Psion primary stat(s) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Psion primary stat(s) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
danzibr
06-30-07, 11:34 PM Okay, so Psion depends on Int, PsyWar on Wis and Wilder on Cha, but I remember reading on a post a while ago (a long while ago), about some book making all 3 dependent upon the same stat.

I know this is vague, but if anyone knows what I'm talking about... I'd really appreciate it.

Also, if the stats were a single stat (prob Int, I'd assume), then what about stuff like the Pyrokineticist's abilities are Cha dependent... would that change too?

Basically, one of my players is thinking of going PsyWar Pyro, but he already has high Int, so I don't want to make him also have high Wis and Cha. I mean, I'm a DM so I could house rule it, but I want to know if there's anything official that could help me out.

Thanks in advance, helpful Psionic people!

Dan
TikiMan
07-01-07, 12:01 AM I have no idea about an official source, but I have personally swapped around primary manifesting/casting stats quite a bit. If the base state required is Int or Wis, then there are only a few tiny issues to address if you want to swap it to Int, Wis, or Cha. The primary issue is multiclassing (such as swapping a Psion's primary stat to wisdom so you can go Psion/Cleric/Psychic Theurge). The same goes for Cha as a base stat. Technically, Int or Wis are much better base states to use, but most classes based off Cha are kinda gimped to begin with, so they could use the love.

The Pyro's abilities are based off of Cha because they are psi-like abilities, and it's a general rule that all psi or spell-like abilities are Cha based. Changing that probably won't cause any issues because it's a less then spectacular PrC to begin with. Oh, and there is no reason to take PsiWar before going into Pyro. Actually, it's a bad idea given that the PrC doesn't boost your manifester level at all. Just take Wild Talent.
danzibr
07-01-07, 12:14 AM Hmm, no official source, but I like your reasoning. I know my player wouldn't abuse switching around the ability score, so I'm down with it.

Also, what class(es) would you suggest for going Pyro? He wants to be a brawler kind of person and is big into fire, if that helps.

And thanks for your insight!

Dan
InkBlot
07-01-07, 12:18 AM Before going pyro, you need a fighting class that gets Concentration as a class skill. Warblade is your best bet. Ranger works too. Two levels of Paladin gives great Cha synergy. A level Monk can be nice for the saves and AC boost (if you don't like armor).

Taking a level in a manifesting class just before devoting yourself to a non-manifesting prestige class isn't the best idea. You're basically giving up on your psionic powers. It won't matter if your manifesting stat is low, because you can hardly manifest anything anyway.

Now, if your player wants to add int-based psychic fighting to his existing character, have him consider the War Mind prestige class. The War Mind has it's own power progression using the psywar list, uses Int as it's primary stat, has a ton of very cool special abilities, and has full BAB to boot.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
danzibr 06-30-07, 11:34 PM	Okay, so Psion depends on Int, PsyWar on Wis and Wilder on Cha, but I remember reading on a post a while ago (a long while ago), about some book making all 3 dependent upon the same stat. I know this is vague, but if anyone knows what I'm talking about... I'd really appreciate it. Also, if the stats were a single stat (prob Int, I'd assume), then what about stuff like the Pyrokineticist's abilities are Cha dependent... would that change too? Basically, one of my players is thinking of going PsyWar Pyro, but he already has high Int, so I don't want to make him also have high Wis and Cha. I mean, I'm a DM so I could house rule it, but I want to know if there's anything official that could help me out. Thanks in advance, helpful Psionic people! Dan
TikiMan 07-01-07, 12:01 AM	I have no idea about an official source, but I have personally swapped around primary manifesting/casting stats quite a bit. If the base state required is Int or Wis, then there are only a few tiny issues to address if you want to swap it to Int, Wis, or Cha. The primary issue is multiclassing (such as swapping a Psion's primary stat to wisdom so you can go Psion/Cleric/Psychic Theurge). The same goes for Cha as a base stat. Technically, Int or Wis are much better base states to use, but most classes based off Cha are kinda gimped to begin with, so they could use the love. The Pyro's abilities are based off of Cha because they are psi-like abilities, and it's a general rule that all psi or spell-like abilities are Cha based. Changing that probably won't cause any issues because it's a less then spectacular PrC to begin with. Oh, and there is no reason to take PsiWar before going into Pyro. Actually, it's a bad idea given that the PrC doesn't boost your manifester level at all. Just take Wild Talent.
danzibr 07-01-07, 12:14 AM	Hmm, no official source, but I like your reasoning. I know my player wouldn't abuse switching around the ability score, so I'm down with it. Also, what class(es) would you suggest for going Pyro? He wants to be a brawler kind of person and is big into fire, if that helps. And thanks for your insight! Dan
InkBlot 07-01-07, 12:18 AM	Before going pyro, you need a fighting class that gets Concentration as a class skill. Warblade is your best bet. Ranger works too. Two levels of Paladin gives great Cha synergy. A level Monk can be nice for the saves and AC boost (if you don't like armor). Taking a level in a manifesting class just before devoting yourself to a non-manifesting prestige class isn't the best idea. You're basically giving up on your psionic powers. It won't matter if your manifesting stat is low, because you can hardly manifest anything anyway. Now, if your player wants to add int-based psychic fighting to his existing character, have him consider the War Mind prestige class. The War Mind has it's own power progression using the psywar list, uses Int as it's primary stat, has a ton of very cool special abilities, and has full BAB to boot.