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the psychotic seaotter
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Jan 2005 : 06:42:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by the psychotic seaotter
I just wanted to point out that Page 6 of Forgotten Realms Adventures removes Psionics from FR. Yes I know that was 2e but at one point they officially did not exist in FR.
They removed them because at that point, there were no rules for psionics in AD&D. Psionics slid back into the Realms after the 2E Complete Psionics Handbook came out.
This may be so but it does proove Psionics has had a 'there, not there" history in the realms. |
Run run as fast as you can you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man...
The Arcane Brotherhood, Wizards of the Sword Coast. |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2005 : 15:58:11
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During the Time of Troubles, the Invisible Art was unaffected. Psion House Oblodra, seized upon the weakness of Lloth's priests and gained power in Menzoberranzan, for a time. Upon the conclusion of the godswar however, House Oblodra lost their psionic connection. The tables were turned. The priests of Lloth lead by Matron Baenre, sacked House Oblodra, assassinating most within.
During this time, Psionics still existed in the Realms, only changed. Psions merely needed to explore a new path to tap the Invisible Art. Illithids as race, for example, were very quick in reestablishing the link. Other races took weeks or months before their Psions were once again able to harness their inner weave.
Salvatore explained this phenomenon very nicely in his novel Siege of Darkness.
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Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Nahalil
Acolyte
Canada
1 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2005 : 19:48:10
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put me in for monsters yes pcs very very rarely. |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2005 : 23:13:32
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Well sports fans
LEOF certainly brings Psionics back and gives them a bit of History in th Realms
The Nation of Jhaamdath was founded by Psionic users and was actually run as Psiocracy until the Bladelords where overthrown by the Emperor |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Varl
Learned Scribe
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2005 : 01:10:18
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I voted yes, mainly to keep the original psionic natures of creatures that possessed the Invisible Art intact. The inclusion of MACs and MTHAC0s in 2e also sealed the deal for me. All psionic FR creatures are unique and fresh again imo.
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I'm on a permanent vacation to the soul. -Tash Sultana |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36814 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2005 : 03:08:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
Well sports fans
LEOF certainly brings Psionics back and gives them a bit of History in th Realms
The Nation of Jhaamdath was founded by Psionic users and was actually run as Psiocracy until the Bladelords where overthrown by the Emperor
Really? That's quite interesting... Dang, I wish the book would hurry up and come out over here!  |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2005 : 05:56:04
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| I voted yes...actually reading about psionics in a novel--Venom's Taste--increased my interest in it. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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VEDSICA
Senior Scribe
USA
466 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2005 : 22:07:06
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| I never had a character that used them because I didn't like them.I always liked wizards,and thieves.But fellow players have used them,and to be honest I still didn't like them. |
LIFE,BIRTH,BLOOD,DOOM---THE HOLE IN THE GROUND IS COMING ROUND SOON----BLS |
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Ardashir
Senior Scribe
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2005 : 00:19:27
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
Well, if you believe in the comic book theory of 'retroactive continuity' the upcoming "Lost Empires of Faerun" sourcebook will give you psionics in the Realms from along time ago, thus providing historical substance to its 'existence'.
-- George Krashos
I got the idea (from LE) that while psionics was heavily used in certain places and at certain times, it just never expanded much beyond them. (Probably a combo of desire to avoid competition & simple wariness on the part of others -- "They've got powers like the Mind Flayers and Yuan Ti. Now, I'm not saying that they really ARE Flayers or serpentfolk, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised...")
Add in what happened to the Jhaamdath Psilords, and it's no wonder most surface races aren't very fond of psionics. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2005 : 18:46:41
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| I've never had many players that really wanted to play a psionic character (even when we were playing Dark Sun!) but I have always "included" them becuase certain iconic monsters such as Aboleth and Illithids just don't seem the same when you warp their powers into spell like ablities. Psionics helps to make them more alien. |
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Kiralari
Acolyte
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2005 : 02:12:05
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I really had to vote yes here, but I do agree that I don't like the flashyness and showman quality that it's been given. I don't really like calling it Psionics either, since that does indeed seem to lean toward a scientific view of it in a way. I prefer to think of it as a special class of sorcerer or wizard. And as such, I let my gamers have free choice of it, with a few DM mod's a course. I tone down the flashyness, I balance out the powers for combat/non-combat, and I make the gamer come up with a good story for why his/her character is a psionicist. I do, however, totally approve of psionic creatures like the illithid, since it was used already as an example.
 Cheers Everyone! |
Always be prepared. If it rains, be prepared. If a bear chases you, be prepared. If you get attacked by drunken Hoosiers, be prepared.
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~~Ann |
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Fletcher
Learned Scribe
USA
299 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2005 : 20:21:58
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Psionics have been in campains I have both played in and run.
In games I run, if a player wants to be a psionicist, they can be one, but they have to roll randomly from a list of powers I choose.
It was difficult to manage in 2nd ed, but in 3.x psionics are much easier to understand and control. I personally like the idea of psionic magic items, they are cool.
I have no problem with any person becoming a psionic character any more. The rules work out pretty well, but I still would restrict who could use them and what powers they were able to obtain. Some player/GM negotiations here.
It definitely changes the mood of the game to have a player with psionics. It is such a rare power in the realms that people often don't know how to react to a psionicist.
"Stay out of my head you freak!" But if the GM is careful, and the player isn't one to try to abuse the powers it can lend a distinct spice to your game. The powers that the psions have can be quite unique, and if used properly they are great fun!
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Run faster! The Kobolds are catching up! |
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Thente Thunderspells
Seeker
USA
65 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2005 : 18:02:49
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I as a player love psionics, my problem is finding a DM who is willing to use it, especially in the Realms. Most DM's i've encountered don't like the system so they wont' include it...sigh.
As for the flashy/whistles and bells mentioned on page one, i've always hated that as well. I thought it would be a good idea if those effects where on the "mental realm". So if you're psionic you could see/hear those effects, but non-psionicists couldn't at all.
It would make a cool way to introduce a psionic/wild talent character or even to give the character a wild talent. Then make them do in game research to figure out what is "wrong" with their character |
The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
- Shakespeare |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2005 : 18:13:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Thente ThunderspellsIt would make a cool way to introduce a psionic/wild talent character or even to give the character a wild talent. Then make them do in game research to figure out what is "wrong" with their character
The "problem" with the new wild talents is that it takes at least 2 feats to get one talent. You need the wild talent feat and then another feat on top of that to just get the talent itself. And the talent's bite compared to the old wild talents. :)
Of course you can chuck that out and change it, which is what I did because I hate that you have to spend two feats. |
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
Edited by - Kuje on 13 May 2005 18:14:55 |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2005 : 19:02:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Thente Thunderspells
I as a player love psionics, my problem is finding a DM who is willing to use it, especially in the Realms. Most DM's i've encountered don't like the system so they wont' include it...sigh.
That's unfortunate. As previously mentioned, I've never been passioante about psionics. But, if a player approached me with a desire to incorporate psionics into her/his character, I'd work with the player to get this desire into the game. |
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2005 : 02:48:26
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| Excuse me, so since mind flayers are known to be versed in psionics, there are other non-illithid individuals who also possess psionic abilities. Are such abilities considered innate magics that are non reliant on the Weave? |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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Sadonayerah Odrydin
Learned Scribe
USA
210 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2005 : 20:06:57
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| Yes because my character Sadie grew up around them and knows how to use them. And the DM's I've played with allow it. (Though I've only had three DM's). |
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"Sardines," said Sam. "I knew they were standard rations, so I got a few tins for you."
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Abhorsen by Garth Nix
"What you made a vampire...Pomeranian?!" --Hannibal King from Blade Trinity
~Sadie |
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Forge
Learned Scribe
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2005 : 20:13:00
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| I'm very interested in Psionics as a class and a style of 'magic' the biggest single stumbling block I encounter is it's another book to have to buy. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31792 Posts |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2005 : 13:13:59
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quote:
I'm very interested in Psionics as a class and a style of 'magic' the biggest single stumbling block I encounter is it's another book to have to buy.
But, IMO, the Expanded Psionics Handbooks is one of the best 3.5 books that we have, and I´m very happy to have my copy |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
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Thureen Buroch
Learned Scribe
169 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 17:07:39
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I definitely have psionics. It spices up the game. I mean, right now, I'm running a quest with my mom (yes, my mom plays DnD) where I'm DMing and she's looking for the answer to what a bunch of crystals she plucked off an Illithid do. (They're all the same size, and one each for each color of the rainbow). Well, they're the components to a psionic artifact.
However I keep psionics very rare. I like psionics to be something that, even in DnD, players find very mysterious. If it weren't rare, it wouldn't be as mysterious and fun to use. |
Goblins? *Slash* *Scream* *Thunk* What goblins? |
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Forge
Learned Scribe
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 17:17:44
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*shrug* Looking over it, it's just a different magic system. Points instead of spell slots. Heck, they even have their own Psionic familiar.
Oh, and Half-giants as a Psionic race??  what's with THAT? |
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ode904
Learned Scribe
Finland
193 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2005 : 22:32:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Well met
For characters, then no. However, creatures with psionic abilities are a different story... what is an illithid without these powers? Therefore, I would have to vote yes.
I must agree with Alaundo. I would not like characters who use psionics, but it suits some magical creatures. |
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ode904
Learned Scribe
Finland
193 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2005 : 22:43:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadovar
Excuse me, so since mind flayers are known to be versed in psionics, there are other non-illithid individuals who also possess psionic abilities. Are such abilities considered innate magics that are non reliant on the Weave?
Hmm..Intresting question. I cannot answer. Copy psionics handbook from that Sages link(thank you ) and try to find it from there.
Or is here someone who can answer this?
(there's always someone..) |
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Prince Forge of Avalon
Learned Scribe
USA
117 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 04:15:12
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I've noticed in the more recent novels and books that Psionics seems to be more prevelent in the Realms these days and I'm glad that is so.
I've always been a suporter of Psionics and was soooo tired of how everybody loved to bash Psionics as the "broken" magic system. I hope to see more of it in the official Realms stuff!
PFoA |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 12:38:13
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quote:
Oh, and Half-giants as a Psionic race?? what's with THAT?
IMO, the Wizards that Dwell on the Coast are trying the market, to see if Athasian things don´t lost his appeal.  |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
twitter: @yuripeixoto
Facebook: yuri.peixoto |
Edited by - Chosen of Moradin on 07 Jul 2005 12:39:57 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36814 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 17:14:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Moradin
quote:
Oh, and Half-giants as a Psionic race?? what's with THAT?
IMO, the Wizards that Dwell on the Coast are trying the market, to see if Athasian things don´t lost his appeal.
I think it was more of a token nod at a defunct setting. |
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magnakanus
Acolyte
Germany
9 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jul 2005 : 18:05:15
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I guess I am the only person here that felt almost heartbroken reading all the negative oppinions on psionics. As I love to try everything out at least once no matter how good or bad as it goes with RPG I DM'ed a few Darksun campaigns and dug right into the psionics thing as it came out in 2ed. Granted that psionics is not the typical fireball and magic missile kinda backup every party is expecting psionics are kind of the "rogue" of magic. A psionacist cant throw a fireball into the masses, but a good bout of psionic blast can ruin the day of about any opponant. The silent art, or the invisible art can't be used like the sorcerer/artilery cannon. He requires creativity and planing. I liked the idea of psionics being separated from magic and do not view them as being too sci-fi just because like skywalker was the first public psionacist. As stated before, the arts of the mind were once considered a part of magic, like everything once was. Magic was the word for things that you could not explain otherwise.
Yet 3ed did mess up the whole psionics thing with their first suplement where you had to have a stat for every second talent which was thankfuly improved in the extended book. I much more prefer the 2ed rules where psionics were not so linear and structured like every other spell, 3ed took a bit of the flavor away and did attach bells, whistles and neon sighns. Yet I still love psionics and believe them a part of the whole flavor of fantasy and magic and could not concieve of a campaign without at least a little of the silent art, probably because they are so rare and unknown. After a while you can't surprise the party with your average sorcerer/mage/priest, etc. |
All good things come to those who wait... |
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Sir Luther Cromwell
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jul 2005 : 18:13:47
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| I as a DM am wary of psionics, but that's not to say that Psionics itself is bad. The offensive defensive crap in 3.0 made it too much of a pain (that and having some psions rely on strength and consitution). The thing about psionics is that if put in the hands of the right player, a DM may find that NPCs that would otherwise be challenging opponents are dealt with almost instantaneously, especially at higher levels. A DM should give out psionics as one might give out certain races and templates: sparringly. However, psionic NPCs tend to add flavor to everything. Usually I'll count Magic Resistance and Power resistance as the same, because otherwise it just gets messy. |
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"If a Svirfneblin falls in the underdark, does anybody care?" |
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ode904
Learned Scribe
Finland
193 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jul 2005 : 21:32:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Sir Luther Cromwell
, but that's not to say that Psionics itself is bad.
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Luther Cromwell
The offensive defensive crap in 3.0 made it too much of a pain (that and having some psions rely on strength and consitution).
Yes i wouldn't like to use psionics as my character's magic, BUT I don't say that psionics are bad idea for your character's profession.
I haven't read all of the rules of 3.0 so This can sound a bit noob-like but:
Could you tell more of that second quote. My opinion is that psionics 'attribute' is intelligence(if I understand properly; you say it isn't?). Read Siege of Darkness, pages about 167-169(When kyorl stands in tower and tries to get her psionics to use) |
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Psionics in the Realms
