Shaper? [Archive] - Wizards Community - Pages Merged by Solauren

Shaper? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Zankue
04-26-07, 10:17 PM I'm brand new to psionics, I decided for my first character to be an Elan Psion. For discipline I was thinking of shaper, but I'm not sure, the descriptions in the EPsH are OK but I'd like opinions and maybe even more description for the disciplines, thanks for helping in advance.
JLaurHughes
04-26-07, 10:24 PM I'm brand new to psionics, I decided for my first character to be an Elan Psion. For discipline I was thinking of shaper, but I'm not sure, the descriptions in the EPsH are OK but I'd like opinions and maybe even more description for the disciplines, thanks for helping in advance.

Do you want an expanded description of the Psion disciplines or of the Shaper(Metacreativity)?
Zankue
04-26-07, 10:36 PM Do you want an expanded description of the Psion disciplines or of the Shaper(Metacreativity)?

lol

what ever you feel like,

I'm also a little fuzzy on this part, what does choosing a discipline actually do? does it make you be able to do more with that discipline? and if so how do you know the special powers you can use with your discipline? Also, do you chose a discipline to expel from your list (like a wizard)? or do you simply not get special powers from anything other than your discipline?
Eldritch_Lord
04-26-07, 10:44 PM When choosing your discipline, you do not choose another discipline to ban per se, as you may still learn powers from the other disciplines, but there are 6 specific discipline lists whose powers only psions of that discipline can learn. The list of discipline-specific powers can be found here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powerList.htm#psionDisciplinePowers).
Zankue
04-26-07, 11:23 PM I know about powers known, but do you automatically know all powers of your discipline? for example being a shaper lvl one could I know Mind thrust Deja vu astral construct and minor creation, psionic or do I have to choose from my list of psion powers and shaper powers? thanks for all the help
JLaurHughes
04-26-07, 11:38 PM When choosing your discipline, you do not choose another discipline to ban per se, as you may still learn powers from the other disciplines, but there are 6 specific discipline lists whose powers only psions of that discipline can learn. The list of discipline-specific powers can be found here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powerList.htm#psionDisciplinePowers).

Or since the OP has the EPX(my abreviation for Expanded Psionics) it's found on P.72-73.

A shaper basically Creates his world around him or changes it around him. Favorite powers: Inertial Armor, Deceleration, Swarm of Crystals, Psionic Freedom of Movement. This is just a basic look, the powers I mention here are on all psion/wilder lists below 4th level powers, from the Shaper list specifically 1st level definitely choose the Astral Construct over Psionic Minor Creation.

You do not get all the powers of your discipline right away. You start with 3 powers known, I recommend Inertial armor, Astral Construct*, and Ecto Protection. This allows you to add +4 to your AC, summon an astral construct and protect it from dismissal. If you wish to have a more attack base initial powers, switch the Ecto Protection out for Entangling Ectoplasm or for one of the damage powers like Crystal Shard or Hammer, which is very useful at low levels.
periscope
04-27-07, 12:02 AM you dont automatically know you list of powers, they are just extra powers that you can choose for your powers known without having to burn a feat.

One of the best powers you can probably get is crystal shard. This is a first level power that retains usefulness into epic levels. It's not affected by SR/PR, its a ranged touch attack, it deals good damage, and it just gives a good mental image of dropping someone just by pointing your finger.

Id also take synesthete or touchsight as soon as you can for when you cant open your eyes or if your DM is nasty. My light is also a good investment until you gain a permanent light source (like an everburning torch or something like that).

THere is a feat that gives you construct extra abilities in the XPH, either grab it now or start building to it. Also if you can take one flaw and take psionic body. An extra 2 hitpoints per psionic or metapsionic feat? The ones you gain as bonus feats and are most likely going to take anyway? lets see

5 bonus feats (if you stick with psion through 20th level) and 7 from levels. Thats an extra 24 hit points for one feat. If your willing to sack another feat, you should take improved toughness (not toughness, improved toughness).
You'll only net 22 hit points from psionic body, but you'll gain an additional 23 hit points. Thats 45 extra hit points for a 2 feat investment.
TikiMan
04-27-07, 12:10 AM Shapers are so fun I never pass up a chance to tell other people how good they are. :D They tend to be some of the most well rounded characters capable of dealing with almost any situation. Astral Construct is the Swiss Army Knife of D&D. They're particularly good at kicking undead butt because Constructs are immune to negative energy bull (and so much more :cloud9:). It is a summoner type though, so make sure you don't slow the game down.

Kineticists are the blasters with a touch of abjurer. They specialize in damage effects (some causing, some preventing). In my opinion, lighting people on fire never gets old. :mage:

Telepathy. Ahh, the classic. Charm, Dominate, Read Thoughts, all the normal stuff you'd expect of a master of manipulating the mind. Does not play well with undead. :banghead:

Seers are interesting. Which is something you say when you like something, but it just lacks that mechanical oomph you crave. There are some very nice powers, but not until later levels. There are plenty of fine powers on the general list though.

Nomads are spunky. Which is pretty much just like interesting, only better at running away. They do get fly and teleport, which are some darn handy staples.

Ah, the poor Egoist. A melee-oriented list on a non-melee oriented class. Mostly just useful for 'builds', but you get Empathic Transfer (poor man's healing) as well as other healer type stuff. I'd never want to play one, but I'm very glad they're in the books.

It should be noted that the signature abilities of both Shaper and Kineticist can be gained with Expanded Knowledge fairly early, so you can mix disciplines a bit. Shapers also have a nice amount of online support (which I am too lazy to look up right now). If you want help building your guy just ask.
AntiDjinn
04-27-07, 12:30 AM I know about powers known, but do you automatically know all powers of your discipline? for example being a shaper lvl one could I know Mind thrust Deja vu astral construct and minor creation, psionic or do I have to choose from my list of psion powers and shaper powers? thanks for all the help

As a shaper you will select from the general psion/wilder list plus the shaper discipline list. These are treated as one big list for you, there is no obligation to select off the shaper list at any given level. All powers on the general list are available regardless of discipline (it is confusing, they used the term discipline to mean type of power and type of psion, even though the two terms are not equivalent).

At first level you will select 3 1st level powers. No class gets any power automatically; you always have to pick from what is available. At higher levels you can select powers up to the max level allowed by your psion level, or lower (there are times when grabbing a lower level power is a good idea).

If you want a power off another discipline list, then you can use the feat Expanded Knowledge (which gives you a power) or do research (which just causes the power to become available as if it was on your list, you still have to select it as a power known).
JLaurHughes
04-27-07, 12:58 AM I would also look at increasing movement modes with Feats like Speed of Thought, Up the Walls, and Psionic Charge. Shapers do really well with increased speed, so any feat that increases the speed in some way will be great. The three I mentioned here actually work better for a Nomad, but still useful for any psionic class.

As you increase in levels, definitely increase your astral construct, and give it more protection, they make great bodyguards, and can stand for hours on end like statues.

Me, I tend to lean more toward the Nomad and Egotist Disciplines.

I'm working on a psionic dragon for my campaign world, I'll post stats for the base dragon called a Hive dragon. and one of the controllers when I have them ready. Probably on my own self moderated messagboards. Link to my messageboards is in my signature if anyone wants to look.
Tempest Stormwind
04-27-07, 02:45 PM Several of your questions are answered in the FAQ at the top of the forum.
Particle_Man
04-27-07, 06:34 PM One minor oddity. If you take a kineticist and use the feat Expanded Knowledge to get Astral Construct, your constructs are slightly better with that elemental damage feature you can choose for them, than they would be if you were a "mere" shaper.

But Shapers get Minor Creation, which can be dangerous in the right hands.

I am playing a Warforged Shaper right now and having a blast with it. Luckily, Craft (sculture) can be used for self-repair *and* for making Astral Constructs look pretty. :)

p.s. Don't tell your DM about Complete Psionic. The book neuters shapers by only letting them have one Astral Construct around at a time.
Runepriest
04-28-07, 10:17 AM Don't tell your DM about Complete Psionic. The book neuters shapers by only letting them have one Astral Construct around at a time.

Second that.
periscope
04-28-07, 10:57 AM Second that.

third it

If you like astral constructs there is a constructor PRC on the wizards site (just type constructor in the search box).
Lycanthromancer
04-28-07, 04:09 PM Make sure it's the 3.5 constructor, though.

Also, the crystal master PrC is pretty nice, though you'd have to have a different focus.

Hmm. If you get a psicrystal, getting an Artiste gives you a +3 bonus to ALL Craft skills. Very nice for a shaper.
Ryuu_Tenshi
04-28-07, 04:39 PM third it

If you like astral constructs there is a constructor PRC on the wizards site (just type constructor in the search box).

Also, Hyperconsious (3rd party material but written by the same guy who wrote the ExPH so it's -fairly- legit, though you have to use your brain when using some stuff from it) and then The Minds Eye (online and official!) both have very fun things for shapers.

Don't overlook the power of the Minor Creation / Major Creation / Fabricate shaper. These guys are McGuyvers who can pull their *whatever it is* out of thin air. Literally.
Lycanthromancer
04-28-07, 04:48 PM Actually, Astral Construct isn't that good at level 1. I'd wait until 2nd level to take it (as spending a full round action manifesting a power that lasts only 1 round is a bit less than stellar, if you think about it). I'm changing the duration to "1 round + 1 round/level."

That, and I'd put off Ecto Protection until Dispel Magic becomes a problem (about level 5). I don't even know why it's a 1st level power. On my revision, I'm rolling Ecto Protection up with Dismiss Ectoplasm, as neither is very good on its own (far too limited in scope).

Anyway, at 1st level, I'd suggest Psionic Grease, Synesthete, and Skate (also look at Psionic Minor Creation - THE most useful power in the game, if you use it right) for your powers, with Up the Walls, Psicrystal Affinity (Artiste), and perhaps another feat (or two) to round things out. You an always use a crossbow for damage, at least until pumping power points into a Crystal Shard becomes better, damage-wise. You can take Astral Construct and Crystal Shard (or perhaps Energy Ray) for your 2nd class-level powers.

This gives you considerable utility, mobility, and some offensive ability, and makes certain that you get the most out of your powers. After all, why waste a power point on a 1d6 Crystal Shard when you can use your crossbow for 1d8 or 1d10? If you're an elf, all the better, as you get a free longbow proficiency. Yes, it's a ranged attack, rather than a ranged touch attack, but your attack bonus is likely not much lower than the party's fighter, if you have a decent Dex.
periscope
04-28-07, 04:56 PM because crystal shard is a ranged touch attack, doesnt run out of ammunition until you do, doesnt count against encumbrance or weight, cant snag on anything, cant be disarmed or stolen, and can be used one handed by pointing a finger instead of needing 2 or taking a penalty.
Lycanthromancer
04-28-07, 05:00 PM Manifest Psionic Grease, and you can get your foes flat-footed. Hmm. Touch-attack, or flat-footedness? Both for 1 power point. Of course, you could get both, but that would cost 2 power points.
periscope
04-28-07, 05:09 PM true but what normally results in a lower ac especially at low levels? and what would the psion most likely have higher an attack relying on dex or one relying on str?

Though you can set the grease on fire...
Runepriest
04-28-07, 05:57 PM Though you can set the grease on fire...

Oooh! This will be the [literally] the downfall of my players!
Zankue
04-29-07, 01:13 AM Ok, so I'm definitely going to be a shaper, my powers at first level will be Astral construct, skate, and Synesthete. My feats will be psicrystal affinity, and ectopic form (iridescent serpent). does this sound ok? (oh and even though the feat description says that the serpent gets resistance it also deals an extra 1d6, which is the real reason I'm getting it) I plan on having artistic crystal for creation powers that I will get later. Thanks very much for the help so far :D
Tempest Stormwind
04-29-07, 01:24 AM Ok, so I'm definitely going to be a shaper, my powers at first level will be Astral construct, skate, and Synesthete. My feats will be psicrystal affinity, and ectopic form (iridescent serpent). does this sound ok? (oh and even though the feat description says that the serpent gets resistance it also deals an extra 1d6, which is the real reason I'm getting it) I plan on having artistic crystal for creation powers that I will get later. Thanks very much for the help so far :D

1) Astral Construct isn't good at level 1 due to the low duration.
2) Ectopic form sucks except at the very low levels. You would be well-advised to take Boost Construct instead, or at the very least reform the feat away later (especially after you get access to Menu B).

Other than that, I wouldn't complain. Skate and Synesthete mean you won't be contributing much in or out of combat, though -- I would personally replace whichever is less integral to the character concept with Psionic Minor Creation as a result.
Zankue
04-29-07, 01:52 AM 1) Astral Construct isn't good at level 1 due to the low duration.
2) Ectopic form sucks except at the very low levels. You would be well-advised to take Boost Construct instead, or at the very least reform the feat away later (especially after you get access to Menu B).

Other than that, I wouldn't complain. Skate and Synesthete mean you won't be contributing much in or out of combat, though -- I would personally replace whichever is less integral to the character concept with Psionic Minor Creation as a result.

ok so no ectopic form, instead I'll get boost construct, but instead of astral constrcut I'll get creation minor and get astral construct at lvl 2

I might also hold off on Synesthete since gaze attacks and blinding affects probably won't occur at level 1, and get Crystal shard for helping in combat.

Now as for creation minor... what exactly could I use it for? I just want a few examples. I could see using it to make a pick to chip away at a bar in prison, or chalk to write down something for a puzzle... but what else? with only one square foot I don't have many options.
Tempest Stormwind
04-29-07, 01:58 AM One cubic foot, in truth. More if you overchannel (which is a very good feat for most people). It's mostly for travelling light -- you can fit a lot of rope in a cubic foot, for instance, or a wedge, or a ladder (at higher levels), or a battering ram. Another of the big uses for it would be making poisons that are based off of plant matter -- the big trophy here is Black Lotus Extract itself, although that's difficult to do with the craft check.
Zankue
04-29-07, 02:07 AM oh I just thought can you use craft alchemy with it? or is alchemy considered magic?
Lycanthromancer
04-29-07, 09:16 PM Any Craft subskill you want can be used for Psionic Minor Creation. My suggestions would be Craft (Alchemy), Craft (Carving), and Craft (Weaving). You can make nearly anything with those three skills. Seriously. If it's liquid, it's Alchemy. If it's solid, it's Carving. If it's solid but soft, it's Weaving. You can't make gases or plasmas, so those're right out.
Zankue
04-29-07, 09:18 PM So I could for example make an alchamists fire using minor creation psionic? that would be crazy
Lycanthromancer
04-29-07, 09:45 PM Only if it's made completely out of plant products.
Zankue
04-29-07, 10:04 PM Only if it's made completely out of plant products.

how in the world would I know what tinder twigs, or an alchamists fire is made of??? I guess this means no alchemy aloud...
Lycanthromancer
04-29-07, 10:06 PM Pitch is made from pine-resin. You could kick some serious arse with that, since pitch is highly flammable.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Zankue 04-26-07, 10:17 PM	I'm brand new to psionics, I decided for my first character to be an Elan Psion. For discipline I was thinking of shaper, but I'm not sure, the descriptions in the EPsH are OK but I'd like opinions and maybe even more description for the disciplines, thanks for helping in advance.
JLaurHughes 04-26-07, 10:24 PM	I'm brand new to psionics, I decided for my first character to be an Elan Psion. For discipline I was thinking of shaper, but I'm not sure, the descriptions in the EPsH are OK but I'd like opinions and maybe even more description for the disciplines, thanks for helping in advance. Do you want an expanded description of the Psion disciplines or of the Shaper(Metacreativity)?
Zankue 04-26-07, 10:36 PM	Do you want an expanded description of the Psion disciplines or of the Shaper(Metacreativity)? lol what ever you feel like, I'm also a little fuzzy on this part, what does choosing a discipline actually do? does it make you be able to do more with that discipline? and if so how do you know the special powers you can use with your discipline? Also, do you chose a discipline to expel from your list (like a wizard)? or do you simply not get special powers from anything other than your discipline?
Eldritch_Lord 04-26-07, 10:44 PM	When choosing your discipline, you do not choose another discipline to ban per se, as you may still learn powers from the other disciplines, but there are 6 specific discipline lists whose powers only psions of that discipline can learn. The list of discipline-specific powers can be found here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powerList.htm#psionDisciplinePowers).
Zankue 04-26-07, 11:23 PM	I know about powers known, but do you automatically know all powers of your discipline? for example being a shaper lvl one could I know Mind thrust Deja vu astral construct and minor creation, psionic or do I have to choose from my list of psion powers and shaper powers? thanks for all the help
JLaurHughes 04-26-07, 11:38 PM	When choosing your discipline, you do not choose another discipline to ban per se, as you may still learn powers from the other disciplines, but there are 6 specific discipline lists whose powers only psions of that discipline can learn. The list of discipline-specific powers can be found here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powerList.htm#psionDisciplinePowers). Or since the OP has the EPX(my abreviation for Expanded Psionics) it's found on P.72-73. A shaper basically Creates his world around him or changes it around him. Favorite powers: Inertial Armor, Deceleration, Swarm of Crystals, Psionic Freedom of Movement. This is just a basic look, the powers I mention here are on all psion/wilder lists below 4th level powers, from the Shaper list specifically 1st level definitely choose the Astral Construct over Psionic Minor Creation. You do not get all the powers of your discipline right away. You start with 3 powers known, I recommend Inertial armor, Astral Construct*, and Ecto Protection. This allows you to add +4 to your AC, summon an astral construct and protect it from dismissal. If you wish to have a more attack base initial powers, switch the Ecto Protection out for Entangling Ectoplasm or for one of the damage powers like Crystal Shard or Hammer, which is very useful at low levels.
periscope 04-27-07, 12:02 AM	you dont automatically know you list of powers, they are just extra powers that you can choose for your powers known without having to burn a feat. One of the best powers you can probably get is crystal shard. This is a first level power that retains usefulness into epic levels. It's not affected by SR/PR, its a ranged touch attack, it deals good damage, and it just gives a good mental image of dropping someone just by pointing your finger. Id also take synesthete or touchsight as soon as you can for when you cant open your eyes or if your DM is nasty. My light is also a good investment until you gain a permanent light source (like an everburning torch or something like that). THere is a feat that gives you construct extra abilities in the XPH, either grab it now or start building to it. Also if you can take one flaw and take psionic body. An extra 2 hitpoints per psionic or metapsionic feat? The ones you gain as bonus feats and are most likely going to take anyway? lets see 5 bonus feats (if you stick with psion through 20th level) and 7 from levels. Thats an extra 24 hit points for one feat. If your willing to sack another feat, you should take improved toughness (not toughness, improved toughness). You'll only net 22 hit points from psionic body, but you'll gain an additional 23 hit points. Thats 45 extra hit points for a 2 feat investment.
TikiMan 04-27-07, 12:10 AM	Shapers are so fun I never pass up a chance to tell other people how good they are. :D They tend to be some of the most well rounded characters capable of dealing with almost any situation. Astral Construct is the Swiss Army Knife of D&D. They're particularly good at kicking undead butt because Constructs are immune to negative energy bull (and so much more :cloud9:). It is a summoner type though, so make sure you don't slow the game down. Kineticists are the blasters with a touch of abjurer. They specialize in damage effects (some causing, some preventing). In my opinion, lighting people on fire never gets old. :mage: Telepathy. Ahh, the classic. Charm, Dominate, Read Thoughts, all the normal stuff you'd expect of a master of manipulating the mind. Does not play well with undead. :banghead: Seers are interesting. Which is something you say when you like something, but it just lacks that mechanical oomph you crave. There are some very nice powers, but not until later levels. There are plenty of fine powers on the general list though. Nomads are spunky. Which is pretty much just like interesting, only better at running away. They do get fly and teleport, which are some darn handy staples. Ah, the poor Egoist. A melee-oriented list on a non-melee oriented class. Mostly just useful for 'builds', but you get Empathic Transfer (poor man's healing) as well as other healer type stuff. I'd never want to play one, but I'm very glad they're in the books. It should be noted that the signature abilities of both Shaper and Kineticist can be gained with Expanded Knowledge fairly early, so you can mix disciplines a bit. Shapers also have a nice amount of online support (which I am too lazy to look up right now). If you want help building your guy just ask.
AntiDjinn 04-27-07, 12:30 AM	I know about powers known, but do you automatically know all powers of your discipline? for example being a shaper lvl one could I know Mind thrust Deja vu astral construct and minor creation, psionic or do I have to choose from my list of psion powers and shaper powers? thanks for all the help As a shaper you will select from the general psion/wilder list plus the shaper discipline list. These are treated as one big list for you, there is no obligation to select off the shaper list at any given level. All powers on the general list are available regardless of discipline (it is confusing, they used the term discipline to mean type of power and type of psion, even though the two terms are not equivalent). At first level you will select 3 1st level powers. No class gets any power automatically; you always have to pick from what is available. At higher levels you can select powers up to the max level allowed by your psion level, or lower (there are times when grabbing a lower level power is a good idea). If you want a power off another discipline list, then you can use the feat Expanded Knowledge (which gives you a power) or do research (which just causes the power to become available as if it was on your list, you still have to select it as a power known).
JLaurHughes 04-27-07, 12:58 AM	I would also look at increasing movement modes with Feats like Speed of Thought, Up the Walls, and Psionic Charge. Shapers do really well with increased speed, so any feat that increases the speed in some way will be great. The three I mentioned here actually work better for a Nomad, but still useful for any psionic class. As you increase in levels, definitely increase your astral construct, and give it more protection, they make great bodyguards, and can stand for hours on end like statues. Me, I tend to lean more toward the Nomad and Egotist Disciplines. I'm working on a psionic dragon for my campaign world, I'll post stats for the base dragon called a Hive dragon. and one of the controllers when I have them ready. Probably on my own self moderated messagboards. Link to my messageboards is in my signature if anyone wants to look.
Tempest Stormwind 04-27-07, 02:45 PM	Several of your questions are answered in the FAQ at the top of the forum.
Particle_Man 04-27-07, 06:34 PM	One minor oddity. If you take a kineticist and use the feat Expanded Knowledge to get Astral Construct, your constructs are slightly better with that elemental damage feature you can choose for them, than they would be if you were a "mere" shaper. But Shapers get Minor Creation, which can be dangerous in the right hands. I am playing a Warforged Shaper right now and having a blast with it. Luckily, Craft (sculture) can be used for self-repair and for making Astral Constructs look pretty. :) p.s. Don't tell your DM about Complete Psionic. The book neuters shapers by only letting them have one Astral Construct around at a time.
Runepriest 04-28-07, 10:17 AM	Don't tell your DM about Complete Psionic. The book neuters shapers by only letting them have one Astral Construct around at a time. Second that.
periscope 04-28-07, 10:57 AM	Second that. third it If you like astral constructs there is a constructor PRC on the wizards site (just type constructor in the search box).
Lycanthromancer 04-28-07, 04:09 PM	Make sure it's the 3.5 constructor, though. Also, the crystal master PrC is pretty nice, though you'd have to have a different focus. Hmm. If you get a psicrystal, getting an Artiste gives you a +3 bonus to ALL Craft skills. Very nice for a shaper.
Ryuu_Tenshi 04-28-07, 04:39 PM	third it If you like astral constructs there is a constructor PRC on the wizards site (just type constructor in the search box). Also, Hyperconsious (3rd party material but written by the same guy who wrote the ExPH so it's -fairly- legit, though you have to use your brain when using some stuff from it) and then The Minds Eye (online and official!) both have very fun things for shapers. Don't overlook the power of the Minor Creation / Major Creation / Fabricate shaper. These guys are McGuyvers who can pull their whatever it is out of thin air. Literally.
Lycanthromancer 04-28-07, 04:48 PM	Actually, Astral Construct isn't that good at level 1. I'd wait until 2nd level to take it (as spending a full round action manifesting a power that lasts only 1 round is a bit less than stellar, if you think about it). I'm changing the duration to "1 round + 1 round/level." That, and I'd put off Ecto Protection until Dispel Magic becomes a problem (about level 5). I don't even know why it's a 1st level power. On my revision, I'm rolling Ecto Protection up with Dismiss Ectoplasm, as neither is very good on its own (far too limited in scope). Anyway, at 1st level, I'd suggest Psionic Grease, Synesthete, and Skate (also look at Psionic Minor Creation - THE most useful power in the game, if you use it right) for your powers, with Up the Walls, Psicrystal Affinity (Artiste), and perhaps another feat (or two) to round things out. You an always use a crossbow for damage, at least until pumping power points into a Crystal Shard becomes better, damage-wise. You can take Astral Construct and Crystal Shard (or perhaps Energy Ray) for your 2nd class-level powers. This gives you considerable utility, mobility, and some offensive ability, and makes certain that you get the most out of your powers. After all, why waste a power point on a 1d6 Crystal Shard when you can use your crossbow for 1d8 or 1d10? If you're an elf, all the better, as you get a free longbow proficiency. Yes, it's a ranged attack, rather than a ranged touch attack, but your attack bonus is likely not much lower than the party's fighter, if you have a decent Dex.
periscope 04-28-07, 04:56 PM	because crystal shard is a ranged touch attack, doesnt run out of ammunition until you do, doesnt count against encumbrance or weight, cant snag on anything, cant be disarmed or stolen, and can be used one handed by pointing a finger instead of needing 2 or taking a penalty.
Lycanthromancer 04-28-07, 05:00 PM	Manifest Psionic Grease, and you can get your foes flat-footed. Hmm. Touch-attack, or flat-footedness? Both for 1 power point. Of course, you could get both, but that would cost 2 power points.
periscope 04-28-07, 05:09 PM	true but what normally results in a lower ac especially at low levels? and what would the psion most likely have higher an attack relying on dex or one relying on str? Though you can set the grease on fire...
Runepriest 04-28-07, 05:57 PM	Though you can set the grease on fire... Oooh! This will be the [literally] the downfall of my players!
Zankue 04-29-07, 01:13 AM	Ok, so I'm definitely going to be a shaper, my powers at first level will be Astral construct, skate, and Synesthete. My feats will be psicrystal affinity, and ectopic form (iridescent serpent). does this sound ok? (oh and even though the feat description says that the serpent gets resistance it also deals an extra 1d6, which is the real reason I'm getting it) I plan on having artistic crystal for creation powers that I will get later. Thanks very much for the help so far :D
Tempest Stormwind 04-29-07, 01:24 AM	Ok, so I'm definitely going to be a shaper, my powers at first level will be Astral construct, skate, and Synesthete. My feats will be psicrystal affinity, and ectopic form (iridescent serpent). does this sound ok? (oh and even though the feat description says that the serpent gets resistance it also deals an extra 1d6, which is the real reason I'm getting it) I plan on having artistic crystal for creation powers that I will get later. Thanks very much for the help so far :D 1) Astral Construct isn't good at level 1 due to the low duration. 2) Ectopic form sucks except at the very low levels. You would be well-advised to take Boost Construct instead, or at the very least reform the feat away later (especially after you get access to Menu B). Other than that, I wouldn't complain. Skate and Synesthete mean you won't be contributing much in or out of combat, though -- I would personally replace whichever is less integral to the character concept with Psionic Minor Creation as a result.
Zankue 04-29-07, 01:52 AM	1) Astral Construct isn't good at level 1 due to the low duration. 2) Ectopic form sucks except at the very low levels. You would be well-advised to take Boost Construct instead, or at the very least reform the feat away later (especially after you get access to Menu B). Other than that, I wouldn't complain. Skate and Synesthete mean you won't be contributing much in or out of combat, though -- I would personally replace whichever is less integral to the character concept with Psionic Minor Creation as a result. ok so no ectopic form, instead I'll get boost construct, but instead of astral constrcut I'll get creation minor and get astral construct at lvl 2 I might also hold off on Synesthete since gaze attacks and blinding affects probably won't occur at level 1, and get Crystal shard for helping in combat. Now as for creation minor... what exactly could I use it for? I just want a few examples. I could see using it to make a pick to chip away at a bar in prison, or chalk to write down something for a puzzle... but what else? with only one square foot I don't have many options.
Tempest Stormwind 04-29-07, 01:58 AM	One cubic foot, in truth. More if you overchannel (which is a very good feat for most people). It's mostly for travelling light -- you can fit a lot of rope in a cubic foot, for instance, or a wedge, or a ladder (at higher levels), or a battering ram. Another of the big uses for it would be making poisons that are based off of plant matter -- the big trophy here is Black Lotus Extract itself, although that's difficult to do with the craft check.
Zankue 04-29-07, 02:07 AM	oh I just thought can you use craft alchemy with it? or is alchemy considered magic?
Lycanthromancer 04-29-07, 09:16 PM	Any Craft subskill you want can be used for Psionic Minor Creation. My suggestions would be Craft (Alchemy), Craft (Carving), and Craft (Weaving). You can make nearly anything with those three skills. Seriously. If it's liquid, it's Alchemy. If it's solid, it's Carving. If it's solid but soft, it's Weaving. You can't make gases or plasmas, so those're right out.
Zankue 04-29-07, 09:18 PM	So I could for example make an alchamists fire using minor creation psionic? that would be crazy
Lycanthromancer 04-29-07, 09:45 PM	Only if it's made completely out of plant products.
Zankue 04-29-07, 10:04 PM	Only if it's made completely out of plant products. how in the world would I know what tinder twigs, or an alchamists fire is made of??? I guess this means no alchemy aloud...
Lycanthromancer 04-29-07, 10:06 PM	Pitch is made from pine-resin. You could kick some serious arse with that, since pitch is highly flammable.