Psionics in the Forgotten Realms [Archive] - Wizards Community

Psionics in the Forgotten Realms [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
BadCatMan
02-26-06, 09:00 PM Hello

I'm wondering where I can find information about Psionics in the Forgotten Realms. I've found the bit in the back of PGTF, but is there anything else?

Are there even any pre-made psionics related adventures for FR?

Duergar and Thri-Kreen are known, but where would the rest of the XPH races go?

Or is the history of Psionics in Faerun so scarse that we can do whatever we like with it?

Thanks.
Alac Luin
02-26-06, 09:27 PM I'm wondering where I can find information about Psionics in the Forgotten Realms. I've found the bit in the back of PGTF, but is there anything else?
Lost empires of Faerun has some history of psionic empires of the past.

Are there even any pre-made psionics related adventures for FR?
Not that I have seen

Duergar and Thri-Kreen are known, but where would the rest of the XPH races go?
Giths exist, but on artral plane or another plane I cant remember.
There are gith outpost on Faerun though.
The others, well nothing cannon, but there are some ideas about the Elan on the boards.

Or is the history of Psionics in Faerun so scarse that we can do whatever we like with it?
Pritty much.

Ok, I'm not much help :)
Evergreen_Aldaron
02-26-06, 09:42 PM The FRCS (page 290 I believe...) says that the FR is presented as a non-psionic world, but feel free to use psionics as you see fit. The expanded psionics handbook is a good place to start I guess.
Not much psionic lore in the FR that I am aware of.
Anyone else care to chime in?
Kuje31
02-26-06, 09:47 PM I'd ignore that part of the FRCS since psionics have existed in FR since 1e. :)

But during 2e it was shoved on the backburner mostly because of Darksun, since TSR didn't want two different worlds with a lot of psionics. This is also why you don't see much about minotaurs in FR since that was considered a Dragonlance thing.

However, as I said, FR does have psionics and a lot of npc's have wild talents in some form or another.
Alac Luin
02-26-06, 09:59 PM Or a more acurite translation of that line would be
"In this tome we are presenting the Forgotten Realms as a non psionic world for two reasons.
1) Not everyone likes psionics and we don't want to alianate that part of our custamer base by forcing them to learn psionic rules.
2) More importantly, while we are writing this book, we do not have a current set of rules conserning psionics, you'll see more after psionic rules are established for this current rule set.
Old Sage
02-26-06, 11:27 PM But during 2e it was shoved on the backburner mostly because of Darksun, since TSR didn't want two different worlds with a lot of psionics. This is also why you don't see much about minotaurs in FR since that was considered a Dragonlance thing.Indeed. Psionics, or the Invisible Art (which is the term I prefer for psionics in the Realms), has been in FR since 1e, it has just never been all that prominent in previous editions of the setting -- mostly noted as such during the days of DS, as Kuje mentioned above.

One example, in the Ol' Grey Box, mentions that Illistyl Elventree has some degree of psionic power.

In 2e, psionics has a few notable practitioners, one of them House Obladra -- is cover in both FR fiction as well as the 2e Menzoberranzan boxed set.

Every other example of psionic characters in the Realms during 1e/2e can be gleaned from Kuje's FR NPC file. And take a look through Ed's compiled replies from Candlekeep for his take on psionics in the Realms.
EytanBernstein
02-27-06, 02:26 AM I would check out the various novel sources that have had psionic elements:

- RA Salvatore details House Oblodra, once the third house of Menzoberranzan, who because of their Psionic powers, tried to take over the leadership of the city when the clerics of Lolth had no powers. Kimmuriel, a cast off of the house is a powerful psionicist that figures significantly in later Salvatore novels.

- The Erevis Cale trilogy features a prominent psionic character and various other psionic elements, though I won't say more without revealing spoilers

- Troy Denning's novel "The Veiled Dragon" details a psionic dracolich known as Cypress.

- Gem dragons (which have a minor presence in Faerun) have psionics.

- One of the short stories in the Realms of the Dragons two books has a psionic character.

In other words, psionics exists, but it's rare and you don't have to use it.
Kuje31
02-27-06, 02:30 AM I would check out the various novel sources that have had psionic elements:

- RA Salvatore details House Oblodra, once the third house of Menzoberranzan, who because of their Psionic powers, tried to take over the leadership of the city when the clerics of Lolth had no powers. Kimmuriel, a cast off of the house is a powerful psionicist that figures significantly in later Salvatore novels.

- The Erevis Cale trilogy features a prominent psionic character and various other psionic elements, though I won't say more without revealing spoilers

- Troy Denning's novel "The Veiled Dragon" details a psionic dracolich known as Cypress.

- Gem dragons (which have a minor presence in Faerun) have psionics.

- One of the short stories in the Realms of the Dragons two books has a psionic character.

In other words, psionics exists, but it's rare and you don't have to use it.

Don't forget Lisa Smedmen's trilogy that wraps up in March I believe. :)
BadCatMan
02-27-06, 03:09 AM Well. Thanks all.

I guess one has a free rein when doing Psionics in the Realms, then. I was contemplating running a FR Psionics game in the far future, and was wondering if there was anything in particular, to either watch out for, or to use.
Old Sage
02-27-06, 03:11 AM Don't forget Lisa Smedmen's trilogy that wraps up in March I believe. :)Indeed it is... March '06 ;).

Which is also why I put reading the trilogy on hold until then :).
BadCatMan
02-27-06, 09:56 AM I did some scouring for facts, based on clues given here. Thanks.

The Vilhon Reach seems to be the best place to do Psionics. It lies on the sight of the old empire of Jhaamdath, the Twelve Cities of the Sword, a psiocracy (described in LEoF). Bound to find some psionic treasure around there then. The phantom city of Dhinnilith sounds fantastic, rising from the depths every now and then and haunted by a massive caller in darkness. Plus there's an old Psionic deity, Auppenser, who for once is neither a Duergar (Deep Duerra) or an Illithid (Ilsensine).

It's relatively close to Dunspeirrin, for the Duergar, and Oryndoll, for some Mind Flayer fun. Its not too far from the Shaar, so it's possible to squeeze in the Thri-Kreen. And Nagas and Yuan-Ti are right next door in Hlondeth.

Is there anything official on Dromites, Elan, Maenads, Xephs and Half-Giants in the Realms?
Alac Luin
02-27-06, 04:19 PM Well. Thanks all.

I guess one has a free rein when doing Psionics in the Realms, then. I was contemplating running a FR Psionics game in the far future, and was wondering if there was anything in particular, to either watch out for, or to use.

If you are asking about what books to look out for, Complete Psionic
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/953670000

Its not "realms specific", but may be of help.

If you are talking about what to watch out for in game play, I'd suggest useing the rules as presented in PGtF.
Psionic powers can be manifested in a Dead magic zone (weave absent areas)
AMF and dispel magic effect psionic powers.
This helps maintain a balance and eases game play.
ClobberinTime
02-27-06, 04:33 PM I thought it was Merith Strongbow who had psionics in the Old Grey Box, If I remember properly it also listed his ppts and all.

One more thing- Ahnkapur was originally a colony of Jhaamdath (Empire of the Shining Sea's), and might also have some psionic Stuff hanging around.

Most of the Races in the XPH were originally made for Dark Sun and so don't have a very prominent role in the FR.
Zevox
02-27-06, 08:56 PM Is there anything official on Dromites, Elan, Maenads, Xephs and Half-Giants in the Realms?
Official? I don't think so, though I'd imagine Half-Giants should be in pretty much every setting that has Giants, so they'd not be hard to integrate. I use Maenads in my games as well (I quite like the race), setting them mainly in small communities along the Sword Coast and Sea of Fallen Stars, though the occassional Maenad sailor could turn up anywhere with a port in my games. Don't know about the others though - I'm not much of a fan of Dromites, Elans, or Xephs.

Zevox
Alac Luin
02-27-06, 09:58 PM a few suggestions
Dromites- same areas as Thri-keen
Xephs- Villages in the Hoard Lands (between Faerun and Kara-Tur, still north east oz Zacahara {sp}).

Elan, I don't see it as much as a "race" but as an "organization" and can be placed anywhere.
New members are taken from orphanages or other people that show promise, once inducted they go through the "re-birthing" ritual.
Ramar Aulinvox
02-27-06, 10:40 PM One other area would be the Goblin/Hobgoblin city in Impulter. The city has a cabal of psionic Blues. Psionics are fairly common in Impulter since they are decendents of Jhaamdath; however, commoners usually view such inherent powers as signs of demonic possession/worship [due to the long history of fighting such beings].
Krash
02-27-06, 11:46 PM One other area would be the Goblin/Hobgoblin city in Impulter. The city has a cabal of psionic Blues. Psionics are fairly common in Impulter since they are decendents of Jhaamdath; however, commoners usually view such inherent powers as signs of demonic possession/worship [due to the long history of fighting such beings].

Couldn't have put it better myself. But I don't think I'd go so far as to say that the Invisible Art is 'common' in Impiltur. Still rare, but more common than other places around the Inner Sea.

-- George Krashos
Kid SixXx
02-28-06, 12:49 PM One example, in the Ol' Grey Box, mentions that Illistyl Elventree has some degree of psionic power.

OGB also said that Elminster is a telepath of more than average talent, as is the previously mentioned Merith Strongbow.
Elwyn_Sylveran
03-03-06, 02:04 AM Just a bit of insight about NPCs being aware of psionics, in the Servant of the Shard, one of Kohrin Soulez's lieutenant's suggests that Entreri might have psionic abilities. Therefore, in my campaign, psionics are known to some, but not by any means to all. The average commoner will, 9 times out of 10, mistake psionics for magic.
Gallameed
03-03-06, 08:28 AM I know someone already mentioned it above but Lisa Smedmans
"House of Serpents" trilogy is absolutely brilliant!

It deals with the main character who grew up as a second class citizen in a Yuan-Ti controlled city, uses various evil churches, has a great cast of supporting characters and an exciting plot.

The lead character (called Arvin) is a young psion struggling to understand and control his powers, it features the use of various powers and decribes the effects and manifestations perfectly and you get a feeling of just how odd it can be to be born a psionic person in faerun.

Very cool. :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
BadCatMan 02-26-06, 09:00 PM	Hello I'm wondering where I can find information about Psionics in the Forgotten Realms. I've found the bit in the back of PGTF, but is there anything else? Are there even any pre-made psionics related adventures for FR? Duergar and Thri-Kreen are known, but where would the rest of the XPH races go? Or is the history of Psionics in Faerun so scarse that we can do whatever we like with it? Thanks.
Alac Luin 02-26-06, 09:27 PM	I'm wondering where I can find information about Psionics in the Forgotten Realms. I've found the bit in the back of PGTF, but is there anything else? Lost empires of Faerun has some history of psionic empires of the past. Are there even any pre-made psionics related adventures for FR? Not that I have seen Duergar and Thri-Kreen are known, but where would the rest of the XPH races go? Giths exist, but on artral plane or another plane I cant remember. There are gith outpost on Faerun though. The others, well nothing cannon, but there are some ideas about the Elan on the boards. Or is the history of Psionics in Faerun so scarse that we can do whatever we like with it? Pritty much. Ok, I'm not much help :)
Evergreen_Aldaron 02-26-06, 09:42 PM	The FRCS (page 290 I believe...) says that the FR is presented as a non-psionic world, but feel free to use psionics as you see fit. The expanded psionics handbook is a good place to start I guess. Not much psionic lore in the FR that I am aware of. Anyone else care to chime in?
Kuje31 02-26-06, 09:47 PM	I'd ignore that part of the FRCS since psionics have existed in FR since 1e. :) But during 2e it was shoved on the backburner mostly because of Darksun, since TSR didn't want two different worlds with a lot of psionics. This is also why you don't see much about minotaurs in FR since that was considered a Dragonlance thing. However, as I said, FR does have psionics and a lot of npc's have wild talents in some form or another.
Alac Luin 02-26-06, 09:59 PM	Or a more acurite translation of that line would be "In this tome we are presenting the Forgotten Realms as a non psionic world for two reasons. 1) Not everyone likes psionics and we don't want to alianate that part of our custamer base by forcing them to learn psionic rules. 2) More importantly, while we are writing this book, we do not have a current set of rules conserning psionics, you'll see more after psionic rules are established for this current rule set.
Old Sage 02-26-06, 11:27 PM	But during 2e it was shoved on the backburner mostly because of Darksun, since TSR didn't want two different worlds with a lot of psionics. This is also why you don't see much about minotaurs in FR since that was considered a Dragonlance thing.Indeed. Psionics, or the Invisible Art (which is the term I prefer for psionics in the Realms), has been in FR since 1e, it has just never been all that prominent in previous editions of the setting -- mostly noted as such during the days of DS, as Kuje mentioned above. One example, in the Ol' Grey Box, mentions that Illistyl Elventree has some degree of psionic power. In 2e, psionics has a few notable practitioners, one of them House Obladra -- is cover in both FR fiction as well as the 2e Menzoberranzan boxed set. Every other example of psionic characters in the Realms during 1e/2e can be gleaned from Kuje's FR NPC file. And take a look through Ed's compiled replies from Candlekeep for his take on psionics in the Realms.
EytanBernstein 02-27-06, 02:26 AM	I would check out the various novel sources that have had psionic elements: - RA Salvatore details House Oblodra, once the third house of Menzoberranzan, who because of their Psionic powers, tried to take over the leadership of the city when the clerics of Lolth had no powers. Kimmuriel, a cast off of the house is a powerful psionicist that figures significantly in later Salvatore novels. - The Erevis Cale trilogy features a prominent psionic character and various other psionic elements, though I won't say more without revealing spoilers - Troy Denning's novel "The Veiled Dragon" details a psionic dracolich known as Cypress. - Gem dragons (which have a minor presence in Faerun) have psionics. - One of the short stories in the Realms of the Dragons two books has a psionic character. In other words, psionics exists, but it's rare and you don't have to use it.
Kuje31 02-27-06, 02:30 AM	I would check out the various novel sources that have had psionic elements: - RA Salvatore details House Oblodra, once the third house of Menzoberranzan, who because of their Psionic powers, tried to take over the leadership of the city when the clerics of Lolth had no powers. Kimmuriel, a cast off of the house is a powerful psionicist that figures significantly in later Salvatore novels. - The Erevis Cale trilogy features a prominent psionic character and various other psionic elements, though I won't say more without revealing spoilers - Troy Denning's novel "The Veiled Dragon" details a psionic dracolich known as Cypress. - Gem dragons (which have a minor presence in Faerun) have psionics. - One of the short stories in the Realms of the Dragons two books has a psionic character. In other words, psionics exists, but it's rare and you don't have to use it. Don't forget Lisa Smedmen's trilogy that wraps up in March I believe. :)
BadCatMan 02-27-06, 03:09 AM	Well. Thanks all. I guess one has a free rein when doing Psionics in the Realms, then. I was contemplating running a FR Psionics game in the far future, and was wondering if there was anything in particular, to either watch out for, or to use.
Old Sage 02-27-06, 03:11 AM	Don't forget Lisa Smedmen's trilogy that wraps up in March I believe. :)Indeed it is... March '06 ;). Which is also why I put reading the trilogy on hold until then :).
BadCatMan 02-27-06, 09:56 AM	I did some scouring for facts, based on clues given here. Thanks. The Vilhon Reach seems to be the best place to do Psionics. It lies on the sight of the old empire of Jhaamdath, the Twelve Cities of the Sword, a psiocracy (described in LEoF). Bound to find some psionic treasure around there then. The phantom city of Dhinnilith sounds fantastic, rising from the depths every now and then and haunted by a massive caller in darkness. Plus there's an old Psionic deity, Auppenser, who for once is neither a Duergar (Deep Duerra) or an Illithid (Ilsensine). It's relatively close to Dunspeirrin, for the Duergar, and Oryndoll, for some Mind Flayer fun. Its not too far from the Shaar, so it's possible to squeeze in the Thri-Kreen. And Nagas and Yuan-Ti are right next door in Hlondeth. Is there anything official on Dromites, Elan, Maenads, Xephs and Half-Giants in the Realms?
Alac Luin 02-27-06, 04:19 PM	Well. Thanks all. I guess one has a free rein when doing Psionics in the Realms, then. I was contemplating running a FR Psionics game in the far future, and was wondering if there was anything in particular, to either watch out for, or to use. If you are asking about what books to look out for, Complete Psionic http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/953670000 Its not "realms specific", but may be of help. If you are talking about what to watch out for in game play, I'd suggest useing the rules as presented in PGtF. Psionic powers can be manifested in a Dead magic zone (weave absent areas) AMF and dispel magic effect psionic powers. This helps maintain a balance and eases game play.
ClobberinTime 02-27-06, 04:33 PM	I thought it was Merith Strongbow who had psionics in the Old Grey Box, If I remember properly it also listed his ppts and all. One more thing- Ahnkapur was originally a colony of Jhaamdath (Empire of the Shining Sea's), and might also have some psionic Stuff hanging around. Most of the Races in the XPH were originally made for Dark Sun and so don't have a very prominent role in the FR.
Zevox 02-27-06, 08:56 PM	Is there anything official on Dromites, Elan, Maenads, Xephs and Half-Giants in the Realms? Official? I don't think so, though I'd imagine Half-Giants should be in pretty much every setting that has Giants, so they'd not be hard to integrate. I use Maenads in my games as well (I quite like the race), setting them mainly in small communities along the Sword Coast and Sea of Fallen Stars, though the occassional Maenad sailor could turn up anywhere with a port in my games. Don't know about the others though - I'm not much of a fan of Dromites, Elans, or Xephs. Zevox
Alac Luin 02-27-06, 09:58 PM	a few suggestions Dromites- same areas as Thri-keen Xephs- Villages in the Hoard Lands (between Faerun and Kara-Tur, still north east oz Zacahara {sp}). Elan, I don't see it as much as a "race" but as an "organization" and can be placed anywhere. New members are taken from orphanages or other people that show promise, once inducted they go through the "re-birthing" ritual.
Ramar Aulinvox 02-27-06, 10:40 PM	One other area would be the Goblin/Hobgoblin city in Impulter. The city has a cabal of psionic Blues. Psionics are fairly common in Impulter since they are decendents of Jhaamdath; however, commoners usually view such inherent powers as signs of demonic possession/worship [due to the long history of fighting such beings].
Krash 02-27-06, 11:46 PM	One other area would be the Goblin/Hobgoblin city in Impulter. The city has a cabal of psionic Blues. Psionics are fairly common in Impulter since they are decendents of Jhaamdath; however, commoners usually view such inherent powers as signs of demonic possession/worship [due to the long history of fighting such beings]. Couldn't have put it better myself. But I don't think I'd go so far as to say that the Invisible Art is 'common' in Impiltur. Still rare, but more common than other places around the Inner Sea. -- George Krashos
Kid SixXx 02-28-06, 12:49 PM	One example, in the Ol' Grey Box, mentions that Illistyl Elventree has some degree of psionic power. OGB also said that Elminster is a telepath of more than average talent, as is the previously mentioned Merith Strongbow.
Elwyn_Sylveran 03-03-06, 02:04 AM	Just a bit of insight about NPCs being aware of psionics, in the Servant of the Shard, one of Kohrin Soulez's lieutenant's suggests that Entreri might have psionic abilities. Therefore, in my campaign, psionics are known to some, but not by any means to all. The average commoner will, 9 times out of 10, mistake psionics for magic.
Gallameed 03-03-06, 08:28 AM	I know someone already mentioned it above but Lisa Smedmans "House of Serpents" trilogy is absolutely brilliant! It deals with the main character who grew up as a second class citizen in a Yuan-Ti controlled city, uses various evil churches, has a great cast of supporting characters and an exciting plot. The lead character (called Arvin) is a young psion struggling to understand and control his powers, it features the use of various powers and decribes the effects and manifestations perfectly and you get a feeling of just how odd it can be to be born a psionic person in faerun. Very cool. :)