Augmented Tatoos? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Augmented Tatoos? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
SpoonyBard
09-08-07, 03:48 PM Is it possible to get an augmented Psionic Tatoo, and if so, what's the cost?

Specifically, I want a 10 min Psionic Tatoo of Expansion, but I can't find rules for augmentation in item creation. Assistance, please?
Bacris
09-08-07, 04:42 PM Here's the deal:

Since the rules do not specify you can make a psionic tattoo of an augmented power, technically, you can't do it. This isn't to say that your DM can't allow it - it's totally the DM's call if he or she wants to allow psionic tattoos.

If so, I'd recommend using the pricing model for augmented powers in dorjes:

If an augmentable power is incorporated into a dorje at a higher manifester level than the minimum level required to manifest the power, each discharge of the power from the dorje is augmented to the limit of that higher manifester level. Alternatively, if you want to have a higher manifester level in the dorje, you must pay for the dorje as if the power was one level higher for each additional two manifester levels you want.
AntiDjinn
09-08-07, 05:29 PM One page 41 of the XPH it says: "In all ways, a metapsionic power operates at its original power level, even though it costs additional power points." but about 2 inches below that it says: "Level limits for psionic tattoos apply to the power's higher metapsionic level. Thus, a 3rd-level power modified with the Empower Power feat could not be stored in a psionic tattoo...."

Is it just me, or could they have imposed limits on items based on power point caps instead of telling us that metapsionics (and augmentations) never increase the effective level of a power, then go on to say that for the purpose of items they do.

Anyway, if the power you want to scribe into a tattoo comes out to more than 5 points then don't worry about the cost; you can't have it at any price.

For 10 minutes of Expansion (1 size category) you are looking at: 5th level manifester, 1 point base for the power, 2 points to augment to get 5 minutes instead of 5 rounds duration, and 2 points for Extend Power to make that 10 minutes. Exactly 5 points, so you can do this (if you wanted to grow 2 size categories you would be out of luck).

The cost would be the same as 3rd level power with a 5th level manifester because the rules say that for purposes of item crafting (and for no other purposes, including item use) the metapsionic cost does raise the effective power level.
SpoonyBard
09-08-07, 05:32 PM Okay... so if it costs 3 points, just count it normal for a level 2, and if it costs 5 points, just count it as a normal level 3?
AntiDjinn
09-08-07, 05:55 PM That seems to be in keeping with the rules.

You still have to pay more for a higher level manifester; a 5th level manifester spending 5 points on Extended Expansion gives you 10 minutes, a 7th level spending the same 5 points gives you 14 minutes of effect.

In fact, even for powers where you don't get a better return for higher manifester level (e.g., a tattoo of Call to Mind) a higher level manifester scribing it cost you more.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
SpoonyBard 09-08-07, 03:48 PM	Is it possible to get an augmented Psionic Tatoo, and if so, what's the cost? Specifically, I want a 10 min Psionic Tatoo of Expansion, but I can't find rules for augmentation in item creation. Assistance, please?
Bacris 09-08-07, 04:42 PM	Here's the deal: Since the rules do not specify you can make a psionic tattoo of an augmented power, technically, you can't do it. This isn't to say that your DM can't allow it - it's totally the DM's call if he or she wants to allow psionic tattoos. If so, I'd recommend using the pricing model for augmented powers in dorjes: If an augmentable power is incorporated into a dorje at a higher manifester level than the minimum level required to manifest the power, each discharge of the power from the dorje is augmented to the limit of that higher manifester level. Alternatively, if you want to have a higher manifester level in the dorje, you must pay for the dorje as if the power was one level higher for each additional two manifester levels you want.
AntiDjinn 09-08-07, 05:29 PM	One page 41 of the XPH it says: "In all ways, a metapsionic power operates at its original power level, even though it costs additional power points." but about 2 inches below that it says: "Level limits for psionic tattoos apply to the power's higher metapsionic level. Thus, a 3rd-level power modified with the Empower Power feat could not be stored in a psionic tattoo...." Is it just me, or could they have imposed limits on items based on power point caps instead of telling us that metapsionics (and augmentations) never increase the effective level of a power, then go on to say that for the purpose of items they do. Anyway, if the power you want to scribe into a tattoo comes out to more than 5 points then don't worry about the cost; you can't have it at any price. For 10 minutes of Expansion (1 size category) you are looking at: 5th level manifester, 1 point base for the power, 2 points to augment to get 5 minutes instead of 5 rounds duration, and 2 points for Extend Power to make that 10 minutes. Exactly 5 points, so you can do this (if you wanted to grow 2 size categories you would be out of luck). The cost would be the same as 3rd level power with a 5th level manifester because the rules say that for purposes of item crafting (and for no other purposes, including item use) the metapsionic cost does raise the effective power level.
SpoonyBard 09-08-07, 05:32 PM	Okay... so if it costs 3 points, just count it normal for a level 2, and if it costs 5 points, just count it as a normal level 3?
AntiDjinn 09-08-07, 05:55 PM	That seems to be in keeping with the rules. You still have to pay more for a higher level manifester; a 5th level manifester spending 5 points on Extended Expansion gives you 10 minutes, a 7th level spending the same 5 points gives you 14 minutes of effect. In fact, even for powers where you don't get a better return for higher manifester level (e.g., a tattoo of Call to Mind) a higher level manifester scribing it cost you more.