D&D 5E Psionics in a sci-fi D&D

[Scars Unseen]

Sure, there is (somewhat vague) difference in flavour. But all that requires is having a thematically appropriate spell list.

Only if you design the class as a caster. Which isn't a given.

Well, people constantly complain that martials are too limited, so I don't think that's a point in your favour.

But largely, those people don't want martials to be casters, so it kind of is.

Furthermore, caster is a person who uses magic-like powers. And by definition psion is that.

They aren't by any other definition than the one you're giving them. Which isn't a given.

 

[Mind of tempest]

can we all at least agree the psion is closer to a mage than an expert or a fighter type?

also what casting systems exist in other games?

 

[Minigiant]

Some alien species have brains that allow for psychic potential, which can be enhanced with training. Pretty straightforward.

That's also one of my favorite tropes. Different races have different psioinic potential and limits.

The Greys and the Blues are natural psionic. Humans require luck and an implant. And the Robots and Space Lizards can't do it.

 

[Mind of tempest]

That's also one of my favorite tropes. Different races have different psioinic potential and limits.

The Greys and the Blues are natural psionic. Humans require luck and an implant. And the Robots and Space Lizards can't do it.

why space lizards that is just so overdone, I want to be able to play wrex in this setting, who has sweet gravity powers.

 

[cbwjm]

I think something like Stars without Number revised would be a good model for psionics, the problem being of course that this has already been created in another rpg so it can't be lifted out from that RPG if this is going to be for a product that is eventually going to be sold.

One thing I know for certain is that when psionics mimic spellcasting too closely, I'm always disappointed in the execution.

 

[Mind of tempest]

I think something like Stars without Number revised would be a good model for psionics, the problem being of course that this has already been created in another rpg so it can't be lifted out from that RPG if this is going to be for a product that is eventually going to be sold.

One thing I know for certain is that when psionics mimic spellcasting too closely, I'm always disappointed in the execution.

how does it work there anyway?

 

[Baron Opal II]

It works off of a point system.

You gain psy points for each level of your level (1 at 1st, 3 at 2nd, 6 at 3rd, &c.). You also again a bonus for high attribute for each level, but this is usually a +1, rarely a +2 for an 18. SWN uses an OD&D-like attribute bonus scheme.

There are 5-6 lists of powers which you have to acquire sequentially, 5-6 powers per list. You usually can gain one power per level, on occasion you can get two depending on level up choices (I think). A 1st level power costs one point, 2nd level 3 pts, 3rd level 5, &c. You can permanently invest points to keep a power continuously active, although not all powers are applicable.

So by 9th level you will have mastered one discipline, have a smattering of abilities from other lists, and probably 1-2 that are "always on". If I remember correctly, you always have enough points to use one level's discipline once. So a 7th level psion can use a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level ability once per day, if desired. But, you can spend your points as you wish.

 

[Mind of tempest]

It works off of a point system.

You gain psy points for each level of your level (1 at 1st, 3 at 2nd, 6 at 3rd, &c.). You also again a bonus for high attribute for each level, but this is usually a +1, rarely a +2 for an 18. SWN uses an OD&D-like attribute bonus scheme.

There are 5-6 lists of powers which you have to acquire sequentially, 5-6 powers per list. You usually can gain one power per level, on occasion you can get two depending on level up choices (I think). A 1st level power costs one point, 2nd level 3 pts, 3rd level 5, &c. You can permanently invest points to keep a power continuously active, although not all powers are applicable.

So by 9th level you will have mastered one discipline, have a smattering of abilities from other lists, and probably 1-2 that are "always on". If I remember correctly, you always have enough points to use one level's discipline once. So a 7th level psion can use a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level ability once per day, if desired. But, you can spend your points as you wish.

are all point systems copyrighted to them or can we use something similar?

 

[cbwjm]

how does it work there anyway?

Psionics in Stars without Number (revised) is powered by what they call Effort. Your effort is equal to 1 + your highest psionic skill score + the highest modifier from wisdom or constitution. Your skill in a discipline is in a range of 0 to 4. A psychic character can begin play with two disciplines at level 0 or one discipline at level 1. So if your highest modifier is +2, you'll start with 3 or 4 points of effort depending on how focused your psychic is. If, after a few levels, you've mastered a discipline and reach level 4, then you'd have 7 points of effort at least.

When you use powers, effort is used up, sometimes for the entire day, sometimes just for a scene (a scene is basically an encounter), and sometimes just while the power is in use. The discipline of metapsionics has a technique that completely removes the effort cost of another power, though this is quite an investment since it's a level 4 technique.

You can also use an action to torch, which grants you a free point of effort but might burn an attribute point (reducing an ability score by 1)

Disciplines have a core technique which can be a minor power that becomes more powerful as you increase your skill in the discipline or, as in the case of metapsionics, it provides a bundle of abilities like additional points of effort and the ability to detect other psychics.

It's quite a cool system, though I can imagine that some might have an issue with keeping track of effort as it is committed for different durations. Easy enough to come up with a system to help remember that though.

 

[Mind of tempest]

Psionics in Stars without Number (revised) is powered by what they call Effort. Your effort is equal to 1 + your highest psionic skill score + the highest modifier from wisdom or constitution. Your skill in a discipline is in a range of 0 to 4. A psychic character can begin play with two disciplines at level 0 or one discipline at level 1. So if your highest modifier is +2, you'll start with 3 or 4 points of effort depending on how focused your psychic is. If, after a few levels, you've mastered a discipline and reach level 4, then you'd have 7 points of effort at least.

When you use powers, effort is used up, sometimes for the entire day, sometimes just for a scene (a scene is basically an encounter), and sometimes just while the power is in use. The discipline of metapsionics has a technique that completely removes the effort cost of another power, though this is quite an investment since it's a level 4 technique.

You can also use an action to torch, which grants you a free point of effort but might burn an attribute point (reducing an ability score by 1)

Disciplines have a core technique which can be a minor power that becomes more powerful as you increase your skill in the discipline or, as in the case of metapsionics, it provides a bundle of abilities like additional points of effort and the ability to detect other psychics.

It's quite a cool system, though I can imagine that some might have an issue with keeping track of effort as it is committed for different durations. Easy enough to come up with a system to help remember that though.

perhaps something a bit more stripped down and practical as it could be a bit trying to learn?