Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DemonOSU 10-28-06, 12:23 AM	Read the FAQ and understand the logic... so, given this... what feats are ideal for it?
zuul88 10-28-06, 04:50 AM	On a side not.....A psychic weapons masters weapon become the equivalent of a psicrystal. Does the weapon gain psicrystal feats? Thank You Nathan
Tempest Stormwind 10-28-06, 05:02 AM	Read the FAQ and understand the logic... so, given this... what feats are ideal for it?The hard part is taking feats it qualifies for, and finding a role it can serve in the party (its ability scores tend to suck). It's also nonpsionic unless it takes Wild Talent, so keep that in mind. For more information, please see this thread (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=698578). On a side not.....A psychic weapons masters weapon become the equivalent of a psicrystal. Does the weapon gain psicrystal feats? Thank You NathanNo, it's not a creature and doesn't have hit dice. It states *exactly* what you get in that ability -- there's no overriding rules, as there are in the case of the (creaturelike) psicrystal. It just gets the personality, alertness, sighted and telepathic link abilities of a psicrystal and has Int 6. Later, it gets sightlink and a stacking Psicrystal Containment ability. No hit dice, ever. (It's closer to an intelligent weapon than a construct.)
zuul88 10-28-06, 05:29 AM	Thanks, that was how I was figuring it but asking questions never hurt anyone(unless you name was socrates. hehe.):evillaugh Nathan
AntiDjinn 10-28-06, 10:07 AM	Since supposedly it is the crystal (being a creature) not the psion who is selecting the feat, the choice should reflect the crystal's personality type. A coward crystal is not going to take a feat that helps it charge into battle, a hero is not going to take one that helps it flee or hide. Of course, this assumes that roleplay is important in your game and the crystal is treated as a side-kick instead of a robot. All psicrystals qualify for Open Minded (oddly, even the single-minded crystal does) to gain 5 skill points. Keep this in mind if you later want a feat that has X ranks in skill Y as a prereq.
Artector 10-28-06, 10:14 AM	Since they have knowledge skills = yours. A skill focus (or more) could work, 2 skill checks can be nice. Improved Unarmed Strike could be interesting...
crizhII 10-28-06, 10:31 AM	Weapon Finesse?
Lina_Inverse 10-28-06, 02:11 PM	Hey stormwind. Psicrystals get feats. Wildtalent allows the psicrystal to use a full-round action to regain focus because it has 1 or more PP. Psicrystal containment does 2 things, it lets me use a full-round action to give my crystal focus, and allows me to use my crystals focus. Does this mean, i could get away with expending focus every round as my psicrystals action :D.
Tempest Stormwind 10-28-06, 02:56 PM	Hey stormwind. Psicrystals get feats. Wildtalent allows the psicrystal to use a full-round action to regain focus because it has 1 or more PP. Psicrystal containment does 2 things, it lets me use a full-round action to give my crystal focus, and allows me to use my crystals focus. Does this mean, i could get away with expending focus every round as my psicrystals action :D. Nope. Look at the wording of Psicrystal Containment and on psionic focus. What essentially happens is that if the psicrystal is focused by its own power, that focus can't be touched by you in any way, shape or form. You have to spend the full-round action to focus it to gain access to that. What isn't clear is if you focus your psicrystal via Psicrystal Containment, if the crystal's maintain-focus feats remain active. I'd say no, myself, since you can focus a nonpsionic psicrystal this way. Essentially, part of the rules are clear, and part are not. The interpretation I follow treats the ambiguous part like the clear part -- the containment focus and the wild talent focus are independent of each other.
kab 10-28-06, 09:58 PM	if you give it Hidden Talent (feat buried in pg 67 of the XPH, gives the feat taker 1 power pt and the ability to manifest 1 first-level power at ML 1), your psicrystal can use (insert useful first-level power) once a day... then give it wild talent to gain more power points (which translates to more uses per day)
Jaid 10-28-06, 10:05 PM	if you give it Hidden Talent (feat buried in pg 67 of the XPH, gives the feat taker 1 power pt and the ability to manifest 1 first-level power at ML 1), your psicrystal can use (insert useful first-level power) once a day... then give it wild talent to gain more power points (which translates to more uses per day) heck, don't give it wild talent... give it talented =) may as well pick up the one that nets you more and more points each time you take it =P
kab 10-28-06, 10:10 PM	heck, don't give it wild talent... give it talented =) may as well pick up the one that nets you more and more points each time you take it =P forgot about that one :o its actually psionic talent by the way (talented is one of those fun overchannel feats), but close enough ;)
turalisj 10-28-06, 10:56 PM	Read the FAQ and understand the logic... so, given this... what feats are ideal for it? Skill Focus(spot), Skill Focus(listen), Alertness. Those three come to mind.
blazed420 10-28-06, 11:22 PM	what if you give it wild talent, then give it psicrystal affinity...?
Tempest Stormwind 10-28-06, 11:31 PM	what if you give it wild talent, then give it psicrystal affinity...? *sigh* Take a look at the requirements for Psicrystal Affinity again. Then reread Wild Talent. Then look at Hidden Talent (the feat you're probably thinking of) and look for the words "this is not." Think about it, and you'll see why this doesn't work.
MazrimTaim 10-29-06, 05:02 AM	Could you give your Psi-Crystal ranks in UMD and have give it a wand to cast spells on you?
cymbolik 10-29-06, 05:04 AM	Read the FAQ and understand the logic... so, given this... what feats are ideal for it?Do you mean the FAQ that Tempest refers you to, or is there an actual official FAQ ruling on this now?
Kiklio 10-29-06, 02:18 PM	MazrimTaim, you'd probably need to share a metamorphosis with it to allow it to manipulate a wand. That is an interesting idea, though, since you could also give it feats like Weapon Finesse and Wandstrike, assuming the latter doesn't have a casting requirement. Changing it into something like a Juggernaut might be wiser, though.
LordArchaon 10-29-06, 04:11 PM	Think about a psicrystal knowing how to bind vestiges and use Maneuvers and Stances from Tome of Battle! And could it manifest powers by the means of Wild Talent + Expanded Knowledge? I don't remeber if Wild Talent gives you "manifester level"... But Practiced Manifester certainly does! =)
Tempest Stormwind 10-29-06, 04:19 PM	Think about a psicrystal knowing how to bind vestiges and use Maneuvers and Stances from Tome of Battle! And could it manifest powers by the means of Wild Talent + Expanded Knowledge? I don't remeber if Wild Talent gives you "manifester level"...Both of which imply slightly more interaction with the environment than a crystal can do. Binding is a system I haven't read, but as I understand it, a vestige requires you to draw their seal (which a crystal can do), meet a unique requirement (which a crystal may or may not be able to do -- note that they cannot truly speak, for instance, so calling a vestige's name is impossible), and have a soul which hosts the essence of the vestige (which a psicrystal probably does not have). Maneuvers require, naturally, combat forms, stances, and positions, which a psicrystal simply cannot perform. It's assumed that a creature has a mobile, physical body capable of performing most of those maneuvers. (At least as I understand it; my ToB is CONTINUALLY delayed in shipping...). Now as for manifesting, PLEASE see above on gaining Psicrystal Affinity. A crystal isn't a manifester, Wild Talent doesn't grant a manifester level, Hidden Talent says "this is not a manifester level", Practiced Manifester requires a psionic class (it improves ML, it doesn't provide ML) and a crystal can't gain class levels. That technique is impossible until epic levels with Psicrystal Power.
Lokiyn 10-29-06, 05:45 PM	Now as for manifesting, PLEASE see above on gaining Psicrystal Affinity. A crystal isn't a manifester, Wild Talent doesn't grant a manifester level, Hidden Talent says "this is not a manifester level", Practiced Manifester requires a psionic class (it improves ML, it doesn't provide ML) and a crystal can't gain class levels. That technique is impossible until epic levels with Psicrystal Power. well unless you cripple your character with many many improved psicrystal feats to get the psicrystal epic to get it a manifester level. (usually kicks in around 11-15ish)
Tempest Stormwind 10-29-06, 05:47 PM	well unless you cripple your character with many many improved psicrystal feats to get the psicrystal epic to get it a manifester level. (usually kicks in around 11-15ish) As far as *that* psicrystal's concerned, it's epic levels, though. My point holds. ;) ...Before anyone asks, yes, this has also been tried before, and is actually a rather well-known build called The Big Guy Is With Me (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=463152&page=1&pp=30).
LordArchaon 10-29-06, 06:19 PM	If you read that "Your manifester level for the chosen manifesting class increases by four" as something not directly tied to the fact that you possess that class... Well I see it as having a manifester level 4 "as" having the class! Technically speaking, the feat doesn't require you to have class levels in a manifesting class... See it as a matter of "generous interpretation"...:) If you could allow this "house rule", a Psicrystal having Wild Talent, Practiced Manifester and Expanded Knowledge (Create Sound) could speak by the means of that power and so be able to bind vestiges or even speak Utterances with Truename Training!:D Yes, I'm a mad man... EDIT: Problem Solved! A Psicrystal with the Necropolis Born feat (Complete Arcane) is able to use Ghost Sound once per day, so once per day, for a single round, it can speak! :D And bind a vestige!
LordArchaon 10-29-06, 06:33 PM	The Psicrystal could become even coooler if you allow it to manifest a Dragonmark... I mean, wow! Other (and better) feats to get spell-like abilities could be the Fey Heritage and Fiendish Heritage feats from Complete Mage...
PhaedrusXY 10-29-06, 06:40 PM	Could you give your Psi-Crystal ranks in UMD and have give it a wand to cast spells on you?It uses your own ranks in skills. So you would just take the ranks yourself and "double up" on their usefulness. Whether the DM says the psicrystal can actually use a wand or not is another issue entirely. If the DM says it needs a voice to speak a command word, or needs actual hands to manipulate it, you may need to use Metamorphosis to turn it into another form first.
Tempest Stormwind 10-29-06, 07:00 PM	If you read that "Your manifester level for the chosen manifesting class increases by four" as something not directly tied to the fact that you possess that class... Well I see it as having a manifester level 4 "as" having the class! Technically speaking, the feat doesn't require you to have class levels in a manifesting class... See it as a matter of "generous interpretation"...:) And how. Let's see HOW generous. When a paladin or ranger or divine mind or spellthief begins play, he has no caster level. He does NOT have a caster level of 0. It's sort of like the difference between Con - and Con 0 (one's not alive but possibly still a creature, the other's dead). Thus, until you gain the ability to manifest/cast as that class, you don't have a caster or manifester level in a class -- and Practiced Spellcaster/Manifester does NOTHING. Just as I can't add 6 plus Couch, I can't add an integer (+4) to a non-numerical value (no manifester level). ...Or rather, you can, but there's no effect. An undead with Bear's Endurance cast on it does not have a Constitution of 4, he has a Constitution of -- (no Constitution). So, it seems that - + 4 = -. If you could allow this "house rule", a Psicrystal having Wild Talent, Practiced Manifester and Expanded Knowledge (Create Sound) could speak by the means of that power and so be able to bind vestiges or even speak Utterances with Truename Training!:D I show above how your Practiced Manifester trick doesn't work. But even allowing that, Wild Talent doesn't give you any powers known or any maximum level known -- how is Expanded Knowledge determining what level it can reach? And even bypassing that, Control Sound is a 2nd level power, and you'd need to manifest 3rd level powers to reach it, which implies ML 5, not the 4 you'd get if you allowed your (flawed) interpretation. Conclusion: No stage of this trick is possible without explicitly allowing them in spite of the rules. You'd be better off asking for a tarrasque familiar.Yes, I'm a mad man... EDIT: Problem Solved! A Psicrystal with the Necropolis Born feat (Complete Arcane) is able to use Ghost Sound once per day, so once per day, for a single round, it can speak! :D And bind a vestige!Check the time it takes to do a binding, again.The Psicrystal could become even coooler if you allow it to manifest a Dragonmark... I mean, wow!Not the right type, let alone the right race or the right flavor (Dragonmarks have a rich history in Eberron; doing what you suggest is similar to letting just anyone have the Chosen of XXXX template from FR.). The psicrystal could become even cooler if you allow it to shoot frickin' laser beams from its metaphysical 'eyes', while being a zombie ninja pirate jedi that rides a robot dinosaur that transforms into a motorcycle, but that'd be breaking the rules as well. Other (and better) feats to get spell-like abilities could be the Fey Heritage and Fiendish Heritage feats from Complete Mage...Wait, so my pet rock is descended from a demon, devil, or fey? That brings a whole new level to "get your freak on!". Seriously, do you even bother to learn the rules you discuss?
LordArchaon 10-29-06, 07:33 PM	Hey hey, it's obvious that you're right and that I was just joking over... The only thing I really think it can do is binding a vestige, because he only has to speak and to be heard while pronouncing the name of the vestige to summon it... Then he could just make the pact telepathically or, if you think the vestige doesn't "receive" the telepathic communication, have the psicrystal automatically fail the check and be affected by the effects of making a "poor pact", but that doesn't prevent it from receiveing the abilities...
Jaeron Dalur 10-30-06, 02:29 AM	A related topic: Would a feat that allowed a psicrystal to gain another personality type be OK? I could see how giving it the advanced level would be overpowering but maybe if the psicrystal just got the personality and gave out the bonuses that personality type grants?
Tempest Stormwind 10-30-06, 02:30 AM	A related topic: Would a feat that allowed a psicrystal to gain another personality type be OK? I could see how giving it the advanced level would be overpowering but maybe if the psicrystal just got the personality and gave out the bonuses that personality type grants?Improved Psicrystal already does this, but the character needs to take it. Any other feat would have to be checked by a DM, just like any other custom feat. LordArchaon: This is serious. (http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3328/1160843571677vy2.jpg)
DemonOSU 10-30-06, 03:06 AM	Does a psicrystal get to pick feats at first level? I assumed that Alertness took up that one. If it doesn't..then I can't see how Hidden Talent would work.
emagius 10-30-06, 10:48 AM	Does a psicrystal get to pick feats at first level? I assumed that Alertness took up that one. If it doesn't..then I can't see how Hidden Talent would work. The Psicrystal isn't required to choose Alertness as its first level feat.
DemonOSU 10-30-06, 01:32 PM	Actually, I was thinking more of along the lines that while Costruct seems to be the psicrystal's "race" that Psicrystal seems to be it's "class"..and the level based abilities are it's class abilities... so would it get another feat at first level besides Alertness since that is granted by it's level based abilities?
Tempest Stormwind 10-30-06, 01:43 PM	Actually, I was thinking more of along the lines that while Costruct seems to be the psicrystal's "race" that Psicrystal seems to be it's "class"..and the level based abilities are it's class abilities... so would it get another feat at first level besides Alertness since that is granted by it's level based abilities?The psicrystal has no race and has no class. It has Construct hit dice, though, meaning it's of type Construct. Also: there's two Alertness abilities. 1) The Master gains the Alertness feat while psicrystal within 5'. 2) You (who has this feat) gains +2 to Listen and Spot. Note the difference. The psicrystal has Alertness (granting it +2 to Listen and Spot) and grants Alertness to the master if it's close enough. The first feat can be changed at creation as per monster advancement rules. Let's say the psicrystal takes Stealthy. The psicrystal has Stealthy (granting it +2 to Move Silently and Hide) and grants Alertness to the master if it's close enough. That's what we mean. (Oddly, people have thought that the two are the same, which leads to some issues with the feats argument. I think it's because the name of the abilities are the same, but the results are totally different.)
ChimericalWolf 10-30-06, 11:55 PM	Serious Cat is Serious!
zuul88 11-01-06, 05:39 AM	The psicrystal could become even cooler if you allow it to shoot frickin' laser beams from its metaphysical 'eyes', while being a zombie ninja pirate jedi that rides a robot dinosaur that transforms into a motorcycle, but that'd be breaking the rules as well. Wait, so my pet rock is descended from a demon, devil, or fey? That brings a whole new level to "get your freak on!". Seriously, do you even bother to learn the rules you discuss? :heehee The zombie ninja pirate jedi was the best part:rofl: Frustration produces the funniest outbursts. This has my vote for the funniest post I have seen. Tempest there is a great quote I try to live by Speak wisely to a fool and he will think you foolish. Commendable job helping everyone with there questions on this forum. Thanks for the help you have provided on questions I have asked and questions that have been asked and answered before I got here. Nathan
Lina_Inverse 11-01-06, 04:40 PM	Since the only other person who DMs around here is as much a fan of psions as me, ill need to try out the big guys with me one day.
blazed420 11-01-06, 08:03 PM	*sigh* Take a look at the requirements for Psicrystal Affinity again. Then reread Wild Talent. Then look at Hidden Talent (the feat you're probably thinking of) and look for the words "this is not." Think about it, and you'll see why this doesn't work. sorry, this is what i get for eating the candy i was going to hand out, incorrect DnD thought patterns :rolleyes: in my hyper state i pictured an army of psicrystals crawling over people. "OH NO! MY EYES! ITS WALKING ON MY EYES!" as for psicrystals, i had a char that used his to give touch attacks from hiden places. as for feats, he got everything that could give it a better chance of sneaking.
Diplominator 11-01-06, 11:20 PM	Speak wisely to a fool and he will this you foolish. :confused: What?
johnkretzer 11-02-06, 03:17 AM	Where does it state in the FAQ that psicrystals get feats? I looked and couldn't find it,
zuul88 11-02-06, 04:07 AM	:confused: What? Edited it right. Speak wisely to a fool and he will "think" you foolish. Being dsylexic is not conductive to writing what I think, stuff gets messed up between my head and mouth or in this case typing fingers:cool: Nathan
FeceMan 11-02-06, 12:51 PM	Elemental envoy > psicrystal.
Nephlite 11-02-06, 01:08 PM	Elemental envoy > psicrystal. Sadly, Envoys don't get more hps/bab so at level 20. Elemental envoy < psicrystal by alot.
Tempest Stormwind 11-02-06, 01:18 PM	Elemental envoy > psicrystal. Only if you're at the lowest levels and can't spare the feat for Psicrystal Containment. It's sort of like Ectopic Form in that regard, actually. Terrible except all on its own at the lowest levels.
Lycanthromancer 11-03-06, 01:37 AM	Where does it state in the FAQ that psicrystals get feats? I looked and couldn't find it, All 'creatures' with Intelligence scores gain feats as they gain hit-dice. Psicrystals, due to the fact that they A.) have Intelligence scores, and B.) gain HD through their descriptions (though they only gain HD if their master is a psion or wilder, RAW), gain feats as their psion/wilder masters gain levels. They would also gain skills, but these are overridden by their masters' skills, due to overriding text. They gain ability-score bonuses as well. Apparently this is RAW, but not RAI, according to Mr. Cordell (the man who was in charge of writing the XPHB - note the name on the cover).
babysamurai 11-03-06, 05:58 AM	Do you mean the FAQ that Tempest refers you to, or is there an actual official FAQ ruling on this now? Can someone please answer this question? Inquiring minds want to know.
Tempest Stormwind 11-03-06, 11:02 AM	Can someone please answer this question? Inquiring minds want to know. What, the official FAQ, actually answering a frequently asked psionics question? HA! ...Seriously, it was my FAQ, but in that FAQ I explain how there has not been any ruling on this but how existing rules clearly show they gain feats. I then elaborate on a very, very long discussion I had with CustServ and R&D, which made it clear that this was not intended, but that nothing stops it from happening either. They made an empty promise to try to errata the thing, but as usual, psionics have been neglected on that front.
babysamurai 11-03-06, 11:10 AM	They made an empty promise to try to errata the thing, but as usual, psionics have been neglected on that front. Yep, psionics – getting the shaft again, taking it in the…
FeceMan 11-03-06, 12:56 PM	Only if you're at the lowest levels and can't spare the feat for Psicrystal Containment. It's sort of like Ectopic Form in that regard, actually. Terrible except all on its own at the lowest levels. Bah. Elemental envoys are awesome. They're like, things. Elemental things. And they can shoot LASERS.
Artector 11-03-06, 01:54 PM	Bah. Elemental envoys are awesome. They're like, things. Elemental things. And they can shoot LASERS. Darn it. I want a SASER...
Jaid 11-03-06, 03:35 PM	Does a psicrystal get to pick feats at first level? I assumed that Alertness took up that one. If it doesn't..then I can't see how Hidden Talent would work.why wouldn't it? look at any humanoid race in the MM. for example, elves. now, the first level warrior elf has weapon focus(longbow). does this mean that now all elven warriors must choose weapon focus(longbow) as their first level feat, or does it simply mean that a generic, unmodified first level elven warrior should be assumed to have taken weapon focus(longbow) for convenience?
johnkretzer 11-04-06, 12:41 AM	All 'creatures' with Intelligence scores gain feats as they gain hit-dice. Psicrystals, due to the fact that they A.) have Intelligence scores, and B.) gain HD through their descriptions (though they only gain HD if their master is a psion or wilder, RAW), gain feats as their psion/wilder masters gain levels. They would also gain skills, but these are overridden by their masters' skills, due to overriding text. They gain ability-score bonuses as well. Apparently this is RAW, but not RAI, according to Mr. Cordell (the man who was in charge of writing the XPHB - note the name on the cover). Ok that is scary. Well that is pretty cool I got no idea what to give my 10th Telepath's Sympathic psicrystal. May be a couple of host feats? Would those work?
Tempest Stormwind 11-04-06, 12:46 AM	Ok that is scary. Well that is pretty cool I got no idea what to give my 10th Telepath's Sympathic psicrystal. May be a couple of host feats? Would those work? *sigh* Host feats won't work, for reasons I discuss here. (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=693261) The summary is "there's no way for a psicrystal (or anything else besides kalashtar and Inspired) to become a host, therefore they cannot take Host feats." That said, the host feats, with the exception of Strength of Two, are identical in all ways to the Latent Psi feats in Hyperconscious, which it could qualify for. ...And all of the above are weaker than the related magic feats in Complete Arcane. Draw what conclusions you will.
LordArchaon 11-12-06, 10:25 PM	Hello again! Now I'll be nearly as serious as "serious cat", you'll judge....... Here's the list of feats for the psicrystal of a dragon NPC I got in my campaign... 42 HD... 7 feats + 8 (possibly) epic feats (only 3 epic feats used) Hidden Talent (Mindlink) Skill Focus (Listen) Keen-Eared Scout Improved Unarmed Strike Point-Blank Shot Psionic Shot Greater Psionic Shot Great Wisdom (x3) [wisdom 13] Stunning Fist (10 stunning attacks) Fiery Fist (+1 stunning attack) Ki Blast (+1 stunning attack) Extra Stunning x2 (+6 stunning attacks) Now a bit of a disclaimer... Stunning Fist uses became more and more some sort of "Ki channeling" uses, so I don't think there would be much to argue about the ability or inability of the psicrystal to make stunning attacks (however, I bet that if a keen crystal hits you in the back of your head, it wouldn't be a nice thing to remeber...) The problem with this "build" is that it's a little bit odd that it gets point-blank shot, psionic shot and greater psionic shot without anything to shoot... We could assume the intelligent crystalline creature is just preparing for what's to come. In fact, with 18 stunning attack attempts per day, this psicrystal is able to make 9 Ki blasts a day for a 3d6+1 damage with a range of 60. Nothing, but really nothing, stops it to expend its psionic focus while doing this and add some good 4d6 damage to the attack. So 7d6+1 ranged touch, 9/day... That's the best accomplishment an epic psicrystal could do, I guess. What do you think? This psicrystal is meant to be a scout-guide for the PCs, since the dragon cannot easily go around with them... EDIT: if you have an idea of how much damage would a diminutive creature do with improved unarmed strike, let me know... :D
LordArchaon 04-21-07, 10:20 PM	:bump:
Lina_Inverse 04-22-07, 12:14 PM	:bump: That is one hell of a buff.
PhaedrusXY 04-22-07, 06:09 PM	I like Mounted Combat and Trample. Buy your psicrystal a horse (or something better), and make sure to take ranks in Ride! :D
Tempest Stormwind 04-22-07, 07:13 PM	I like Mounted Combat and Trample. Buy your psicrystal a horse (or something better), and make sure to take ranks in Ride! :D Ah, the infamous Psicrystal Hat issue. Give it Mounted Combat and take ranks in Ride. Now wear it as a hat (that is, you serve as its "mount"). Claim it uses Mounted Combat for you. Be sure to do this only if you believe you are capable of dodging the corner of the DMG that will inevitably be thrown at you from across the table. This is not recommended if your DM took Exotic Weapon Proficiency (DMG) or Martial Weapon Proficiency (Nerf Bat), or if he's capable enough to just plain smack you with it.
LordArchaon 04-22-07, 07:29 PM	Hello again! Now I'll be nearly as serious as "serious cat", you'll judge....... Ah, the infamous Psicrystal Hat issue. Give it Mounted Combat and take ranks in Ride. Now wear it as a hat (that is, you serve as its "mount"). Claim it uses Mounted Combat for you. Be sure to do this only if you believe you are capable of dodging the corner of the DMG that will inevitably be thrown at you from across the table. This is not recommended if your DM took Exotic Weapon Proficiency (DMG) or Martial Weapon Proficiency (Nerf Bat), or if he's capable enough to just plain smack you with it. And what about Serious Cat? ;)
Necromas 04-23-07, 02:51 AM	If you give it hidden talent and psionic talent, what 1st level power should you give it?
Lina_Inverse 04-23-07, 10:21 AM	Ah, the infamous Psicrystal Hat issue. Give it Mounted Combat and take ranks in Ride. Now wear it as a hat (that is, you serve as its "mount"). Claim it uses Mounted Combat for you. Be sure to do this only if you believe you are capable of dodging the corner of the DMG that will inevitably be thrown at you from across the table. This is not recommended if your DM took Exotic Weapon Proficiency (DMG) or Martial Weapon Proficiency (Nerf Bat), or if he's capable enough to just plain smack you with it. The question is stormwind does it WORK?
LordArchaon 04-23-07, 10:31 AM	The question is stormwind does it WORK? HA HA! I can't even understand what would it do if it worked! :rofl:
Tempest Stormwind 04-23-07, 11:19 AM	If you give it hidden talent and psionic talent, what 1st level power should you give it?Long-duration, no-augment powers. Synesthete is a pretty decent example. Another odd one would be Matter Agitation, if you want some damage to come from the equation.The question is stormwind does it WORK?A literal reading of the rules says yes. No DM I know would say it did, though. (LordArchaon: Rather than complaining or asking for a handout, try reading the feat in question and seeing what it does.)
LordArchaon 04-23-07, 11:29 AM	(LordArchaon: Rather than complaining or asking for a handout, try reading the feat in question and seeing what it does.) I was neither complaining nor asking for a handout, I was just laughing at the paradox the whole thing represents. Low ranks in Sense Motive?
PhaedrusXY 04-23-07, 12:43 PM	Ah, the infamous Psicrystal Hat issue. Give it Mounted Combat and take ranks in Ride. Now wear it as a hat (that is, you serve as its "mount"). Claim it uses Mounted Combat for you.I'm familiar with that, but it's not what I was suggesting. I was suggesting to actually buy a mount for the psicrystal. Then it can direct the mount in combat, which effectively grants the Psicrystal a means to attack. And Trample can be used as a means of "battlefield control", also. If you actually plan on having it deliver Touch Attacks, or manifesting Bite of the Wolf on it, having it take Weapon Finesse is also a very good idea. You might consider doing something crazy like buying it a little set of armor with spikes on it, and adding the Flaming property to them, too. :D But the last time I looked at doing this, I figured that the psicrystal would probably be heavily encumbered due to its pitiful strength if you do this.
CrimsonDeath 04-24-07, 03:39 AM	Ah, the infamous Psicrystal Hat issue. Give it Mounted Combat and take ranks in Ride. Now wear it as a hat (that is, you serve as its "mount"). Claim it uses Mounted Combat for you. Be sure to do this only if you believe you are capable of dodging the corner of the DMG that will inevitably be thrown at you from across the table. This is not recommended if your DM took Exotic Weapon Proficiency (DMG) or Martial Weapon Proficiency (Nerf Bat), or if he's capable enough to just plain smack you with it. It's considerably more credible if you happen to be a centaur or a gemstone dragon. It's also a rather amusing justification for either creature to have ranks in Ride. You might consider doing something crazy like buying it a little set of armor with spikes on it, and adding the Flaming property to them, too. :D But the last time I looked at doing this, I figured that the psicrystal would probably be heavily encumbered due to its pitiful strength if you do this. Str 1 gives you a light/medium/heavy load of 3/6/10 lb, and Diminutive size reduces that to 1/4 (so .75/1.5/2.5). Armor for a Tiny or smaller creature weighs 1/10 the normal weight. We can probably assume the same for weapons, since Small and Large armor and weapons have the same weight multipliers. In that case, spiked padded armor would weigh 2 lb, a heavy load, and the armor bonus to AC would offset the reduction in Dexterity bonus to AC thanks to the max Dex bonus based on load. Alternatively, we could give it spiked leather armor, which would weigh 2.5 lb, its max load. Now the armor bonus would improve its AC, even with the reduced max Dex bonus. I think our best bet would be Sharkskin armor from Stormwrack, though. It would weigh 1.5 lb-- a medium load-- and the teeth count as armor spikes. It grants a +3 armor bonus, and the max Dex for a Medium load doesn't interfere with a Psicrystal's Dex bonus to AC. You'll want to make it Masterwork, though, since Psicrystals aren't proficient with light armor.
Lina_Inverse 04-24-07, 04:10 AM	A literal reading of the rules says yes. No DM I know would say it did, though. I would. It sounds funny. Now to convince another GM to allow it.
Necromas 04-24-07, 07:31 AM	It's considerably more credible if you happen to be a centaur or a gemstone dragon. It's also a rather amusing justification for either creature to have ranks in Ride. Str 1 gives you a light/medium/heavy load of 3/6/10 lb, and Diminutive size reduces that to 1/4 (so .75/1.5/2.5). Armor for a Tiny or smaller creature weighs 1/10 the normal weight. We can probably assume the same for weapons, since Small and Large armor and weapons have the same weight multipliers. In that case, spiked padded armor would weigh 2 lb, a heavy load, and the armor bonus to AC would offset the reduction in Dexterity bonus to AC thanks to the max Dex bonus based on load. Alternatively, we could give it spiked leather armor, which would weigh 2.5 lb, its max load. Now the armor bonus would improve its AC, even with the reduced max Dex bonus. I think our best bet would be Sharkskin armor from Stormwrack, though. It would weigh 1.5 lb-- a medium load-- and the teeth count as armor spikes. It grants a +3 armor bonus, and the max Dex for a Medium load doesn't interfere with a Psicrystal's Dex bonus to AC. You'll want to make it Masterwork, though, since Psicrystals aren't proficient with light armor. Woo, it can do 1d2-5 damage now!
PhaedrusXY 04-24-07, 10:59 AM	Woo, it can do 1d2-5 damage now!Minimum 1. Add 1d6 if you give it the Flaming property. :D What I was actually planning on doing was coating the spikes in some horrible poison that I made via Minor Creation, though (was playing a shaper). The psicrystal actually had a signifigantly higher attack bonus than the shaper, thanks to its size, better attack bonus, and Weapon Finesse feat.
Boondoggle 04-24-07, 04:23 PM	Give it a mithral shirt and a Pale blue Rhomboid ioun stone for +2 str. Medium weight of a mithral shirt is 10lbs.
hogarth 04-28-07, 10:56 AM	Whether the DM says the psicrystal can actually use a wand or not is another issue entirely. If the DM says it needs a voice to speak a command word, or needs actual hands to manipulate it, you may need to use Metamorphosis to turn it into another form first. I'm missing something here, obviously; why are people saying that psicrystals can't speak? I always thought the sentence "A psicrystal can speak one language of its owner’s choice (so long as it is a language the owner knows)" was pretty clear. Is it because a psicrystal's speech is a supernatural ability?
Nephlite 04-28-07, 11:35 AM	I'm missing something here, obviously; why are people saying that psicrystals can't speak? I always thought the sentence "A psicrystal can speak one language of its owner’s choice (so long as it is a language the owner knows)" was pretty clear. Is it because a psicrystal's speech is a supernatural ability? People forget that part. Also it understands all owner's languages (but only speaks the one). It specifically talks about how much the other party members are hushed by the Sneaky psicrystal.
PhaedrusXY 04-28-07, 01:21 PM	I'm missing something here, obviously; why are people saying that psicrystals can't speak? I always thought the sentence "A psicrystal can speak one language of its owner’s choice (so long as it is a language the owner knows)" was pretty clear. Is it because a psicrystal's speech is a supernatural ability?Oops. I missed that. Was thinking of Familiars. :D
turalisj 04-29-07, 06:59 PM	I myself have had fun having my psicrystal spout swears in elven at various bar-dwellers, only to hide itself inside my level 9 psion's robes.:D
Zuur 05-01-07, 06:04 PM	Lets say I'm a level 12 Egoist with a Psicrystal - I Metamorphosis myself into a War Troll and Share Power it with my Psicrystal - I'm now 2 War Trolls? (and you know what they say - two war trolls is better than one). My Psicrystal is a War Troll with slack HP, but then so am I, and we both get the bulk of our HP from our beefed up Con, so he's not all that much worse off then me.. I'm not sure on his BAB, but it can't be that much worse than mine - if he uses the standard Construct BAB it might even be better.. If I haven't missed anything really obvious here, wouldn't just taking feats like Power Attack and Cleave be the way to go? You can spend all your own feats on metapsionics and stuff, then when you do your dual-transform your psicrystal is a better grunt then you! Other options might be Metamorphosis'ing your psicrystal into a Huge Greatsword because you don't carry one around and you want one when you're a Troll - or turning yourself into a Huge Greatsword when your buddy turns into a Troll because he's a better basher than you... (the text "You assume the form of a <general 'it's up to you' description>" at the start of Metamorphosis implies to me that you can both turn into different things). It's a pity that manifesting powers as an object ends the metamorphosis - it'd be great manifesting touch powers after turning yourself into a Greatsword. Lastly - okay, nothing to do with psicrystal feats any more (except that they can now be used for combat orientated things) - Your Psicrystal also has the option of turning into a Golem, as his base type is "construct" so he gets to change into constructs as well as the usual list of types... :P
turalisj 05-01-07, 06:09 PM	Change him into a mithril or adamantine golem :P
Boondoggle 05-02-07, 10:48 AM	Hit die limits still apply. Most golems have far too many hit dice to be useful for this. As I'm currently playing a psiforged (warforged psion) in our Age of Worms campaign, I have found the best combat forms are a Retriever (look under demon) and a chain golem (MMII). The former gets huge size, massive strength and lots of natural weapons. The latter is medium sized with 10' reach and wounding (con damage) attacks. The chain golem also gets a version of blade barrier. The biggest problem with sharing metamorphasis with your psicrystal is that you two have to stay right next to each other. If you are separated by even one square, it turns back into a psicrystal.
Scion of Coldshard 05-02-07, 11:33 AM	If I haven't missed anything really obvious here, wouldn't just taking feats like Power Attack and Cleave be the way to go? The psicrystal does not have quite enough str to qualify for power attack ;)
Zuur 05-02-07, 05:46 PM	The psicrystal does not have quite enough str to qualify for power attack ;) Good point - okay, so I guess most of the obvious combat feats are out.. Based on Boondoggle's point above about having to remain right beside your psicrystal at all time while metamorphed, how about feats like Phalanx Fighting, or others that can benefit from two characters with the same feats - of course then you have to take the feats as well.. What are some good feats that he could meet the requirements for?
PhaedrusXY 05-02-07, 05:57 PM	The psicrystal does not have quite enough str to qualify for power attack ;)It does while it is Metamorphed into something else, and temporary magical bonuses do qualify you for feats. You just lose their benefits when you don't have the bonus.
Scion of Coldshard 05-02-07, 06:51 PM	It does while it is Metamorphed into something else, and temporary magical bonuses do qualify you for feats. You just lose their benefits when you don't have the bonus. Very DM dependent whether this works or not. While I would allow it as a dm not all do. The rules in 3.5 are somewhat silent on the issue. It is easier with bonuses that are effectively temporary but that actually last for the majority of the time you are active. At a minute per level that is pushing it for duration, I would likely make someone manifest it several times a day specifically to train with it during down times.
Zuur 05-02-07, 08:08 PM	It does while it is Metamorphed into something else, and temporary magical bonuses do qualify you for feats. You just lose their benefits when you don't have the bonus. I think CustServices has said in the past that magical items or other effects which are effectively "permanent" can qualify, but non-permanent spell effects don't. It makes sense - if he's only got a high enough Str for a few minutes at a time, how's he (it) supposed to get in the weeks or months of training needed to master the feat?
Racinante 05-02-07, 08:22 PM	The biggest problem with sharing metamorphasis with your psicrystal is that you two have to stay right next to each other. If you are separated by even one square, it turns back into a psicrystal. Just manifest metamorphosis on the psicrystal instead.
Boondoggle 05-02-07, 09:45 PM	Well, yes, obviously. However, the question was about sharing the power.
Rageheart 05-03-07, 12:03 AM	Or... use it as a mount. Hmmmm what construct type mounts are there? (ones that would go well with other shared powers.)
Millenia 05-03-07, 01:25 AM	Or... use it as a mount. Hmmmm what construct type mounts are there? (ones that would go well with other shared powers.) Quadruped Astral Constructs.
Rageheart 05-03-07, 01:48 AM	Can you metamorph your Psicrystal into an Astral Construct?... that seems a little ...erm. Odd.
Boondoggle 05-03-07, 01:52 AM	Zelekhut Inevitables are basically construct Centaurs (with some spiffy abilities, like a fly speed) and would make good mounts. Retrievers are huge spider-like critters and I suppose you could ride one and manifest from it's back while it rips your foes to shreds.
Rageheart 05-03-07, 02:14 AM	Ooooo..... once you get to 10th Lvl you can have a b*tchin warsteed. and cause it stays close by you can keep sharing powers with it as you manifest them.... Tack a Form of Doom on to the below quoted critter. Retriever Size/Type: Huge Construct (Extraplanar) Hit Dice: 10d10+80 (135 hp) Initiative: +3 Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares) Armor Class: 21 (-2 size, +3 Dex, +10 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 18 Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+25 Attack: Claw +15 melee (2d6+10) and eye ray +8 ranged touch Full Attack: 4 claws +15 melee (2d6+10) and bite +10 melee (1d8+5) and eye ray +8 ranged touch Space/Reach: 15 ft./10 ft. Special Attacks: Eye rays, find target, improved grab Special Qualities: Construct traits, darkvision 60 ft., fast healing 5, low-light vision Saves: Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +3 Abilities: Str 31, Dex 17, Con Ř, Int Ř, Wis 11, Cha 1 Skills: — Feats: — Environment: A chaotic evil-aligned plane Organization: Solitary Challenge Rating: 11 Treasure: None Alignment: Always chaotic evil Advancement: 11-15 HD (Huge); 16-30 HD (Gargantuan) Level Adjustment: — A retriever specializes in recovering lost or desired objects, runaway slaves, and enemies and bringing them back to its master. A retriever has a body the size of an ox, with legs spanning more than 14 feet. It weighs about 6,500 pounds. Combat Retrievers attack with four claws, but their eye rays are far more deadly. Eye Rays (Su) A retriever’s eyes can produce four different magical rays with a range of 100 feet. Each round, it can fire one ray as a free action. A particular ray is usable only once every 4 rounds. A retriever can fire an eye ray in the same round that it makes physical attacks. The save DC for all rays is 18. The save DC is Dexterity-based. The four eye effects are: Fire: Deals 12d6 points of fire damage to the target (Reflex half). Cold: Deals 12d6 points of cold damage to the target (Reflex half). Electricity: Deals 12d6 points of electricity damage to the target (Reflex half). Petrification: The target must succeed on a Fortitude save or turn to stone permanently. Find Target (Sp) When ordered to find an item or a creature, a retriever does so unerringly, as though guided by discern location. The being giving the order must have seen (or must have an item belonging to) the creature to be found, or must have touched the object to be located. This ability is the equivalent of an 8th-level spell. Improved Grab (Ex) To use this ability, a retriever must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and grips the opponent fast in its mouth. This is the method by which it usually "retrieves" things. Oh, and no Astral Construct forms.... "You also cannot take the form of a psionically animated mechanism or any object formed of ectoplasm." - Metamorphosis
Zuur 05-03-07, 03:57 AM	.... Tack a Form of Doom on to the below quoted critter. Unfortunately you can't use Form of Doom while polymorphed - there are rules specifically against it in the Form of Doom write up (at the end).. bummer :tantrum:
Lina_Inverse 05-03-07, 09:50 PM	It makes sense - if he's only got a high enough Str for a few minutes at a time, how's he (it) supposed to get in the weeks or months of training needed to master the feat? There is no training times in D&D.
Lokiyn 05-03-07, 10:46 PM	Bind Vestige Bind Vestige, Improved Practiced Binder Malphas Poison Use Birds Eye Viewing Scouting potential is limitless.
Boondoggle 05-04-07, 12:07 AM	Interesting thought I had from another thread: Open Minded. This would actually grant the psicrystal skill points, though not having any class levels, everything would be cross-class. The psicrystal could then place ranks into speak language. This would allow it to speak more languages, and could be combined with Master Linguist (Races of Eberron) to great effect.
LordArchaon 05-04-07, 11:16 AM	Bind Vestige Bind Vestige, Improved Practiced Binder Malphas Poison Use Birds Eye Viewing Scouting potential is limitless. Someone told me before that psicrystals couldn't do it because they are not able to speak, but it appears now (because someone pointed out the text that says it) that they can actually, so yes: it's technically possible. It's only a little strange if you think about the situation: a crystal in front of an otherworldly creature, speaking about making a pact in order to gain special abilities...
Tempest Stormwind 05-04-07, 11:28 AM	Someone told me before that psicrystals couldn't do it because they are not able to speak, but it appears now (because someone pointed out the text that says it) that they can actually, so yes: it's technically possible. It's only a little strange if you think about the situation: a crystal in front of an otherworldly creature, speaking about making a pact in order to gain special abilities... That's because prior to level 5, psicrystals can only communicate telepathically with its master, and after level 5, it can only communicate telepathically period. Forming a pact requires you to call out the vestige's name and title after drawing the seal. It's said to be impossible in a Silence effect and similar, meaning it's keyed to sound. The psicrystal cannot actually SPEAK (it communicates telepathically). It'd be like getting a phone call from a mime.
Kanachi 05-04-07, 11:40 AM	Though I would agree with Tempest that a psicrystal should probably not be able to speak (as it makes sense to me) the information provided by the rules never actually says they are unable to speak, in fact quite the contrary. The rules as read state: A psicrystal can speak one language of its owner’s choice (so long as it is a language the owner knows). A psicrystal can understand all other languages known by its owner, but cannot speak them. This is a supernatural ability. just because a psicrytal can communicate telepathically it, by the rules provided, certainly does not need to. Therefore it is capable of performing any action requiring speech.
Racinante 05-04-07, 11:44 AM	Beat me to it. Thanks Kanachi.
FeceMan 05-05-07, 02:03 AM	Improved toughness is nice for Con-deficient constructs. Also, for those debating the use of vestiges: just [I]metamorph the damn thing into a parrot.
Bernat 05-09-07, 03:18 PM	Read the FAQ and understand the logic... so, given this... what feats are ideal for it? I'm going to play a psion soon, and there are two paths that my psicrystal may follow. I still haven't decided which one it will take. (Levels at which your crystal takes these feats can vary at your option) The Scouting Psicrystal Feats: 1: Alertness 3: Track 6: Improved Initiative 9: Cloack Dance 12: Dodge 15: Mobility 18: Run (Improved Flight?) The Manifesting Psicrystal Feats: 1: Hidden Talent (psionic minor creation) 3: Improved Initiative 6: Psionic Meditation 9: Psionic Talent (+2) 12: Psionic Talent (+3) 15: Psionic Talent (+4) 18: Quicken Power You can change Psionic Talent with other metapsionic feats, or even power penetration. This build is done thinking of epic levels, when a psion starts picking Psicrystal Power (http://www.roles.es/sovelior_sage_srd/epicFeats.html#psicrystal-power)feats and gives his psicrystal a power point reserve to spend in level 8 and lower powers. Other powers I find useful for picking with hidden talent are empathy, know direction and location, sense link, and synesthete.
Enchanter_Tom 05-09-07, 05:26 PM	Shouldn't your third Hidden Talent be +4?
Rageheart 05-09-07, 05:40 PM	Oooo.... good Idea. More Psicrystal Feat Build trees! The Sniper* Psicrystal Feats: 1: Point Blank Shot 3: Wild (or Hidden) Talent 6: Psionic Shot 9: Precise Shot 12: Psionic Meditation 15: Greater Psionic Shot 18: Fell Shot (*great for delivering those ranged powers for you if your Dex sucks, and tacks 4d6+1 on to your damage)
Bernat 05-09-07, 06:04 PM	Shouldn't your third Hidden Talent be +4?Yes, thank you :). Oooo.... good Idea. More Psicrystal Feat Build trees! (*great for delivering those ranged powers for you if your Dex sucks, and tacks 4d6+1 on to your damage)I was thinking of this one as well, but I thought that when a psion manifests a power through his crystal, he uses his attack bonus and all, but the power manifests from the crystal. Good to know I was wrong :). BTW, I think you must take Hidden Talent at first level, which won't make a difference anyway, since you can swap it for Pointblank Shot.
awaken_D_M_golem 05-09-07, 06:04 PM	re: The Manifesting Psicrystal has to have an 11 in a casting stat, or an 11 in Cha, to use Hidden Talent. "Robe" of Cha+2. I pulled this from The Big Guy Is With Me. Bumping this old thread. I'm assuming that the Improved Psycrystal feat doesn't give the Psicrystal extra HD (honestly, I don't think a DM would allow that anyways). That still leaves 7 feats to work with. Something that struck me as useful was the Underfoot Combat line of feats. The only problem is getting Tumble up to 10 ranks (in-class skills from race are Climb, Listen, Move Silently, Search, Spot). This isn't a big issue, though, if your psion is a human with Able-Learner, and one class with Tumble in-class to start out, as the Psicrystal "has the same skill ranks as his master". 1 Deadly Defense 3 Weapon Finesse 6 Improved Unarmed Strike 9 Underfoot Combat 12 Confound the Big folk 15 Combat Expertise 18 Improved Trip Now, you use compression on the little guy, and comically trip everyone that isn't tiny or fine. Use Improved Unarmed Strike for iterative attacks, along with Deadly Defense for d6 damage. AC without magic items will be 33 (unless I calc'd wrong), bonus to trip will be only +8, but no size mod goes against it (ie, you have a 50% trip chance against anything up to 26 dex or str). Magic Items can improve that somewhat. Likewise, giving the little guy Assasin's Stance and Deadly Defense will improve his damage output a lot, and won't lose a manifestor level. Why can't Psicrystals take class levels? I always liked the idea of Reach Spell feat adapted to psionics. Of course this is on the -Festers side of things. All of those touch powers can now be rays. Why does the -Fester and the Psicrystal have to be "isolated" in their optimization? They could be a Tag Team.
Racinante 05-09-07, 06:13 PM	I was thinking of this one as well, but I thought that when a psion manifests a power through his crystal, he uses his attack bonus and all, but the power manifests from the crystal. Good to know I was wrong :). Actually, you were correct. The only time the psicrystal uses his attack bonuses is when he is the "toucher" for purposes of delivering a touch power pre-epic. Once the psicrystal gains a power, then it uses its attack routine for any power it manifests.
Bernat 05-09-07, 06:36 PM	re: The Manifesting Psicrystal has to have an 11 in a casting stat, or an 11 in Cha, to use Hidden Talent. "Robe" of Cha+2. Well, I guess it will have to bump his 4th HD ability score adjustment into Charisma.
LordArchaon 05-09-07, 10:09 PM	Actually, you were correct. The only time the psicrystal uses his attack bonuses is when he is the "toucher" for purposes of delivering a touch power pre-epic. Once the psicrystal gains a power, then it uses its attack routine for any power it manifests. So Psionic Fist would do well, I guess! Good to know!
Rageheart 05-10-07, 10:16 AM	So Psionic Fist would do well, I guess! Good to know! except you need a STR of 13 for that correct?
LordArchaon 05-10-07, 11:07 AM	except you need a STR of 13 for that correct? Oops...
Rageheart 05-10-07, 01:03 PM	Trust me, I was all about a Melee Frontliner Psicrystal build... Unfortunately, all the decent melee feats seem to have a STR prereq. The Frontliner* Psicrystal Feats: 1: Combat Reflexes 3: Weapon Finesse 6: Mobility 9: Dodge 12: Spring Attack 15: Improved Unarmed Strike 18: Stunning Fist (*great for delivering those Touch powers for you)
PhaedrusXY 05-10-07, 04:55 PM	Trust me, I was all about a Melee Frontliner Psicrystal build... Unfortunately, all the decent melee feats seem to have a STR prereq.Give it a Skin of Proteus. :P
CrimsonDeath 05-10-07, 06:42 PM	Very DM dependent whether this works or not. While I would allow it as a dm not all do. The rules in 3.5 are somewhat silent on the issue. It is easier with bonuses that are effectively temporary but that actually last for the majority of the time you are active. At a minute per level that is pushing it for duration, I would likely make someone manifest it several times a day specifically to train with it during down times. According to the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#prerequisites), you must meet a feat's prerequisites to select or use that feat. I'd say that means that, if you don't meet the prerequisites either naturally or using a permanent magical effect, you don't even have the opportunity to choose it.
Enchanter_Tom 05-10-07, 06:46 PM	Weapon finesse requires +1 BAB.
LordArchaon 05-10-07, 10:56 PM	Only two words: DRACONIC AURA. (Dragon Magic) The character level requirement is met since the psicrystal has HDs. And just think about how useful can it be. Other good "presence-related" feats may be Necromantic Presence and Necromantic Might (Libris Mortis), for necromancers with a few psionic class levels. Good utility feats (those that your chracters never take...) can be Appraise Magic Value, Jack of All Trades, and Quick Reconnoiter, all from Complete Adventurer.
Mesiolan 05-11-07, 06:56 AM	I think there are some host feats in Complete Psionics, which allow the manifestation of a single power/day, at half your HD as manifester level. Then you have a manifesting psicrystal. Take Hidden Talent for a PP reserve, Expanded Knowledge for a power of lower level than the host feat powers, and go for a manifesting crystal with augmentable powers. IIRC there are similar feats in Hyperconscious (Latent Power or of similar name).
Rageheart 05-11-07, 10:11 AM	Weapon finesse requires +1 BAB. Fixed. I think there are some host feats in Complete Psionics, which allow the manifestation of a single power/day, at half your HD as manifester level. Then you have a manifesting psicrystal. PsiCrystals cannot qualify for Host feats because Host feats have a fluff requirement of a secondary soul of spirit that cohabitates the character's body. Host Feats are a subset of Psionic feats.... this would imply that you must have a PP Pool of at least 1.
Enchanter_Tom 05-11-07, 11:04 AM	Too bad improved toughness doesn't stack with itself.
Lokiyn 05-11-07, 11:59 AM	Incorrect, Psicrystals Can qualify for host feats if you are willing to jump through enough hoops. It takes some doing but it can be done, its often not worth the trouble, but it can be done.
Rageheart 05-11-07, 12:07 PM	what hoops will allow your Psicrystal to meet the Fluff requirement? (and don't tell me DM intervention...)
LordArchaon 05-11-07, 12:36 PM	what hoops will allow your Psicrystal to meet the Fluff requirement? (and don't tell me DM intervention...) I always intended them in a different way... I think that they ARE or REPRESENT the "second soul" so they actually create people a bit like Kalashtar. I mean, a Kalashtar already has a host... Why giving him "another one" by the means of a host feat?
InkBlot 05-11-07, 12:59 PM	Jumping through hoops? What? Giving your psicrystal a [host] feat is a lot like taking the Improved Psicyrstal feat. The difference is that instead of implanting a fragment of your personality, you're implanting a copy of your basic soul. In order to do this the psicrystal itself must by mentaly prepared (by taking Wild Talent) and willing (hence why it has to take the [host] feat, not you). Once your pet rock is hosting a true soul, instead of mere fragments of one, it has a greater source of power and inspiration to draw from. Alternatively, you could find an existant spirit and convince it that a fist-sized piece of mobile sentient crystal would make a nice home. There are no hoops here. I'm just following what was laid down in CPsi about [host] feats.
Rageheart 05-11-07, 03:04 PM	Jumping through hoops? What? Giving your psicrystal a [host] feat is a lot like taking the Improved Psicyrstal feat. The difference is that instead of implanting a fragment of your personality, you're implanting a copy of your basic soul. In order to do this the psicrystal itself must by mentaly prepared (by taking Wild Talent) and willing (hence why it has to take the [host] feat, not you). Once your pet rock is hosting a true soul, instead of mere fragments of one, it has a greater source of power and inspiration to draw from. That is an intresting interpretation of the situation, however not one that is supported by the rules in any of the feats you mentioned. The Host feats require you to have an already existing cohabitating spirit BEFORE you can take the feat. You would have to talk your DM into allowing this as a house rule. Alternatively, you could find an existant spirit and convince it that a fist-sized piece of mobile sentient crystal would make a nice home. This would work well and satisfy the requirements, however finding said spirit, and convincing it are the trick... As you would have to get the DM to provide you with a cooperative spirit this is also subject to DM approval...
Lokiyn 05-11-07, 03:06 PM	The basic argument hinges on wether or not you need to be hosting a psionic entity before you can take the feats or not. If you don't then any psicrystal can snag host feats thus attracting a psionic entity powering the feat. If So, then you need to find a way for the psicrystal to host an entity before it takes the feat to qualify. If you view it as augmenting an existing host it ends once your manipulation is over, if you view it as attracting yet another entity than the new entity allows the crystal to continue to quallify even after your manipulations end. Possession Rules Magic Jar+Humanoid Essence+Feat Leech maybe one or two more that i can't think of atm.
shion 05-21-07, 03:46 PM	What about mindsight form Lord of Madness, the psicrystal gets telepathy Telepathic Speech (Ex) If the owner is 5th level or higher, the psicrystal can communicate telepathically with any creature that has a language and is within 30 feet of the psicrystal, while the psicrystal is also within 1 mile of the owner.
Kanachi 05-21-07, 09:14 PM	mindsight is very usefull, i use it for my psicrystal
Magon 05-22-07, 02:29 AM	i use it for my blind psion awakend cat PC
LordArchaon 05-30-07, 01:46 PM	Look at the wonderful Soulspinner (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=690992) class by LordPendragon: with the Soulspinner Feats a psicrystal can actually get the abilties of the class. That plus Mindsight = perfect psicrystal.
ck2001wendt 06-12-07, 08:56 AM	Both of which imply slightly more interaction with the environment than a crystal can do. ... Maneuvers require, naturally, combat forms, stances, and positions, which a psicrystal simply cannot perform. It's assumed that a creature has a mobile, physical body capable of performing most of those maneuvers. (At least as I understand it; my ToB is CONTINUALLY delayed in shipping...). By the RAW, this is not true. pg. 38: "To initiate a manuever or stance, you must be able to move." Not a problem for a PsiCrystal. The real problem for a PsiCrystal is that your Initiator level is dependent on your Class Level, and technically a PsiCrystal doesn't have Class Levels...it has Racial Hit Dice. It has a Character Level = HD, but no Class Levels. Were it legal, the obvious use for ToB for a PsiCrystal is to take a combination of Martial Study and Martial Stance, all from the White Raven Discipline. At 18th level, you are capable of taking 5th level Maneuvers/Stances.
ck2001wendt 06-12-07, 09:16 AM	Whoever said Draconic Aura made a great find. Draconic Aura x2 and Double Draconic Aura: I like the Auras that grant a +1 to overcome SR/PR, the one that grants +1 to Spot/Listen/Init, the one that grants +1 Fort and the one that grants DR 1. All work for every ally within 30 ft. Other good feats: -"Distracting Attack" from the MiniHB. Regardless of whether your melee attack is successful, you grant a +1 Circ to your allies attacks for one round. -The SLA feats from Complete Arcane allow you to turn your PsiCrystal into a rechargable Wand: Insightful (Det. Secret Doors and Det. Magic 1/day), and Spell Hand (Mage Hand, Open/Close and Tenser's Disk) are the best. In general, the best PsiCrystal feats are those that: 1. Can be used to boost you; or 2. Have a passive area effect that helps your party; or 3. Allow your Psicrystal to attack without getting damaged (Spring Attack). The "Sucker Punch" Crystal Wording on "Character Level" is a little shaky, but a Crystal's HD should count towards their "Character Level" for the purposes of adjudicating Superior Unarmed Strike (TOB). 1: Improved Unarmed Strike 3: Wpn. Finesse 6: Superior Unarmed Strike 9: Improved Natural Attack 12: Dodge 15: Mobility 18: Spring Attack Result: A Psicrystal that can deliver a 3d6-5 strike (SUS 2d6 + INA) 1/round as a Spring attack. Or you could go: 1: IUS 3: W. Finesse 6: Dodge 9: Mobility 12: Spring 15: Bounding Assault (PHB II) 18: Rapid Blitz (PHB II) Throw a melee touch attack on that bad boy, and he gets three attacks a round as a Springer (at +0/-5/-10).