Ultimate Psionics is just that—the ultimate book on psionics, combining nearly all of the material in Psionics Unleashed and Psionics Expanded into a single hardcover book. But not only does Ultimate Psionics contain existing content, over seventy pages of brand new material has been added (separately released as Psionics Augmented for those who already have Psionics Unleashed and Psionics Expanded), giving more character options, advice for game masters on using psionics, and even an example of completely altering the theme of psionics from the power of the mind to runic magic, to help you understand how easy it is to change the feel of psionics without changing the system so that it can easily fit into any campaign.
Ultimate Psionics is an over-400 page hardcover book that includes:
Ten psionic races, including the brand new forgeborn and noral, with racial archetypes, advanced racial options, and more
Ten psionic classes from the psion and soulknife to the aegis and vitalist, giving everything you need to have an all-psionic party
Psionic skills and feats, including over forty brand new psionic feats such as Assassin's Venom, Deep Focus, and Telepathic Link
Over 100 pages of psionic powers, including 0th level psionic talents new powers like T’Nail’s Ardent Legion
Nineteen psionic prestige classes, including the brand new Dark Tempest prestige class
More psionic items than could ever be found in any treasure horde, including legendary items like the Heartstaff and the Dancing Robes of Sharatwan and over 10 pages of brand new psionic items like the greater psicrystal staff, the tactician's chessboard, and more.
An entire section for advice and tips for game masters on introducing and using psionics, including the most commonly encountered rules mistakes, how to handle transparency, and variant themes if you don't want mental power and prefer psionics to be a form of magic.
And much more!
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At the time of writing this review there are 10 reviews of it already. Plus each expansion has reviews and the first product has 13 reviews. There are threads on Paizo's forums and other places on the internet. The book is often on the top ten list of Paizo's third party sales. There are arguments about the power level and articles about it and the publishers have two more entire subsystems coming out with a Kickstarter money, forums of fans and is often quoted as the only third party publisher allowed at certain tables.
What the heck am I supposed to say after all that?! I can't review this. Its probably the most acclaimed third party product in all of Pathfinder. Everybody loves it, and if you don't you probably aren't going to be too thrilled with any other third party product or someone is going to come along to explain why you not liking it makes you a dirty poopy-head, and they're right! Well if you're okay with the very idea of psionics to begin with.
What's going on in this book is that it's a compilation of the psionic stuff that came out before it making for a fat book rivaling the Pathfinder Core Rulebook, detailing new races, new classes, magic items, feats, archetypes and prestige classes all supporting psionics. In fact it might as well be the core rulebook for psionics. If you get this book you have pretty much a core rulebook full of information on an entire class of magic and enough classes and subclasses and prestige classes and options to keep you busy for years.
But what are psionics? In a nutshell it's 'mind magic'. If you want to make a crystal ball massaging gypsy curse dealing psychic you're going to be disappointed. This is more like Esper or Psychic Pokemon variety mind magic making it feel kind of like psuedo-scientific ESP stuff than talking to spirits or new age tarot reading. But these guys aren't just bending spoons, they're generating mind-light sabers and shooting psychic lasers. This is all centered around a new way to cast their spell-like 'Powers' with a pool of points representing their psionic energy. Its a neat system, especially if you're tired of spell slots, but not each of the classes in here are based around the powers. you get a few that use their mind to do other things like create armor and weapons, plus you get some feats so anyone can tap into their mind and do a few tricks. Its a new world, a whole new way to play. Once you crack it open and start playing it's hard to dismiss. Its just a cool bunch of options.
So why did I buy this? What made me go "okay, I'm going to use this." Well for one you can see most of the options on d20pfsrd.com, which helps you figure out if you think this system is more broken than a core rulebook wizard. I went ahead and did the legwork of comparing the best powers to Magic spells and how well they can cast and found powers to be overall weaker than magic with superior casting options but way less variety so the strongest psionic class comes off about as powerful as a well made Sorcerer. I also liked having the option of presenting casting that felt less ole-timey for when I wanted to run a steampunk or space campaign. It's also the most 'complete' alternate system experience I've ever seen, and trying it with newer players they were able to pick it up much and understand it faster than vancian casting. So it won me over. Five stars all around. You just cant lose with this book.
This book is absolutely amazing. Dreamscarred Press show us once again that they're the undisputed masters of flavorful, balanced psionics. This beautiful book has a place of honor on my shelf right next to my Core Rulebook, and if I could only pick one rules supplement to use in a campaign, it would be this one by far.
It's been said a hundred times, but Dreamscarred Press creates fantastic products. Where they shine the most is in their psionic material. This book is *the* book for psionics, hands down.
I don't have anything to add that's not already been said. So I'll keep this very short. This book's cover was done by Wayne Reynolds, appropriate for a book of this quality. However, plenty of the artwork in this book is less than stellar. I expected more from a giant of a 3pp company (as giant as they get, anyways).
Despite some of the underwhelming art, the text inside is filled with as much psionic crunch and flavor you could ever ask for. There's a reason this is the go to book for psionics. It has absolutely everything you need and more. If you're thinking about adding psionics to your game, don't wait. Get this book now!
Gotta say that having it in my hand makes it even more impressive than the PDF I fell in love with. Now that I can't rely on PDF word search I am really impressed by the formatting in the book.
Everything is easy to find. When I have a question it's very easy to find an appropriate answer by perusing the ToC. The title "Ultimate Psionics" really applies as just about all the character concepts I could want as a Pdionic can be made from all the Base Classes, Archetypes, and Prestige Classes detailed!
The only downside was that my mailman stuffed it too roughly into my mailbox and it bent in some of the back cover's corner. The damage is pretty minor and impossible to see on my bookshelf, so I'm not getting too down over it.
The only singular problem with this book is that the pages are a bit more fragile than I would like.
Edit: After about a year of using this book on the table I can say that it still deserves 5 stars, excellent book.
This won't be a long review, because I can't compete with Endzeitgeist's excellent reviews. It's really a small list of glitches that affected my impressions of the books.
First, the good stuff. Fixes to original base classes are great and were necessary, as well as changing some of the feats and the addition of 0 level powers. All good. The expanded list of powers is amazing, and the new classes, for the most part, are pretty interesting. More on that in a second.
The artwork is good, not stellar but, but good. My only gripe with it is once again a female ophiduan was shown with hair and breasts. They're reptiles for Pete's sake, and it clearly says in their description they are hairless. Grr.
There are an uncomfortable number of typos and some awkward sentence structuring, but it's easy enough to extrapolate what's being said in each case. I wish that they'd proofread things a bit more thoroughly.
My biggest "gripe" is the Dread seems unnecessary in my book. It's focus is very narrow and would've made a better psion prestige class, in my opinion, just as the marksman would've been a better psychic warrior PrC.
Overall I'm going to give the book 4 stars, largely for the truly amazing amount of work that went into it. But the glaring typos and curvaceous ophiduan really bugged me.
Addendum. I received two copies 4 days apart with the same order number, though I only purchased one. I've been in touch with Paizo Customer Service and as soon as I get paid I'll be sending the extra copy back so that someone else might enjoy it.
We've received some, but I am hungrily awaiting more.
Seriously, Liz, you're not supposed to eat the books. Just so you know. 'Cuz sometimes people are shy about telling people stuff like that. Kinda like "you've got a boogie on your nose." I figure you took care of me nice last week, letting me dump (another) hundred plus on this product, so I'll step up and let you know the socially awkward truth.
This is going to be the first 3rd-party product that I'll buy. But since I move around a lot lately, I'll wait until the ''backorder'' status is removed from the product before purchasing it, because I don't want the book to be delivered to a place where I don't live anymore.
I just received my "non-mint" copy, and it is in IMMACULATE condition. There is a teensie-tiny dent in the dover (about the size of a pen tip) that I had to hold the book up in direct light to even see.
This book is 1) enormous, 2) fantastic.
If you're on the fence about picking up the hardcover copy, get off the fence and get one. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Mine is still on backorder. (puts on sack cloth, wails, and gnashes teeth).
I feel your pain, DMC. :) I'm 13 days out from reaching the 2-month point since I ordered mine. I know the Paizo and DSP folks are doing their best; the anticipation doesn't help much, but I know they're playing the hand they're dealt. :)
The good news is I've caught up on our Kickstarter backers. That's small consolation for preorder customers, but is meant to show that progress is at least being made. :)
Ya know, on the plus side, backorders mean that the first runs have sold like lightning, more folks want the product, and that means more money for the publisher. Who, in turn, can make more great stuff! It's the circle of life!
DMCal & Silentman73, You two are not alone in waiting for your copies. There are several of us that selected books and minis during the Miniature Kickstarter that are waiting too.
I don't have any ire toward the folks at DSP, RGG, or any of the other fine 3PP's out there if they fall behind for whatever reasons. They put out great products and are well worth the wait, imho. As a matter of fact, I didn't even place my order until March 1st, one month ago today. I know some of you have waited longer. But I am patient. Like the spider....
DMCal & Silentman73, You two are not alone in waiting for your copies. There are several of us that selected books and minis during the Miniature Kickstarter that are waiting too.
And as long as you've made your reward selections, the hardcover will ship out this month. :)
And do not forget to check out the new Kickstarter spearheaded by Legendary Games that could include mythic psionic content with enough support. Check it out:
There are several factors that publishers have no control over, I accept that. I also know that DSP is not as large an enterprise as Paizo. I hope they get that way. I have two of their books already and like what they have done. I just get anxious when I am expecting product. If I have offended Jeremy I sincerely apologize.
I just received my "non-mint" copy, and it is in IMMACULATE condition. There is a teensie-tiny dent in the dover (about the size of a pen tip) that I had to hold the book up in direct light to even see.
This book is 1) enormous, 2) fantastic.
If you're on the fence about picking up the hardcover copy, get off the fence and get one. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Thanks for the feedback. I was wondering how horribly maimed they might be.
I ordered two but they're held until my next shipment, which is killing me. This, on top of the limited edition one I've got coming eventually from the Kickstarter. One's a gift and the other's... impatience.
There are several factors that publishers have no control over, I accept that. I also know that DSP is not as large an enterprise as Paizo. I hope they get that way. I have two of their books already and like what they have done. I just get anxious when I am expecting product. If I have offended Jeremy I sincerely apologize.
EDIT: Yes, I have made my selections.
I'm not offended. :)
I just take very seriously how long this project has taken to complete and how long some folks have been waiting for their copies. There's a reason why some projects we have in the works we aren't accepting preorders on or doing a Kickstarter for - any time someone has put money down on it, I take finishing that and getting what is due completed and to that customer a top prioirty. Projects where I'm not sure how long it's going to take to finish I won't open for preorders.
This project has just taken significantly longer than any before us and well beyond what we expected, so there's just significantly more people waiting, which has been a serious cause of stress for me. I'll be very relieved once all the hardcovers are shipped out and we're no longer on backorder.
This project has just taken significantly longer than any before us and well beyond what we expected, so there's just significantly more people waiting, which has been a serious cause of stress for me. I'll be very relieved once all the hardcovers are shipped out and we're no longer on backorder.
Keep in mind that a big part of that is our fault. The Kickstarter backers pushed the project deeply into stretch goals, upgrading and expanding the content of the book. If that hadn't happened, you would've gone to print B&W only with the original art, and original content. I - for one - have zero problem with the timeframe that's been stretched, because I - for one - wanted the biggest, baddest Psionics book that I could get my hands on, and that made a tonne of work for you.
There are several factors that publishers have no control over, I accept that. I also know that DSP is not as large an enterprise as Paizo. I hope they get that way. I have two of their books already and like what they have done. I just get anxious when I am expecting product. If I have offended Jeremy I sincerely apologize.
EDIT: Yes, I have made my selections.
I'm not offended. :)
I just take very seriously how long this project has taken to complete and how long some folks have been waiting for their copies. There's a reason why some projects we have in the works we aren't accepting preorders on or doing a Kickstarter for - any time someone has put money down on it, I take finishing that and getting what is due completed and to that customer a top prioirty. Projects where I'm not sure how long it's going to take to finish I won't open for preorders.
This project has just taken significantly longer than any before us and well beyond what we expected, so there's just significantly more people waiting, which has been a serious cause of stress for me. I'll be very relieved once all the hardcovers are shipped out and we're no longer on backorder.
That's actually encouraging to hear, Jeremy (not about the stress; stop that! No stressing!). I won't be able to use the UP book for several months yet (I'm GMing a campaign where my group is just about to finish the first module from the Wrath of the Righteous adventure path, so we'll be at it awhile still), I'm just excited to get it. I'll even buy Hero Lab once I know the psionics files are released. :) I appreciate the effort you put into keeping us apprised of what's happening. The early reviews I'm reading from people who have gotten their hardcovers are very encouraging. :)
This project has just taken significantly longer than any before us and well beyond what we expected, so there's just significantly more people waiting, which has been a serious cause of stress for me. I'll be very relieved once all the hardcovers are shipped out and we're no longer on backorder.
Keep in mind that a big part of that is our fault. The Kickstarter backers pushed the project deeply into stretch goals, upgrading and expanding the content of the book. If that hadn't happened, you would've gone to print B&W only with the original art, and original content. I - for one - have zero problem with the timeframe that's been stretched, because I - for one - wanted the biggest, baddest Psionics book that I could get my hands on, and that made a tonne of work for you.
I appreciate that. :)
But I can tell you from emails I've received, as well as emails I've seen sent to others about the backorders / preorders - not everyone is as patient or forgiving.
And do not forget to check out the new Kickstarter spearheaded by Legendary Games that could include mythic psionic content with enough support. Check it out:
And do not forget to check out the new Kickstarter spearheaded by Legendary Games that could include mythic psionic content with enough support. Check it out:
And do not forget to check out the new Kickstarter spearheaded by Legendary Games that could include mythic psionic content with enough support. Check it out:
Oh my, it looks like I will be getting Ultimate Psionics and Deep Magic both in the same month or so. That is like 600 pages of new gaming goodness! My brain is likely to explode from all of the new options. :)
Psionics played not as another magic system is a great way to stump your players who have "been there, done that". Especially if the psionic characters/creatures/bad guys are supported by some magic slinging back ups. It makes the PCs a step back and ask, "what just happened?"
Psionics and "regular" magic are balanced to work with each other. Of course, everyone has a side when it comes to which is weaker/more powerful, prettier, tastier, less filling, etc. I think it's an awesome system and wish more of my players would use it.
I've found that, aside from the horror stories of (I believe) AD&D 1st Ed Psionics, when they were something extra that you got on top of your class or somesuch, that they're typically balanced if you understand the rules behind the system. Where it goes wrong is when GMs allow them without understanding how they work and then players get away with illegal things like overspending PP to use too many metapsionic feats on a single power, or not following the rules for psionic focus.
If you're playing a super high powered Monty Haul game like I did in high school, it's not so much a problem. If you're trying to play a balanced, "normal" game, then letting the rules slide like that can easily be a game breaker.
Otherwise, a psion is really no more imbalanced than a wizard or any other full caster class.
I may give it a look over and if I like it, hope a GM will let me use it. Thanks!
I love psionics. The flavor is way more my style than magic. But besides that, the system is way better in my opinion. You have a power point pool similar to a mana pool in a video game. Each level of power has a cost higher than the previous level. You don't get stuck with a bunch of useless spells at high level cuz you can just use those points to manifest another high level power. And many low level powers remain just as useful your entire career anyway because they can be augmented with additional power points. Its a perfect system in my opinion
Unruly, that is my point, Psionics can be played in two fashions, as if it were just another system of magic or as a seperate system. I prefer the seperate system because it allows those with powers to not be defeated by PC preparations against a spellcaster. Yes, some protections cross over, but by and large, I like the look of surprise when PCs expect the "force mage" they are fighting to stop casting his still and silent spells when they use dispell magic or some such. It is much like the experience of fighting a new untested monster for the first time. It has a weakness, but you have yet to find out what it is. They are not unbalanced, they are just not prepared for. It helps to keep even experienced PCs (I am sure there is a pun in there somewhere) on their toes which can be difficult after a while...
Two of my favorite NPC's ever were a pair of brother and sister psychic-warriors, one that fought with a bow and one with a sword, that I added into Barackus from Frog God. Non of my players were very familiar with psionics so it was great to see their confusion as they encountered the unfamiliar like a "fighter" who could d-door out of trouble. They managed to get away and re-appear several times over several sessions and boy did the PC's want to get those guys.
I use a sort of modified version of the psionics/magic transparency option. It takes twice as long for the Identify spell to work on a psionic item, and dispel magic is harder, as well.
Unruly, that is my point, Psionics can be played in two fashions, as if it were just another system of magic or as a seperate system. I prefer the seperate system because it allows those with powers to not be defeated by PC preparations against a spellcaster. Yes, some protections cross over, but by and large, I like the look of surprise when PCs expect the "force mage" they are fighting to stop casting his still and silent spells when they use dispell magic or some such. It is much like the experience of fighting a new untested monster for the first time. It has a weakness, but you have yet to find out what it is. They are not unbalanced, they are just not prepared for. It helps to keep even experienced PCs (I am sure there is a pun in there somewhere) on their toes which can be difficult after a while...
When I was talking about AD&D 1E Psionics being additional, I wasn't talking about the Psionic-Magic Transparency rule. I was talking about how the old psionics were in addition to your existing character class, so you could have a character who was a level 20 Wizard and had full psionic powers without multiclassing or going beyond level 20. From everything I've heard from people who used that system, it allowed for some extremely overpowered and broken shenanigans, and is a big reason why people who experienced that won't allow the current psionics rules in their games.
Things have gotten much, much better since then though.
Unruly, just finding people who could get the 1st Edition psionics system to work was a challenge. ;) I give all kudos to Gygax and Arneson for giving us AD&D, but the reality is they weren't quite as gifted at systems design as game designers are now (though to be fair, they were sort of blazing a new trail).
2nd Edition improved things somewhat by tying psionics into the Non-Weapon Proficiency system, but it still didn't really work out too well.
3rd Edition really gave us our first truly workable psionics system properly integrated into the game. The problem was, there were rampant abuses. The least of those would be a Psion who had taken the feat to remove their displays, and then if they could just remain hidden, they could slowly cook someone with Molecular Agitation, and that target would realistically have no reason to go looking for someone. It required some fairly heavy metagaming on the part of a DM to find a way around that.
3.5 just about perfected psionics; the Expanded Psionics Handbook remains, hands down, my favorite book from that era of the game.
4th Edition... sadly, it crapped on just about everything, including "psionics" in the Player's Handbook 3. Since Fighters, Wizards, Clerics, etc. were all using "powers" (with different fluff names), psionics truly felt literally no different from anything else. Add in the MMO-style party construction demands, and it just felt "meh".
I'm excited at Ultimate Psionics, especially after having poked around in the SRD. It's why I check the forums here more than once a day (which I'm certain my employer appreciates... LOL) to see if there are updates on when the replacements have arrived so mine is shipped out. I'm at the mercy of the printer right now (as are many!). :)
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