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One of the most frequently requested topics for Pathfinder RPG rules exploration once we've put the Core Rulebook to bed is Psionics.

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The funny thing is that I think an overwhelming majority of d20 gamers are OK with the idea of telepaths, empaths, psychics, and the "concept" of psionics.

And yet a lot of them do not allow the current (or any previous, let's be honest) version of the psionics rules in their campaign.

I am convinced there is an audience for a Pathfinder RPG Psionics book.

I am uncertain how to proceed from that basic assumption.

So I'm asking you:

What does Psionics mean to you?

I am heavily influenced by the philosophy of Rolemaster (TM). Magic users and Sorcerers access the local energy of the Universe by altering the energy around them. Clerics and Druids rely on their Deity to filter the global energy of the universe through their own viewpoint and provide it to their followers. Psionicists apply their own view of the universe and filter the world’s energy through it.

Psionicists should be less powerful than their counterparts or limited in the scope of power but more flexible in their application of it. Their powers should work better on themselves than others. Specialization should yield more powerful choices than a someone who picks multiple abilities.

I have a love/hate relationship with the Psionics book as it is. I think the book might work without changes compared to the upgraded Pathfinder campaign setting. Personally I’d like to see it pulled apart and the entire group of powers be built on networked feats. In order to do that you’d have to throw out all the psionic monsters and redesign the Aboleth, Rakshasa, Illithids, Neothelids, and Intellect Devourers as they are mentioned in the Campaign Setting. I’m not sure that’s possible under the OGL.

How can I get you to buy a psionics book and use it in your campaign?

The Pathfinder Chronicles Campaign Setting states psionics are rare and there is much suspicion concerning those who wield it. I never felt that DM’s have exploited the social ramifications of certain classes. Show the different attitudes for each of the lands. For example I imagine that the Grand Duchy of Alkenstar would overlook psionic characters because their powers do not work in the Mana wastes while the advisor Janhelia in Osirion distrusts this power and they actively hunt down psionic NPCs.

Definitely tie in the different cultures and races into Psionics and have some powers reserved for each of them or for limited groups. For example Galt psionicists have access to Astral projection earlier or a specialized possession power in order for their spirits to escape the final blades. Gnomes have access to a power that makes them more fae like. Nethys psychic worshipers have access to a power like Legend Lore.

What is an absolute deal-breaker?

You can’t tie the game and mention that someone should access this or that out of print book. The SRD is nice but there are still those who play who do not have internet access. Given the publishing firm this should not be a big problem.

Tying the psionic system into the general magic system rules is useless to me. The Sorcerer would almost be a worthy psionicist in that case.

Thanks again for the give-and-take.