Only reason I mention this is cause I generally like 3E psionics the way they are, except for psionic combat. Anyways, let me know if anybody's interesting in hearing the general rundown of how it works.
Totally love how they did psionic combat.
I'm hoping they do something similar for PsiHb 3.5.
I'll try to summarize what I can here for now. I can clarify any specific areas if you want.
First thing he did was move all the attack and defense modes out of psionic combat and made them into normal psionic powers.
Second thing he did was make up what's called a mindscape. Basically when two psionic creatures come within 60 ft. of each other, and can detect each other in the real world, a mindscape pops up in their minds. If at least one of the individuals desires contact, then their avatars appear in this mindscape and prepare for battle/greeting/whatever. Avatars appear as a perfect self image of the creature they belong to, but can be disguised. You can also duck out of the formation of a mindscape with a certain feat in his book. Mindscapes take the form of real world landscapes, ie. forest, mountains, desert, sea, and can be chosen or changed by combatants. Altogether, there are 6 mindscapes, one for each ability score. As you go up in psion/psy warrior levels, you can gain a greater control over which mindscape type springs up.
Third thing Monte added was what he calls "Modes". Essentially, a mode is the state of mind of a psionic creature. There are 12 modes, and all modes have an effect on psionic combat. Each mode has a name, a key ability that it is identified with, a modifier (for combat), and an effect.
Opposed Mode checks happens after initiative is rolled and modes are declared. Each opponent makes a mode check (d20 + mindscape type modifier + psionic combat modifier + mode check bonus). The highest result wins and gets to apply their mode's effect for the round.
Lastly, every psionic creature has a "resting" mode. You can change this default mode as a free action when not in a mindscape. Otherwise, you have to do it during psionic combat, which is still a free action but limited to your turn in initiative. You can't change it while surprised, and when more than one combatant is choosing their mode, the best initiative gets to choose last, so they get to see what the others chose before they pick their own.
Just thought I had to clarify this.
The books rocks by the way.
Just assumed it was Monte cause of the Malhavoc stamp on there!
Originally posted by Deceitfulelf
If more then 2 Psions are in the area then they also join. If a Psion enters in an area where there is already a Mindscape then they enter in the next round of combat. Personally I didn't like how Psions will automatically enter a Mindscape when in range of each other.
That's one of the reasons I'm actualy waiting for The Expended psionic handbook with anticipation.
I rule it that a Psion can run mindblank freely so that he'll be undetected until he manifestes a power of Level 1 or higher, at which time he will form a Mindscape with any Psion whose mind is open from manifesting a power or by choice.
I would rule something similar myself: at least until an official rule gets out better then what we have now
Hmmm, maybe answered my own question there. Even so....
The mindscape is a double-edged sword in that it can be good and bad depending on how its used. Bruce even stated in a side-bar that psions trying to use the mindscape as a type of "detect psionics" should not be allowed to do so. I would generally only popup mindscapes when the situation called for it. Essentially, if one or more psions/psywars wished to do combat. Otherwise, no mindscape would appear. If you didn't implement this on a place like Athas, you'd have mindscapes poping up all over the place and it would just become a headache for DM's. The rules seem to be geared towards a low-to-medium psionic campaign. In a high-pionic one such as Dark Sun, you'd have to tweak things just a smidge.
Still, it beats the hell outta the old system, both 3E and 2E.
Originally posted by Tembo-Pie
I would generally only popup mindscapes when the situation called for it. Essentially, if one or more psions/psywars wished to do combat. Otherwise, no mindscape would appear. If you didn't implement this on a place like Athas, you'd have mindscapes poping up all over the place and it would just become a headache for DM's. The rules seem to be geared towards a low-to-medium psionic campaign. In a high-pionic one such as Dark Sun, you'd have to tweak things just a smidge.
Still, it beats the hell outta the old system, both 3E and 2E.
Agreed there, I was planning on using most of mindscapes for my upcoming campaign.
Still waiting to see what PsiHb 3.5 has in store for us though.
Ran a DS/RL crossbreed, went pretty well.
Unfortunately the rules weren't 100% at the time so I wasn't able to get a full picture then.