The Athasian Psionatrix
This artifact appears as a mystical gem with an infinite pattern of light within it facets, slightly bigger than a human’s hand.
History
The Psionatrix was invented by the Wind Mages, a group of powerful preservers, in their fortress of Dasraches near the end of the Green Age to be used as a weapon against the soon-to-be Rajaat’s Champions. The fortress' inhabitants have mysteriously vanished afterwards, for the fortress is still intact today and its unknown if it was used against the Champions or not.
There have been many legends regarding the Psionatrix prior to Rajaat’s rise to power, but nothing had been heard of the artifact since the time of the Champions. Legend states that the Psionatrix contains limitless psionic energy, drawing it directly from Athas itself. The possessor of the Psionatrix is said to have been able to draw upon his inexhaustible supply of power, as well as being able to wield other extraordinary psionic powers.
This artifact disappeared from Athas, becoming only a myth told to initiates of the Way, until its discovery by a member of the Order named Pharistes. This Master of Telepathy felt that the reason Athas was in its present condition was due to the misuse of psionic power.
Pharistes used the Psionatrix to augment his already incredible power, and with the aid of a magical device used the gem to dampen all psionic power in the Tyr region. In the end, Pharistes was defeated and the Psionatrix was again lost. Since its resurfacing, several sorcerer-kings have been interested in the discovery of device, wishing to use it to increase their own power. Since the Psionatrix’s last known location was the Dragon Crown Mountains, several have expressed an interest in the powerful artifact. The sorcerer-king of Urik has sent some of his finest warriors to the Dragon’s Crown in search of the Psionatrix, many of which have not returned.
Campaign Uses
The Psionatrix was supposedly destroyed with a magical device called a water hammer. The hammer produced a powerful sonic vibration that shattered the Psionatrix, preventing it from dampening all Athasian psionics. A small portion of this artifact may have survived and would still contain an incredible amount of power. Obviously, a smaller portion of the artifact would be less powerful than the whole. Remember that knowledge of the Psionatrix’s return has spread across Athas, and more than just the sorcerer-kings are looking for it.
Abilities
Abilities of the Psionatrix are given in two forms: before the artifact was shattered by the water hammer, and after.
Psionatrix – Original Version
The Psionatrix has several abilities, all of which require the possessor to hold it with at least one hand. When it is first grasped, knowledge of the artifact’s powers immediately flood the possessor’s mind. The possessor can access all powers of the Psionatrix at manifester level 25th.
The Psionatrix act as a cognizance crystal with unlimited power storage capacity, producing seemingly endless power points for its possessor. While holding the Psionatrix, the possessor can manifest any of its powers without drawing from his power point reserve. If the possessor enters a metaconcert, his power point reserve is accessed normally for the purpose of his contributing to the pool.
• The Psionatrix generates a continuous ubiquitous vision effect upon its possessor.
• The Psionatrix can be used to manifest, at will, any of the following powers.
• Ego whip
• Id insinuation
• Intellect fortress
• Mental barrier
• Mind blank, psionic
• Mind thrust
• Psionic blast
• Psychic crush
• Thought shield
• Tower of iron will
• Once per day as a standard action, the Psionatrix can inhibit all psionic activity in a one-mile radius for three hours (the possessor of the Psionatrix or any shards of it is unaffected)). While this psionic interference field is in effect, the power point cost of all psionic powers and metapsionic feats is doubled. Psi-like abilities cannot be used. In addition, the Concentration check DC to manifest defensively increases to 25 + power level.
The field is especially dangerous to kreens, which are driven mad unless they succeed a DC 20 Will save. Affected creatures immediately dash out into the wastelands to ferociously hunt all that moves (frenzied kreens never attack their clutchmates). This berserk fury lasts for 24 hours after the creature leaves the area of effect. Per DM choice, the creature may become an NPC during this period.
While in its supporting apparatus, the Psionatrix’s psionic interference field radius is multiplied by 10.
• Three times per day as a standard action, the possessor can trigger psionic blink, energy push, and greater concealing amorpha .
• Once per day as a standard action, the possessor can trigger power resistance.
The Psionatrix is very powerful, and its uses aren’t limited to ones listed here. The DM may allow a character after several weeks of dedicated studies to make a Psicraft/Spellcraft check to discover new abilities or uses. The DM has a final say on the DC of those checks and the extent of the abilities that may be discovered.
Psionatrix – Lesser Version
The lesser Psionatrix has 100 power points when discovered. The possessor instantly knows the number of power points it has at the current time. The fragment recharges itself, gaining back all power points after 24 hours. The possessor can access all powers of the Psionatrix, which require the possessor to hold it with at least one hand, at manifester level 15th (or at the possessor’s manifester level if it is higher than 15th).
• The lesser Psionatrix generates a continuous ubiquitous vision effect upon its possessor.
• The power points in the Psionatrix can be used to manifest any of the following powers.
• Ego whip
• Mind blank, psionic
• Once per week the lesser Psionatrix can inhibit all psionic activity in a 100 yard radius for (1d3+1) x 10 rounds (the possessor of the Psionatrix or any shards of it is unaffected). While this psionic interference field is in effect, the cost of all psionic powers is multiplied by 1.5 (round down). In addition, the Concentration check DC to manifest defensively increases to 20 + power level. This version of the Psionatrix is no longer debilitating to kreens, though the creatures still feel “discomfort” while in the area of effect.
• Three times per day, as a standard action, the possessor can trigger psionic blink and greater concealing amorpha.
• Once per day as a standard action, the possessor can trigger power resistance.
Suggested Means of Destruction
• The only known means to destroy the Psionatrix is with a water hammer. One use of the hammer on the artifact reduces it to a less powerful device, while a second use destroys it.
Comments? Questions? Doubts?
Things to consider:
1. The origin of the psionatrix is a bit different, and more precise, than what you write about. I could elaborate on this if you want.
2. The role and nature of the water hammer and amplificating apparatus are a bit different too, although I'd have to brush up on the material for quotes to be more precise.
3. Maybe "insectoid" should be "vermin". Still, kreens are monstrous humanoids...a dilema.
4. "Spell resistance" should be "power resistance".
5. There should be a way to extend the field beyond the 1-mile limit, as the field is supposed to be able to reach the city-states.
6. Why are some effects at ML 20th and others at 25th? Same for the lesser version.
7. Do you need to be in contact with the psionatrix to make us of it, or just have it in your belongings?
Things to consider:
1. The origin of the psionatrix is a bit different, and more precise, than what you write about. I could elaborate on this if you want.
2. The role and nature of the water hammer and amplificating apparatus are a bit different too, although I'd have to brush up on the material for quotes to be more precise.
3. Maybe "insectoid" should be "vermin". Still, kreens are monstrous humanoids...a dilema.
4. "Spell resistance" should be "power resistance".
5. There should be a way to extend the field beyond the 1-mile limit, as the field is supposed to be able to reach the city-states.
6. Why are some effects at ML 20th and others at 25th? Same for the lesser version.
7. Do you need to be in contact with the psionatrix to make us of it, or just have it in your belongings?
Thanks Penn!
1 & 2. Please please please do :D
3. I don't know if it should affect vermin. I will re-read the texts and see if it mentions something
4. Don't know if it's a typo on the original, but is says 'spell' (PAoA)
5. If I recall, Pharistes does something to it, so the radius is greatly expanded.
6. It says so on the original, maybe I should change to be more simple.
7. Will work on it
5. There should be a way to extend the field beyond the 1-mile limit, as the field is supposed to be able to reach the city-states.
I agree. I thought I remember something about it blanketing all of Athas in this field.
Here are some comments:
As Pennarin pointed out, you could, instead of insectoid, use the term ''kreen'', which includes, IMO, all sub-species of the kreen race.
A version could be made when the Psionatrix is immobile, generating the waves of psionic inhibition that happens in Dragon's Crown. I was under the impression that the amplifying appartus was the one and the same as the supporting appartus.
A note should also be added about the shards that the scions of Pharistes carried on their persons to evades the effects of the Psionatrix.
The unlimited PP should be rephrased a little like the font of power ability of the metamind; that would answer rules related questions that might arise. So something like:
The Psionatrix act as a cognizance crystal with unlimited power storage capacity, producing seemingly endless power points for its possessor. While holding the Psionatrix, he can manifest any of its power without drawing from his power point reserve. If the holder using the Psionatrix enters a metaconcert (see metaconcert, page 115 of the XPH), his power point reserve is accessed normally for the purpose of his contributing to the pool.
How I am going to have to get off my arse and write up my Dread Masters Crown artifact- I have been meaning too but darn work keeps getting in the way.
[aside] Not to derail this thread but we, or at least I, would like to see what more you have come up with for the 'vampire'.[/aside]
Just one question... why is the artifact entitled the Athasian Psionitrix? Is there another non-athasian Psionitrix that make the distinction required? Is that other one somehow so improtant and well known that you need to specify that this Psionitrix is athasian?
Well psionitrices (is that the plural of psionitrix?) are also universal psionic items from the XPH.
5. There should be a way to extend the field beyond the 1-mile limit, as the field is supposed to be able to reach the city-states.
Can't remember for sure (I'm on vacation - and away from my books), but seems like I'm remembering that Pharistes used a magical device to amplify the effects of the Psionitrix.
[aside] Not to derail this thread but we, or at least I, would like to see what more you have come up with for the 'vampire'.[/aside]
[aside]Yeah, maybe when I finish all DS Brasil and all athas.org projects, I will try again on my little vampire. Kal, do you have the stuff you post on a file? Please send me if you can. It will help a lot (specially the grey mist thingy)[/aside]
Thanks again for all the input guys, I will soon incorporate the feedback and check for holes and post an updated version.
Well psionitrices (is that the plural of psionitrix?) are also universal psionic items from the XPH.
BINGO
Hmm, its the invention of the Wind Mages, a group of powerful preservers, who created the psionatrix specifically so that it "would be a potent weapon against the psionic enchantments of the foul defiler lords who now rise to destroy us". Its location, probably while it was built and tested, was in the Wind Mages' fortress of Akarakle. The fortress' inhabitants have mysteriously vanished afterwards, for the fortress is still intact today and no one knows if the psionatrix was used against the defilers, so my guess is it never was. The people who set it up in the fortress left or died (not from a siege or assault) soon after doing it.
This means that at the very least the device was created during the Preserver Jihad, but more likely - if you consider the use of the term "psionic enchantment" - after the start of the Cleansing Wars and the introduction of the Champions and their psionic enchantments.
Albeit the device was created by wizards (in the text no mention is made of psionicists helping out), and it being highly magical, its powers are solely psionic. The source of the powers is from magical mastery of psionics, and amplified by the apparatus, which supports it, focuses it, etc.
All of the pertinent details can be found on page 2 of the booklet called Dragon's Crown Map Book. It says that the device is an enchanted crystalline matrix, within which magical energies can be tapped and converted directly into infinite psionic power.
Besides the lesser version of the psionatrix, after its shattered, there also may still exist the prototype version. (A fun tidbit is that we do not know if the current psionatrix is in actuallity the prototype or not. This could be interesting!)
The nature of the effect created by the water hammer, and the hammer itself, are non-magical/non-psionic. Its the tone of the crystal (i.e. sound) that is meant to destroy the psionatrix. Its mentionned its a critical flaw designed in by the creators. Which means someone could technically make some kind of Craft and Knowledge checks to create a new water hammer capable of doing this.
The amplifying apparatus is said to amplify the psionatrix's power tenfold, no mention is made of the apparatus being magical or psionic. I suspect again it is mundane in nature, like the hammer, but with a very high Craft DC and price (costly materials).
In the booklet, a picture shows something called a "supporting apparatus", which physically touches the psionatrix. This may or may not be the amplifying apparatus. In the adventure, the picture with Pharistes and the psionatrix in it shows the stone floating within an apparatus, not touching it. The "supporting apparatus" is not present. This may mean there were art coordination problems between the two artists who did the works.
Btw Pharistes, when he uses the psionatrix, is said to be touching it. He gains access to the infinite store of PPs and becomes immune to the blanketing effects of the device.
So let's recap: The device is the perfect source of psionic energy, yet is wholely magical in nature. Enchanted by wizards, it confers no magical powers, but rather psionic ones. Its amplifying apparatus, and the device meant to shatter the gem, are mundane in nature. I'd suggest saying that the apparatus only makes the suppression field (already present) be larger, nothing else. (Magic mingled with psionics? Not that weird in 3E: check out the XPH's psionic-manipulating spells in the last few pages of the book. Interesting stuff in this context.)
I also suggest saying, contrarily to so many other artifacts, that these are the known powers of the artifact, and that someone studying it could find other applications for the device. To me it seems the psionatrix is a tool more than it is an artifact with predetermined powers. Along with the Dark Lens, I think this artifact deserves some major leeway for DMs to add stuff, allowing players with epic-level ranks in Knowledge (psionics/magic) or Spellcraft/Psicraft to attempt checks (after a number of weeks of study) that will reveal if they uncover a new application for the device, i.e. use the device to obtain some different new effect. Maybe the suppression field is not the only field the psionatrix can generate...
Well psionitrices (is that the plural of psionitrix?) are also universal psionic items from the XPH.
Then since the Psionitrix is originally from Dark Sun, they should be the ones, if any to rename there psionitrices, as non-athasian psionitrices :P
Its location, probably while it was built and tested, was in the Wind Mages' fortress of Akarakle.
If you remember, Penn, one of the problems we ran into with our Othand project involved the placement of the psionitrix. In the adv. it was specifically stated that once construction on it began, it became unmovable (something about it being just too fragile or something - can't remember). With it residing now in Dasachares, this means that the place of its construction must also be Dasachares.
This may mean there were art coordination problems between the two artists who did the works.
What??? Baxa not following along with a prescribed art process. He's always so accurate. How odd
hee hee
Its all cool since both fortresses belonged to the Wind Mages.
(Also I just noticed I made an error: The fortress whose inhabitants mysteriously vanished, whose infrastructure is undamaged by assaults or siege, and which houses the psionatrix is not Akarakle but Dasaraches. Akarakle fell to a siege.)
Still working on some of the details...
In addition, the Concentration check DC to manifest defensively increases from 15 to 25 + power level.
Wouldn't be, "from 15+power level to 25+power level"?
Here goes a suggested text with the alterations highlighted in blue.
Psionatrix – Lesser Version
The lesser Psionatrix also requires the possessor to hold it with at least one hand in order to tap its abilities. When it is first grasped, knowledge of the artifact’s powers immediately flood the possessor’s mind. The possessor can access all powers of the Psionatrix at manifester level 15th (or at the possessor’s manifester level if it is higher than 15th).
The Psionatrix act as a cognizance crystal with 100 power points stored. While holding the lesser Psionatrix, the possessor can manifest any of its powers without drawing from his power point reserve. If the possessor enters a metaconcert, his power point reserve is accessed normally for the purpose of his contributing to the pool.
• The Psionatrix generates a continuous ubiquitous vision effect upon its possessor.
• The power points in the Psionatrix can be used to manifest any of the following powers.
• Ego whip
• Mind blank, psionic
• Once per week the lesser Psionatrix can inhibit all psionic activity in a 100 yard radius for (1d2+2) x 10 rounds (the possessor is unaffected). While this psionic interference field is in effect, the cost of all psionic powers is multiplied by 1.5 (round down). In addition, the Concentration check DC to manifest defensively increases from 15+power level to 25+power level. This version of the Psionatrix is no longer debilitating to kreens, though the creatures still feel “discomfort” while in the area of effect.
• Three times per day, as a standard action, the possessor can trigger psionic blink and greater concealing amorpha.
• Once per day as a standard action, the possessor can trigger power resistance.
Suggested Means of Destruction
• The only known means to destroy the Psionatrix is with the water hammer. One use of the hammer on the artifact reduces it to a less powerful device, while a second use destroys it.
Thanks again to all who contributed.
I will very soon post the Scourge of Rkard, the Belt of Rank, the Heartwood Spear and Ktandeo's Cane (just need to write down the spells cast by Ktandeo and Sadira with it)...
I will very soon post the Scourge of Rkard, the Belt of Rank, the Heartwood Spear and Ktandeo's Cane (just need to write down the spells cast by Ktandeo and Sadira with it)...
Will you give the Equipment Bureau the permission to use parts of, or the entirety of, your conversions of those items, plus the Psionatrix, for what will appear in some product or another? (All of the big artifacts will need to be discussed on the Bureau so that we can all agree on the way to go.)
For the Cane, this is what I found for the spells:
Ghostfire (PP1, 205)
Forestlight (PP1, 207)
Grounflame (PP1, 220)
??? (PP1, 318)
Clear-river (PP3, 65)
Skyfire (PP3, 68)
Dawnfire (PP3, 84)
brun01, about the history, ok, where to start?....
Albeit the device was created by wizards (in the text no mention is made of psionicists helping out), and it being highly magical, its powers are solely psionic. The source of the powers is from magical mastery of psionics, and amplified by the apparatus, which supports it, focuses it, etc. (Magic mingled with psionics? .
It is typical of 2E Psionic devices, which, with the exception of minds trapped in obsidian orbs to power devices, were all created by magical processes. One of the biggest changes to psionics in 3E and 3.5 is that psionic items are now for the most part truly psionic in nature, being created by psionicists for psionicists.
It is typical of 2E Psionic devices, which, with the exception of minds trapped in obsidian orbs to power devices, were all created by magical processes. One of the biggest changes to psionics in 3E and 3.5 is that psionic items are now for the most part truly psionic in nature, being created by psionicists for psionicists.
There were purely psionic devices in Dark Sun in 2E. A number of crystals with personalities existed, to be found in The Will and the Way, and City-State of Tyr, or some such book. One was even created by Kalak I think.
The reason I point out that it is wizards who created the Psionatrix is because it is canon, nothing more. I do not think that the fact the setting is now 3E needs to modify this bit.
Will you give the Equipment Bureau the permission to use parts of, or the entirety of, your conversions of those items, plus the Psionatrix, for what will appear in some product or another? (All of the big artifacts will need to be discussed on the Bureau so that we can all agree on the way to go.)
Let me think... this is a tough question... :whatsthis
Of course I do! :D
Silly penn... :P
I know the Silencer is a bit rough- it was the first conversion project I did when I came to the board.
Anyway.
Kidding... after 10 years waiting to read the Prism Pentad novels, I was so excited with the books that I entered a conversion spree to everything related (i'm converting Rikus as I type), even forgeting to check if there are existant conversions... no offense meant.
I have them here, but will only look at them after posting my own conversions, after that we can compare versions and work on a hybrid one, with the best from both.
[inside joke from like 4 hours of chatting on line]
I don't have any objections to your treatment of the artifact.
You better!!!
:P