Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Darklion 02-25-06, 12:08 PM	I would like to introduce into my next campaign the concept of "arcane" psions -- that is, wizards and sorcerers who cast spells without vocal or somatic components, yet who do not need Silent Spell or Still Spell (and their associated cost) to do so. Obviously, this presents problems, since those two feats have a cost for a reason. So whatever I introduce has to be at least in the ballpark of maintaining balance. My solution to the balance problem is to use casting time as a penalty instead of spell levels. There is a relatively small set of spells that, when cast psionically, do not require an increased casting time; everything else does, unless you take a +2 spell slot level. If used, there would be an option (similar to the Spell Mastery feat, though it may not be a feat) to permanently make a handful of spells have the [Psionic] descriptor, thus allowing a character to periodically increase his prowess with certain spells. I'm primarily looking for confirmation or disagreement on whether my solution/approach is balanced enough, and if not, why not. Anybody care to give this the once-over and provide me with some feedback, positive or negative? -- Arcane Psion [Special] You have mastered the art of casting spells psionically, but your proficiency with non-psionic spells is reduced. Prerequisite: 1+ levels of wizard or sorcerer. Benefit: Your spells no longer have vocal or somatic components. You cast spells with the [Psionic] descriptor normally, but spells without the [Psionic] descriptor take twice as long to cast (i.e., a standard action becomes a full-round action, a full round action becomes two full-round actions, etc.). You may cast non-[Psionic] spells in the normal time at the cost of using a spell slot two (2) levels higher than normal (when cast at +2 levels, the spell gains the [Psionic] descriptor). Special: For the purposes of this feat, the following spells in 3.5E are considered to have the [Psionic] descriptor: astral projection, antipathy, charm person, charm monster, comprehend languages, confusion, crushing despair, daze, daze monster, detect thoughts, dominate person, dominate monster, enthrall, foresight, hypnotism, mind blank, mind fog, moment of prescience, nightmare, sympathy, telekinesis, telepathic bond, and touch of idiocy. (This list was taken from the Arcana Unearthed DM's Screen & Players Guide with modifications.) From the Expanded Psionic Handbooks, the following spells are also considered to have the [Psionic] descriptor: brain spider, telepathic bond (lesser), and probe thoughts.
Darklion 03-07-06, 10:02 PM	*bump*
ank 03-18-06, 07:09 PM	I agree that an arcane psion would be an awesome idea but i have a bone to pick with your system. Firstoff, if you apply the silent and still spell feats you still have to take a longer casting time and take the level penalty as well. Basically you are just removing the spell level. Also, since psionic powers have the potential to be different (if you are using the psionics are different strategy found in the psionics handbook) than magic you are providing your players a way to get around certain effects such as an anti-magic field. Since this is so i would list it as a prestige class with requirements of say the ability to cast 3rd level arcane spells and second level psionic powers. This would provide a good RPing aplication to it as well as give your players the satisfaction of earning something as good and versitile as this. When teaching the players new "psionic spells" i would have them know the spell as an arcane spell first and then be able to transfer (or copy) these spells over as powers using either a psionic spell slot system or an improved power point system that takes into account that the spell isnt entirely psionic (and thus maybe cheaper in the long run?). Hope this helps you out.