Psionic Races, Opinions Welcomed [Archive] - Wizards Community

Psionic Races, Opinions Welcomed [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
StoneSinger
02-23-08, 04:25 AM Ok, one complaint I have noticed on some boards is that the psionic races, with the exception of Dromite and Thri-keen, are "too human."
In response I believe Ive come up with a good list.

1) Aleithian Dwarves- Psionic dwarves released by Wizards of the Coast to learn more go to http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psb/20030926a

And if that link does not work, which my luck it wont, just type in Aleithian dwarves on the Wizards search bar.

2) Grey Dwarves-As a note I tend more towards the grey with white beard than the grey with black, just personal preference.

3) Drow-No change (not sure why but I can see them being psionic)

4) Dromites-No change

5) Elans-For the Elans just to make them a bit less human they normally grow to be about 5 feet tall, bronzed tan skin, vibrant blue eyes, red hair, and I consider them closer to elves really. Elven in the manner that they have pointed ears, elven facial features, slim/lithe, and do not grow facial hair. Youthful in appearance. I also enjoy their preference for warhammers. (though not the big hand-sledges of dwarven preference) The Elans have the most backstory developed so far in my world, main differance being they are a "normal" race, not a manufactured race as first developed.
(not saying red haired people are not human, I myself am red headed, though not blue eyed. When I saw a picture of an Elan the stark contrast was quite interesting)

Well that is my list, opinions are very welcome. I would really love to hear what people have to say the most in relation to the Aleithian Dwarves and my take on Elans.
The_Shaman
02-23-08, 06:20 AM Would yuan-ti be considered too human?
The_Mess
02-23-08, 09:40 AM I wouldn't change the Elan. Being like-human is a major part of their theme.

But the Maenad and the Xeph (especially the Xeph) could stand to be a bit more clearly inhuman.
InkBlot
02-23-08, 01:29 PM 5) Elans- ... Elven in the manner that they have pointed ears, elven facial features, slim/lithe, and do not grow facial hair. Youthful in appearance. ... The Elans have the most backstory developed so far in my world, main differance being they are a "normal" race, not a manufactured race as first developed.

They're not really Elan any more then. You're just using some the same game mechanics and using them to represent another kind of creature entirely. It's like how one can take the stats for a house cat and use them to represent a wild fox. If I were playing in your game, I'd be disappointed that I can't play an Elan.
The_Shaman
02-23-08, 02:10 PM I always thought the Xeph were something like psionic elves, myself. That itself isn't such a big deal - sheesh, what's one more elven race - but there simply isn't much fluff on those races and how they work out in the world.
GuyrtheadamantineOne
02-23-08, 02:21 PM I always thought the Xeph were something like psionic elves, myself. That itself isn't such a big deal - sheesh, what's one more elven race - but there simply isn't much fluff on those races and how they work out in the world.
I chose to shoot down the psionic elves at the core.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/GuyrAdamantine/poster57153376.jpg
These are the wraith. They got the same powers as Xephs but are insanely cooler. Gothic culture yo!

Ihad already posted this on the psionic poster thread.
InkBlot
02-23-08, 07:01 PM Xephs always make me thing of Athasian elves. Athasian elves also happen to be the one kind of elf I don't despise.

Honor? The word does not exist in the elven language.
-- Tharak, human guard

Athas' deserts, plains, steppes and badlands are home to the elves, a long-limbed race of trading, raiding,
thieving sprinters. Running is key to acceptance and respect among elves. Elves who are injured and cannot run
are often left behind to die.

Personality: Other races see elves as dishonest and lazy; generally a fair assessment. Elves idle around their
time for days until compelled by need to exert themselves, but they can run for days without complaint. No self-
respecting elf will consent to ride an animal. To do so is dishonorable; elven custom dictates that individuals
keep up or be left behind. Elves prefer to lead short, happy lives rather than long, boring ones. Seeing the future
as a dark, deadly place, they prefer to live in “the now,” enjoying each fleeting moment. They thrive in open
spaces, and tend to wither in captivity.

Relations: Elves tend to keep to their own tribe and their proven friends unless they have some sort of an
angle - something to sell, or some deception to pass off. Strangers are potential enemies waiting to take
advantage of them, so elves look for every opportunity to win the advantage. If an elf believes that a companion
might make a worthy friend, the elf devises a series of “tests” of trust that allow the companion to prove that
their friendship is “stronger than the bonds of death,” as elves say. Once a stranger has gained an elf’s trust, he
is forever that elf’s friend. If this trust is ever betrayed, it is gone forever.

Role-playing Suggestions
Rely on elven combat skills (distance, bows, and fighting by the light of the moons and stars). Use elven non-
combat skills and philosophy (running, escape from entangling situations or relationships). When someone
professes to be your friend, dismiss them at first and then later, offer them a test of trust. Don’t tell them that it
is a test, of course. Ask them to give you one of their prize possessions, for example, or leave your own valuables
out and see if they take advantage of you. Pretend to sleep, and find out what they say about you when they think
you are not listening. Some elves go as far as to allow themselves to be captured to see if the presumed friend
will rescue them!

From http://www.athas.org
StoneSinger
02-23-08, 07:22 PM As for being human being the Elans charm, I do not really see the differance.
To me an elf is a small framed human with a long lifespan physically.
So I believe I may stick with that.
Or not, my players havent e mailed me back yet.
As for Xeph the only problem I have is that I know absolutely NOTHING about them. Well, I know a little, but it seems like Xeph are the absolute hardest race to find information for, other than their height. Of the 2 psionic manuels out I have seen 2 or 3 pictures of them, they seem slightly elven.
They do have pointed ears in the pictures ive seen, but whats going on with their faces?
Thats the only thing that irks me, because im a stickler for detail.
StoneSinger
02-23-08, 07:25 PM Crap, forgot to ask, if there are those that think the Xeph could stand to be more inhuman....What would you all suggest?
Lycanthromancer
02-23-08, 07:58 PM Crap, forgot to ask, if there are those that think the Xeph could stand to be more inhuman....What would you all suggest?Make them all kind, happy, and intelligent.

How much more inhuman can you get?
StoneSinger
02-23-08, 08:08 PM Good point.
RavinRay
02-23-08, 08:30 PM Since somebody mentioned maenads, might as well ask this question: why did Bruce choose the name "maenad" for this race? In Greek mythos they're the female worshippers of Bacchus who go into a madcap frenzy of song and dance, much like the bacchae in Fiend Folio. Was it an allusion to their chaotic subconscious trying to burst free?
Omnirahk, half-Rahkshi
02-23-08, 10:50 PM I always thought the Xeph were something like psionic elves, myself. That itself isn't such a big deal - sheesh, what's one more elven race - but there simply isn't much fluff on those races and how they work out in the world.

Ah, somebody else who thinks xeph are like psionic elves. Heck, I've contemplated running a campaign where xeph stats represent elves. That same one would use shifter stats (but with +2 STR rather than DEX) for orcs. But then again, that's because this particular campaign setting has the first orcs being born from the dying blood of the demon lord of lycanthropy. (Sort of. It's the DragonMech campaign setting. See Second Age of Walkers).

But you know, I also really like the Aleithian dwarves. Too bad they were never updated to 3.5 Does anyone have any ideas on what would be appropriate?
Thakowsaizmu
02-23-08, 11:29 PM Since somebody mentioned maenads, might as well ask this question: why did Bruce choose the name "maenad" for this race? In Greek mythos they're the female worshippers of Dionysus who go into a madcap frenzy of song and dance, much like the bacchae in Fiend Folio. Was it an allusion to their chaotic subconscious trying to burst free?

There, fixed.
StoneSinger
02-24-08, 12:34 AM Finally, someone commenting on the Aleithians.
Really thought I would get more feedback on them.
Nevertheless any input is beneficial in some form or another.
As for Xephs...I really do not know what to think of them.
As for Maenads...There is a whole lotta madness floating in that race.
Metallic flecked humans, not sure what to think. How do you change that any and keep them Maenads?
Then again I did comepletely gut the idea of Elans...
The_Mess
02-24-08, 01:18 AM As for being human being the Elans charm, I do not really see the differance.

We are Elan. We are humans, changed. Changed by a psionic ritual, by powers of our will. We look like what we used to be, but are not. That's is our dichotomy. That's what makes us Elan. We are like you in all the surface, meaningless ways, but we are not like you inside. Go past what you can see. See the alien in the human skin. We do not eat. We do not sleep. We have no children. We are psionic. Not in the way of other races with a trace of the gift. They are peoples who can use psionics. We *are* psionics.

We are Elan. We are among you. In our human skins.
The_Mess
02-24-08, 01:23 AM As for the others, well, Xeph never appealed to me so I haven't given them a lot of thought.

For maenads, I'd make them more crystalline. Not just flecks of crystal in their skin, but perhaps made of crystal. Players will want them to have DR or natural armor if you do, though.
Soel Griffin
02-24-08, 01:52 AM For maenads, I'd make them more crystalline. Not just flecks of crystal in their skin, but perhaps made of crystal. Players will want them to have DR or natural armor if you do, though.

That's what I did with Elans in my campaigns. Living crystals that self-sculpt. I don't dig the elans as written.
InkBlot
02-24-08, 01:53 AM As for being human being the Elans charm, I do not really see the differance.
To me an elf is a small framed human with a long lifespan physically.
So I believe I may stick with that.

An elf is born an elf. They live for about a thousand years.

An elan earns the right to be an elan. They live forever.

See the difference?
StoneSinger
02-24-08, 03:11 AM Considering in DND most playable races are just variant humans, no I still do not see the differance other than a few powers and a changing lifespan.
Afterall considering none of these variant races are real, I see no problem in a DM doing what he will.
InkBlot
02-24-08, 11:24 AM You're talking about mechanics, but I'm talking about flavor. The way you changed elans in your OP completely kills the flavor of the race, which is what everybody loved about them.

A DM certainly has a lot of leeway to change things. I'm not debating that. You asked for opinions, so I'm just giving you mine.
The_Mess
02-24-08, 01:48 PM I'm with Inkblot. Giving Elan different powers, different game stats, that's fine, whatever. You could even get rid of the agelessness without really cutting at the core of them, as far as I'm concerned.

The core of what makes Elan Elan is:

Look just like humans, but are apart from humanity.
Not born, made from humans by a conscious act of psionics.

If you don't have those elements, then you aren't talking about Elan. You can give the same name to something else, but it's just not right. I mean, I could say, "Dwarves on my world are tall beings made of living water with sea-weed for hair and a taste for philosophy and eating sea-birds", but no dwarf fans are going to say, "Hey, cool variation on the theme there!" I've lost everything that makes Dwarves Dwarves. I've attatched the name to something completely different. Too different. They deserve their own name, not a pretense of being a dwarf variant.

But, tell me, StoneSinger, what do you consider the core of the Elan to be? You clearly see them differently than I do.
StoneSinger
02-24-08, 02:22 PM Point taken.
Then I will probably just give them another name.
Definately sticking with the Aleithians though.
And the Dromites.
Theres something about a 3 foot bugman with psionic powers that sounds terribly fun.
calronmoonflower
02-24-08, 06:20 PM As for Xeph the only problem I have is that I know absolutely NOTHING about them.

The Secret History of the Xeph (http://oneiros.wordpress.com/2007/01/22/the-secret-history-of-the-xeph/)
Wylantern
02-28-08, 12:19 AM I always liked the Elan as the Incarnum race, and switched their stats accordingly.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
StoneSinger 02-23-08, 04:25 AM	Ok, one complaint I have noticed on some boards is that the psionic races, with the exception of Dromite and Thri-keen, are "too human." In response I believe Ive come up with a good list. 1) Aleithian Dwarves- Psionic dwarves released by Wizards of the Coast to learn more go to http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psb/20030926a And if that link does not work, which my luck it wont, just type in Aleithian dwarves on the Wizards search bar. 2) Grey Dwarves-As a note I tend more towards the grey with white beard than the grey with black, just personal preference. 3) Drow-No change (not sure why but I can see them being psionic) 4) Dromites-No change 5) Elans-For the Elans just to make them a bit less human they normally grow to be about 5 feet tall, bronzed tan skin, vibrant blue eyes, red hair, and I consider them closer to elves really. Elven in the manner that they have pointed ears, elven facial features, slim/lithe, and do not grow facial hair. Youthful in appearance. I also enjoy their preference for warhammers. (though not the big hand-sledges of dwarven preference) The Elans have the most backstory developed so far in my world, main differance being they are a "normal" race, not a manufactured race as first developed. (not saying red haired people are not human, I myself am red headed, though not blue eyed. When I saw a picture of an Elan the stark contrast was quite interesting) Well that is my list, opinions are very welcome. I would really love to hear what people have to say the most in relation to the Aleithian Dwarves and my take on Elans.
The_Shaman 02-23-08, 06:20 AM	Would yuan-ti be considered too human?
The_Mess 02-23-08, 09:40 AM	I wouldn't change the Elan. Being like-human is a major part of their theme. But the Maenad and the Xeph (especially the Xeph) could stand to be a bit more clearly inhuman.
InkBlot 02-23-08, 01:29 PM	5) Elans- ... Elven in the manner that they have pointed ears, elven facial features, slim/lithe, and do not grow facial hair. Youthful in appearance. ... The Elans have the most backstory developed so far in my world, main differance being they are a "normal" race, not a manufactured race as first developed. They're not really Elan any more then. You're just using some the same game mechanics and using them to represent another kind of creature entirely. It's like how one can take the stats for a house cat and use them to represent a wild fox. If I were playing in your game, I'd be disappointed that I can't play an Elan.
The_Shaman 02-23-08, 02:10 PM	I always thought the Xeph were something like psionic elves, myself. That itself isn't such a big deal - sheesh, what's one more elven race - but there simply isn't much fluff on those races and how they work out in the world.
GuyrtheadamantineOne 02-23-08, 02:21 PM	I always thought the Xeph were something like psionic elves, myself. That itself isn't such a big deal - sheesh, what's one more elven race - but there simply isn't much fluff on those races and how they work out in the world. I chose to shoot down the psionic elves at the core. http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/GuyrAdamantine/poster57153376.jpg These are the wraith. They got the same powers as Xephs but are insanely cooler. Gothic culture yo! Ihad already posted this on the psionic poster thread.
InkBlot 02-23-08, 07:01 PM	Xephs always make me thing of Athasian elves. Athasian elves also happen to be the one kind of elf I don't despise. Honor? The word does not exist in the elven language. -- Tharak, human guard Athas' deserts, plains, steppes and badlands are home to the elves, a long-limbed race of trading, raiding, thieving sprinters. Running is key to acceptance and respect among elves. Elves who are injured and cannot run are often left behind to die. Personality: Other races see elves as dishonest and lazy; generally a fair assessment. Elves idle around their time for days until compelled by need to exert themselves, but they can run for days without complaint. No self- respecting elf will consent to ride an animal. To do so is dishonorable; elven custom dictates that individuals keep up or be left behind. Elves prefer to lead short, happy lives rather than long, boring ones. Seeing the future as a dark, deadly place, they prefer to live in “the now,” enjoying each fleeting moment. They thrive in open spaces, and tend to wither in captivity. Relations: Elves tend to keep to their own tribe and their proven friends unless they have some sort of an angle - something to sell, or some deception to pass off. Strangers are potential enemies waiting to take advantage of them, so elves look for every opportunity to win the advantage. If an elf believes that a companion might make a worthy friend, the elf devises a series of “tests” of trust that allow the companion to prove that their friendship is “stronger than the bonds of death,” as elves say. Once a stranger has gained an elf’s trust, he is forever that elf’s friend. If this trust is ever betrayed, it is gone forever. Role-playing Suggestions Rely on elven combat skills (distance, bows, and fighting by the light of the moons and stars). Use elven non- combat skills and philosophy (running, escape from entangling situations or relationships). When someone professes to be your friend, dismiss them at first and then later, offer them a test of trust. Don’t tell them that it is a test, of course. Ask them to give you one of their prize possessions, for example, or leave your own valuables out and see if they take advantage of you. Pretend to sleep, and find out what they say about you when they think you are not listening. Some elves go as far as to allow themselves to be captured to see if the presumed friend will rescue them! From http://www.athas.org
StoneSinger 02-23-08, 07:22 PM	As for being human being the Elans charm, I do not really see the differance. To me an elf is a small framed human with a long lifespan physically. So I believe I may stick with that. Or not, my players havent e mailed me back yet. As for Xeph the only problem I have is that I know absolutely NOTHING about them. Well, I know a little, but it seems like Xeph are the absolute hardest race to find information for, other than their height. Of the 2 psionic manuels out I have seen 2 or 3 pictures of them, they seem slightly elven. They do have pointed ears in the pictures ive seen, but whats going on with their faces? Thats the only thing that irks me, because im a stickler for detail.
StoneSinger 02-23-08, 07:25 PM	Crap, forgot to ask, if there are those that think the Xeph could stand to be more inhuman....What would you all suggest?
Lycanthromancer 02-23-08, 07:58 PM	Crap, forgot to ask, if there are those that think the Xeph could stand to be more inhuman....What would you all suggest?Make them all kind, happy, and intelligent. How much more inhuman can you get?
StoneSinger 02-23-08, 08:08 PM	Good point.
RavinRay 02-23-08, 08:30 PM	Since somebody mentioned maenads, might as well ask this question: why did Bruce choose the name "maenad" for this race? In Greek mythos they're the female worshippers of Bacchus who go into a madcap frenzy of song and dance, much like the bacchae in Fiend Folio. Was it an allusion to their chaotic subconscious trying to burst free?
Omnirahk, half-Rahkshi 02-23-08, 10:50 PM	I always thought the Xeph were something like psionic elves, myself. That itself isn't such a big deal - sheesh, what's one more elven race - but there simply isn't much fluff on those races and how they work out in the world. Ah, somebody else who thinks xeph are like psionic elves. Heck, I've contemplated running a campaign where xeph stats represent elves. That same one would use shifter stats (but with +2 STR rather than DEX) for orcs. But then again, that's because this particular campaign setting has the first orcs being born from the dying blood of the demon lord of lycanthropy. (Sort of. It's the DragonMech campaign setting. See Second Age of Walkers). But you know, I also really like the Aleithian dwarves. Too bad they were never updated to 3.5 Does anyone have any ideas on what would be appropriate?
Thakowsaizmu 02-23-08, 11:29 PM	Since somebody mentioned maenads, might as well ask this question: why did Bruce choose the name "maenad" for this race? In Greek mythos they're the female worshippers of Dionysus who go into a madcap frenzy of song and dance, much like the bacchae in Fiend Folio. Was it an allusion to their chaotic subconscious trying to burst free? There, fixed.
StoneSinger 02-24-08, 12:34 AM	Finally, someone commenting on the Aleithians. Really thought I would get more feedback on them. Nevertheless any input is beneficial in some form or another. As for Xephs...I really do not know what to think of them. As for Maenads...There is a whole lotta madness floating in that race. Metallic flecked humans, not sure what to think. How do you change that any and keep them Maenads? Then again I did comepletely gut the idea of Elans...
The_Mess 02-24-08, 01:18 AM	As for being human being the Elans charm, I do not really see the differance. We are Elan. We are humans, changed. Changed by a psionic ritual, by powers of our will. We look like what we used to be, but are not. That's is our dichotomy. That's what makes us Elan. We are like you in all the surface, meaningless ways, but we are not like you inside. Go past what you can see. See the alien in the human skin. We do not eat. We do not sleep. We have no children. We are psionic. Not in the way of other races with a trace of the gift. They are peoples who can use psionics. We are psionics. We are Elan. We are among you. In our human skins.
The_Mess 02-24-08, 01:23 AM	As for the others, well, Xeph never appealed to me so I haven't given them a lot of thought. For maenads, I'd make them more crystalline. Not just flecks of crystal in their skin, but perhaps made of crystal. Players will want them to have DR or natural armor if you do, though.
Soel Griffin 02-24-08, 01:52 AM	For maenads, I'd make them more crystalline. Not just flecks of crystal in their skin, but perhaps made of crystal. Players will want them to have DR or natural armor if you do, though. That's what I did with Elans in my campaigns. Living crystals that self-sculpt. I don't dig the elans as written.
InkBlot 02-24-08, 01:53 AM	As for being human being the Elans charm, I do not really see the differance. To me an elf is a small framed human with a long lifespan physically. So I believe I may stick with that. An elf is born an elf. They live for about a thousand years. An elan earns the right to be an elan. They live forever. See the difference?
StoneSinger 02-24-08, 03:11 AM	Considering in DND most playable races are just variant humans, no I still do not see the differance other than a few powers and a changing lifespan. Afterall considering none of these variant races are real, I see no problem in a DM doing what he will.
InkBlot 02-24-08, 11:24 AM	You're talking about mechanics, but I'm talking about flavor. The way you changed elans in your OP completely kills the flavor of the race, which is what everybody loved about them. A DM certainly has a lot of leeway to change things. I'm not debating that. You asked for opinions, so I'm just giving you mine.
The_Mess 02-24-08, 01:48 PM	I'm with Inkblot. Giving Elan different powers, different game stats, that's fine, whatever. You could even get rid of the agelessness without really cutting at the core of them, as far as I'm concerned. The core of what makes Elan Elan is: Look just like humans, but are apart from humanity. Not born, made from humans by a conscious act of psionics. If you don't have those elements, then you aren't talking about Elan. You can give the same name to something else, but it's just not right. I mean, I could say, "Dwarves on my world are tall beings made of living water with sea-weed for hair and a taste for philosophy and eating sea-birds", but no dwarf fans are going to say, "Hey, cool variation on the theme there!" I've lost everything that makes Dwarves Dwarves. I've attatched the name to something completely different. Too different. They deserve their own name, not a pretense of being a dwarf variant. But, tell me, StoneSinger, what do you consider the core of the Elan to be? You clearly see them differently than I do.
StoneSinger 02-24-08, 02:22 PM	Point taken. Then I will probably just give them another name. Definately sticking with the Aleithians though. And the Dromites. Theres something about a 3 foot bugman with psionic powers that sounds terribly fun.
calronmoonflower 02-24-08, 06:20 PM	As for Xeph the only problem I have is that I know absolutely NOTHING about them. The Secret History of the Xeph (http://oneiros.wordpress.com/2007/01/22/the-secret-history-of-the-xeph/)
Wylantern 02-28-08, 12:19 AM	I always liked the Elan as the Incarnum race, and switched their stats accordingly.