf.

Lets see, manifesting too, I love the idea. No special incantations or components, just stare at them and watch them die! wheee!

So yeah, psionics For The Win!

Dragonmuncher
2007-06-25, 02:05 PM
Psychic Warrior. Basically a fighter, only one that can do a whole bunch of extra cool things.

Soulknives... ugh. True, they look kind of cool, with their glowy hand blades, but they're mechanically awful.

I think someone on the boards did an interesting revision of them, which, IMO, made them a lot better. Possibly Bears with Lasers or Logic Ninja... I forget.

Dammit, now I'm going to have to go look that thread up.

EDIT:

All right, found it: TLN's Blade Point system (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20425&page=2&highlight=soulknife)

Granted, I've never used it, but I always thought it looked really cool. Gave the soulknife a bunch of versatility. Make sure you read both pages of the thread, there's discussion and clarification of all the stuff.

martyboy74
2007-06-25, 02:14 PM
With Practised Manifester, you can even squeeze in up to 4 levels of multiclass without even losing the ability to manifest powers at the same level as a Psion of equal level!!!

Minus, of course, the ability to manifest 9th level powers.

lord_khaine
2007-06-25, 02:19 PM
in my humble oppinion, psionic is made of win, except for complete psionic which is made of lose.

oh and btw The Vorpal Tribble, unless you got any complainst about it then im grapping the psionkiller avatar :)

at least if i can figure out how the avatar system works...

Aquillion
2007-06-25, 02:35 PM
Psionics is particularly suited to half-caster classes like the Psiwar, for several reasons:

First, the prevalence of swift or immediate-action powers, and ones that can be pumped into swift and immediate actions. One of the main problems with Paladin and Ranger casting abilities is that you usually want to spend your turns hitting the opponent; having extra standard-action abilities isn't so good when you still have the same number of actions. Psiwars, though, can use things like Psionic Lion's Charge, Hustle, Personal Dimension Door, offensive / defensive precognition, and offensive prescience as swift or immediate actions, or as part of another action. That lets them escape the "two options, one action" problem that most other dual-purpose classes have.

Second, power points vs level-based spellcasting. Level-based spellcasting is better for a pure caster, since it generally gives them more overall shots of their highest few levels of spells; but for a psiwar, you often want to build your character primarily around one or two powers (e.g. hustle, psionic lion's charge). Being able to spend most of the day's pp on those abilities is a big plus. This is (and the boosting) is why even though both psions and rangers get lion's charge, it's better for the psions.

On top of this, boosting powers via the power point system gives psiwars more versitility than they'd otherwise get from their limited power selection.

Of course, the fact that psywars get abilities that actually support them doesn't hurt, either; most ranger and (particularly) paladin spells are just weaker versions of things that proper casters can do better, while psywars tend to get abilities that improve their overall combat abilities, can't be copied for them by someone else, and generally aren't going to be so useful to full manifesters even if they can technically manifest them better (e.g. hustle).

Ceridan
2007-06-25, 03:26 PM
I had a question for this agust meeting of the minds. One member of my gaming group is of the opinion that the Elan are broken. What say you?

martyboy74
2007-06-25, 03:32 PM
Elan are one of the better LA +0 races. Being able to alter self into abberations, living forever, resistance, resilience, and having red hair are all nice advantages. None of the good classes really use charisma anyways (Turn/Rebuke excluded).

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-06-25, 04:13 PM
oh and btw The Vorpal Tribble, unless you got any complainst about it then im grapping the psionkiller avatar :)

at least if i can figure out how the avatar system works...
Nope, thats what they are there for. Only problem is that one wasn't made to fit automatically with the OOTS forums parameters, which is always 117x117.

Go to where you put the link to the avatar. Underneath it should be Custom Avatar width and height.

Need to set your avatar to 86x117.

Most of the other avatars though should work without manually resizing.

Aquillion
2007-06-25, 07:11 PM
I had a question for this agust meeting of the minds. One member of my gaming group is of the opinion that the Elan are broken. What say you?The Alter Self thing can be nasty, and if you use Elans I recommend just houseruling that Elans are humanlike enough to be treated as human for Alter Self or something like that.

The power-point abilities are nice to have as a psionic class, certainly, but not as overwhelming as they look on paper. The best is really the +4 saving throw bonus, which is definately worth the effective cost of a single 1st-level spell (as an immediate action!) when facing some nasty save-or-die. Coverting to reduce damage isn't so hot, though it's nice to have in an emergency... You're basically exchanging one first level spell for 2 hp, or a second-level spell for 6 hp, a third-level spell for 10 hp, and so on. Good if it keeps you from dying, but a psion should have better things to do with his PP.

TheLogman
2007-06-25, 07:42 PM
I absolutely LOVE psionics, I love the flavor, the mechanics, and the prestige classes. Is there a Pyro prestige class in the 3.5 rules? I hope so. You know what they need? An Ice-based prestige class. You know what? Forget I said that, and then be totally completely surprised when said prestige class pops up later tonight.

Quirinus_Obsidian
2007-06-25, 08:04 PM
My first Psionic character was a Soulknife.
My next 2 Psionic characters were Soulknives.
My following next 2 characters were Telepaths (Psion).
The most recent Psionic character is a Soulknife.

I think you know where this is headed. Although it was fun as heck playing a co-player's Wilder for a night; that is a fun class.


There's also a psionic feat in ToB, that allows you to expend power points to regain expended maneuvers ... I'd love to try a gestalt Psychic Warrior/ Swordsage.

I myself am partial to a Warblade/Soulknife. It makes the Soulknife even more perfect. Maybe a little MAD, but hey; it's all good.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-06-25, 09:01 PM
I absolutely LOVE psionics, I love the flavor, the mechanics, and the prestige classes. Is there a Pyro prestige class in the 3.5 rules? I hope so. You know what they need? An Ice-based prestige class. You know what? Forget I said that, and then be totally completely surprised when said prestige class pops up later tonight.
There is a Pyrokineticist in the XPH 3.5, and a Cryokineticist in Frostburn. It's kinda weak though...

Gralamin
2007-06-25, 09:49 PM
Psionics is one of the best things to ever happen to D&D. Simple as that.

Psion is my favourite class. I like the Seer, Telepath, Shaper, and Nomad. Egotist and Kineticist are also good.

I find that the Erudite is fine, if you slightly reflavour them.

WildBill
2007-06-25, 10:52 PM
More love for the PsyWar here. I remember playing one for the first time for a short adventure and having such a blast. I was able to contribute at higher levels. With a martial based character. And not just when the casters were busy with grown up stuff.

The Vorpal Tribble
2007-08-11, 10:42 AM
Hear ye, hear ye!

I've decided to release The Vorpal Tribble's Psionicist Collection to a few of you lucky folk!

If interested, send me on a PM (or a psychic link of your choice).


Mickle by The Stoney One
Claimed by Fireball.Man.Guy.
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album01/adt.gif

Sheaux the Distractress by Shirwill Jack
Temporarily claimed by Dryken
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album01/aav.gif

Tzet Deepcrystal by Chris the Pontifex
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album01/abb.gif

Pslice by The Stoney One
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album01/ads.gif

Mahogany by Veera
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album01/abi.gif

Deepti by Kord
http://my.photosleeve.com/TheVorpalTribble-albums/album01/adr.gif



I have also added a 'Psionicists of Hollywood' section for psionic characters from tv and film to my Pstick avatar thread listed on the first post.

Leon
2007-08-11, 11:45 PM
Despite not being a actual Psi class im having a ball in Darksun with racial Psi powers - totally rounds out my class.

TheLogman
2007-08-12, 12:04 AM
Even though it went by almost completely unnoticed, (Maybe due to the fact it was in my Sig, so people underestimated it?) I did create a Psionic Prestige Class, and its link is here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48851), and in my Sig.

Back to discussion, what is everyone's favorite psion specialty? I prefer Shaper, since he gets offensive powers, the Creation powers, and GENESIS! If I can't go Shaper, I would probably go Nomad, since Travel is always useful.

Bassetking
2007-08-12, 12:06 AM
Big fan of Egoists. Big fan.

""My psychic Goo will devour you all! Muahahaha!"

ImperiousLeader
2007-08-12, 12:12 AM
Telepaths and Shapers. Shapers for the fun of Astral Constructs, Telepaths because they're kinda iconic for psionics.

Generic PC
2007-08-12, 12:31 AM
I voted Psion. because of this. (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=8570529&postcount=31)
Sandwiches. are. cool.
Favourite kind? Telepath. Then Shaper, though it is close. then either Nomad or Egoist.

Damage Control
2007-08-12, 12:59 AM
I'm amazed at the lack of "pimp as hell" comments in this thread. Nice job, guys.

When I got my hands on XPH, I pretty much forgot about all the other classes I'd read about. Psionics are wonderful. I love Psions in particular, though a Wilder might be fun to play sometime.

Complete Psionic was kinda disappointing, yeah. However, I love the Ectopic Form feats, some of the racial feats are lovely, and whether they're effective or not, Synads are neat. 3 minds are better than one!

Starsinger
2007-08-12, 01:14 AM
I wish psions had some use for Charisma, cuz I love psionics, but I love charisma more.. And Wilder is a poor substitute... 1 power? Uhh pass..

The Gilded Duke
2007-08-12, 01:33 AM
So tough... so Tough.

Psion or Lurk... Psion or Lurk.

Lurk is one of the best rogue like classes ever....
But Psion is five or so good classes all in one
and mmm... Psion.

Psion Telepath being my flavor of choice, just so many fun powers.

Leon
2007-08-12, 01:43 AM
I wish psions had some use for Charisma, cuz I love psionics, but I love charisma more.. And Wilder is a poor substitute... 1 power? Uhh pass..

Im not sure if its setting rule or House rule but in Darksun we use CHA to get bonus Power Points

Belteshazzar
2007-08-12, 03:28 PM
Psions have officially replaced sorcerers in my setting. I also have a fondness for Psychic Warriors but am unsure how to wedge them into my world (I like to keep classes to a minimum but I may just let Psychic Warriors slide in because of their awesomeness.)

Soulknifes can go cry in a corner with his one ability. In fact I think I will give it to someone else as a prerequisite feat like I did with Warlocks. I have no need of another thief class so the Lurk can take a hike with his Divine Psionic friends.

The Vorpal Tribble
2008-04-02, 07:36 AM
Hey all, as some of you know I run a monster competition in the homebrew forums every month. This month's, April of 2008, is dedicated to psionic creatures.

If you want to participate, or simply look over the other entries for use in your games, just click on the link in my signature.

Kurald Galain
2008-04-02, 07:45 AM
What is this, the Necromancers Appreciation Thread? :smallbiggrin:

The Vorpal Tribble
2008-04-02, 07:48 AM
What is this, the Necromancers Appreciation Thread? :smallbiggrin:
Now c'mon, if you have a thread devoted to a specific topic and you have something to note that fits, sometimes it requires bringing it back from the depths of time.

*Ego Whips you for your insolence*

leperkhaun
2008-04-02, 07:54 AM
I voted for the PW. Its a good balanced class that can offer alot.

One thing iv noticed alot about players/DMs who disallow psy is because alot of them keep hearing about how overpowered it is. A good many of them are remembering pre 3.0 rules and a good many of the others forget about the PP spent top at manifester level.

I like it a good bit, but for some worlds its a strech to fit it into a "normal" fantasy game.

InkEyes
2008-04-02, 09:31 AM
Hello all, I have a question: what are the main reasons a Soulknife is considered underpowered?

The Rose Dragon
2008-04-02, 10:04 AM
Hello all, I have a question: what are the main reasons a Soulknife is considered underpowered?

Basically, it's that it doesn't quite have a role. It has sneaky skills, but it doesn't have any other class abilities that cater well to a sneaky role. It has a weapon as its class feature, but it has medium B.A.B.. The same role can be more or less filled by a monk with Wild Talent and Kensai levels. And there is a problem when your gimmick can be done better by a monk.

InkEyes
2008-04-02, 10:12 AM
Basically, it's that it doesn't quite have a role. It has sneaky skills, but it doesn't have any other class abilities that cater well to a sneaky role. It has a weapon as its class feature, but it has medium B.A.B.. The same role can be more or less filled by a monk with Wild Talent and Kensai levels. And there is a problem when your gimmick can be done better by a monk.

Ah, ok thanks.

I've never used psionics until this year. I like the power point system a lot. A friend of mine is playing a Psychic Warrior as his second character and is having a ball with it.