Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MyNameForevermore 07-12-07, 01:41 PM	Just a quick question. In the item description under the specific "Psion Disintegration" ability of the item, it says that a "Psionic Target" is destroyed. Would "Psionic Target" mean something inherently psionic or would it include characters with psionic class levels?
Deekin 07-12-07, 01:43 PM	Any psionics item or any creature with power points or psi-like abilities.
Sivadguod 07-12-07, 01:45 PM	I've always read that as both. But you could take it even farther by saying there is no restriction from any race to take levels in a psionic class. Therefore it will work against any living (or undead) creature you come across. It just won't work on objects though. At least I don't think so ....
Witch 07-12-07, 02:09 PM	But you could take it even farther And you'd be wrong. The thing deals with psionic creatures. I believe a psionic creature is defined where it's described who can take psionic feats.
Sivadguod 07-12-07, 02:24 PM	Then I guess I've read it wrong then. And I'm at work without the XPH in front of me. Thanks for the correction. If you have that definition, it would probably help MNF with his question.
Psionx 07-12-07, 03:36 PM	Annulus This artifact is the ultimate psionic nullifier. Forged to keep enemies of vast psionic power at bay, the Annulus is an artifact that any psionic being should fear. It has been forgotten in the modern age, and merely finding it would precipitate a great upheaval across the planes. The Annulus is a 1-foot-diameter ring of silvery material. Tiny slots, antennae, spheres, and other intricate projections decorate the exterior of the hoop; however, two smoothed lengths of the ring provide an adequate surface for grasping the item. The Annulus has several powers, all of which require a wielder to tightly grasp the ring with at least one hand. When it is first grasped, knowledge of the artifact’s powers immediately flood the wielder’s mind. The wielder can access all powers of the Annulus at manifester level 20th. * The Annulus generates a continuous catapsi effect within a 100-foot-radius of the wielder (who is unaffected). * The wielder gains a +4 enhancement bonus on any attempt to resist an effect that deals ability damage. * Once per day, the wielder can trigger ultrablast as a standard action. * Three times per day, as a standard action, the wielder can trigger an effect similar to psionic dimensional anchor that affects all creatures in a 50-foot radius. The primary power of the Annulus, however, is psionic nullification. Once per year, the wielder can trigger this effect as a special action requiring 10 rounds of continuous concentration to complete. The wielder specifies a target or targets within a 100-foot radius, ranging from a specific psionic individual or item to a group of psionic beings that share the same philosophy. The nullification effect is accompanied by blasts of light, heat, and sound from the Annulus. Nonpsionic creatures and items are unaffected, as are nontargeted beings, but any psionic target—regardless of any protection it may possess—disintegrates in a terrific explosion. Nothing is left but floating dust. It is relatively easy to nullify a single target or a small group of targets, but nullifying a more powerful being (such as a demigod or greater entity) or another major artifact taxes the Annulus to its limits. If it is used to nullify such a target, the artifact succeeds but is destroyed in the process and cannot be retrieved by any means. Its on d20srd so its ok to post it.
MyNameForevermore 07-12-07, 04:19 PM	Ah, excellent. Mostly that answers my question, as most of you seem to agree with Deekin's analysis of a "psionic creature". I'm a bit new to psionics (since I'm not particularly fond of them and the only reason I need to learn about them is because one of my players sweet-talked me into making a psion. Talented feat+Metamind PRC=Overkill), so that's why I'm asking. This brings me to my second question. The main villain in my campaign is a Mind Flayer (now using the psionic mind flayer template in the XPH), and he despises the PC using the psion class because they are the only two creatures in my entire world capable of using Psionic powers. The Mind Flayer has been leading the characters through my campaign by means of very powerful disguises and magic. I want the fight with him (which should be coming up in a matter of weeks) to be epic. Therefore, I'm wondering if allowing him access to the Annulus would be completely ridiculous, as he would have subjects do the ten rounds of concentration for him while he did battle with the PCs. Another idea I had was for the PCs (who have been hunting different specific artifacts for the campaign) to simply bring the Annulus to him as if part of another quest. On one hand, if the Mind Flayer doesn't acquire something like The Annulus to make himself a formidable opponent against the Psion, it may be far too easy a fight. But, on the other, if he acquired the Annulus, it would almost certainly mean a quick death for the Psion during the last battle of the campaign. That seems harsh to me. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Fleem 07-12-07, 05:51 PM	The annulus does seem a bit excessive. It depends on the power level of your campaign, and how you're going to play it. Is your flayer going to subject himself to the catapsi, too, or will you arrange it so only the party is affected? Is this all about the psionic showdown, or is there something for the other players, too? Will you give the player a heads-up that this is coming, or is there going to be some flunky in the back with his hands behind a desk (or just invisible?), until you slap the player with instadeath? If I was the player and saw it coming, I'd be looking real hard for ways to not be a valid target by the end of 10 rounds. Have you considered coming up with your own less Deus Ex (Ex Deus?) kind of artifact, rather than throwing in a god killer? Unless, of course, this is that level of game and the character is that important. Maybe something that drains power points (at an escalating rate), then uses the power to do something awful. The players then have to race to destroy it in a race against death or brainburn. Or make up some form of crippling uber-catapsi or negative levels/negative caster levels thing that leaves the character in the game, but limited to 3 or 5pp per manifestation. I guess what I'm saying is that "bang! you're dead" is not a proper cinematic ending.
MyNameForevermore 07-12-07, 07:35 PM	I guess what I'm saying is that "bang! you're dead" is not a proper cinematic ending. That's what I was thinking. It depends on the power level of your campaign, and how you're going to play it. Well, by this time all of the players are going to be level 20 or higher. Hopefully some will have taken epic feats and the Psion PC should be a bastion of power by this point. Is your flayer going to subject himself to the catapsi, too, or will you arrange it so only the party is affected? Will you give the player a heads-up that this is coming, or is there going to be some flunky in the back with his hands behind a desk (or just invisible?), until you slap the player with instadeath? I quoted these two together because they both semi-correspond to each other. No, there will not be an invisible flunky, but the Flayer will be accompanied by a lower level ally, who will be the one actually weilding the Annulus. For that reason, the Illithid and all other psionic creatures will be susceptable to the catapsi (including the PC). But, while the Flayer keeps the players (including the Psion) at bay, the ally will be concentrating, trying to power the Annulus so as to create insta-death. Have you considered coming up with your own less Deus Ex (Ex Deus?) kind of artifact, rather than throwing in a god killer? Unless, of course, this is that level of game and the character is that important. Maybe something that drains power points (at an escalating rate), then uses the power to do something awful. The players then have to race to destroy it in a race against death or brainburn. Or make up some form of crippling uber-catapsi or negative levels/negative caster levels thing that leaves the character in the game, but limited to 3 or 5pp per manifestation. This is an idea I hadn't thought of. Perhaps something akin to the Annulus (which was made by powerful Illithids, after all) could be in his posession. Perhaps when in the presence of this artifact it drains power points each round. Such as draining 2 the first round and then doubling the drain for each consecutive round until it has gathered 100 pp, at which time it becomes a sort of storehouse for power points for the Illithid... hmm... I think I like that! Your opinion on this and on the circumstances in which the Annulus would be used would be greatly appreciated.
Noodles2375 07-12-07, 09:08 PM	This is an idea I hadn't thought of. Perhaps something akin to the Annulus (which was made by powerful Illithids, after all) could be in his posession. Perhaps when in the presence of this artifact it drains power points each round. Such as draining 2 the first round and then doubling the drain for each consecutive round until it has gathered 100 pp, at which time it becomes a sort of storehouse for power points for the Illithid... hmm... I think I like that! You opinion on this and on the circumstances in which the Annulus would be used would be greatly appreciated. Considering that a 19 PP cognizance crystal is a MAJOR psionic item, I'd say that such a power as a primary function of a major artifact would probably be appropriate. Maybe it could do something like unleash its stored PP's for a "retributive strike" that only damages intelligent creatures (or psionic creatures if you want it that way) within a certain radius. Damage and size of radius are dependent on the stored PP of course. I can envision a pretty cool thing where the villain stays and fights long enough to power up this annulus then leaves to wipe clean some peaceful race of psi users. Nefarious, evil, powerful, all Yes's :)
MyNameForevermore 07-13-07, 01:01 AM	Maybe it could do something like unleash its stored PP's for a "retributive strike" that only damages intelligent creatures (or psionic creatures if you want it that way) within a certain radius. Damage and size of radius are dependent on the stored PP of course. That sounds like a good idea. I thought the "storehouse" idea of my own seemed a little weak, but then this idea (which I guess Fleem was alluding to as well) seems better. What type of effect would it be? Obviously force damage, but maybe the item functions like the "Final Strike" feat, or whatever it's called, where when the creature weilding it dies it expends all of the power points in an impressive explosion damaging those in a radius in feet equal to 75% of the stored power points. Damage could be a reflex save for half damage with a d10 for every 5 or ten power points saved up inside of it? Thoughts? Advice? Additions?
DracoPhoenix 07-13-07, 04:15 AM	I would have thought a race to the Annlus would have been a slightly better move - both for plot lines (PC has to get there first) and because it would be really nasty to turn round to the PC and say the BBEG has a device which is designed to kill him specifically. After all, when there's only two psionic creatures in the world, and you have an guaranteed insta kill, what's to stop the Illithid coming up on them in their sleep, with silence and invisibility and concentrating for a minute 95ft from the guys tent?
Rhonin the Big 07-13-07, 11:40 AM	Not to hijack the thread, but: Annulus This artifact is the ultimate psionic nullifier. Forged to keep enemies of vast psionic power at bay, the Annulus is an artifact that any psionic being should fear. It has been forgotten in the modern age, and merely finding it would precipitate a great upheaval across the planes. The Annulus is a 1-foot-diameter ring of silvery material. Tiny slots, antennae, spheres, and other intricate projections decorate the exterior of the hoop; however, two smoothed lengths of the ring provide an adequate surface for grasping the item. The Annulus has several powers, all of which require a wielder to tightly grasp the ring with at least one hand. When it is first grasped, knowledge of the artifact’s powers immediately flood the wielder’s mind. The wielder can access all powers of the Annulus at manifester level 20th. * The Annulus generates a continuous catapsi effect within a 100-foot-radius of the wielder (who is unaffected). * The wielder gains a +4 enhancement bonus on any attempt to resist an effect that deals ability damage. * Once per day, the wielder can trigger ultrablast as a standard action. * Three times per day, as a standard action, the wielder can trigger an effect similar to psionic dimensional anchor that affects all creatures in a 50-foot radius. The primary power of the Annulus, however, is psionic nullification. Once per year, the wielder can trigger this effect as a special action requiring 10 rounds of continuous concentration to complete. The wielder specifies a target or targets within a 100-foot radius, ranging from a specific psionic individual or item to a group of psionic beings that share the same philosophy. The nullification effect is accompanied by blasts of light, heat, and sound from the Annulus. Nonpsionic creatures and items are unaffected, as are nontargeted beings, but any psionic target—regardless of any protection it may possess—disintegrates in a terrific explosion. Nothing is left but floating dust. It is relatively easy to nullify a single target or a small group of targets, but nullifying a more powerful being (such as a demigod or greater entity) or another major artifact taxes the Annulus to its limits. If it is used to nullify such a target, the artifact succeeds but is destroyed in the process and cannot be retrieved by any means. Where do I find something like this for the ultimate divine magic nullifier?
Metafictional 07-13-07, 05:50 PM	Wait, did I hear you say that the troublemaker Psion is a METAMIND?!! You don't need to kill him, just let him take all 10 levels of the PrC. Suck for free, one minute a day!
Tsuul 07-13-07, 06:43 PM	MNF, would it be safe for me to post an idea on a possible route to take the anulus + BBEG + PC final fight? Or should I PM it to keep from player's eyes?
MyNameForevermore 07-13-07, 08:20 PM	MNF, would it be safe for me to post an idea on a possible route to take the anulus + BBEG + PC final fight? Or should I PM it to keep from player's eyes? That would be fine to post here, I doubt my players will be checking the psionics board for campaign hints (leastwise something in this topic). However, if some of my campaign is going to be revealed I guess I should tell everyone that as soon as the Flayer is slain, the players are going to face the REAL BBEG; a hell-god that was raised by the power of the artifacts the PCs have been collecting. However, he will not use the Annulus (or Semi-Annulus, as it were), only the Flayer would.
Legdiwena 07-14-07, 12:49 AM	semi-annulus?
BloodSpill 07-14-07, 02:55 PM	How do you semi-annul something? Do you nullify half of it? But just to hijack the thread... If you're worried about your psion going nova with the 10th level Metamind ability Font of Power, augmenting it with the feats Overchannel and Talented: He's not really gaining all that much. He's got 10 rounds of unlimited manifesting once per day, but that's only 220pp (with Practised Manifester) or 180pp (without) (and 33pp worth of other class abilities). He's lost 148pp just by taking Metamind. Not a huge deal, unless he's specifically designed to take maximum advantage of that nova, but then you've already got that covered with your 'REAL' BBEG revelation, haven't you? And there is always a little thing we call Glove of Invulnerability a.k.a. anti-talented-nova-spell. ;)
brothersutek 07-14-07, 10:41 PM	+++ One of the last campaigns I was in had the Annulus in it, we used it to stop one of the Lords of Dust from returning to power. Nice Eberron game, too bad that once we used it to "nullify" the Rajah in question the Annulus destroyed itself. Now how to stop the unending hordes of enemy minions who still think we have the darn thing! :help: Aahhhhh good times!
Mesiolan 07-16-07, 10:25 AM	In 2ed times we played the Illithid campaign "Dawn of the Overmind". It closes with a big BOOM from the annulus. The adventures are the source for the annulus idea. Really cool stuff. I still use the idea of an Illithid project to blot out the sun.
Zemyla 07-17-07, 02:08 PM	I still use the idea of an Illithid project to blot out the sun. Just teleport a box of brown mold into it. Also, an odd thing I realized is that by RAW, the Annulus can target itself.
awaken_D_M_golem 07-19-07, 07:06 PM	You could use the Annulus as an improvised weapon, seeing as how it takes the shield slot. That'd be a bad idea. The catapsi is widen widen augment. That's an epic effect. The +4 is a minor yawner. The ultrablast is 6*13*400=31200 gp. But not really in terms of overall effectiveness. The dimension anchor is shaped; perhaps a +2 level ~= 6th level effect. So, "pricewise", it's an epic item, and not as good as some easy custom stuff. If a Commoner 1 had this, what CR would you give him/her/it ??? An iconic 4 party of 4th level or less, might just be dead. If aelryinth's current Fighter build had this, would any caster be able to get a spell off? I'd say this gives a CR encounter of 3-6 more depending on the party it's used against. CR of +7 against a Psi-board party cause they'd all be dead. After the contigencies kick in, the now wised up party goes and kicks butt and has a prize. Fun.
Ganthrinor 07-20-07, 08:06 AM	* Once per day, the wielder can trigger ultrablast as a standard action. This is what NPC followers are for. "Ok, I want you guys to go beat up that farmer over there for us. We'd do it, but we're feeling a little lazy today, and besides, we don't want to hog all the fun. He's just a farmer with a fancy rock, don't worry about him. See you in a couple hours." Man I love NPCs and once-per-days!