Been a while. I just got my hands on the Psychics handbook from Green Ronin and am really impressed so far. This book handles psionics as definitely separate and less flashy than D&D psionics through the use of psychic skills and feats. The powers are fewer in number but far more flexible than core psionics and there is finally a psionic combat system that even I can wrap my head around (never was too crazy about Mindscapes).
I am seriously thinking about switching to this system, since it seems much more in keeping with the whole Unseen way concept of Dark Sun psionics, leaving the fireworks to sorcery. I remember Kelsen mentioning in an ancient thread that the reason he didnt use psi in his campaign was that it was too much like magic, and I increasingly agree with him. I believe this is a solution to that problem.
The only thing I am unsure about is how well this can recreate the whole Psywar schtick.
Just wondering about my fellow DS peoples opinions and experiences concerning the potential use of this product in DS.
Cheers
It is when trying to capture the whole Unseen Way flavor psionics had in DS (the novels and so forth) that I think this system comes into its own.
Psions dont step on the mage's toes and the style is refreshingly different without being complex in the least.
Also, Im discovering its quite modular. There are many ways of fine tuning the concept so it fits Athas better.
The only gripe Id have is that it could do with more support but oh well. With 4e around the corner I doubt thats ever going to happen
I believe you can get this for a pittance at RPG online or the Green Ronin website.
Sorry if this comes across as a shameless plug, but its just that I have spent a while looking for a sys that portrays DS psionics well and I think Ive found it.
Cheers
As for the psychic warriors, I like them but I don't remember them that well from the 2nd ed system (if they were present at all). If you want to include them, use a multiclass combination with the psychic who focuses on the enhance skill (to give that str or dex boost before a fight).
Let me know how it works out (it'll be a while before I can get a dark sun game going again).
As for the psychic warriors, I like them but I don't remember them that well from the 2nd ed system (if they were present at all).
They wern't. Although it's arguable that they were represented through a few of the kits from Will and the Way, notably the Sensei ...
It´s a very nice work that implements the concept of psionics as "the way of the unseen", keeping it different from magic. It also presents a very interesting method of psionic combat that I definitely like.
Psychic's Handbook fits perfectly for Dark Sun, specially for those that, like me, think that psionics in DS need to be different from magic and feel that the psi system described in the EPHB has steped too much in the wizard´s toes.
Now, with the release of Psychic's Handbook, I´m seriously considering the possibility of bringing back psionics to my DS campaing.
For the Psychic Warrior, as Ramar Aulinvox said, I think you can build a decent one with a multiclass character. Just pick a couple of levels in the Psychic Class (that has, BAB +15 and HD d6), with emphasis in the psychic skills "enhance ability" and "combat sense", then take the rest of levels in a warrior class of choice. Just remember that, with the warrior class, the psychic skills will be treated as cross-class skills.
Although the PCs were initially wierded by the flexibility of many of the powers and one almost got ganked due to all the strain that he accumulated, they soon discovered good uses for mental contact, telekinesis and (my personal fave) dreamwalking
Soooo much flavour. Must get shamans handbook which apparently has more on this stuff.I have also elected to make wild powers available as this doesnt require much time or effort, and this has definitely injected a dose of 2edness back into my games.
Reading through teh book gives me ideas for villains and character concepts all the time. The one thing I feel is lacking is enough PrCs, but I guess Ill just adapt some of them from the psi system.
Chahir
I actually like Psionics in 3.5 but it does feel like a varient magic system. The book sounds interesting but I don't own it
I recall reading that book and I really liked it. I am not a fan of 3rd edition rules for psionics at all as they are too flashy and the rules got all weird and they started introducing really lame powers (Skate???? give me a break)
What I would like to see psionic powers like from marvel (screw game balance)
