We are finally set up now on Paizo and have a free beta version up for download here.
Introducing a mechanics shift in how Psionic magic works in the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
THIS IS A BETA VERSION. You may download for free at any time and we will continue to keep it updated. Please let us know your comments and critique.
- A new continent with lore and history explaining how psionics fit into the world.
- Several brand new races with psionic abilities: Primal Elves, Drakians, Helians, Amchitka, Jayda, Syl'ksh, and Sylsos.
- Classic races including the Elan, Dromite, and Half-Giant.
- New alternate racial abilities for all races.
- New alternate classes: The Psion and the Psyker
- New archetypes: Divine Mystic, Psichemyst, Slayer, War Mind and others
- Expanded rules for psionic companions: Astral Constructs and PsiCrystals
- Ki powered psionic spells and spell-like abilities
- Simplified mechanics that strive to work with existing rules
- New magic item types (rune stones, psionic tattoos, and diadems) that work with psionic, arcane, and divine magic.
- New and exciting psionic creatures to interact with, including the power hungry Kythuleons and their dromite slaves, the undead doppelganger Draeffen, and others.
- Classic creatures like the Brain Mole and Thought Eater.
- Phrenic/Psionic templates for humanoid, animal, undead and other creature types.
This has been a long journey (almost 2 years now) and we hope you enjoy our work.
To be clear, this is a reinterpretation of psionics not a straight conversion. Our product is aimed at those who were never satisfied with the psionic mechanics of the original source material.
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Giving this a look now. :)
Giving this a look now. :)
Awesome. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hope we have different enough systems to satisfy both groups of players.
Best of luck to you guys.
With the huge success and numerous positive reviews Dreamscarred has had with their recent psionic product(s) for the Pathfinder RPG, however, carving out your own slice of the psionic pie might be a bit of a challenge!
Thank you! We're excited about what we made and are hoping we find the right audience. First round of play testing went very well. It was a long process of just friends and family. If we can bring can enjoyment to a few people, that will be awesome.
One comment we did receive is that the rules are more balanced and easier to manage than they ever were in d20. Which was our primary goal. We found a few holes so far and have been plugging them (had to put a limit on Recharge so monks couldn't exploit it for example).
I think you definitely have a different take on psionics, and for those looking to implement psionics in a spell slot-based fashion, this looks like a decent implementation.
I'm personally a no-slot kind of gamer, but I respect the amount of thought and work that have been put in.
I think you definitely have a different take on psionics, and for those looking to implement psionics in a spell slot-based fashion, this looks like a decent implementation.
I'm personally a no-slot kind of gamer, but I respect the amount of thought and work that have been put in.
Yea, we went back and forth over that for like 5 years (lol). So we decided an a fluid slot system. The spell power can flow to other slots and augmentations are controlled by Ki (originally still power points).
There's a slight change to Spell Recall that is going in to make up for the restriction on recharge. It's going to be a Conversion ability that allows Ki to be converted into any spell slot (like now) plus allow spell slots to be combined up or divided down (as it was originally).
We liked having Ki as the intermediary, but it allowed a monk to almost double their Ki poll at too low a level (if they took levels in Psion).
We will be releasing two books in the next month. The first book, as outlined already, is the Power of Ki: Psionic Roleplaying.
The second book will be a campaign setting for Fermia. The campaign setting with drawn on psionics somewhat, but will also work without them.
Meet the Golthari, Wee Folk, and the rest of the denizens of Fermia. Some of the material from the campaign setting is already combined with the beta version linked above.
We hope you enjoy it.
Well it certainly sounds intersting!
Thank you. We posted a sneak peek at the Anjnari on our product page.
Also, we are taking art submissions. If interested in the submission process and compensation agreements please contact me at editor@outsidenormal.com. My nieces are making good progress, but college is slowing them down a bit.
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I am really liking the Psion, my only beef if need both CON and WIS for Spellcasting instead of just one stat, I like CHA better for them, and I know the Ki Pool works with WIS, but the Ninja uses CHA instead so there's precedent.
I liked the feel of the powers, this looks really promising, and as an old time fan of the Psionics I can't wait to see the finished product.
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This is going to be a great addition to my games. I have never been a fan of psionics being point based and everyone else being slot based so this shores up that gap nicely. Look forward to seeing more as the project comes together.
P.S. will there be take on the SoulKnife/Bow in your book?
P.S. will there be take on the SoulKnife/Bow in your book?
The Psyker is being set up to be a combination of the SoulKnife and the psychic warrior. We're still trying to balance it a little more.
We didn't want to add too many classes and tried to just make alternate classes of the Sorcerer and Bard. Everything else we wanted to do through archetypes.
The type of weapon that the psyker can summon is restricted by proficiency and weight as levels progress. Weapons with special properties (trip, disarm, etc.) can be summoned but reduce the mindblade enhancement. Ranged weapons can be summoned but ammunition has a cost (1 Ki point per 20 arrows for example - maybe still in debate).
The psychic warrior (maybe with a different name) will be an archetype of the Psyker. She gives up the mindblade and associated features for traditional bonus feats. She also gets insight bonuses in place of mindblade enhancements.
If 3rd party products were ever PFS certified, we know the psyker would never really fit in. The archetype for it, however, would be a better match.
Thank you for your comments, we truly hope you find enjoyment in our products.
I am really liking the Psion, my only beef if need both CON and WIS for Spellcasting instead of just one stat, I like CHA better for them, and I know the Ki Pool works with WIS, but the Ninja uses CHA instead so there's precedent.
The short answer (TL;DR): It was an effort to balance the psion with other classes, provide a unique feel for the class, and try to add a little science.
Now, the long answer.
We've gone back and forth on this quite a bit. The CON requirement comes from the idea that Ki is powered by the body as well as the mind.
We see the psion as being not only a caster but using their whole body as the power source (must like a cleric draws power from a deity).
We originally thought about using INT or CHA for the spells and using WIS or CHA for the Ki Pool, but that seemed too mind focused. Some literature on Ki and psionic power references strength as the source of energy. Strength just seemed to offer too much non-caster benefit to be a focus stat. This lead us to using CON.
The benefit of requiring CON and WIS is that the psion will have good fortitude and will saves. But the trade off is in mental power. The psion will lose some ground with personal interaction and skills. One pass had the psion using CON and CHA (which I am liking more since it balances the saves better).
When we originally started writing, we hoped the Ninja would be based on Wisdom for consistency. But they went with CHA (maybe to balance out the saves and match up with the rogue class).
It is not set in stone that we will require a physical trait for psionic spell casting, but we really liked the feel of it. There is also a witch archetype we are working on that uses blood/hoodoo magic. She needs high CON.
We do know it's a debatable point and still open to discussion. We want to hear more of your thoughts on this. Are you for or against using a physical stat for a psionic caster requirement?
I see, you have a really thorough reasoning, and I understand now were you are coming from in terms of using CON, personally, I like CON and CHA better than CON and WIS; but that's my personal opinion.
I just think that as a Sorcerer Alt class, it should use CHA, but I can see why WIS would fit with the concept.
As I said earlier, I am really liking the feeling of the class, and I would still play it if it ends up CON/WIS instead of CON/CHA.
I see, you have a really thorough reasoning, and I understand now were you are coming from in terms of using CON, personally, I like CON and CHA better than CON and WIS; but that's my personal opinion.
I just think that as a Sorcerer Alt class, it should use CHA, but I can see why WIS would fit with the concept.
As I said earlier, I am really liking the feeling of the class, and I would still play it if it ends up CON/WIS instead of CON/CHA.
You have a very valid point and what might change it for the better. Using CHA instead of WIS fixes another balance issue.
We had an issue with saves. The original plan was making Reflex the "good" save and the other two the "bad" save. With focusing on CON and WIS, the psion really ends up with 3 good saves. The argument was made that Will was the "good" save for Sorcerers, so we stuck with that for Psions. Switching from WIS to CHA would make them both align better.
I'll have to see how the discipline abilities stack up with the change.
Interesting...
Dotting for later...
And since you've all been good to me today. Here's a sneak peek at the Runecaster Wizard Archetype:
Runecaster (Wizard Archetype) 2nd DRAFT
Wild Talent: The Runecaster gains the Wild Talent feat. This replaces the Scribe Scroll ability.
Runes: The Runecaster decorates her body with small runic symbols to store her spells instead of scribing them into a spell book. She scribes each rune permanently into her skin with a specially prepared ink (materials costs are identical to inscribing spellbooks). The runes are unique to the caster but can be copied just as if copying spells to or from a spell book. The rune are considered arcane writings that must be deciphered just as if reading another spell book. Runecaster may use a spellbook to make copies of their spells, but cannot prepare spells from it.
Acid and fire damage has a chance to destroy runes. For each die of acid or fire damage a Runecaster takes, there is a 1% chance that a rune will be destroyed. Determine the spell randomly.
This replaces the spell book requirement.
Rune Preparation: When she prepares her spells, the rune becomes active and changes color slightly. A rune that is prepared multiple times will change colors more dramatically. The colors and shadings of the rune are unique personalities for each Runecaster. The runecaster spends 1 hour in meditation to prepare the spells instead of 1 hour studying. This hour of meditation does not restore Ki, additional time must be spent to recover any Ki points.
Rune Activation: If the Runecaster has the Eschew Materials feat, she may psionically cast any spell with material components of 1gp or less. The rune is activated telepathically to cast the spell providing all the details for targeting and effect. This allows the wizard to cast some spells without the need to speak or gesture, but it does not alter requirements for concentration. All cantrips can be continually activated from the prepared runes.
For spells with somatic components that don't qualify for telepathic activation, the runecaster must touch the rune to activate it and throw it or touch it to the target. The rune appears in the hand of the caster as a glowing copy and expands to cover the target. The rune can be touched through armor and clothing, only the general area of the body where the rune resides needs to be touched. The runecaster may hold the rune just as if holding a spell charge. The rune will travel to the target guided by the same magic that guides other spells (that is, if a spell does not require a ranged touch attack neither does the rune).
For spells with verbal components that don't qualify for telepathic activation, an incantation must still be uttered to activate the rune.
Metamagic Runes: Beginning at 4th level, the runecaster may spend Ki points to pay for metamagic spell level adjustments. Each Ki point spent this way pays for 1 level of metamagic adjustment. The Ki points must be spent when preparing the rune are deducted from the Ki pool while the rune is active. Ki spent this way cannot be regained while the rune is still prepared.
At 4th level, and every 4 levels after, the wizard can spend 1 Ki point per spell. For example, a 4th level wizard can Enlarge a spell (increases the spell level by 1) by spending 1 Ki point instead of increasing the spell level; however, the wizard must be 8th level to spend 2 Ki points to Empower a spell. The level cost for the metamagic feat does not need to be paid entirely by the same source. A 2nd level spell can be increased to 3rd level and then enlarged by spending 1 Ki point.
This replaces the Arcane Bond ability.
Spell AugmentationIf the Runecaster has the ability to augment arcane spells, she may still pay for the augmentation from her Ki pool when the rune is activated.
I read the lore of the Elan race is getting overhauled. For what is worth, I really liked what you got so far, everything comes together nicely IMHO.
I like the caste system, but the Lion as of this moment appears to be superior in every way to the rest, but I see some thematic sense behind the different castes and I like where my imagination goes when I think about it.
I see some interesting conflicts between the castes, Vipers trying to convince the Wolves that the Lion's altruistic ways are putting the Elan's secrets in danger, then use the support from the Wolves to make a case to the Cardinals that the Lions are a liability to the society and that their willingness to go the extra mile for the strangers will eventually be the Elan Society's undoing.
...or something like that, I don't know, but the seeds you planted seem good to me, I am looking forward to see the full lore about the Elan Society when the book comes out.
EDIT:
You have a very valid point and what might change it for the better. Using CHA instead of WIS fixes another balance issue.
We had an issue with saves. The original plan was making Reflex the "good" save and the other two the "bad" save. With focusing on CON and WIS, the psion really ends up with 3 good saves. The argument was made that Will was the "good" save for Sorcerers, so we stuck with that for Psions. Switching from WIS to CHA would make them both align better.
I'll have to see how the discipline abilities stack up with the change.
Thanks for giving my comment your consideration.
Just as well, an argument could be made about WIS being the "mental" stat, associated with Will save and willpower in general as well as mental stability, but CHA is also mentioned as the force of personality someone has, is already supported as a valid source for Ki Pool as seen with the Ninja, as I mentioned earlier, the Sorcerer draws the power to cast her spells from within, innate power running through all her body with CHA as source. But personally, the strongest argument I see is that it works nicely with the magic trifecta mentioned at the beginning of the book:
INT = Physical
WIS = Spiritual
CHA = Mental
Having said that, I don't see anything wrong with CON/WIS combo instead, but in my opinion CON/CHA fits better.
I read the lore of the Elan race is getting overhauled. For what is worth, I really liked what you got so far, everything comes together nicely IMHO.
I like the caste system, but the Lion as of this moment appears to be superior in every way to the rest, but I see some thematic sense behind the different castes and I like where my imagination goes when I think about it.
The Elan as written was from a campaign I ran. The elan were "watchers" and the draeffen were replacing high ranking or respected members of society. The draeffen were trying to instigate a full scale war between Cheliax and Andoran.
I got to say "You are part of the rebel alliance and traitor, take her away!" and "NO! Andoran is a peaceful nation," etc quite a bit.
Matt is streamlining the Elan clans (instead of castes - to keep with the whole tribal world theme) and adding some really interesting twists (elan are a delicacy in some places ...).
The Raven Clan: These Elan are the chroniclers of the world. They inspect the outside world and can be found ranging far from home. They make excellent inquisitors and their curiosity is unseemly to most other Elans.
The Hawk Clan: These are the main warriors within the Elan. They drill themselves mercilessly with their weapon of choice, and their psionic talent. This group tends to be the more stubborn of the clans.
The Peregrine Clan: Like the bird they are named after, these members tend to be the outriders of the Society. They are fleet of foot and purpose. They channel their power into their ability to range far distances quickly. This group tends to be the more hedonistic of the clans.
The Peacock Clan: These tend to be the diplomats and ambassadors to the other kingdoms. They have a way with words, their touch and obviously their look.
The Kingfisher Clan: The members of this clan seem to be the most gifted with psionic power. Everything in their daily lives they manipulate with their psionic power. From talking to eating they use their power. This has made them extremely strong mentally but fairly weak and sickly physically.
Some of the abilities and ideas from the caste system will be converted to a prestige class (Council Elder) in the Campaign Setting: The Lion, The Cardinal, etc since their powers were a little to much for a racial trait.
Is there really more than one psionic product from DSP?Best of luck to you guys.
With the huge success and numerous positive reviews Dreamscarred has had with their recent psionic product(s) for the Pathfinder RPG, however, carving out your own slice of the psionic pie might be a bit of a challenge!
We're releasing Psionics Expanded, our version of an Advanced Player's Guide, in a serialized format to be compiled at the end of the year. Two of the six serialized releases are out, with the third due out in ~1 week, with a subscription option available to get the whole thing.
It's what the "New Open Playtest" thread in this forum is all about.
ust as well, an argument could be made about WIS being the "mental" stat, associated with Will save and willpower in general as well as mental stability, but CHA is also mentioned as the force of personality someone has, is already supported as a valid source for Ki Pool as seen with the Ninja, as I mentioned earlier, the Sorcerer draws the power to cast her spells from within, innate power running through all her body with CHA as source. But personally, the strongest argument I see is that it works nicely with the magic trifecta mentioned at the beginning of the book:INT = Physical
WIS = Spiritual
CHA = Mental
Having said that, I don't see anything wrong with CON/WIS combo instead, but in my opinion CON/CHA fits better.
When we push the update this weekend, I think you'll see the change. We went back CHA instead of WIS. Thank you for helping with that. If you would like, I would also like to list you as a contributor on the front page. Let me know at editor@outsidenormal how you would like that displayed.
Just as well, an argument could be made about WIS being the "mental" stat, associated with Will save and willpower in general as well as mental stability, but CHA is also mentioned as the force of personality someone has, is already supported as a valid source for Ki Pool as seen with the Ninja, as I mentioned earlier, the Sorcerer draws the power to cast her spells from within, innate power running through all her body with CHA as source.
Take a look at our current update. I reincorporated your ideas back into the book.
P.S. will there be take on the SoulKnife/Bow in your book?
Take a look at the Psyker class. We've incorporated some changes to allow weapon creation based on proficiency and levels. We did dial back Psychic Strike some; it only affect humanoids unless you spend Ki and you must expend you Ki focus to use it.
Although I haven't used psionics, I am finding this thread amazingly interesting due to the in depth discussion on balance.
Kinetic Archer (Gunslinger Archetype) [DRAFT]
The kinetic archer uses a specially designed crystal and silver firearm that uses the soul vibrations of its owner to power projectiles at high velocity.
Kinetic Firearms: Kinetic firearms are similar to early firearms (see the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Ultimate Combat sourcebook) in that they are somewhat slow and prone to malfunction.
The kinetic firearms are charged by the owner by attaining Ki focus. The weapon is fired by expending that Ki focus and allowing those psychokinetic vibrations to throw a projectile at high velocity. It doesn't take long to actually load the weapon, the time is spent charging the weapon by gaining Ki focus.
The technology to make Kinetic Firearms was brought to Fermia by the Anjnari. The kinetic archer cannot use traditional firearms, only kinetic firearms.
Kinetic Ammunition: Kinetic Firearms require a specially crafted crystal arrowhead. The arrowhead picks up the psionic vibrations of the weapon and carries the charge forward.
Kinetic Weaponsmith: At 1st level, a kinetic archer gains one of the following firearms of her choice: kinetic blaster, kinetic rifle, or kinetic pistol. All kinetic firearms must be tuned to their owner's vibrations. As such, they are useless to other gunslingers. A kinetic firearm can only be sold for scrap (4d10 gp). The kinetic archer also gains Kinetic Weaponsmithing as a bonus feat.
Ki Pool (Su): At first level, a kinetic archer gains a pool of Ki points, a supernatural energy harvested by meditation and used to power her kinetic weapons. The number of points in a kinetic archer's Ki Pool is equal to 1/2 her kinetic archer level + her Charisma modifier.
The Ki Pool replenishes each morning after 8 hours of rest or meditation; these hours do not need to be consecutive. If the kinetic archer possesses levels in another class that grants a Ki pool, kinetic archer levels stack with the levels of that class to determine the total number of Ki points in the combined pool, but only one ability score modifier is added to the total. The choice of which score is used is made when the second class ability is gained, and once made, the choice is set. The kinetic archer can now use Ki points from this pool to power the abilities of every class she possesses that grants a pool.
This replaces the grit ability of the gunslinger.
Deeds: Instead of grit, the kinetic archer uses Ki point to pay for deeds.
Charged Ammo: At 4th level the kinetic archer gains the ability to charge ammo in the kinetic weapon by spending 1 Ki point. The ammo can have one of the following types of energy charges:
- Cold: A charge of this energy type deals +1 point of damage per die.
- Electricity: A charge of this energy type provides a +1 bonus to hit per die.
- Fire: A charge of this energy type deals +1 point of damage per die.
- Force: A charge of this type deals full damage to incorporeal creatures.
- Sonic: A charge of this energy type deals –1 point of damage per die and ignores an object’s hardness.
At 8th level and every 4 levels after the damage is increased by 1d6.
This replaces the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th level bonus feats.