Is temporal acceleration really useful? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Is temporal acceleration really useful? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
SSj3goblin
03-24-07, 11:34 PM Except for being used to buff yourself with other powers, this power (at level 6!) seems pretty useless considering you have a limited number of powers known.

Is there something am I missing about this power? Or should I houserule that you CAN attack during the duration of the power (as the illustration shows)?
PhaedrusXY
03-24-07, 11:45 PM Except for being used to buff yourself with other powers, this power (at level 6!) seems pretty useless considering you have a limited number of powers known.And that's not useful? I don't think you understand how powerful buffs are.
Is there something am I missing about this power? Or should I houserule that you CAN attack during the duration of the power (as the illustration shows)?:heehee
SSj3goblin
03-25-07, 12:01 AM What's funny? I thought that the idea of matrix like combats as shown on the art would be exciting.
Lycanthromancer
03-25-07, 12:36 AM Don't forget battlefield control. Just because you can't directly attack doesn't mean you can't attack at all. Think about manifesting Psionic Grease on the ground beneath your foes, or manifesting Psionic Disintegrate on the ground beneath your foes' feet, then Wall of Ectoplasm + Psionic Dimensional Anchor to keep them where you want them (in a 10' deep hole). Oh, and don't forget fun uses of Time Hop on chandeliers, ropes, pullies, ladders, and various other portions of the landscape that will either drop objects on your opponents' heads, or drop them on their heads. Then there's Fabricateing wooden barriers, pits, and so on and so forth. Energy Walling them, Astral Constructing in allies, etc, etc, etc.

This option gets even better if you're a cerebremancer, as you have all of those lovely spells to work with, such as Prismatic Wall and Wall of Stone. Mmm...Sweet, sweet brokeness...

There's much more to a proper battle than just thwacking your enemies to death. Play with them a little. :D
Tralan
03-25-07, 12:49 AM I think it should be augmentable in the least. Spend an extra 4 or so PP's and get 2 rounds, etc.
Lycanthromancer
03-25-07, 12:51 AM It is.
Thomar_of_Uointer
03-25-07, 01:50 AM Except for being used to buff yourself with other powers, this power (at level 6!) seems pretty useless considering you have a limited number of powers known.

Is there something am I missing about this power? Or should I houserule that you CAN attack during the duration of the power (as the illustration shows)?

Temporal Acceleration
Psychoportation
Level: Psion/wilder 6
Display: None
Manifesting Time: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 round (in apparent time); see text
Power Points: 11
You enter another time frame, speeding up so greatly that all other creatures seem frozen, though they are actually still moving at normal speed. You are free to act for 1 round of apparent time. You can manifest powers, cast spells, move, or perform other types of actions, subject to the restrictions outlined below.
While your temporal acceleration is in effect, other creatures are invulnerable to your attacks and powers. This means you cannot target a creature with any attack or power. However, a power you manifest that affects an area and has a duration longer than the remaining duration of your temporal acceleration has its normal effect on creatures in the area once this power ends.
You can affect an unattended object but not an object held, carried, or worn by another creature. You are undetectable by any means while your temporal acceleration lasts.
While under the effect of this power, you cannot enter an area protected by a null psionics field or by a power or spell that neutralizes high-level powers or spells. Normal and magical fire, cold, acid, and the like can still harm you.
When your temporal acceleration expires, you resume acting during your current turn in the standard time frame. You are shaken for 1 round upon your return to the standard time frame.
Splintered or partitioned minds within your own mind, such as might be in effect through the use of powers such as schism, are not temporally speeded up, even if your second mind manifested this power (your primary mind gains the benefit, while your second mind remains stuck in the standard time frame).
Manifesting this power is a swift action You cannot manifest this power when it isn’t your turn.
Augment
For every 4 additional power points you spend, this power’s duration (in apparent time) increases by 1 round.

Okay, I've bolded the strong points of this power. Temporal acceleration lets end an encounter if you use it properly.

The best thing about this power is the swift action manifesting time. You can use it anytime during your turn, basically allowing you to take another round of actions as though casting a quickened spell. Regardless of what point in your turn you manifest it, being shaken (-2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.) is hardly a penalty for a manifester.

The next best thing about this power is what you can do with it. You can use it to give yourself breathing time, free from attacks of opportunity and readied actions while you buff and heal yourself, or just run away. Wall of ectoplasm and energy wall have already been mentioned. Remember, you get to do all of these as a swift action.

This power also has uses out of combat. If you need to circumvent a trap, you can waltz right over the trigger or sensor without harm. If you want to steal a powerful artifact from a museum during the busiest part of the day, leaving behind a well-crafted and magic auraed replica, with noone the wiser, this is the perfect power for you.

Finally, it's augmentable. At level 20 you can get 5 rounds of this sort of thing as a swift action out of it.
Lycanthromancer
03-25-07, 09:05 AM Not to mention that you can use Extend Power to double the number of apparent rounds you get for a few measly power points.
SSj3goblin
03-25-07, 09:58 AM With your comments, I've seen more use to this power and i understand its usefulness.

But I'm still pondering (as a DM) wheter to house rule it or not).

Thanks for the help people.
Lycanthromancer
03-25-07, 10:03 AM I wouldn't. It's already uber-useful as it is. Just remember that direct-damage isn't necessarily your friend. Think outside of the box, and you'll be more useful to your party than just being a blaster would be.
Thomar_of_Uointer
03-25-07, 02:11 PM Not to mention that you can use Extend Power to double the number of apparent rounds you get for a few measly power points.

Yeah, but that costs a feat and focus every time you do it. Still darn useful.
Psikerlord
03-25-07, 10:54 PM As far as I understand it you can't use Temporal acceleration for extra attacks. If you are playing Eberron, and want easy multiple powers per round, use the Action Surge feat (which you can pick up at 6th level). Allows two standard actions per round at the cost of 2 Action points. Not sure if you can combine it with Anticipatory Strike at 9th level, to give yourself 3 standard actions in one round. High cheese factor either way I guess
Bacris
03-25-07, 11:36 PM I would frequently use this power to get out some needed muscle (astral construct), heal / buff myself, and the like.

I'd have used it more often, but didn't want to hog all the battle time by doing 4 rounds of actions every round to the rest of the group.
Tralan
03-26-07, 12:25 AM Okay, I've bolded the strong points of this power. Temporal acceleration lets end an encounter if you use it properly.

The best thing about this power is the swift action manifesting time. You can use it anytime during your turn, basically allowing you to take another round of actions as though casting a quickened spell. Regardless of what point in your turn you manifest it, being shaken (-2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.) is hardly a penalty for a manifester.

The next best thing about this power is what you can do with it. You can use it to give yourself breathing time, free from attacks of opportunity and readied actions while you buff and heal yourself, or just run away. Wall of ectoplasm and energy wall have already been mentioned. Remember, you get to do all of these as a swift action.

This power also has uses out of combat. If you need to circumvent a trap, you can waltz right over the trigger or sensor without harm. If you want to steal a powerful artifact from a museum during the busiest part of the day, leaving behind a well-crafted and magic auraed replica, with noone the wiser, this is the perfect power for you.

Finally, it's augmentable. At level 20 you can get 5 rounds of this sort of thing as a swift action out of it.

My book doesn't have it augmentable
nobodez
03-26-07, 12:42 AM Anything Hiro from Heroes can do (except for the Temporal Teleport), you can do with Temporal Acceleration.

Speed up and steel the magic sword, rescue people from an explosion, change the cards that are being dealt, get out of the way of a bullet, etc.
Thomar_of_Uointer
03-26-07, 01:53 AM My book doesn't have it augmentable

Expanded Psionics Handbook, page 137. The augmentation continues onto the second column. I think it's the first printing, but I'm not sure.
Thomar_of_Uointer
03-26-07, 02:04 AM I would frequently use this power to get out some needed muscle (astral construct), heal / buff myself, and the like.

I'd have used it more often, but didn't want to hog all the battle time by doing 4 rounds of actions every round to the rest of the group.

Heh...

"Okay, I manifest fully augmented temporal acceleration. I want level 9 Astral Constructs with Natural Invisibility and Power Resistance here, here, aaand... here, plus a level 7 with Concussion and Improved Fly here up thirty feet. Oh, and now I'm refocused and manifesting energy ray." *rolls dice*

Yeah, very fun.

Oh! Also remember, psicrystals get to share it. You can use this to charge your psicrystal and have it cozy right up to an enemy.
SlanderPanic
03-26-07, 10:34 AM Boots of temporal acceleration have become a very popular item in my gaming group. Watching one of my soulknives use a pair to own a dragon in two rounds tends to have that effect.
PhaedrusXY
03-26-07, 11:58 AM Boots of temporal acceleration have become a very popular item in my gaming group. Watching one of my soulknives use a pair to own a dragon in two rounds tends to have that effect.I think you must have missed a vital part of this thread... What exactly is a Soulknife doing while temporally accelerated? He can't attack the dragon while accelerated.
SlanderPanic
03-26-07, 12:18 PM Well, gosh. He can...
1) activate boots (swift)
a) move up into melee range with the monster (move)
b) drink a potion/use a psionic tattoo/charge a psychic strike/etc. (standard or move)
2) use skin of Proteus to become an ogre (swift)
a) activate another useful item (standard)
b) hop up and down a little
3) shaken for one round, full attack

'Cause, y'know, all soulknives are capable of doing ever at any time is attacking. They can't take any other actions or use items.
PhaedrusXY
03-26-07, 12:36 PM Sorry. That is not what it sounded like you were implying in your first post.
SlanderPanic
03-26-07, 12:47 PM It's cool. Being sick has upped my snark factor a few degrees, it seems.
Thomar_of_Uointer
03-26-07, 05:53 PM Well, gosh. He can...
1) activate boots (swift)
a) move up into melee range with the monster (move)
b) drink a potion/use a psionic tattoo/charge a psychic strike/etc. (standard or move)
2) use skin of Proteus to become an ogre (swift)
a) activate another useful item (standard)
b) hop up and down a little
3) shaken for one round, full attack

'Cause, y'know, all soulknives are capable of doing ever at any time is attacking. They can't take any other actions or use items.

There's also a soulknife fix in a Mind's Eye article that lets a soulknife take Hidden Talent as many times as he cares to. Very useful if you get to manifest force screen and offensive prescience (with Overchannel on each one) as a swift action right before slamming into melee with someone.
mato_hibiki
03-26-07, 08:50 PM Nobody brings up delay power?

And yet you bring up Heros?

... Side note, I don't ever watch the show, aside from a few brief clips.

I still think it's cool, and will defend to the death your right to watch it.

*Sighs wistfully.* Pining away for Firefly/Serenity.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
SSj3goblin 03-24-07, 11:34 PM	Except for being used to buff yourself with other powers, this power (at level 6!) seems pretty useless considering you have a limited number of powers known. Is there something am I missing about this power? Or should I houserule that you CAN attack during the duration of the power (as the illustration shows)?
PhaedrusXY 03-24-07, 11:45 PM	Except for being used to buff yourself with other powers, this power (at level 6!) seems pretty useless considering you have a limited number of powers known.And that's not useful? I don't think you understand how powerful buffs are. Is there something am I missing about this power? Or should I houserule that you CAN attack during the duration of the power (as the illustration shows)?:heehee
SSj3goblin 03-25-07, 12:01 AM	What's funny? I thought that the idea of matrix like combats as shown on the art would be exciting.
Lycanthromancer 03-25-07, 12:36 AM	Don't forget battlefield control. Just because you can't directly attack doesn't mean you can't attack at all. Think about manifesting Psionic Grease on the ground beneath your foes, or manifesting Psionic Disintegrate on the ground beneath your foes' feet, then Wall of Ectoplasm + Psionic Dimensional Anchor to keep them where you want them (in a 10' deep hole). Oh, and don't forget fun uses of Time Hop on chandeliers, ropes, pullies, ladders, and various other portions of the landscape that will either drop objects on your opponents' heads, or drop them on their heads. Then there's Fabricateing wooden barriers, pits, and so on and so forth. Energy Walling them, Astral Constructing in allies, etc, etc, etc. This option gets even better if you're a cerebremancer, as you have all of those lovely spells to work with, such as Prismatic Wall and Wall of Stone. Mmm...Sweet, sweet brokeness... There's much more to a proper battle than just thwacking your enemies to death. Play with them a little. :D
Tralan 03-25-07, 12:49 AM	I think it should be augmentable in the least. Spend an extra 4 or so PP's and get 2 rounds, etc.
Lycanthromancer 03-25-07, 12:51 AM	It is.
Thomar_of_Uointer 03-25-07, 01:50 AM	Except for being used to buff yourself with other powers, this power (at level 6!) seems pretty useless considering you have a limited number of powers known. Is there something am I missing about this power? Or should I houserule that you CAN attack during the duration of the power (as the illustration shows)? Temporal Acceleration Psychoportation Level: Psion/wilder 6 Display: None Manifesting Time: 1 swift action Range: Personal Target: You Duration: 1 round (in apparent time); see text Power Points: 11 You enter another time frame, speeding up so greatly that all other creatures seem frozen, though they are actually still moving at normal speed. You are free to act for 1 round of apparent time. You can manifest powers, cast spells, move, or perform other types of actions, subject to the restrictions outlined below. While your temporal acceleration is in effect, other creatures are invulnerable to your attacks and powers. This means you cannot target a creature with any attack or power. However, a power you manifest that affects an area and has a duration longer than the remaining duration of your temporal acceleration has its normal effect on creatures in the area once this power ends. You can affect an unattended object but not an object held, carried, or worn by another creature. You are undetectable by any means while your temporal acceleration lasts. While under the effect of this power, you cannot enter an area protected by a null psionics field or by a power or spell that neutralizes high-level powers or spells. Normal and magical fire, cold, acid, and the like can still harm you. When your temporal acceleration expires, you resume acting during your current turn in the standard time frame. You are shaken for 1 round upon your return to the standard time frame. Splintered or partitioned minds within your own mind, such as might be in effect through the use of powers such as schism, are not temporally speeded up, even if your second mind manifested this power (your primary mind gains the benefit, while your second mind remains stuck in the standard time frame). Manifesting this power is a swift action You cannot manifest this power when it isn’t your turn. Augment For every 4 additional power points you spend, this power’s duration (in apparent time) increases by 1 round. Okay, I've bolded the strong points of this power. Temporal acceleration lets end an encounter if you use it properly. The best thing about this power is the swift action manifesting time. You can use it anytime during your turn, basically allowing you to take another round of actions as though casting a quickened spell. Regardless of what point in your turn you manifest it, being shaken (-2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.) is hardly a penalty for a manifester. The next best thing about this power is what you can do with it. You can use it to give yourself breathing time, free from attacks of opportunity and readied actions while you buff and heal yourself, or just run away. Wall of ectoplasm and energy wall have already been mentioned. Remember, you get to do all of these as a swift action. This power also has uses out of combat. If you need to circumvent a trap, you can waltz right over the trigger or sensor without harm. If you want to steal a powerful artifact from a museum during the busiest part of the day, leaving behind a well-crafted and magic auraed replica, with noone the wiser, this is the perfect power for you. Finally, it's augmentable. At level 20 you can get 5 rounds of this sort of thing as a swift action out of it.
Lycanthromancer 03-25-07, 09:05 AM	Not to mention that you can use Extend Power to double the number of apparent rounds you get for a few measly power points.
SSj3goblin 03-25-07, 09:58 AM	With your comments, I've seen more use to this power and i understand its usefulness. But I'm still pondering (as a DM) wheter to house rule it or not). Thanks for the help people.
Lycanthromancer 03-25-07, 10:03 AM	I wouldn't. It's already uber-useful as it is. Just remember that direct-damage isn't necessarily your friend. Think outside of the box, and you'll be more useful to your party than just being a blaster would be.
Thomar_of_Uointer 03-25-07, 02:11 PM	Not to mention that you can use Extend Power to double the number of apparent rounds you get for a few measly power points. Yeah, but that costs a feat and focus every time you do it. Still darn useful.
Psikerlord 03-25-07, 10:54 PM	As far as I understand it you can't use Temporal acceleration for extra attacks. If you are playing Eberron, and want easy multiple powers per round, use the Action Surge feat (which you can pick up at 6th level). Allows two standard actions per round at the cost of 2 Action points. Not sure if you can combine it with Anticipatory Strike at 9th level, to give yourself 3 standard actions in one round. High cheese factor either way I guess
Bacris 03-25-07, 11:36 PM	I would frequently use this power to get out some needed muscle (astral construct), heal / buff myself, and the like. I'd have used it more often, but didn't want to hog all the battle time by doing 4 rounds of actions every round to the rest of the group.
Tralan 03-26-07, 12:25 AM	Okay, I've bolded the strong points of this power. Temporal acceleration lets end an encounter if you use it properly. The best thing about this power is the swift action manifesting time. You can use it anytime during your turn, basically allowing you to take another round of actions as though casting a quickened spell. Regardless of what point in your turn you manifest it, being shaken (-2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.) is hardly a penalty for a manifester. The next best thing about this power is what you can do with it. You can use it to give yourself breathing time, free from attacks of opportunity and readied actions while you buff and heal yourself, or just run away. Wall of ectoplasm and energy wall have already been mentioned. Remember, you get to do all of these as a swift action. This power also has uses out of combat. If you need to circumvent a trap, you can waltz right over the trigger or sensor without harm. If you want to steal a powerful artifact from a museum during the busiest part of the day, leaving behind a well-crafted and magic auraed replica, with noone the wiser, this is the perfect power for you. Finally, it's augmentable. At level 20 you can get 5 rounds of this sort of thing as a swift action out of it. My book doesn't have it augmentable
nobodez 03-26-07, 12:42 AM	Anything Hiro from Heroes can do (except for the Temporal Teleport), you can do with Temporal Acceleration. Speed up and steel the magic sword, rescue people from an explosion, change the cards that are being dealt, get out of the way of a bullet, etc.
Thomar_of_Uointer 03-26-07, 01:53 AM	My book doesn't have it augmentable Expanded Psionics Handbook, page 137. The augmentation continues onto the second column. I think it's the first printing, but I'm not sure.
Thomar_of_Uointer 03-26-07, 02:04 AM	I would frequently use this power to get out some needed muscle (astral construct), heal / buff myself, and the like. I'd have used it more often, but didn't want to hog all the battle time by doing 4 rounds of actions every round to the rest of the group. Heh... "Okay, I manifest fully augmented temporal acceleration. I want level 9 Astral Constructs with Natural Invisibility and Power Resistance here, here, aaand... here, plus a level 7 with Concussion and Improved Fly here up thirty feet. Oh, and now I'm refocused and manifesting energy ray." rolls dice Yeah, very fun. Oh! Also remember, psicrystals get to share it. You can use this to charge your psicrystal and have it cozy right up to an enemy.
SlanderPanic 03-26-07, 10:34 AM	Boots of temporal acceleration have become a very popular item in my gaming group. Watching one of my soulknives use a pair to own a dragon in two rounds tends to have that effect.
PhaedrusXY 03-26-07, 11:58 AM	Boots of temporal acceleration have become a very popular item in my gaming group. Watching one of my soulknives use a pair to own a dragon in two rounds tends to have that effect.I think you must have missed a vital part of this thread... What exactly is a Soulknife doing while temporally accelerated? He can't attack the dragon while accelerated.
SlanderPanic 03-26-07, 12:18 PM	Well, gosh. He can... 1) activate boots (swift) a) move up into melee range with the monster (move) b) drink a potion/use a psionic tattoo/charge a psychic strike/etc. (standard or move) 2) use skin of Proteus to become an ogre (swift) a) activate another useful item (standard) b) hop up and down a little 3) shaken for one round, full attack 'Cause, y'know, all soulknives are capable of doing ever at any time is attacking. They can't take any other actions or use items.
PhaedrusXY 03-26-07, 12:36 PM	Sorry. That is not what it sounded like you were implying in your first post.
SlanderPanic 03-26-07, 12:47 PM	It's cool. Being sick has upped my snark factor a few degrees, it seems.
Thomar_of_Uointer 03-26-07, 05:53 PM	Well, gosh. He can... 1) activate boots (swift) a) move up into melee range with the monster (move) b) drink a potion/use a psionic tattoo/charge a psychic strike/etc. (standard or move) 2) use skin of Proteus to become an ogre (swift) a) activate another useful item (standard) b) hop up and down a little 3) shaken for one round, full attack 'Cause, y'know, all soulknives are capable of doing ever at any time is attacking. They can't take any other actions or use items. There's also a soulknife fix in a Mind's Eye article that lets a soulknife take Hidden Talent as many times as he cares to. Very useful if you get to manifest force screen and offensive prescience (with Overchannel on each one) as a swift action right before slamming into melee with someone.
mato_hibiki 03-26-07, 08:50 PM	Nobody brings up delay power? And yet you bring up Heros? ... Side note, I don't ever watch the show, aside from a few brief clips. I still think it's cool, and will defend to the death your right to watch it. Sighs wistfully. Pining away for Firefly/Serenity.