What is the Iconic Psionic Power? [Archive] - Wizards Community

What is the Iconic Psionic Power? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Tealgorthian
08-05-07, 11:40 PM I was thinking about this this afternoon.

What is the Iconic Psionic Power? I've always thought of Magic Missile as the Iconic Arcane Power.

Personally, I am gonna go with Crystal Shard. Its the most recognizable as Psionic.
calronmoonflower
08-05-07, 11:42 PM Mind Blast

You look at someone funny and they keel over.
Khan the Destroyer
08-05-07, 11:45 PM I'd say Read Thoughts/Mind Probe, Mind Thrust, and/or Telekinesis.

Actually, there's a lot.
Tealgorthian
08-05-07, 11:50 PM I'd say Read Thoughts/Mind Probe, Mind Thrust, and/or Telekinesis.

Actually, there's a lot.

There's technically alot of Arcane ones, too.

Fireball. Lightning Bolt. Wish.
BloodSpill
08-05-07, 11:52 PM 1. You look at the person funny.

2. His or her eyes roll upwards and he ir she falls to the ground, dead.

(Deceberate, Recall Death, Urge Extermination, Psychic Crush, Crisis of Life)
Crimson_Concerto
08-05-07, 11:55 PM Telekinesis for me.
JulesCARV
08-06-07, 12:40 AM Mindlink.
Tealgorthian
08-06-07, 12:42 AM Telekinesis for me.

I have a problem with Telekinesis. Its a Arcane spell too. It doesn't scream "I am Psionic" when you use it.
Halaku
08-06-07, 12:57 AM I'm going to have to go with mind blast and its ilk, nothing screams psionic more then a death glare that actualy works.
InkBlot
08-06-07, 02:38 AM Mind Blast

But that's just "iconic D&D psion." It's not what I think of when I think of what an iconic psionic character can do, like Charlie or Ness. Each of the six disciplines has something which my idea of an iconic psi user would be able to do.

Sensitivity to psychic impressions
Read thoughts
Control flames
Claws of the beast
Astral construct
Astral caravan

There are more, but those are the ones that really stick out.
AntiDjinn
08-06-07, 02:58 AM If you need it to be an effect that is unique to psionics (no equivalent in arcane, divine, incarnum, true naming, etc.) then that would be Mind Seed. But it is hardly common, even at higher levels. For it to be the first thing that comes to people's minds when someone says "psionics" would require a very dark or even apocalyptic world; the kind where people actually take Iron Will as routine feat.

At lower levels it would probably be Read Thoughts. People who don't trust psionics are always going to be paranoid that some sneaky telepath is reading their thoughts. Nothing engenders paranoia like the notion that even your thoughts are not private. Even folk who have never seen psionics in action will think of this if you mention that a character is a telepath.
ck2001wendt
08-06-07, 08:21 AM Ego Whip, Energy Missile, or Intellect Fortress.
Suldarr'essalar
08-06-07, 04:17 PM I'd go with mind(psionic) blast, or aversion. Either way a telepathy power.
The_Shaman
08-06-07, 04:25 PM Probably mindblast. Astral construct or psionic dominate could be iconic as well, depending on what you think of when you think "psionics."
TheAnthroDM
08-06-07, 04:30 PM I'm going to have to go with Astral Construct, and I think Fireball is more iconic than magic missle. The iconic divine spell wasn't asked for but I think thats CLW.
ShaRd2000
08-06-07, 05:54 PM Illithids... which in turn means PSIONIC BLAST!
Thomar_of_Uointer
08-06-07, 11:18 PM I'm going to have to go with mind thrust. However, as stated above, there is no really iconic power due to the six disciplines. Here's my pick:

tornado blast
mind seed
astral construct
metamorphosis
temporal acceleration
remote viewing
castlemike
08-06-07, 11:27 PM Energy Missile the new improved Magic Missile.
Thot
08-07-07, 03:21 AM I would have to go with Mindlink (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/mindlink.htm), for me. It's sooo Pr X signature power...
Guroth the Forsaken
08-07-07, 12:33 PM Mind Thrust, all the way.
AdventChild
08-07-07, 12:59 PM i dont know you guys but when i hear arcane first spell that comes to mind is either magic missile or fireball. When i think divine i think cure *** wounds. Now when it comes to psionics... its hard to say i think of this or that power.
Omen_of_Peace
08-07-07, 03:53 PM I would have to go with Mindlink (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/mindlink.htm)

Seconded. On my list telepathy (literal telepathy) comes first, telekinesis second. Yes, I'm not very imaginative.
HatofZarek
08-08-07, 11:26 AM I'd say Concussion Blast. it hits automatically, and it can solve all of my problems.
carnivore
08-08-07, 12:32 PM id say:

Ego Whip
Astral Construct

:D
sijigs
08-08-07, 05:39 PM Mindlink (Professor X, baby!) or Telekinesis (Phoenix).. LOL

But on our group unfortunately the most 'iconic' power is Synchronicity because of a previous player misconstruing the power to gain multiple standard action per round - which ****** everyone off after finding out this was complete crap. :mad:
CrimsonDeath
08-08-07, 08:49 PM Telekinesis
Odd, that the iconic psionic power is an arcane spell...

Anyway, I don't think there can be one iconic psionic power, because there are so many different iconic varieties of psionics. I think that Mindlink is probably the single power with the greatest classic psionic feel, but Telekinetic Thrust/Maneuver/Force would be a good candidate for another classic branch of psionic abilities, and Matter Agitation/Control Flame would cover a third one.
Irving
08-08-07, 09:08 PM Define "Iconic".

If you mean "iconic" as in "the power that defines psionics in Dungeons and Dragons", I've got nine for you.

Conceal Thoughts, Mind Thrust, Ego Whip, Id Insinuation, Thought Shield, Mental Barrier, Intellect Fortress, Mind Blast, and Tower of Iron Will.

As best as I can recall, those were the attack and defense modes from AD&D, way back in the day when Psionics was a one-in-a-hundred random add on to your character as opposed to a class.
MindFlayerZoidberg
08-08-07, 09:23 PM I am surprised no one has mentioned it, though it is from the CP, I am going to have to go with Cranial Deluge.

Using only the power of your mind, you make someones head freaking explode, which is more dramatic/cool then stunning them for 6 to 24 seconds.

The definition of Psionic: pertaining to the telepathic, psychic, or paranormal. However, arcane has all of that covered. I do see Mind Blast as the quintessential Psionic power, but Cranial Deluge as the Iconic Psionic power.
lucas_william
08-08-07, 09:43 PM I'd have to say Mind/Psionic Blast because of Illithids and the history of the power (1st ed. though 3.5 ed.).
DisposableHero_
08-08-07, 09:56 PM going by discipline:

Kineticist: Telekinetic Maneuver/Thrust/Force
Egoist: Metamorphosis
Telepath: Dominate/Suggestion
Nomad: Dimension Door/Slide/Swap
Shaper: Astral Construct
Seer: Remote Viewing

Now aside from astral construct these all exist in some form or another in arcane magic, but they are still effects that are iconic examples of the psionic disciplines because they are what you expect out of them:

A kineticist is going to use his mind to create force
An Egoist is going to shapeshift
A Telepath is going to bend minds to his will
A Nomad is going to teleport all over the place
A Shaper is going to creating things
A Seer is going to see/know things he shouldn't be able to
Dragonlord20000
08-08-07, 09:59 PM I surprised no one said Mind Switch yet, its really what comes to my mind.
sijigs
08-08-07, 10:56 PM Odd, that the iconic psionic power is an arcane spell...

Well, I just thought about it from a visual standpoint.

Wizards = blasting lightning, Gandalf and his staff (casting whatever lame light spell that was.. LOL)

Psions = mind reading, telekinesis, the Shadow and shards of glass (remember that?)

Clerics = healing etc
Slagger the Chuul
08-08-07, 11:15 PM If I had to pick a single power in a manner most equivalent to magic missile, I'd go with mind thrust. It has a thoroughly psionic flavour combined with a potent attack; my personal description of the result usually has the target bleeding from their ears, nose, or eyes (in that preferred order).
Ryuoch
08-08-07, 11:48 PM Psions = mind reading, telekinesis, the Shadow and shards of glass (remember that?)

And Heads Exploding.... What no Scanners love?
Jhaelen
08-09-07, 05:01 AM Conceal Thoughts, Mind Thrust, Ego Whip, Id Insinuation, Thought Shield, Mental Barrier, Intellect Fortress, Mind Blast, and Tower of Iron Will.

As best as I can recall, those were the attack and defense modes from AD&D, way back in the day when Psionics was a one-in-a-hundred random add on to your character as opposed to a class.You forgot Psychic Crush. Also, IIRC it was Mind Blank, rather than Conceal Thoughts.

IMHO, Telepathy, Telekinesis and Teleport are the iconic psionic powers. These psionic powers were considered so potent that arcane casters researched spells that had an equivalent effect. Psionics clearly came before magic!
HatofZarek
08-09-07, 05:00 PM Intellect Bomb! the short descripiton in CPs is "casuses targets head to explode."
Tinari
08-10-07, 11:39 AM When a problem comes along... ego whip it...
Raymond_Luxury_Yacht
08-11-07, 02:46 PM Mind Thrust. It is the first head explody power available.
skydragonknight
08-12-07, 07:59 PM Expansion, Hustle, Form of Doom...
Nifft
08-12-07, 08:03 PM In my games? Time hop. Cool and versatile.

Cheers, -- N
Bowmore
08-13-07, 10:22 AM I'm gonna jump on the bandwagon and go with mind thrust as well. Here's how my "iconic" list goes:

Arcane: Magic Missile
Divine: Cure Light Wounds
Psionic: Mind Thrust

Note that these are all level 1.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tealgorthian 08-05-07, 11:40 PM	I was thinking about this this afternoon. What is the Iconic Psionic Power? I've always thought of Magic Missile as the Iconic Arcane Power. Personally, I am gonna go with Crystal Shard. Its the most recognizable as Psionic.
calronmoonflower 08-05-07, 11:42 PM	Mind Blast You look at someone funny and they keel over.
Khan the Destroyer 08-05-07, 11:45 PM	I'd say Read Thoughts/Mind Probe, Mind Thrust, and/or Telekinesis. Actually, there's a lot.
Tealgorthian 08-05-07, 11:50 PM	I'd say Read Thoughts/Mind Probe, Mind Thrust, and/or Telekinesis. Actually, there's a lot. There's technically alot of Arcane ones, too. Fireball. Lightning Bolt. Wish.
BloodSpill 08-05-07, 11:52 PM	1. You look at the person funny. 2. His or her eyes roll upwards and he ir she falls to the ground, dead. (Deceberate, Recall Death, Urge Extermination, Psychic Crush, Crisis of Life)
Crimson_Concerto 08-05-07, 11:55 PM	Telekinesis for me.
JulesCARV 08-06-07, 12:40 AM	Mindlink.
Tealgorthian 08-06-07, 12:42 AM	Telekinesis for me. I have a problem with Telekinesis. Its a Arcane spell too. It doesn't scream "I am Psionic" when you use it.
Halaku 08-06-07, 12:57 AM	I'm going to have to go with mind blast and its ilk, nothing screams psionic more then a death glare that actualy works.
InkBlot 08-06-07, 02:38 AM	Mind Blast But that's just "iconic D&D psion." It's not what I think of when I think of what an iconic psionic character can do, like Charlie or Ness. Each of the six disciplines has something which my idea of an iconic psi user would be able to do. Sensitivity to psychic impressions Read thoughts Control flames Claws of the beast Astral construct Astral caravan There are more, but those are the ones that really stick out.
AntiDjinn 08-06-07, 02:58 AM	If you need it to be an effect that is unique to psionics (no equivalent in arcane, divine, incarnum, true naming, etc.) then that would be Mind Seed. But it is hardly common, even at higher levels. For it to be the first thing that comes to people's minds when someone says "psionics" would require a very dark or even apocalyptic world; the kind where people actually take Iron Will as routine feat. At lower levels it would probably be Read Thoughts. People who don't trust psionics are always going to be paranoid that some sneaky telepath is reading their thoughts. Nothing engenders paranoia like the notion that even your thoughts are not private. Even folk who have never seen psionics in action will think of this if you mention that a character is a telepath.
ck2001wendt 08-06-07, 08:21 AM	Ego Whip, Energy Missile, or Intellect Fortress.
Suldarr'essalar 08-06-07, 04:17 PM	I'd go with mind(psionic) blast, or aversion. Either way a telepathy power.
The_Shaman 08-06-07, 04:25 PM	Probably mindblast. Astral construct or psionic dominate could be iconic as well, depending on what you think of when you think "psionics."
TheAnthroDM 08-06-07, 04:30 PM	I'm going to have to go with Astral Construct, and I think Fireball is more iconic than magic missle. The iconic divine spell wasn't asked for but I think thats CLW.
ShaRd2000 08-06-07, 05:54 PM	Illithids... which in turn means PSIONIC BLAST!
Thomar_of_Uointer 08-06-07, 11:18 PM	I'm going to have to go with mind thrust. However, as stated above, there is no really iconic power due to the six disciplines. Here's my pick: tornado blast mind seed astral construct metamorphosis temporal acceleration remote viewing
castlemike 08-06-07, 11:27 PM	Energy Missile the new improved Magic Missile.
Thot 08-07-07, 03:21 AM	I would have to go with Mindlink (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/mindlink.htm), for me. It's sooo Pr X signature power...
Guroth the Forsaken 08-07-07, 12:33 PM	Mind Thrust, all the way.
AdventChild 08-07-07, 12:59 PM	i dont know you guys but when i hear arcane first spell that comes to mind is either magic missile or fireball. When i think divine i think cure *** wounds. Now when it comes to psionics... its hard to say i think of this or that power.
Omen_of_Peace 08-07-07, 03:53 PM	I would have to go with Mindlink (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/mindlink.htm) Seconded. On my list telepathy (literal telepathy) comes first, telekinesis second. Yes, I'm not very imaginative.
HatofZarek 08-08-07, 11:26 AM	I'd say Concussion Blast. it hits automatically, and it can solve all of my problems.
carnivore 08-08-07, 12:32 PM	id say: Ego Whip Astral Construct :D
sijigs 08-08-07, 05:39 PM	Mindlink (Professor X, baby!) or Telekinesis (Phoenix).. LOL But on our group unfortunately the most 'iconic' power is Synchronicity because of a previous player misconstruing the power to gain multiple standard action per round - which ****** everyone off after finding out this was complete crap. :mad:
CrimsonDeath 08-08-07, 08:49 PM	Telekinesis Odd, that the iconic psionic power is an arcane spell... Anyway, I don't think there can be one iconic psionic power, because there are so many different iconic varieties of psionics. I think that Mindlink is probably the single power with the greatest classic psionic feel, but Telekinetic Thrust/Maneuver/Force would be a good candidate for another classic branch of psionic abilities, and Matter Agitation/Control Flame would cover a third one.
Irving 08-08-07, 09:08 PM	Define "Iconic". If you mean "iconic" as in "the power that defines psionics in Dungeons and Dragons", I've got nine for you. Conceal Thoughts, Mind Thrust, Ego Whip, Id Insinuation, Thought Shield, Mental Barrier, Intellect Fortress, Mind Blast, and Tower of Iron Will. As best as I can recall, those were the attack and defense modes from AD&D, way back in the day when Psionics was a one-in-a-hundred random add on to your character as opposed to a class.
MindFlayerZoidberg 08-08-07, 09:23 PM	I am surprised no one has mentioned it, though it is from the CP, I am going to have to go with Cranial Deluge. Using only the power of your mind, you make someones head freaking explode, which is more dramatic/cool then stunning them for 6 to 24 seconds. The definition of Psionic: pertaining to the telepathic, psychic, or paranormal. However, arcane has all of that covered. I do see Mind Blast as the quintessential Psionic power, but Cranial Deluge as the Iconic Psionic power.
lucas_william 08-08-07, 09:43 PM	I'd have to say Mind/Psionic Blast because of Illithids and the history of the power (1st ed. though 3.5 ed.).
DisposableHero_ 08-08-07, 09:56 PM	going by discipline: Kineticist: Telekinetic Maneuver/Thrust/Force Egoist: Metamorphosis Telepath: Dominate/Suggestion Nomad: Dimension Door/Slide/Swap Shaper: Astral Construct Seer: Remote Viewing Now aside from astral construct these all exist in some form or another in arcane magic, but they are still effects that are iconic examples of the psionic disciplines because they are what you expect out of them: A kineticist is going to use his mind to create force An Egoist is going to shapeshift A Telepath is going to bend minds to his will A Nomad is going to teleport all over the place A Shaper is going to creating things A Seer is going to see/know things he shouldn't be able to
Dragonlord20000 08-08-07, 09:59 PM	I surprised no one said Mind Switch yet, its really what comes to my mind.
sijigs 08-08-07, 10:56 PM	Odd, that the iconic psionic power is an arcane spell... Well, I just thought about it from a visual standpoint. Wizards = blasting lightning, Gandalf and his staff (casting whatever lame light spell that was.. LOL) Psions = mind reading, telekinesis, the Shadow and shards of glass (remember that?) Clerics = healing etc
Slagger the Chuul 08-08-07, 11:15 PM	If I had to pick a single power in a manner most equivalent to magic missile, I'd go with mind thrust. It has a thoroughly psionic flavour combined with a potent attack; my personal description of the result usually has the target bleeding from their ears, nose, or eyes (in that preferred order).
Ryuoch 08-08-07, 11:48 PM	Psions = mind reading, telekinesis, the Shadow and shards of glass (remember that?) And Heads Exploding.... What no Scanners love?
Jhaelen 08-09-07, 05:01 AM	Conceal Thoughts, Mind Thrust, Ego Whip, Id Insinuation, Thought Shield, Mental Barrier, Intellect Fortress, Mind Blast, and Tower of Iron Will. As best as I can recall, those were the attack and defense modes from AD&D, way back in the day when Psionics was a one-in-a-hundred random add on to your character as opposed to a class.You forgot Psychic Crush. Also, IIRC it was Mind Blank, rather than Conceal Thoughts. IMHO, Telepathy, Telekinesis and Teleport are the iconic psionic powers. These psionic powers were considered so potent that arcane casters researched spells that had an equivalent effect. Psionics clearly came before magic!
HatofZarek 08-09-07, 05:00 PM	Intellect Bomb! the short descripiton in CPs is "casuses targets head to explode."
Tinari 08-10-07, 11:39 AM	When a problem comes along... ego whip it...
Raymond_Luxury_Yacht 08-11-07, 02:46 PM	Mind Thrust. It is the first head explody power available.
skydragonknight 08-12-07, 07:59 PM	Expansion, Hustle, Form of Doom...
Nifft 08-12-07, 08:03 PM	In my games? Time hop. Cool and versatile. Cheers, -- N
Bowmore 08-13-07, 10:22 AM	I'm gonna jump on the bandwagon and go with mind thrust as well. Here's how my "iconic" list goes: Arcane: Magic Missile Divine: Cure Light Wounds Psionic: Mind Thrust Note that these are all level 1.