Soulknives on Oerth - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Soulknives on Oerth

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
judicator_shekar
Nov 06, 2004 14:25:54 I am going to begin playing in a Greyhawk campaign in the near to mid future. I wish to play a soulknife (core class from the Expanded Psionics Handbook) and was wondering whether any of you could help me out. Essentially, it would be useful if you could explain about some psionic organizations on Oerth that would, perhaps, include soulknives. Also, any suggestions as to regions of origin or special affiliations would be helpful. Thanks.
#2
Mortepierre
Nov 06, 2004 18:38:22 Basically, Psionic-minded organizations have never been major players on the WoG. Perhaps because they aren't legion, or perhaps because they are simply very good at staying anonymous ;)

That said, you could start by reading the Oerth Journal issue #3 (if I remember correctly), freely available as a .pdf at Canonfire.

Beyond that, I would suggest one of two possibilities:

1) the Splintered Mind: a rogue group of ex-Scarlet Brotherhood members who has begun to fight the SB using new "mystic" (read: psionic) powers. They were introduced in Dragon Magazine but I can't remember which issue at the moment. Soulknives would be trained to infiltrate and murder high-ranking members of the Brotherhood. Since they can't be parted from their weapon, that's a big advantage.

2) the Baklunish nations: with two deities concerned by psionics (Xan Yae & Zuoken), there must be some psi-active folks out there. Soulknives will probably be members of a sect of assassins dreaded for their ability to "summon" a weapon out of thin air.
#3
Alzrius
Nov 07, 2004 0:06:27
the Splintered Mind: a rogue group of ex-Scarlet Brotherhood members who has begun to fight the SB using new "mystic" (read: psionic) powers. They were introduced in Dragon Magazine but I can't remember which issue at the moment.

It was in Dragon #281, and the article in question was reprinted over on WotC's website as part of The Mind's Eye.
#4
zombiegleemax
Nov 08, 2004 10:51:40 Shekar, the Flanaess is relatively open. As others have indicated, psions, psychic warriors, soulknives, etc don't figure significantly in the Greyhawk setting -- primarily because the setting predates those rules innovations. However, several products have suggested that a secret society of psions may exist in Greyhawk City. I think the latest was that city's treatment in the LGJ.

I too recommend that you review OJ 3, which features Erik Mona's great piece on the development of psionics and monks in the great war that precipitated the Twin Cataclysms. Recall that Xan Yae and Zuoken are the too deities that include psionics within their purview / portfolio of influence / etc. Linking your character to one of them would make sense, especially if your character will be from Civilized Bakluna or a border state like Bissel. Your character might also be a student from an obscure "monastery" where the art of the soulknife is practiced.

Alternatively, you might connect your character to the Githyanki or Githzerai. If that interests you, there are many ways your character's background could link her/him to these Otherworldly societies.

From what part of the Flanaess does your character hail?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 judicator_shekar Nov 06, 2004 14:25:54	I am going to begin playing in a Greyhawk campaign in the near to mid future. I wish to play a soulknife (core class from the Expanded Psionics Handbook) and was wondering whether any of you could help me out. Essentially, it would be useful if you could explain about some psionic organizations on Oerth that would, perhaps, include soulknives. Also, any suggestions as to regions of origin or special affiliations would be helpful. Thanks.
#2 Mortepierre Nov 06, 2004 18:38:22	Basically, Psionic-minded organizations have never been major players on the WoG. Perhaps because they aren't legion, or perhaps because they are simply very good at staying anonymous ;) That said, you could start by reading the Oerth Journal issue #3 (if I remember correctly), freely available as a .pdf at Canonfire. Beyond that, I would suggest one of two possibilities: 1) the Splintered Mind: a rogue group of ex-Scarlet Brotherhood members who has begun to fight the SB using new "mystic" (read: psionic) powers. They were introduced in Dragon Magazine but I can't remember which issue at the moment. Soulknives would be trained to infiltrate and murder high-ranking members of the Brotherhood. Since they can't be parted from their weapon, that's a big advantage. 2) the Baklunish nations: with two deities concerned by psionics (Xan Yae & Zuoken), there must be some psi-active folks out there. Soulknives will probably be members of a sect of assassins dreaded for their ability to "summon" a weapon out of thin air.
#3 Alzrius Nov 07, 2004 0:06:27	the Splintered Mind: a rogue group of ex-Scarlet Brotherhood members who has begun to fight the SB using new "mystic" (read: psionic) powers. They were introduced in Dragon Magazine but I can't remember which issue at the moment. It was in Dragon #281, and the article in question was reprinted over on WotC's website as part of The Mind's Eye.
#4 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2004 10:51:40	Shekar, the Flanaess is relatively open. As others have indicated, psions, psychic warriors, soulknives, etc don't figure significantly in the Greyhawk setting -- primarily because the setting predates those rules innovations. However, several products have suggested that a secret society of psions may exist in Greyhawk City. I think the latest was that city's treatment in the LGJ. I too recommend that you review OJ 3, which features Erik Mona's great piece on the development of psionics and monks in the great war that precipitated the Twin Cataclysms. Recall that Xan Yae and Zuoken are the too deities that include psionics within their purview / portfolio of influence / etc. Linking your character to one of them would make sense, especially if your character will be from Civilized Bakluna or a border state like Bissel. Your character might also be a student from an obscure "monastery" where the art of the soulknife is practiced. Alternatively, you might connect your character to the Githyanki or Githzerai. If that interests you, there are many ways your character's background could link her/him to these Otherworldly societies. From what part of the Flanaess does your character hail?