Candlekeep Forum
Candlekeep Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Forgotten Realms Journals
 General Forgotten Realms Chat
 Psionics in the Realms
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Previous Page | Next Page
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
Page: of 6

Sir Luther Cromwell
Learned Scribe

Canada
158 Posts

Posted - 14 Jul 2005 :  18:32:31  Show Profile  Visit Sir Luther Cromwell's Homepage Send Sir Luther Cromwell a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
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)


Sure.
The class Psion is broken down into 6 different types of Psions (sort of like specialist wizards, only its medatory for a Psion). Originally in 3.0, each one of these relied on a different ability score
The Telekinetisist relied on Strength
The Egoist on Constitution
The Nomad on Dexterity
The Telepath on Charisma

And I forget the other two, but one relied on Intelligence and the other on wisdom. And yes, I agree, psionics SHOULD be intelligence. Actually if you ask me, it depends because having a telepath rely on charisma make sense (which is not as much of a stretch as having strength as a primary psionis ability).

And in 3.0 they had a whole offensive mode, defensive mode that was overly complicating everything (sort of like THACO, only relatively less painful).

And the Cerebromancer class (class that leveled up as an arcane spell caster and a psion at the same time) was just way too tanked! Unless it was used as an NPC class.

Now if you could level up as a mystic thurge and a psion at the same time (leveling up in cleric, wizard and psion levels), that would make an awesome NPC.

"At what temperature does a Goblin boil?"
"Any Rakshasa should eat a healthy diet that is high in wood elf, and low in shield Dwarf. One must always watch those cholesterol levels."
"If a Svirfneblin falls in the underdark, does anybody care?"
Go to Top of Page

Forge
Learned Scribe

USA
218 Posts

Posted - 14 Jul 2005 :  18:46:44  Show Profile  Visit Forge's Homepage Send Forge a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
After a while you can't surprise the party with your average sorcerer/mage/priest, etc.

I beg to differ, there are myriad different ways of playing and/or presenting any of those 3 classes. It's much the same as with a Psion, but lets face it, the genre doesn't support psionic to NEARLY the degree that it does magic. It's almost as if Psionics were tacked on at the end to make a small slice of gamers happy to have their meta-munchkin niche. (No offence to psion players, but in the outset, that's what a lot of psions were.)
Go to Top of Page

Sir Luther Cromwell
Learned Scribe

Canada
158 Posts

Posted - 14 Jul 2005 :  19:06:39  Show Profile  Visit Sir Luther Cromwell's Homepage Send Sir Luther Cromwell a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
It's much the same as with a Psion, but lets face it, the genre doesn't support psionic to NEARLY the degree that it does magic. It's almost as if Psionics were tacked on at the end to make a small slice of gamers happy to have their meta-munchkin niche.


So why don't we work on this! Surely here at candlekeep there must be enough people interested in Psionics to create a Net book. Come on, it would be fun!

Psionics would have to be a bit underground, and low key in the Realms. But nevertheless, it's do-able.

"At what temperature does a Goblin boil?"
"Any Rakshasa should eat a healthy diet that is high in wood elf, and low in shield Dwarf. One must always watch those cholesterol levels."
"If a Svirfneblin falls in the underdark, does anybody care?"
Go to Top of Page

The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31761 Posts

Posted - 15 Jul 2005 :  03:02:53  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Luther Cromwell

So why don't we work on this! Surely here at candlekeep there must be enough people interested in Psionics to create a Net book. Come on, it would be fun!

Psionics would have to be a bit underground, and low key in the Realms. But nevertheless, it's do-able.

Both myself and another (now former) scribe worked on a Psionics and Combat supplement for the d20 system during the middle of last year -- after the revised system for D&D psionics was released. It was published by RoE and is available for sale at RPGNow.com

PM me, and I'll provide you with the details .

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)

"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood

Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage
Go to Top of Page

Sir Luther Cromwell
Learned Scribe

Canada
158 Posts

Posted - 15 Jul 2005 :  14:31:08  Show Profile  Visit Sir Luther Cromwell's Homepage Send Sir Luther Cromwell a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Sweet, Thank you Sage.

"At what temperature does a Goblin boil?"
"Any Rakshasa should eat a healthy diet that is high in wood elf, and low in shield Dwarf. One must always watch those cholesterol levels."
"If a Svirfneblin falls in the underdark, does anybody care?"
Go to Top of Page

Alisttair
Great Reader

Canada
3054 Posts

Posted - 19 Jul 2005 :  04:23:44  Show Profile  Visit Alisttair's Homepage Send Alisttair a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I've never actually used psionics in game, but if a player of mine were to ask me if it exists, I would say yes. Same if they ask to play a Psion.

I have the Complete Psionics handbook from 2E which I of course can't really use in 3E. I don't bother spending money on the 3E version since they had the 3E one and now have the 3.5 one. By the time I decide to actually use Psionics enough 4E or even 5E will be out so I don't want to blow my money because of the absurdity of rules changing too often (even though I agree with the changes).

Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)

Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023
Go to Top of Page

Faramicos
Senior Scribe

Denmark
468 Posts

Posted - 20 Jul 2005 :  18:19:06  Show Profile  Visit Faramicos's Homepage Send Faramicos a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I dont use psionics as a DM... At least not for my players. If i would use them it would excusively be as NPC´s...

"When dragons make war, worlds can only tremble in the shadow of angry wings"
Go to Top of Page

Bjorn the Studious
Acolyte

USA
13 Posts

Posted - 22 Jul 2005 :  14:30:18  Show Profile  Visit Bjorn the Studious's Homepage Send Bjorn the Studious a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I my campaign set in Hlondeth psionics are a big part of things. One of the PC's is a deep gnome psion telepath. The party has teamed up with an apprentice red wizard and is exploring the sewers searching for the lost temple of Auppenser(course they don't know that, but the red wizard does). Their next big encounter will be against a 3 level Extraminaar(sp?) psionic warrior armed with poisoned weapons and a very sharp mind.

I've always liked psionics actually. I liked the second edition psion rules as well, one of my favorite FR characters being a 2 level psionicist/5 level transmuter. Then he died and was reincarnated as a half elf cleric of Lliira.


Go to Top of Page

Aaron L
Acolyte

USA
21 Posts

Posted - 23 Jul 2005 :  12:36:20  Show Profile  Visit Aaron L's Homepage Send Aaron L a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I love psionics and am very glad about the Jhaamdathan psiocracy being revealed.

"Sustenance is not frivolous."
Go to Top of Page

Never
Acolyte

USA
24 Posts

Posted - 28 Jul 2005 :  09:32:32  Show Profile  Visit Never's Homepage Send Never a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I like the idea of psionics but not the implementation.

I also wish that the base magic system for D&D was point based but I don't see that happening any time soon.

I'm so, so very guilty for no reason or rhyme;
Infinite victims, infinitesimal time.
Go to Top of Page

Salius Kai
Learned Scribe

USA
217 Posts

Posted - 01 Aug 2005 :  06:22:09  Show Profile  Visit Salius Kai's Homepage Send Salius Kai a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I love psionics. I've played two psions (12th level and 1st level) and I have no bad words to throw against them. I play them and use them in my campaigns. The only slight downside is that seeing as how it's one of the rarest talents on Fearun, psionic items are few and far between. But the sheer usefulness of Psions make them worth it. In my humble opinion, their manifesting system beats the arcane casting system hands down (of course I'm no good at playing mages, so that's readily debateable ).

"Welcome to these walls of infinite knowledge."

Salius Kai
Go to Top of Page

Salius Kai
Learned Scribe

USA
217 Posts

Posted - 01 Aug 2005 :  06:37:49  Show Profile  Visit Salius Kai's Homepage Send Salius Kai a Private Message  Reply with Quote
My apollogies in advance for the double post.

Originally posted by ode904

quote:
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..)


I beleive I can answer that. That all depends, really. Some races have inate psionic abilities, such as the Helf-Giant previously mentioned. This doesn't mean they have to persue a psionic career, but it definately helps. Other races such as Elves and Dwarves (examples) can become ready psionics, too. Although their psionic powers come from years of grueling mental studies. And I guess technically, psionics aren't considered a magic. They "Manifest" where mages cast spells . In fact, most psions consider magic a crutch for the mind (as taken from the expanded psionics handbook.)



Origianally posted by Sir Luther Cromwell
quote:
And I forget the other two, but one relied on Intelligence and the other on wisdom. And yes, I agree, psionics SHOULD be intelligence. Actually if you ask me, it depends because having a telepath rely on charisma make sense (which is not as much of a stretch as having strength as a primary psionis ability).



In the "Expanded Psionics Handbook" (sort of psions in 3.5), they fixed that. All psion disciplines reley primarily on Intelligence.

"Welcome to these walls of infinite knowledge."

Salius Kai
Go to Top of Page

Arlenion
Acolyte

36 Posts

Posted - 01 Aug 2005 :  15:15:55  Show Profile  Visit Arlenion's Homepage Send Arlenion a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I was actually fine with the setup in the Psionics Handbook when it comes to each discipline having a primary attribute. I imagined the disciplines as extensions of the ability scores:

Charisma manipulates people and so does Telepathy
Wisdom has a small role in detecting stuff(spot, listen) as well as deduction and Clairsentience also deals with figuring out what is happening.
Intelligence is the primary attribute in the Craft skills and Metacreativity builds on that.
Dexterity has a little to do with movement so Psychoportation has that as its base.

I just hated Psyhometabolism being based on Strength and Psychokinesis based on Constitution as Strength moves other objects and people(carrying something and grapple) and Constitution relates to your metabolism so it should deal with Psychometabolism.
Go to Top of Page

Lord Desolation
Acolyte

USA
27 Posts

Posted - 26 Aug 2005 :  22:22:52  Show Profile  Visit Lord Desolation's Homepage Send Lord Desolation a Private Message  Reply with Quote
NO

I never youse psionics in a game unless it is naturally inherent in a creature. People dont need psionics in the realms there are enough casters in the realms thinking there gods.

"That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die."
Go to Top of Page

Mournblade
Master of Realmslore

USA
1287 Posts

Posted - 26 Aug 2005 :  23:33:29  Show Profile Send Mournblade a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I was using psionics for all the creatures that might use them in 1e, Mindflayers beholders etc.

The third edition is OK for psionics. I generally don't include it in adventures though.


A wizard is Never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he Early. A wizard arrives precisely when he means to...
Go to Top of Page

VonRaventheDaring
Learned Scribe

USA
197 Posts

Posted - 23 Mar 2006 :  07:53:22  Show Profile  Visit VonRaventheDaring's Homepage Send VonRaventheDaring a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I personally love psionics and would love to see more of them for the realms. They add a unique flavor all their own to the games. Besides any fool can become a wizard, but you have to be born a psionist! I do have to say that i hate watching Wizards flubb up psionics though i mean they seem to have problems deciding what to do with them and all. I also wish they would either add them to the game as a full normal addition or not include them at all this optional thing bugs me. I mean everything is optional to a DM, anyway so why not just state that and add the stuff!

"Develop the latent abilities within you for that is your power alone. Psionics is the ultimate art of magic and you are its practitioner. Through lifelong dedication, strive to unite your will with your physical form to become one. Only through the unrestrained union of one’s mind and body can the magic of psionics truly be mastered. Throw off the yoke of any who would impose tyranny upon you. Likewise, do not ever force another to submit to your will. Free your mind, free yourself and you have only just begun the path to true psionic mastery. Free others, open their minds to the Invisible Art, and you will show them way to Auppenser."
---Dogma of the Church of Auppenser
Go to Top of Page

Dansan
Acolyte

Netherlands
6 Posts

Posted - 23 Mar 2006 :  11:11:55  Show Profile  Visit Dansan's Homepage Send Dansan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Though I voted yes, I do not allow psionics in my main Forgotten Realms campaign. I like psionics a lot, and played a psionic character in 2nd edition, but once I started DM-ing Forgotten Realms, I felt that in a world so enveloped with magic, psionics would only convolute my setting. And my players agreed. That said, I wanted to organize a FR setting with a lot of roleplaying and less combat, and seeing I was trying something new, I made it a player psionic-only campaign (though they are still far less likely to encounter others psions or psionic monsters).
Go to Top of Page

Alisttair
Great Reader

Canada
3054 Posts

Posted - 15 Aug 2006 :  00:37:42  Show Profile  Visit Alisttair's Homepage Send Alisttair a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair

I've never actually used psionics in game, but if a player of mine were to ask me if it exists, I would say yes. Same if they ask to play a Psion.

I have the Complete Psionics handbook from 2E which I of course can't really use in 3E. I don't bother spending money on the 3E version since they had the 3E one and now have the 3.5 one. By the time I decide to actually use Psionics enough 4E or even 5E will be out so I don't want to blow my money because of the absurdity of rules changing too often (even though I agree with the changes).



Over a year since I posted that. Funny thing? I now have the Expanded Psionics Handbook (had it for maybe 6 months now). Tried out a Psychic Warrior PC a bit...was fun....and have an NPC one helping the PCs in my long running campaign...interesting char. So yeah I love Psionics!!! :P

Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)

Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023
Go to Top of Page

Jorkens
Great Reader

Norway
2950 Posts

Posted - 15 Aug 2006 :  08:09:44  Show Profile Send Jorkens a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I don't have to much use for psionics actually; a few unique abilities and wild talents, but psionicists as a class are to much for my campaigns. There's enough magic to cover most of my needs.

I have never had a player wishing to play a psionicist either; if that ever happened I would have to rethink my stand on the arts of the mind in the realms.
Go to Top of Page

Kalin Agrivar
Senior Scribe

Canada
956 Posts

Posted - 15 Aug 2006 :  14:14:00  Show Profile  Visit Kalin Agrivar's Homepage Send Kalin Agrivar a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Salius KaiI beleive I can answer that. That all depends, really. Some races have inate psionic abilities, such as the Helf-Giant previously mentioned. This doesn't mean they have to persue a psionic career, but it definately helps. Other races such as Elves and Dwarves (examples) can become ready psionics, too. Although their psionic powers come from years of grueling mental studies. And I guess technically, psionics aren't considered a magic. They "Manifest" where mages cast spells . In fact, most psions consider magic a crutch for the mind (as taken from the expanded psionics handbook.)



Q: Why does a human/giant hybrid have innate psionics?
A: The only reason half-giants are innately psionic is that they are a knock-off race from Dark-Sun...

in the orginal 2nd Ed. Complete Book of Psionics any sentient race could have psionics, but some races were more predisposed to psionics...yes dwarves and halflings...no elves and gnomes...

and if "psionics" is a type of magic or not is the DM's discretion...there is alot of discussion in 2nd and 3rd Ed. about how magic and psionics interact...and the game mechanics reprecussions for each decision...

The question in the Realms is more "Do psionics draw from the Weave?"

And I use psionics like the 2nd Ed. canon described...as a rare power that considered more like magic in the common populace...the whole Jhaamdath thing is interesting and I have absorbed the canon into my game but I still think the idea was a more of a marketing decision for sell more Expanded Psionics Handbooks

quote:
I was using psionics for all the creatures that might use them in 1e, Mindflayers beholders etc.


the only beholder I know of that has psionics in 1st Ed. is a beholder-kin

Kalin Xorell El'Agrivar

- High Mage of the Arcane Assembly
- Lore Keeper of the Vault of Ancestors
- 3rd Son of the Lord of the Stand
Go to Top of Page

Alisttair
Great Reader

Canada
3054 Posts

Posted - 16 Aug 2006 :  01:26:06  Show Profile  Visit Alisttair's Homepage Send Alisttair a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Has anyone ever created a deity who has psionics as a portfolio?

Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)

Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023
Go to Top of Page

GothicDan
Master of Realmslore

USA
1103 Posts

Posted - 16 Aug 2006 :  01:59:40  Show Profile  Visit GothicDan's Homepage Send GothicDan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Auppenser does. :)

As does Deep Duerra... Ilsenine.

I made one, sort of, that did. It was a Thri-Keen deity of superiority, evolution, efficiency, psionics, pragmatism, and logic.

Planescape Fanatic

"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD

Edited by - GothicDan on 16 Aug 2006 02:00:24
Go to Top of Page

Goatstone
Acolyte

4 Posts

Posted - 18 Oct 2006 :  04:51:25  Show Profile  Visit Goatstone's Homepage Send Goatstone a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Ugh, just the thought of them gives me a headache.

I don't deny the mind-flayers their mind-flaying ability but neither do I go into it too deeply.

The only psionicist PC I've ever allowed eventually wound up being stoned to death by angry peasants (directed by an evil mage nonetheless).

One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothin' can beat teamwork. - Edward Abbey
Go to Top of Page

Sigurd von Norhusen
Acolyte

Germany
1 Posts

Posted - 20 Oct 2006 :  11:53:53  Show Profile  Visit Sigurd von Norhusen's Homepage Send Sigurd von Norhusen a Private Message  Reply with Quote
To answer the question: yes, I did. Although the game never got off the ground, I found psionics (in this case, it was a Soulblade and a Paladin with a wild talent) neither disruptive nor specifically sticking out.
Go to Top of Page

FR_Junkie
Acolyte

USA
6 Posts

Posted - 07 Nov 2006 :  21:58:53  Show Profile  Visit FR_Junkie's Homepage Send FR_Junkie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
personally, I do not like the feel of 3rd edition psionics as it seems too much like an variant sorcerer to me. while I will be the first to admit that the 2nd edition psionics system had its flaws, I really liked it because it stood out as different from magic in both flavor and mechanics.

generally I dont' allow psionics in my games as a rule, but exceptions to the rule exist for specific creatures with natural psionic abilities..... creatures that I would miss if I just ignored them for being psionic. basically, I tolerate but only so much.
Go to Top of Page

Twilight
Seeker

Canada
68 Posts

Posted - 09 Nov 2006 :  07:10:36  Show Profile  Visit Twilight's Homepage Send Twilight a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Never used one but that class would have alot of possibilities
Go to Top of Page

Varl
Learned Scribe

USA
284 Posts

Posted - 09 Nov 2006 :  14:40:01  Show Profile Send Varl a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Goatstone

Ugh, just the thought of them gives me a headache.


I can help you with that....just one moment......there you go, it should be gone now.

quote:
personally, I do not like the feel of 3rd edition psionics as it seems too much like an variant sorcerer to me. while I will be the first to admit that the 2nd edition psionics system had its flaws, I really liked it because it stood out as different from magic in both flavor and mechanics.


The introduction of MACs and MTHAC0s saved psionics for my FR game. For me, it doesn't get any easier by using armor classes and THAC0s to determine whether powers work or not, and PSPs for how many powers you can use. Remember the old opposed rolls system? Clunky. It's no wonder people never liked psionics.You had to get past the system they used, and that wasn't always easy, so I can see why people gave up on them.

I'm on a permanent vacation to the soul. -Tash Sultana
Go to Top of Page

Wenin
Senior Scribe

585 Posts

Posted - 09 Nov 2006 :  16:10:30  Show Profile Send Wenin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Oh well I answered to quickly. I answered Yes, I'm like you. =)


Session Reports posted at RPG Geek.
Stem the Tide Takes place in Mistledale.
Dark Curtains - Takes place in the Savage North, starting in Nesmé. I wrapped my campaign into the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, but it takes place in 1372 DR.
Go to Top of Page

SAEDA007
Acolyte

USA
6 Posts

Posted - 10 Nov 2006 :  23:45:34  Show Profile  Visit SAEDA007's Homepage Send SAEDA007 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I answered yes.

There is one individual in my gaming group who lives, breathes and eats psionics. I include it because of this and use the magic/psionic transparency rules out of the Expanded Psionics Handbook. I still consider psionics rare and treat it as such. I do make the psionic-magic type items available in big cities (like Waterdeep or Calimport) if he needs to purchase any.

Psionics can be dropped into any Forgotten Realms campaign and can be done with having a character come from another of the old TSR worlds (i.e. Dark Sun, Spelljammer, etc.).

Do I like Psionics? Yes, but it does not drive my campaign. I merely see it as another "art" that is less used than normal arcane or divine magic.

My friend and I to some degree, think Psionics has always been treated as the red-headed stepchild to Magic. But then again, Magic is the mainstay of most fantasy-type settings, including the Forgotten Realms.

Oh and my all time favourite monster still to this day has to be Mind Flayers!!

DM Mark
Tacoma, WA
Go to Top of Page

Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore

Germany
1720 Posts

Posted - 15 Nov 2006 :  10:02:39  Show Profile Send Ergdusch a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have been confronted with psionics in the realms only very recently. a player would like to be a psion and somehow that just did not feel right to me -psionics in the realms and all. Before that I never really thought about them, truth to be told. Now to get differnt oppinions I searched the boards of Candlekeep and stumbled across this poll.

I voted NO, but as I read all of your posts in here I might reconsider.

"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht."
Go to Top of Page
Page: of 6 Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
Previous Page | Next Page
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Candlekeep Forum © 1999-2024 Candlekeep.com Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000