I appreciate that there are different takes on Psionics. It's not this monolithic thing. There are perhaps not as many examples of it in fiction than types and sources of "magic" but still. I prefer my Scanners, Babylon 5 telepaths, Carrie, Dead Zone, Traveler from Star Trek sort of vibe.I would prefer my psionics to be more like Star Wars' 'The Force'. And when you put the strain on things and need the 'XP' burn (or whatever is going to be used as an equivalent for Pathfinder), it'd be similar to the defilers of Athas, self-cannibalism, or feeding off the life essence of the people around you.
Star Trek doesn't have psionics... just either gods who are slummming (Q), Gods who can't grow up (Trelane), Gods who have that elven aloofness on how much they're better than you are (Organians) or upstart gods in training (Wesley Crusher)
I don't count Counselor Troi because what she does isn't psionics, it's closed captioning for the empathically impaired...i.e. people who can't read body language.
The Betazoid are a race of telepaths. Vulcans and Romulans have a long tradition and history of psychic phenomena, including telekinesis. And remember psionics isn't just telepathy, it's doing something purely with your mind. The Traveler moved through time and space at his own will. I'd say that's pretty iconic of a Nomad.
So, in conclusion, you're demonstrably WRONG.
The Betazoid are a race of telepaths. Vulcans and Romulans have a long tradition and history of psychic phenomena, including telekinesis. And remember psionics isn't just telepathy, it's doing something purely with your mind. The Traveler moved through time and space at his own will. I'd say that's pretty iconic of a Nomad.
So, in conclusion, you're demonstrably WRONG.
Let's not forget "Q" either...
Let's not forget "Q" either...
Star Trek and Star Wars both have good examples of psionics. It's a big part of the "psionics is sci-fi" argument. Carrie, fire starter, and zen monks are more modern / fantasy history versions of psionics. The 4400 and Heroes TV shows could be seen as technology unlocking psionic ability. And mutants from Marvel comics could easily be seen as psionics.
Don't discount the psionics in Star Trek - I mean, you had a race of beings in DS9 that could shapeshift (Odo), mentally-bonded symbiotes (Dax), you have the El-Aurian race that was rumored to have the ability to sense changes to the time-stream, the Cytherians, who telepathically take over a character and heighten his mental power... seemingly without the use of technology. So these are all poster children for psionics... they're just very sci-fi oriented. :)
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At a very base level, keep the power point set up. Love that as opposed to the model of spell usage for Sorcerers and Wizards.
As for classes, no real need to devolve far from what already's provided in the Expanded Psionics Handbook (though the Lurk is pretty darn cool).
Also, while this isn't necessarily a mechanic, I've always preferred the theme that Psionics do NOT equal Spells, i.e., Dispel Magic, Antimagic, etc. need not apply.
To be fair, just about every form of supernatural power that isn't abjectly stated as being "magic" could be classified as "psionics." And most form's of supernatural power that are stated as being "magic" don't fit into Vancian casting anyways :p
X-men mutants definitely. Actually that's sort of the key to how I see psionics, TBH. Something you were just born with and learn to control, and it comes in many flavors, though telepathy/telekinesis is common there's also like Wolverine who could be a psychic warrior :P.
There are fantasy series that are 'psionics' rather than 'magic' if you view it that way - Trudi Cavanagh's Dark Magician series or David Eddings' Belgariad could both be regarded as using psionics as their magic system.
Myself I tend to regard psionics and magic as the same 'source' manipulated in different ways. Hence they can be regarded as transparent in effect (dispel magic can disrupt a psionic effect, for example) but are different in application (psionic powers are more usually flexible than spells).
Penultimate Alpha document is now out:
Not a lot has changed from 3.5, but a few changes that were important - Independent Research, Energy Powers, etc.
Psionic Monsters are still in process but close to complete - psicrystal, astral constructs, and neothelids still need to be converted, then it's ready.
For those who haven't seen:
Psionic Monsters are now available.
:)
Admitting that I don't follow the forum that much, does this mean you're pretty much going into beta mode now?
Admitting that I don't follow the forum that much, does this mean you're pretty much going into beta mode now?
Yes. We may put out a "full" Alpha document with all the component parts, but at this point, all Alpha documents are out and we're in full Beta mode (although I'm juggling projects to finish up some other smaller projects in parallel).
FYI, I've posted up a document that compiles all the powers that had their name changed (or that were removed) for easy reference. :)
FYI, the Beta documents for the Psion and all Psion/Wilder powers are in final review - I'm hoping to get the psion posted up today. When that happens, I'll be starting a new thread, since this one is gigantic.
FYI, the Beta documents for the Psion and all Psion/Wilder powers are in final review - I'm hoping to get the psion posted up today. When that happens, I'll be starting a new thread, since this one is gigantic.
Heh. You'd remark differently if you had wandered into the OTD forums on here. ;-)
Looking forward to your Beta phase.
True, but I think it's reached the point where a new thread is needed - especially since the Alpha phase has basically wrapped up. :)
I've posted the new thread now that the Psion is out:
Please use that thread for further discussion on this project and thank you to everyone who has participated - those who posted on these forums, our forums, via email, or via private message. :)