Check Character Please (For DM) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Check Character Please (For DM) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
DarkPawn
07-21-07, 05:22 PM As the title says, I'm starting a campaign as a fairly new DM. I have nothing against psionics but also don't have that firm a grasp on the rules. I'm placing a link for a character someone is going to play. I would appreciate someone that knows about psionics to take a look at it and please let me know if the disciplines known and powers are accurate. The number of them too.

http://www.thetangledweb.net/profiler/view.php?id=19019

Was asked to move the thread here so I did. Any help would be appreciated.
InkBlot
07-21-07, 05:45 PM With just a quick glance, the only thing that realy stuck out was Expanded Knowledge (astral construct). In order to learn a 1st level power with Expanded Knowledge, you have to be able to manifest 2nd level powers already. At level three, when he took the feat, he could not manifest 2nd level powers yet.

There may be other errors, but that's the only one that jumped out at me.

Make sure you know the golden rules of psionics:
1. You can't spend more power points than your manifester level.
2. You can only expend focus for one thing at a time.
3. Manifester levels do not stack.
DarkPawn
07-21-07, 05:49 PM Make sure you know the golden rules of psionics:
1. You can't spend more power points than your manifester level.
2. You can only expend focus for one thing at a time.
3. Manifester levels do not stack.

Will try to remember this. So the psionic warrior could only manifest 1 power point (ever) if he doesn't raise this skill.

The psion right now can only manifest 3 power points?
Red_Decker
07-21-07, 05:57 PM He's got too many powers.

1 from PsyWar
7 from Psion

He can have 2 2nd level, but 6 1st level. He also has Astral Construct from Expanded knowledge.
His BAB is too high it should be +1 not 2; +0 from PsyWar, +1 from 3 levels of Psion.

http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt
InkBlot
07-21-07, 06:03 PM So the psionic warrior could only manifest 1 power point (ever) if he doesn't raise this skill.

The psion right now can only manifest 3 power points?
That is correct.
DarkPawn
07-21-07, 06:10 PM That is correct.

Okay good to know. I have never used psionics but it seems like a balanced system. The only problem is when the players fudge a bit intentionally or not, that it becomes unbalanced. This is very helpful information...thank you all.
Lycanthromancer
07-25-07, 02:28 AM My suggestion to you (and I'm not the only one) is to read up on psionics and make sure you know the system at least halfway well (unless you trust your player/s implicitly). Even so, being familiar with the core tenents of the system (such as making contact with a power stone or another psionic creature, psionic focus, augmentation, and the specific powers and feats your players have access to) would be an excellent introduction to psionics.

After all, most of the cries of "psionics is broken!" that we hear around here is because someone flagrantly didn't follow the rules, and psionics gets blamed for it.

Welcome to our world, DarkPawn. :)
rilem
07-25-07, 08:01 AM To follow up on that, read the various "Myth: Psionics are Broken!" and Psionic FAQ threads, threads about metamorphosis, the Main FAQ on the WotC site, etc. So you know how which rules are in which state of gray.

Another reason I think Psionics get a bum rap is that so many pretty important rules are left unclear: How do you replace a psicrystal? Do psicrystals get feats? Is metamorphosis affected by changes to the polymorph rules? What does practiced manifester do?

You'll find some passionate arguments on both sides of some of those questions, but relatively little from WotC. So know the debate BEFOREHAND, and make up your own mind.
Ovistavin
07-25-07, 10:53 AM With just a quick glance, the only thing that realy stuck out was Expanded Knowledge (astral construct). In order to learn a 1st level power with Expanded Knowledge, you have to be able to manifest 2nd level powers already. At level three, when he took the feat, he could not manifest 2nd level powers yet.

I think the Expanded Knowledge feat is valid. If the information in the HP block is the order in which the levels were taken the character is fine.

The block list 4 +4 + 2d4 + 1d8 HP. That tells me that the character's first level was Egoist and I would interpret this as the character took his/her 4th level as Phychic Warrior. This means that the characer can take Expanded Knowledge at level 3.
DarkPawn
07-25-07, 01:56 PM My suggestion to you (and I'm not the only one) is to read up on psionics and make sure you know the system at least halfway well (unless you trust your player/s implicitly). Even so, being familiar with the core tenents of the system (such as making contact with a power stone or another psionic creature, psionic focus, augmentation, and the specific powers and feats your players have access to) would be an excellent introduction to psionics.

After all, most of the cries of "psionics is broken!" that we hear around here is because someone flagrantly didn't follow the rules, and psionics gets blamed for it.

Welcome to our world, DarkPawn. :)

Looking over psionics I actually feel it is well balanced. The only thing at first glance, I feel a psion gets a little more power points then they need, but oh well.
DarkPawn
07-25-07, 01:58 PM Another reason I think Psionics get a bum rap is that so many pretty important rules are left unclear: How do you replace a psicrystal? Do psicrystals get feats? Is metamorphosis affected by changes to the polymorph rules? What does practiced manifester do?

Funny that you mention psicrystals because the player just changed feats to take one. Off the top of my head I would say, "No they don't get feats" and "replacing one, well it is going to cost you buddy". :D
Lycanthromancer
07-25-07, 02:05 PM Looking over psionics I actually feel it is well balanced. The only thing at first glance, I feel a psion gets a little more power points then they need, but oh well.Oddly, many people find that it's difficult to ration power points to keep from running out too soon. You have to be really careful to keep from expending them all.

I'm not saying they need MORE power points (definitely not), but it's something to keep in mind.
DarkPawn
07-25-07, 02:16 PM Oddly, many people find that it's difficult to ration power points to keep from running out too soon. You have to be really careful to keep from expending them all.

I'm not saying they need MORE power points (definitely not), but it's something to keep in mind.

Oh and don't get me wrong, I'm not an expert or claiming it should be changed. It was just my initial thought when I first read through the rules.

I personally feel it is one of the most balanced set of rules in D&D. As for room for exploits, I don't see it any different from casters. I like it so far.
rilem
07-25-07, 02:38 PM Funny that you mention psicrystals because the player just changed feats to take one. Off the top of my head I would say, "No they don't get feats" and "replacing one, well it is going to cost you buddy". :D

There you go — there are some very well-reasoned arguments that by the rules they should, in fact, get feats, much like an animal companion would. WotC's never cleared either subject up.
DarkPawn
07-25-07, 02:52 PM There you go — there are some very well-reasoned arguments that by the rules they should, in fact, get feats, much like an animal companion would. WotC's never cleared either subject up.

Do familiars get feats? I imagine it would probably be the same exact thing.
Lycanthromancer
07-25-07, 02:57 PM Familiars don't gain actual hit dice. Psicrystals do. :)
rilem
07-25-07, 03:02 PM Familiars don't. Animal Companions do. Psicrystals … you may as well decide for yourself. But read the threads regardless, so you know what the arguments are.
Jaid
07-25-07, 03:08 PM ironically, psions get about the same amount of PPs as wizards get spell slots when converted to PPs... at least, until you factor in the free scaling a wizard gets, in which case the psion has far less, as i recall.

as far as getting feats for psicrystals, there is an important difference between familiars and psicrystals; psicrystals actually gain HD, whereas the familiar is only treated as having more HD when targetted by spells and effects that rely on HD.

the rules say that psicrystals do gain feats, but it's not going to make them horribly underpowered if they don't gain feats.
DarkPawn
07-25-07, 04:25 PM the rules say that psicrystals do gain feats, but it's not going to make them horribly underpowered if they don't gain feats.

Yeah, especially when you can just smash them fairly easy enough if they get annoying. ;)
Tsuul
07-25-07, 04:53 PM "replacing one, well it is going to cost you buddy"Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't...
DarkPawn
07-25-07, 05:13 PM Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't...

:D That would be really harsh I think. However, I picture a quest in itself to replace it...and probably a nice gp drop in the bucket. ;)
Brewster
07-25-07, 10:56 PM seems good on powers known and power points, didn't check skills. Saves and base attack are accurate. DCs are also correct It is valid to take the expanded knowledge feat at level 3 if psychic warrior was the 4th level

Just a minor clarification to those saying that manifester levels don't stack. The Psychic warrior part wouldn't be able to manifest anything costing more than 1 pp per manifestation, but could manifest it as many times as they have pp's That is to say that manifester levels don't stack, but power points are kept in a common reserve and are all usable by any manifester class.

As for regaining psycrystals, the best method I've heard was that they reform after a day, with possible XP cost. It doesn't make sense that you retake the feat, since a psychic reformation would allow retaking without wasting a slot

I stand corrected and have no idea how I was still under the misconception on the wild talent issue
BloodSpill
07-25-07, 11:24 PM He forgot that as a non-psionic race, a human MUST take wild talent at level 1 to be able to take levels in psionic classes. He must change at least one of his first level feats to wild talent

Wrong wrong wrong wrong,
wrong wrong wrong WRONG!

You're wrong.
You're wrong.
You're wrong.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHMhb69w4X0)
The internets amuse me

I would second psychic reformation for getting a psicrystal back. Even two. 100xp per character level (or close to) right there.
DarkPawn
07-26-07, 02:19 PM As for regaining psycrystals, the best method I've heard was that they reform after a day, with possible XP cost. It doesn't make sense that you retake the feat, since a psychic reformation would allow retaking without wasting a slot

I am not totally against this concept but personally I wouldn't use it. I am the type of DM that says, you want to make a magical item of <insert type>, you need to go and adventure for <insert rare material> to make it.

I then would lower the material cost for questing for it. I really believe that PCs should earn things. Not just get things handed to them.

That being said, I would make them quest for the special crystal needed to make a psicrystal. This wouldn't be anything earth shattering to get but would take a bit of time and determination. Even if just traveling to a few major cities, finding a seller, and brokering a deal.

This is just my style though, I am not knocking what you're suggesting.
CrimsonDeath
07-26-07, 03:24 PM Would you make the PC go on a quest to get the materials for his first psicrystal?

Do you make a wizard or sorceror go on a quest for his Familiar? What if he takes the Improved Familiar feat?
Red_Decker
07-26-07, 07:59 PM I am not totally against this concept but personally I wouldn't use it. I am the type of DM that says, you want to make a magical item of <insert type>, you need to go and adventure for <insert rare material> to make it.

I then would lower the material cost for questing for it. I really believe that PCs should earn things. Not just get things handed to them.

That being said, I would make them quest for the special crystal needed to make a psicrystal. This wouldn't be anything earth shattering to get but would take a bit of time and determination. Even if just traveling to a few major cities, finding a seller, and brokering a deal.

This is just my style though, I am not knocking what you're suggesting.
My interpretation of it on page 21 says to me that they make it from crystallized mental energy... no actual material is needed. In 3.0 you could use different crystals for it but... we play 3.5 now.

Why have them go look for something in their head? Do you make a Wizard or Sorcerer go find a new kitty?

http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt
DarkPawn
07-26-07, 11:19 PM My interpretation of it on page 21 says to me that they make it from crystallized mental energy... no actual material is needed. In 3.0 you could use different crystals for it but... we play 3.5 now.

Why have them go look for something in their head? Do you make a Wizard or Sorcerer go find a new kitty?

http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt

I did not know that it said you form it out of mental energy. I would have to rethink what I would allow then.

A familiar gives specific rules how to retain them. So I don't see why that is questioned.
Red_Decker
07-26-07, 11:58 PM A psicrystal is a fragment of a psionic character’s personality, brought into physical form and a semblance of life (via the Psicrystal Affinity feat). A psicrystal appears as a crystalline construct about the size of a human hand.
to me that kinda says it all... it's part of your personality, an extension of your being not some crystal you buy at "The Grungy Gnome's Gem Shop"

http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt
BloodSpill
07-27-07, 01:20 AM I think most of us are just a little bit concerned about a DM shining the spotlight everywhere except on what actually matters to the plot.

Unless you're playing D&D like an Elder Scrolls game, where anything can be put off indefinitely, I'm having a hard time seeing all that many players having the time to go on a quest just for a feat.
DarkPawn
07-27-07, 02:28 PM I think most of us are just a little bit concerned about a DM shining the spotlight everywhere except on what actually matters to the plot.

Well I'm touched that most of you are concerned. I do think that you shouldn't be so fast to judge other people and how they run their campaigns though.
Torrential
07-27-07, 02:50 PM Well I'm touched that most of you are concerned. I do think that you shouldn't be so fast to judge other people and how they run their campaigns though.

Don't take it personally. It's just Post-Traumatic Stress syndrome. Anybody who's played D&D long enough has played with THAT DM... the kind that, whenever one little aspect of THAT game gets alluded to, will still make a hardened, jaded player cringe... and do whatever possible to save others from the same fate.

;)
BloodSpill
07-27-07, 03:42 PM Actually I just thought I'd sum up the criticism so this thread can die. ;) But close enough. :D
CrimsonDeath
07-27-07, 05:25 PM Well I'm touched that most of you are concerned. I do think that you shouldn't be so fast to judge other people and how they run their campaigns though.
We're not judging you. We're disagreeing with one of your decisions. You're free to ignore us as necessary when we disagree with something that works for you.

If that's how you run your campaign, and you and your players like it, that's great. Mission accomplished.
DarkPawn
07-27-07, 06:58 PM We're not judging you.

You sure about that?

I think most of us are just a little bit concerned about a DM shining the spotlight everywhere except on what actually matters to the plot.

Unless you're playing D&D like an Elder Scrolls game, where anything can be put off indefinitely, I'm having a hard time seeing all that many players having the time to go on a quest just for a feat.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Nope! Not judgmental at all!
PhaedrusXY
07-27-07, 07:07 PM Not judgmental at all!That is extremely tame, and I'd say constructive, criticism.
DarkPawn
07-28-07, 01:19 AM That is extremely tame, and I'd say constructive, criticism.

I'm not like crying about it, I'm not like upset or anything. I'm just saying don't judge my style by one opinion on a pretty insignificant topic. That is all.

I kind of got lumped into "that DM", as someone stated by one opinion about a minor factor in the game. My sole reason to make it somewhat of an effort to regain is because otherwise it encourages a player to keep risking it when they should cherish it.

Hell, I'm all for psionics, which I thought would have made me a bit more popular here. ;)
Torrential
07-28-07, 01:50 AM ... Hell, I'm all for psionics ...

Don't worry guys... he's cool again... :D
DarkPawn
07-28-07, 01:59 AM Don't worry guys... he's cool again... :D

Yes! :)
CrimsonDeath
07-28-07, 03:20 AM If I were to run a game that included psionics, I'd probably treat a psicrystal almost exactly like a familiar-- including what happens when it gets killed.
Sithobi1
07-28-07, 04:13 AM Including XP loss, even though compared to the vast majority of people with familiars(sorcerers and wizards), the opportunity cost of gaining a psicrystal is enormous(100 gp vs a feat)?
CrimsonDeath
07-28-07, 06:38 PM Hmm... When you put it that way, having him lose XP seems a little harsh...

I don't think it's terribly harsh to simply have the psionicist spend 24 hours in meditation, the same amount of timeit takes for a Sor/Wiz to call a familiar.
DarkPawn
07-28-07, 08:09 PM Hmm... When you put it that way, having him lose XP seems a little harsh...

I don't think it's terribly harsh to simply have the psionicist spend 24 hours in meditation, the same amount of timeit takes for a Sor/Wiz to call a familiar.

Or perhaps 1/2 the exp penalty you would get for losing familiar.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DarkPawn 07-21-07, 05:22 PM	As the title says, I'm starting a campaign as a fairly new DM. I have nothing against psionics but also don't have that firm a grasp on the rules. I'm placing a link for a character someone is going to play. I would appreciate someone that knows about psionics to take a look at it and please let me know if the disciplines known and powers are accurate. The number of them too. http://www.thetangledweb.net/profiler/view.php?id=19019 Was asked to move the thread here so I did. Any help would be appreciated.
InkBlot 07-21-07, 05:45 PM	With just a quick glance, the only thing that realy stuck out was Expanded Knowledge (astral construct). In order to learn a 1st level power with Expanded Knowledge, you have to be able to manifest 2nd level powers already. At level three, when he took the feat, he could not manifest 2nd level powers yet. There may be other errors, but that's the only one that jumped out at me. Make sure you know the golden rules of psionics: 1. You can't spend more power points than your manifester level. 2. You can only expend focus for one thing at a time. 3. Manifester levels do not stack.
DarkPawn 07-21-07, 05:49 PM	Make sure you know the golden rules of psionics: 1. You can't spend more power points than your manifester level. 2. You can only expend focus for one thing at a time. 3. Manifester levels do not stack. Will try to remember this. So the psionic warrior could only manifest 1 power point (ever) if he doesn't raise this skill. The psion right now can only manifest 3 power points?
Red_Decker 07-21-07, 05:57 PM	He's got too many powers. 1 from PsyWar 7 from Psion He can have 2 2nd level, but 6 1st level. He also has Astral Construct from Expanded knowledge. His BAB is too high it should be +1 not 2; +0 from PsyWar, +1 from 3 levels of Psion. http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt
InkBlot 07-21-07, 06:03 PM	So the psionic warrior could only manifest 1 power point (ever) if he doesn't raise this skill. The psion right now can only manifest 3 power points? That is correct.
DarkPawn 07-21-07, 06:10 PM	That is correct. Okay good to know. I have never used psionics but it seems like a balanced system. The only problem is when the players fudge a bit intentionally or not, that it becomes unbalanced. This is very helpful information...thank you all.
Lycanthromancer 07-25-07, 02:28 AM	My suggestion to you (and I'm not the only one) is to read up on psionics and make sure you know the system at least halfway well (unless you trust your player/s implicitly). Even so, being familiar with the core tenents of the system (such as making contact with a power stone or another psionic creature, psionic focus, augmentation, and the specific powers and feats your players have access to) would be an excellent introduction to psionics. After all, most of the cries of "psionics is broken!" that we hear around here is because someone flagrantly didn't follow the rules, and psionics gets blamed for it. Welcome to our world, DarkPawn. :)
rilem 07-25-07, 08:01 AM	To follow up on that, read the various "Myth: Psionics are Broken!" and Psionic FAQ threads, threads about metamorphosis, the Main FAQ on the WotC site, etc. So you know how which rules are in which state of gray. Another reason I think Psionics get a bum rap is that so many pretty important rules are left unclear: How do you replace a psicrystal? Do psicrystals get feats? Is metamorphosis affected by changes to the polymorph rules? What does practiced manifester do? You'll find some passionate arguments on both sides of some of those questions, but relatively little from WotC. So know the debate BEFOREHAND, and make up your own mind.
Ovistavin 07-25-07, 10:53 AM	With just a quick glance, the only thing that realy stuck out was Expanded Knowledge (astral construct). In order to learn a 1st level power with Expanded Knowledge, you have to be able to manifest 2nd level powers already. At level three, when he took the feat, he could not manifest 2nd level powers yet. I think the Expanded Knowledge feat is valid. If the information in the HP block is the order in which the levels were taken the character is fine. The block list 4 +4 + 2d4 + 1d8 HP. That tells me that the character's first level was Egoist and I would interpret this as the character took his/her 4th level as Phychic Warrior. This means that the characer can take Expanded Knowledge at level 3.
DarkPawn 07-25-07, 01:56 PM	My suggestion to you (and I'm not the only one) is to read up on psionics and make sure you know the system at least halfway well (unless you trust your player/s implicitly). Even so, being familiar with the core tenents of the system (such as making contact with a power stone or another psionic creature, psionic focus, augmentation, and the specific powers and feats your players have access to) would be an excellent introduction to psionics. After all, most of the cries of "psionics is broken!" that we hear around here is because someone flagrantly didn't follow the rules, and psionics gets blamed for it. Welcome to our world, DarkPawn. :) Looking over psionics I actually feel it is well balanced. The only thing at first glance, I feel a psion gets a little more power points then they need, but oh well.
DarkPawn 07-25-07, 01:58 PM	Another reason I think Psionics get a bum rap is that so many pretty important rules are left unclear: How do you replace a psicrystal? Do psicrystals get feats? Is metamorphosis affected by changes to the polymorph rules? What does practiced manifester do? Funny that you mention psicrystals because the player just changed feats to take one. Off the top of my head I would say, "No they don't get feats" and "replacing one, well it is going to cost you buddy". :D
Lycanthromancer 07-25-07, 02:05 PM	Looking over psionics I actually feel it is well balanced. The only thing at first glance, I feel a psion gets a little more power points then they need, but oh well.Oddly, many people find that it's difficult to ration power points to keep from running out too soon. You have to be really careful to keep from expending them all. I'm not saying they need MORE power points (definitely not), but it's something to keep in mind.
DarkPawn 07-25-07, 02:16 PM	Oddly, many people find that it's difficult to ration power points to keep from running out too soon. You have to be really careful to keep from expending them all. I'm not saying they need MORE power points (definitely not), but it's something to keep in mind. Oh and don't get me wrong, I'm not an expert or claiming it should be changed. It was just my initial thought when I first read through the rules. I personally feel it is one of the most balanced set of rules in D&D. As for room for exploits, I don't see it any different from casters. I like it so far.
rilem 07-25-07, 02:38 PM	Funny that you mention psicrystals because the player just changed feats to take one. Off the top of my head I would say, "No they don't get feats" and "replacing one, well it is going to cost you buddy". :D There you go — there are some very well-reasoned arguments that by the rules they should, in fact, get feats, much like an animal companion would. WotC's never cleared either subject up.
DarkPawn 07-25-07, 02:52 PM	There you go — there are some very well-reasoned arguments that by the rules they should, in fact, get feats, much like an animal companion would. WotC's never cleared either subject up. Do familiars get feats? I imagine it would probably be the same exact thing.
Lycanthromancer 07-25-07, 02:57 PM	Familiars don't gain actual hit dice. Psicrystals do. :)
rilem 07-25-07, 03:02 PM	Familiars don't. Animal Companions do. Psicrystals … you may as well decide for yourself. But read the threads regardless, so you know what the arguments are.
Jaid 07-25-07, 03:08 PM	ironically, psions get about the same amount of PPs as wizards get spell slots when converted to PPs... at least, until you factor in the free scaling a wizard gets, in which case the psion has far less, as i recall. as far as getting feats for psicrystals, there is an important difference between familiars and psicrystals; psicrystals actually gain HD, whereas the familiar is only treated as having more HD when targetted by spells and effects that rely on HD. the rules say that psicrystals do gain feats, but it's not going to make them horribly underpowered if they don't gain feats.
DarkPawn 07-25-07, 04:25 PM	the rules say that psicrystals do gain feats, but it's not going to make them horribly underpowered if they don't gain feats. Yeah, especially when you can just smash them fairly easy enough if they get annoying. ;)
Tsuul 07-25-07, 04:53 PM	"replacing one, well it is going to cost you buddy"Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't...
DarkPawn 07-25-07, 05:13 PM	Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't say that it's going to cost another feat. Please don't... :D That would be really harsh I think. However, I picture a quest in itself to replace it...and probably a nice gp drop in the bucket. ;)
Brewster 07-25-07, 10:56 PM	seems good on powers known and power points, didn't check skills. Saves and base attack are accurate. DCs are also correct It is valid to take the expanded knowledge feat at level 3 if psychic warrior was the 4th level Just a minor clarification to those saying that manifester levels don't stack. The Psychic warrior part wouldn't be able to manifest anything costing more than 1 pp per manifestation, but could manifest it as many times as they have pp's That is to say that manifester levels don't stack, but power points are kept in a common reserve and are all usable by any manifester class. As for regaining psycrystals, the best method I've heard was that they reform after a day, with possible XP cost. It doesn't make sense that you retake the feat, since a psychic reformation would allow retaking without wasting a slot I stand corrected and have no idea how I was still under the misconception on the wild talent issue
BloodSpill 07-25-07, 11:24 PM	He forgot that as a non-psionic race, a human MUST take wild talent at level 1 to be able to take levels in psionic classes. He must change at least one of his first level feats to wild talent Wrong wrong wrong wrong, wrong wrong wrong WRONG! You're wrong. You're wrong. You're wrong. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHMhb69w4X0) The internets amuse me I would second psychic reformation for getting a psicrystal back. Even two. 100xp per character level (or close to) right there.
DarkPawn 07-26-07, 02:19 PM	As for regaining psycrystals, the best method I've heard was that they reform after a day, with possible XP cost. It doesn't make sense that you retake the feat, since a psychic reformation would allow retaking without wasting a slot I am not totally against this concept but personally I wouldn't use it. I am the type of DM that says, you want to make a magical item of <insert type>, you need to go and adventure for <insert rare material> to make it. I then would lower the material cost for questing for it. I really believe that PCs should earn things. Not just get things handed to them. That being said, I would make them quest for the special crystal needed to make a psicrystal. This wouldn't be anything earth shattering to get but would take a bit of time and determination. Even if just traveling to a few major cities, finding a seller, and brokering a deal. This is just my style though, I am not knocking what you're suggesting.
CrimsonDeath 07-26-07, 03:24 PM	Would you make the PC go on a quest to get the materials for his first psicrystal? Do you make a wizard or sorceror go on a quest for his Familiar? What if he takes the Improved Familiar feat?
Red_Decker 07-26-07, 07:59 PM	I am not totally against this concept but personally I wouldn't use it. I am the type of DM that says, you want to make a magical item of <insert type>, you need to go and adventure for <insert rare material> to make it. I then would lower the material cost for questing for it. I really believe that PCs should earn things. Not just get things handed to them. That being said, I would make them quest for the special crystal needed to make a psicrystal. This wouldn't be anything earth shattering to get but would take a bit of time and determination. Even if just traveling to a few major cities, finding a seller, and brokering a deal. This is just my style though, I am not knocking what you're suggesting. My interpretation of it on page 21 says to me that they make it from crystallized mental energy... no actual material is needed. In 3.0 you could use different crystals for it but... we play 3.5 now. Why have them go look for something in their head? Do you make a Wizard or Sorcerer go find a new kitty? http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt
DarkPawn 07-26-07, 11:19 PM	My interpretation of it on page 21 says to me that they make it from crystallized mental energy... no actual material is needed. In 3.0 you could use different crystals for it but... we play 3.5 now. Why have them go look for something in their head? Do you make a Wizard or Sorcerer go find a new kitty? http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt I did not know that it said you form it out of mental energy. I would have to rethink what I would allow then. A familiar gives specific rules how to retain them. So I don't see why that is questioned.
Red_Decker 07-26-07, 11:58 PM	A psicrystal is a fragment of a psionic character’s personality, brought into physical form and a semblance of life (via the Psicrystal Affinity feat). A psicrystal appears as a crystalline construct about the size of a human hand. to me that kinda says it all... it's part of your personality, an extension of your being not some crystal you buy at "The Grungy Gnome's Gem Shop" http://www.geocities.com/customsmiliesbyswordmaster/inthered.txt
BloodSpill 07-27-07, 01:20 AM	I think most of us are just a little bit concerned about a DM shining the spotlight everywhere except on what actually matters to the plot. Unless you're playing D&D like an Elder Scrolls game, where anything can be put off indefinitely, I'm having a hard time seeing all that many players having the time to go on a quest just for a feat.
DarkPawn 07-27-07, 02:28 PM	I think most of us are just a little bit concerned about a DM shining the spotlight everywhere except on what actually matters to the plot. Well I'm touched that most of you are concerned. I do think that you shouldn't be so fast to judge other people and how they run their campaigns though.
Torrential 07-27-07, 02:50 PM	Well I'm touched that most of you are concerned. I do think that you shouldn't be so fast to judge other people and how they run their campaigns though. Don't take it personally. It's just Post-Traumatic Stress syndrome. Anybody who's played D&D long enough has played with THAT DM... the kind that, whenever one little aspect of THAT game gets alluded to, will still make a hardened, jaded player cringe... and do whatever possible to save others from the same fate. ;)
BloodSpill 07-27-07, 03:42 PM	Actually I just thought I'd sum up the criticism so this thread can die. ;) But close enough. :D
CrimsonDeath 07-27-07, 05:25 PM	Well I'm touched that most of you are concerned. I do think that you shouldn't be so fast to judge other people and how they run their campaigns though. We're not judging you. We're disagreeing with one of your decisions. You're free to ignore us as necessary when we disagree with something that works for you. If that's how you run your campaign, and you and your players like it, that's great. Mission accomplished.
DarkPawn 07-27-07, 06:58 PM	We're not judging you. You sure about that? I think most of us are just a little bit concerned about a DM shining the spotlight everywhere except on what actually matters to the plot. Unless you're playing D&D like an Elder Scrolls game, where anything can be put off indefinitely, I'm having a hard time seeing all that many players having the time to go on a quest just for a feat. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Nope! Not judgmental at all!
PhaedrusXY 07-27-07, 07:07 PM	Not judgmental at all!That is extremely tame, and I'd say constructive, criticism.
DarkPawn 07-28-07, 01:19 AM	That is extremely tame, and I'd say constructive, criticism. I'm not like crying about it, I'm not like upset or anything. I'm just saying don't judge my style by one opinion on a pretty insignificant topic. That is all. I kind of got lumped into "that DM", as someone stated by one opinion about a minor factor in the game. My sole reason to make it somewhat of an effort to regain is because otherwise it encourages a player to keep risking it when they should cherish it. Hell, I'm all for psionics, which I thought would have made me a bit more popular here. ;)
Torrential 07-28-07, 01:50 AM	... Hell, I'm all for psionics ... Don't worry guys... he's cool again... :D
DarkPawn 07-28-07, 01:59 AM	Don't worry guys... he's cool again... :D Yes! :)
CrimsonDeath 07-28-07, 03:20 AM	If I were to run a game that included psionics, I'd probably treat a psicrystal almost exactly like a familiar-- including what happens when it gets killed.
Sithobi1 07-28-07, 04:13 AM	Including XP loss, even though compared to the vast majority of people with familiars(sorcerers and wizards), the opportunity cost of gaining a psicrystal is enormous(100 gp vs a feat)?
CrimsonDeath 07-28-07, 06:38 PM	Hmm... When you put it that way, having him lose XP seems a little harsh... I don't think it's terribly harsh to simply have the psionicist spend 24 hours in meditation, the same amount of timeit takes for a Sor/Wiz to call a familiar.
DarkPawn 07-28-07, 08:09 PM	Hmm... When you put it that way, having him lose XP seems a little harsh... I don't think it's terribly harsh to simply have the psionicist spend 24 hours in meditation, the same amount of timeit takes for a Sor/Wiz to call a familiar. Or perhaps 1/2 the exp penalty you would get for losing familiar.