|
Like some people I love the idea of psionics in D&D but like many find that the way they are incorporated into the system causes more problems than their worth. As an avid fan of Darksun I'm looking forward to what 4e can bring us next year but I also love pathfinder and 3.5 over 4e.
With pathfinder ruling out psionics in the core rulebook with any form of description rather than simply ruling out psionics I think this actually leaves psionics open enough for a complete rework...
So on to my question...
What does psionics mean to you in the typical D&D universe, what system over the many versions from AD&D to 3.5s expanded psionics handbook do you like the most, is there things you would like to see changed/added/removed in particular and most of all what would make you play a psionic character over the other core classes?
I'm asking simply to get a feel of what the general Paizo audience would like and whether the work I'm putting into redesigning psionics for my home games fits that general vision. I know what I like but others may vary and its others I'd like to mostly tailor for.
Thanks in advance for your input.
|
|
I‘ll kick the thread off with some of my own thoughts on psionics.
For me psionics is about the power of the mind being used to shape and alter the world around you. It is not magic and not magical in nature although many powers and spells overlap.
The Iconic psionicists from television and movies for me are what I would like to portray when I build a psionic character; from Babylon 5’s Psi Corp to the Star Wars Jedi Council, these are what psionics is all about for me.
I don’t view psion’s as weak mages either, rather more roguish types who use their powers to enhance their skills beyond human limits. I don’t see powers being limited to uses per day like spells, but rather they put a strain on the users mind to achieve greater effects.
Of all the systems I’ve seen for psionics, abilities like psionic focusing, overchannel and power points have been the most flexable but restricting it to the “Vancian” spell system makes me feel a little cheated and wizardy. For me the system should encourage specialisation in key disciplines over exclusion of others making one psion unique to another. The system should also show greater flexibility for younger powers as the psion grows in power providing unlimited use of simple powers.
Lastly I think that psionics should be limited to only a gifted few while having an untapped ability (wild talent) can be taken by all. Wild talents shouldn’t be restricted on taking levels in psionic classes but they should not be able to rise to the heights of power as one who has been trained in the gift from a young age.
Psionic's have always been a trouble for me as well, even back in the day playing 1st ed. I believe they do have a part in the game, just not sure where. My iconic psion's will always be Kurtz's Dernyi, and I have often thought of running a campaign were there was no magic perse only psionics.
In all of my 3.5 games I DM black lined all psionics just for ease of play.
|
|
Here's a link to an existing thread that already covers this topic in great detail.
sweet thanks for the link - looks like i got some reading to do ... 696 posts!!!! :)