Altering Common Races for Psionics? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Altering Common Races for Psionics? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Tim4488
07-12-07, 07:39 PM In my campaign world, there is a continent named Onth that was essentially flooded with psionic energy long, long ago. Ever since, most of the study of psionics has occurred there, the most powerful psions are there, etc etc. At the same time, arcane magic is virtually unknown, while divine magic is present but less emphasized.

Anyway, I feel like the races should have some sort of residual alteration from the psionic energy, or something along those lines. So, here's a few minor alterations I had in mind for six of the seven races in the PHB (I looked at the Half-orc and honestly just couldn't think of anything, nor could I think of a reason it'd be necessary). Good? Bad? Balanced? As per the XPH, racial bonus power points do not grant the ability to manifest powers, obviously.

Onth Humans
: No bonus skill points
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Humans in Onth are less generalized than those of other continents, but more naturally psionic.

Onth Gnomes
: No bonus on saves against Illusion spells or on Illusion spell DC's.
: 2 bonus power points at 1st level.
The loss is due to the lack of arcane magic on Onth. An Onth Gnome's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metacreativity (though Shaper is not the favored class, Psion is.)

Onth Halflings
: No bonus on Climb or Jump checks,
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Onth Halflings focus more on the mind than the body. (I'm considering making an Onth Halfling's favored class Lurk, but haven't made up my mind.)

Onth Dwarves
: No bonus on saves against spells or spell-like abilities
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Onth Dwarves have rarely had to resist traditional magic due to its minimal presence on the continent.
(Considering making an Onth Dwarf's favored class Psychic Warrior, again, undecided).

Onth Half-elves
: No bonus on Diplomacy or Gather Information,
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
The Half-elves of Onth prefer quiet study to the hustle and bustle of diplomacy.

I had a couple different ideas for elves. One was to eliminate their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors for 1 bonus power point. The other was to eliminate their blade proficiences (I use weapon groups from UA, so they would get Bows for free, but not Heavy Blades or Light Blades) for 1 bonus power point. I'm leaning towards doing both, and giving elves 2 bonus power points. Suggestions welcome. An Onth Elf's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metakinesis and Clairsentience (though again, Psion is the favored class).
Thomar_of_Uointer
07-12-07, 10:03 PM Onth Humans
: No bonus skill points
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Humans in Onth are less generalized than those of other continents, but more naturally psionic.
This race is significantly more powerful than the standard PHB human, as it instantly qualifies for psionic feats (and can take two of them at level 1) and can start with BAB +1 (no psionic class in the XPH has BAB higher than full). I'd give them Hidden Talent in place of the bonus feat (and restrict Hidden Talent from all other races).

Onth Gnomes
: No bonus on saves against Illusion spells or on Illusion spell DC's.
: 2 bonus power points at 1st level.
The loss is due to the lack of arcane magic on Onth. An Onth Gnome's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metacreativity (though Shaper is not the favored class, Psion is.)
They've lost something... I'd give them create sound as a psi-like ability and just 1 power point.

Onth Halflings
: No bonus on Climb or Jump checks,
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Onth Halflings focus more on the mind than the body. (I'm considering making an Onth Halfling's favored class Lurk, but haven't made up my mind.)
What? That's all? I'd replace their luck bonus with something like what xephs get, only maybe focused on Jump or Climb to retain their D&D halfling flavor.

Onth Dwarves
: No bonus on saves against spells or spell-like abilities
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Onth Dwarves have rarely had to resist traditional magic due to its minimal presence on the continent.
(Considering making an Onth Dwarf's favored class Psychic Warrior, again, undecided).
I'm seeing a pattern here, and that pattern is killing the individuality of the races. Dwarves should get resistive psi-like abilities, akin to what elans get.

Onth Half-elves
: No bonus on Diplomacy or Gather Information,
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
The Half-elves of Onth prefer quiet study to the hustle and bustle of diplomacy.
That looks fine, as half-elves have traditionally been bland.

I had a couple different ideas for elves. One was to eliminate their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors for 1 bonus power point. The other was to eliminate their blade proficiences (I use weapon groups from UA, so they would get Bows for free, but not Heavy Blades or Light Blades) for 1 bonus power point. I'm leaning towards doing both, and giving elves 2 bonus power points. Suggestions welcome. An Onth Elf's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metakinesis and Clairsentience (though again, Psion is the favored class).
I'd just make them very much like elans. However, elves as they already are (barely magical) work fine as the most magical race in the PHB, and I think they'd do the same in a psionic setting. If you really have to, replace their weapon proficiencies with thri-kreen weapons.
Tim4488
07-13-07, 01:50 AM Alright, fair enough on the lack of individuality. Though I rather did want the continent to feel a bit more unified, perhaps I could do it better than above. (Although I was also considering the jungle variants from UA for a lot of these races, I guess for now I'll work with the standards. For one thing, the whole continent isn't jungle, for another, putting a variant on a variant... eh, I'd rather do this first.)

I thought about the Wild Talent feat, but I felt like it came too close to the Hidden Houses from Complete Psionic. Could just make the majority of Onth humans members of the Houses, actually, with a minority that follows standard rules. That might not be a bad idea.

Gnomes didn't lose their spell-like abilities, so I'm not sure I see the need to add a psi-like ability. Also, the two power points is sort of to set them apart as "everyone's got some, but they're better." Perhaps replace their spell-like abilities with psi-like abilities, say: Create Sound, and if Charisma is at least 10 also Control Light and Distract. (I know it's one less than a gnome's spell-like abilities, but they're also slightly more powerful abilites, being 1st level instead of 0 level.)

Alright, how about Halflings lose the bonus on saving throws against fear and gain Catfall as a psi-like ability usable 1 or 3/day.

Dwarves I was also thinking replacing the bonus against spells as a bonus against psionics (I have a middle view on transparency, basically, anything interacting between spells and psionics is 50% effective. A +2 bonus against spells is a +1 against psionics and vice versa, etc etc.) In addition, perhaps they lose their bonus attacking orcs and goblinoids, as well as their dodge bonus against giants (less common foes on Onth) in exchange for 1 bonus power point and the Resilience ability of an Elan.

Alright, Elves. In retrospect, regardless of whatever else I do, the Onth elves should definitely be Jungle Elves, a la UA. (Sorry if anyone doesn't have the book.) In that case I think I'd just switch the bonus on Knowledge (History) with a bonus on Knowledge (Psionics) and otherwise leave it alone. They know their history less because, as manifesters, they've split with elven tradition, but the elven studious nature gives them deep knowledge of their chosen studies.

Does that look better? Other opinions?
Thomar_of_Uointer
07-13-07, 10:26 PM Alright, fair enough on the lack of individuality. Though I rather did want the continent to feel a bit more unified, perhaps I could do it better than above. (Although I was also considering the jungle variants from UA for a lot of these races, I guess for now I'll work with the standards. For one thing, the whole continent isn't jungle, for another, putting a variant on a variant... eh, I'd rather do this first.)

I thought about the Wild Talent feat, but I felt like it came too close to the Hidden Houses from Complete Psionic. Could just make the majority of Onth humans members of the Houses, actually, with a minority that follows standard rules. That might not be a bad idea.

Gnomes didn't lose their spell-like abilities, so I'm not sure I see the need to add a psi-like ability. Also, the two power points is sort of to set them apart as "everyone's got some, but they're better." Perhaps replace their spell-like abilities with psi-like abilities, say: Create Sound, and if Charisma is at least 10 also Control Light and Distract. (I know it's one less than a gnome's spell-like abilities, but they're also slightly more powerful abilites, being 1st level instead of 0 level.)

Alright, how about Halflings lose the bonus on saving throws against fear and gain Catfall as a psi-like ability usable 1 or 3/day.

Dwarves I was also thinking replacing the bonus against spells as a bonus against psionics (I have a middle view on transparency, basically, anything interacting between spells and psionics is 50% effective. A +2 bonus against spells is a +1 against psionics and vice versa, etc etc.) In addition, perhaps they lose their bonus attacking orcs and goblinoids, as well as their dodge bonus against giants (less common foes on Onth) in exchange for 1 bonus power point and the Resilience ability of an Elan.

Alright, Elves. In retrospect, regardless of whatever else I do, the Onth elves should definitely be Jungle Elves, a la UA. (Sorry if anyone doesn't have the book.) In that case I think I'd just switch the bonus on Knowledge (History) with a bonus on Knowledge (Psionics) and otherwise leave it alone. They know their history less because, as manifesters, they've split with elven tradition, but the elven studious nature gives them deep knowledge of their chosen studies.

Does that look better? Other opinions?

No, Hidden Talent. It's a variant Wild Talent feat in the XPH, it gives you a power in addition to power points. This makes the race "special" enough to be worth playing.

Ah, didn't notice the gnome thing. Yeah, I guess they still play alright that way. No complaints there.

Replacing the halfling fear bonus? That's a minor ability, catfall 1/day sounds all right.

Eeech. Use transparency, it saves you so many headaches. Otherwise, resilience sounds great for dwarves.
Erato
07-14-07, 01:01 AM I thought about the Wild Talent feat, but I felt like it came too close to the Hidden Houses from Complete Psionic. Could just make the majority of Onth humans members of the Houses, actually, with a minority that follows standard rules. That might not be a bad idea.
First, Wild talent appeared before CP. And even hidden talent doesn't have to have any connection to a house.
And second:

Onth Humans
: No bonus skill points
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Humans in Onth are less generalized than those of other continents, but more naturally psionic.
This one seems fine. The human bonus skill points are worth at least one feat, and the bonus pp is just a half Wild Talent. Maybe someone will find a way to abuse this, but overall it's good.

In order to make the humans more interesting (losing skill points rarely does that) and unique, you could let them keep their skill points, give them one pp and specify that their human bonus feat must be psionic one, but this may be too powerful.
Onth Gnomes
: No bonus on saves against Illusion spells or on Illusion spell DC's.
: 2 bonus power points at 1st level.
The loss is due to the lack of arcane magic on Onth. An Onth Gnome's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metacreativity (though Shaper is not the favored class, Psion is.)
Too weak, and not very interesting.

Having SLAs mimicking arcane spells in a setting were "arcane magic is virtually unknown" doesn't make sense. Make it psi-like abilities instead.
You could also change their bonuses to and against illusions into a bonus to and against the apropriate psionic discipline, and give them a pp in exchange for their skill bonusses.
Onth Halflings
: No bonus on Climb or Jump checks,
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Onth Halflings focus more on the mind than the body. (I'm considering making an Onth Halfling's favored class Lurk, but haven't made up my mind.)
Give them psi-like abilities related to luck and movement. If they become too powerful, you can take away their bonus to saves instead of their skills.
Onth Dwarves
: No bonus on saves against spells or spell-like abilities
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
Onth Dwarves have rarely had to resist traditional magic due to its minimal presence on the continent.
(Considering making an Onth Dwarf's favored class Psychic Warrior, again, undecided).
Too weak, and not very flavorful.

Turn the bonus on saves aginst magic into a bonus to saves against psionic. If you want your dwarves to be as anti-psionic as they're normally anti-magic, you dont have to give them either bonus pp or the psionic sub-type, and this would make the races more diverse.
Onth Half-elves
: No bonus on Diplomacy or Gather Information,
: 1 bonus power point at 1st level.
The Half-elves of Onth prefer quiet study to the hustle and bustle of diplomacy.
Give the them their pp for free, half-elfs are underpowered anyway.
I had a couple different ideas for elves. One was to eliminate their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors for 1 bonus power point. The other was to eliminate their blade proficiences (I use weapon groups from UA, so they would get Bows for free, but not Heavy Blades or Light Blades) for 1 bonus power point. I'm leaning towards doing both, and giving elves 2 bonus power points. Suggestions welcome. An Onth Elf's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metakinesis and Clairsentience (though again, Psion is the favored class).
Don't do both. A few extra power points are not worth that much. Take away their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors and give them some bonus pp instead (maybe 2, maybe 1 pr level), to repressent how they've been attuned to psionics, which have made them more introverted and less in touch with their surroundings.

:) Good luck with your campaign.
Tim4488
07-14-07, 11:42 PM Erato, you didn't read my second post. I changed almost all of those. Thanks for the input, though. It's always helpful.

I'll... think about humans. So far it would only affect one character (a Halfling Ardent) as the vast majority of characters are from a different continent, Eita (which is essentially standard).

I like Gnomes better with the psi-like abilities, actually. Thanks for that idea.

1/day it is.

Right now my view has worked fine because
A: my campaigns don't tend to get very far, 10th level was the highest and the current ones are 5th and 6th/7th
B: there is a sidebar in the XPH about handling partial transparency, and
C: only one character is using psionics (and not for attacks), and both parties are in the wrong place geographically to be dealing with psionic opponents anyway.

I dunno. Maybe it will result in problems later, but I'm happy with it now. (Full transparency just doesn't give psionics the mystique, the sense of "other" I think it deserves.) Hopefully it'll keep working, though I will keep your advice in mind. Thanks.

And, transparency aside, Dwarves with no attack or defensive bonuses against orcs, goblinoids and giants in exchange for Resilience and a bonus power point work okay?
Tim4488
07-17-07, 02:20 PM :bump:
Kelmourne
07-18-07, 12:24 AM You shouldn't degrade the common races to make up for additional psionic gifts. Instead, give them all at least level adj. +1 to represent the "gift" this psychic bombardment gave them.

Anyways, a cool concept ive been toying with is psychic drow. I just think that the idea is very very awsome.
Tim4488
07-20-07, 03:00 PM I dunno. I guess that's sort of an interesting idea, Kelmourne, but not where I want to go with this. For one thing, I've already got an Onth Halfling in the party, and it'd be easier to switch an ability or two than give her a level adjustment in the middle of the campaign. Plus, some of the abilities don't make sense (e.g. a gnome's bonus on illusion checks), and I don't want the Onth races to be any more powerful, just different.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tim4488 07-12-07, 07:39 PM	In my campaign world, there is a continent named Onth that was essentially flooded with psionic energy long, long ago. Ever since, most of the study of psionics has occurred there, the most powerful psions are there, etc etc. At the same time, arcane magic is virtually unknown, while divine magic is present but less emphasized. Anyway, I feel like the races should have some sort of residual alteration from the psionic energy, or something along those lines. So, here's a few minor alterations I had in mind for six of the seven races in the PHB (I looked at the Half-orc and honestly just couldn't think of anything, nor could I think of a reason it'd be necessary). Good? Bad? Balanced? As per the XPH, racial bonus power points do not grant the ability to manifest powers, obviously. Onth Humans : No bonus skill points : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Humans in Onth are less generalized than those of other continents, but more naturally psionic. Onth Gnomes : No bonus on saves against Illusion spells or on Illusion spell DC's. : 2 bonus power points at 1st level. The loss is due to the lack of arcane magic on Onth. An Onth Gnome's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metacreativity (though Shaper is not the favored class, Psion is.) Onth Halflings : No bonus on Climb or Jump checks, : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Onth Halflings focus more on the mind than the body. (I'm considering making an Onth Halfling's favored class Lurk, but haven't made up my mind.) Onth Dwarves : No bonus on saves against spells or spell-like abilities : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Onth Dwarves have rarely had to resist traditional magic due to its minimal presence on the continent. (Considering making an Onth Dwarf's favored class Psychic Warrior, again, undecided). Onth Half-elves : No bonus on Diplomacy or Gather Information, : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. The Half-elves of Onth prefer quiet study to the hustle and bustle of diplomacy. I had a couple different ideas for elves. One was to eliminate their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors for 1 bonus power point. The other was to eliminate their blade proficiences (I use weapon groups from UA, so they would get Bows for free, but not Heavy Blades or Light Blades) for 1 bonus power point. I'm leaning towards doing both, and giving elves 2 bonus power points. Suggestions welcome. An Onth Elf's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metakinesis and Clairsentience (though again, Psion is the favored class).
Thomar_of_Uointer 07-12-07, 10:03 PM	Onth Humans : No bonus skill points : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Humans in Onth are less generalized than those of other continents, but more naturally psionic. This race is significantly more powerful than the standard PHB human, as it instantly qualifies for psionic feats (and can take two of them at level 1) and can start with BAB +1 (no psionic class in the XPH has BAB higher than full). I'd give them Hidden Talent in place of the bonus feat (and restrict Hidden Talent from all other races). Onth Gnomes : No bonus on saves against Illusion spells or on Illusion spell DC's. : 2 bonus power points at 1st level. The loss is due to the lack of arcane magic on Onth. An Onth Gnome's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metacreativity (though Shaper is not the favored class, Psion is.) They've lost something... I'd give them create sound as a psi-like ability and just 1 power point. Onth Halflings : No bonus on Climb or Jump checks, : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Onth Halflings focus more on the mind than the body. (I'm considering making an Onth Halfling's favored class Lurk, but haven't made up my mind.) What? That's all? I'd replace their luck bonus with something like what xephs get, only maybe focused on Jump or Climb to retain their D&D halfling flavor. Onth Dwarves : No bonus on saves against spells or spell-like abilities : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Onth Dwarves have rarely had to resist traditional magic due to its minimal presence on the continent. (Considering making an Onth Dwarf's favored class Psychic Warrior, again, undecided). I'm seeing a pattern here, and that pattern is killing the individuality of the races. Dwarves should get resistive psi-like abilities, akin to what elans get. Onth Half-elves : No bonus on Diplomacy or Gather Information, : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. The Half-elves of Onth prefer quiet study to the hustle and bustle of diplomacy. That looks fine, as half-elves have traditionally been bland. I had a couple different ideas for elves. One was to eliminate their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors for 1 bonus power point. The other was to eliminate their blade proficiences (I use weapon groups from UA, so they would get Bows for free, but not Heavy Blades or Light Blades) for 1 bonus power point. I'm leaning towards doing both, and giving elves 2 bonus power points. Suggestions welcome. An Onth Elf's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metakinesis and Clairsentience (though again, Psion is the favored class). I'd just make them very much like elans. However, elves as they already are (barely magical) work fine as the most magical race in the PHB, and I think they'd do the same in a psionic setting. If you really have to, replace their weapon proficiencies with thri-kreen weapons.
Tim4488 07-13-07, 01:50 AM	Alright, fair enough on the lack of individuality. Though I rather did want the continent to feel a bit more unified, perhaps I could do it better than above. (Although I was also considering the jungle variants from UA for a lot of these races, I guess for now I'll work with the standards. For one thing, the whole continent isn't jungle, for another, putting a variant on a variant... eh, I'd rather do this first.) I thought about the Wild Talent feat, but I felt like it came too close to the Hidden Houses from Complete Psionic. Could just make the majority of Onth humans members of the Houses, actually, with a minority that follows standard rules. That might not be a bad idea. Gnomes didn't lose their spell-like abilities, so I'm not sure I see the need to add a psi-like ability. Also, the two power points is sort of to set them apart as "everyone's got some, but they're better." Perhaps replace their spell-like abilities with psi-like abilities, say: Create Sound, and if Charisma is at least 10 also Control Light and Distract. (I know it's one less than a gnome's spell-like abilities, but they're also slightly more powerful abilites, being 1st level instead of 0 level.) Alright, how about Halflings lose the bonus on saving throws against fear and gain Catfall as a psi-like ability usable 1 or 3/day. Dwarves I was also thinking replacing the bonus against spells as a bonus against psionics (I have a middle view on transparency, basically, anything interacting between spells and psionics is 50% effective. A +2 bonus against spells is a +1 against psionics and vice versa, etc etc.) In addition, perhaps they lose their bonus attacking orcs and goblinoids, as well as their dodge bonus against giants (less common foes on Onth) in exchange for 1 bonus power point and the Resilience ability of an Elan. Alright, Elves. In retrospect, regardless of whatever else I do, the Onth elves should definitely be Jungle Elves, a la UA. (Sorry if anyone doesn't have the book.) In that case I think I'd just switch the bonus on Knowledge (History) with a bonus on Knowledge (Psionics) and otherwise leave it alone. They know their history less because, as manifesters, they've split with elven tradition, but the elven studious nature gives them deep knowledge of their chosen studies. Does that look better? Other opinions?
Thomar_of_Uointer 07-13-07, 10:26 PM	Alright, fair enough on the lack of individuality. Though I rather did want the continent to feel a bit more unified, perhaps I could do it better than above. (Although I was also considering the jungle variants from UA for a lot of these races, I guess for now I'll work with the standards. For one thing, the whole continent isn't jungle, for another, putting a variant on a variant... eh, I'd rather do this first.) I thought about the Wild Talent feat, but I felt like it came too close to the Hidden Houses from Complete Psionic. Could just make the majority of Onth humans members of the Houses, actually, with a minority that follows standard rules. That might not be a bad idea. Gnomes didn't lose their spell-like abilities, so I'm not sure I see the need to add a psi-like ability. Also, the two power points is sort of to set them apart as "everyone's got some, but they're better." Perhaps replace their spell-like abilities with psi-like abilities, say: Create Sound, and if Charisma is at least 10 also Control Light and Distract. (I know it's one less than a gnome's spell-like abilities, but they're also slightly more powerful abilites, being 1st level instead of 0 level.) Alright, how about Halflings lose the bonus on saving throws against fear and gain Catfall as a psi-like ability usable 1 or 3/day. Dwarves I was also thinking replacing the bonus against spells as a bonus against psionics (I have a middle view on transparency, basically, anything interacting between spells and psionics is 50% effective. A +2 bonus against spells is a +1 against psionics and vice versa, etc etc.) In addition, perhaps they lose their bonus attacking orcs and goblinoids, as well as their dodge bonus against giants (less common foes on Onth) in exchange for 1 bonus power point and the Resilience ability of an Elan. Alright, Elves. In retrospect, regardless of whatever else I do, the Onth elves should definitely be Jungle Elves, a la UA. (Sorry if anyone doesn't have the book.) In that case I think I'd just switch the bonus on Knowledge (History) with a bonus on Knowledge (Psionics) and otherwise leave it alone. They know their history less because, as manifesters, they've split with elven tradition, but the elven studious nature gives them deep knowledge of their chosen studies. Does that look better? Other opinions? No, Hidden Talent. It's a variant Wild Talent feat in the XPH, it gives you a power in addition to power points. This makes the race "special" enough to be worth playing. Ah, didn't notice the gnome thing. Yeah, I guess they still play alright that way. No complaints there. Replacing the halfling fear bonus? That's a minor ability, catfall 1/day sounds all right. Eeech. Use transparency, it saves you so many headaches. Otherwise, resilience sounds great for dwarves.
Erato 07-14-07, 01:01 AM	I thought about the Wild Talent feat, but I felt like it came too close to the Hidden Houses from Complete Psionic. Could just make the majority of Onth humans members of the Houses, actually, with a minority that follows standard rules. That might not be a bad idea. First, Wild talent appeared before CP. And even hidden talent doesn't have to have any connection to a house. And second: Onth Humans : No bonus skill points : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Humans in Onth are less generalized than those of other continents, but more naturally psionic. This one seems fine. The human bonus skill points are worth at least one feat, and the bonus pp is just a half Wild Talent. Maybe someone will find a way to abuse this, but overall it's good. In order to make the humans more interesting (losing skill points rarely does that) and unique, you could let them keep their skill points, give them one pp and specify that their human bonus feat must be psionic one, but this may be too powerful. Onth Gnomes : No bonus on saves against Illusion spells or on Illusion spell DC's. : 2 bonus power points at 1st level. The loss is due to the lack of arcane magic on Onth. An Onth Gnome's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metacreativity (though Shaper is not the favored class, Psion is.) Too weak, and not very interesting. Having SLAs mimicking arcane spells in a setting were "arcane magic is virtually unknown" doesn't make sense. Make it psi-like abilities instead. You could also change their bonuses to and against illusions into a bonus to and against the apropriate psionic discipline, and give them a pp in exchange for their skill bonusses. Onth Halflings : No bonus on Climb or Jump checks, : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Onth Halflings focus more on the mind than the body. (I'm considering making an Onth Halfling's favored class Lurk, but haven't made up my mind.) Give them psi-like abilities related to luck and movement. If they become too powerful, you can take away their bonus to saves instead of their skills. Onth Dwarves : No bonus on saves against spells or spell-like abilities : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. Onth Dwarves have rarely had to resist traditional magic due to its minimal presence on the continent. (Considering making an Onth Dwarf's favored class Psychic Warrior, again, undecided). Too weak, and not very flavorful. Turn the bonus on saves aginst magic into a bonus to saves against psionic. If you want your dwarves to be as anti-psionic as they're normally anti-magic, you dont have to give them either bonus pp or the psionic sub-type, and this would make the races more diverse. Onth Half-elves : No bonus on Diplomacy or Gather Information, : 1 bonus power point at 1st level. The Half-elves of Onth prefer quiet study to the hustle and bustle of diplomacy. Give the them their pp for free, half-elfs are underpowered anyway. I had a couple different ideas for elves. One was to eliminate their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors for 1 bonus power point. The other was to eliminate their blade proficiences (I use weapon groups from UA, so they would get Bows for free, but not Heavy Blades or Light Blades) for 1 bonus power point. I'm leaning towards doing both, and giving elves 2 bonus power points. Suggestions welcome. An Onth Elf's favored class is Psion, with a leaning towards Metakinesis and Clairsentience (though again, Psion is the favored class). Don't do both. A few extra power points are not worth that much. Take away their bonuses on listen, search and spot and the ability to notice hidden doors and give them some bonus pp instead (maybe 2, maybe 1 pr level), to repressent how they've been attuned to psionics, which have made them more introverted and less in touch with their surroundings. :) Good luck with your campaign.
Tim4488 07-14-07, 11:42 PM	Erato, you didn't read my second post. I changed almost all of those. Thanks for the input, though. It's always helpful. I'll... think about humans. So far it would only affect one character (a Halfling Ardent) as the vast majority of characters are from a different continent, Eita (which is essentially standard). I like Gnomes better with the psi-like abilities, actually. Thanks for that idea. 1/day it is. Right now my view has worked fine because A: my campaigns don't tend to get very far, 10th level was the highest and the current ones are 5th and 6th/7th B: there is a sidebar in the XPH about handling partial transparency, and C: only one character is using psionics (and not for attacks), and both parties are in the wrong place geographically to be dealing with psionic opponents anyway. I dunno. Maybe it will result in problems later, but I'm happy with it now. (Full transparency just doesn't give psionics the mystique, the sense of "other" I think it deserves.) Hopefully it'll keep working, though I will keep your advice in mind. Thanks. And, transparency aside, Dwarves with no attack or defensive bonuses against orcs, goblinoids and giants in exchange for Resilience and a bonus power point work okay?
Tim4488 07-17-07, 02:20 PM	:bump:
Kelmourne 07-18-07, 12:24 AM	You shouldn't degrade the common races to make up for additional psionic gifts. Instead, give them all at least level adj. +1 to represent the "gift" this psychic bombardment gave them. Anyways, a cool concept ive been toying with is psychic drow. I just think that the idea is very very awsome.
Tim4488 07-20-07, 03:00 PM	I dunno. I guess that's sort of an interesting idea, Kelmourne, but not where I want to go with this. For one thing, I've already got an Onth Halfling in the party, and it'd be easier to switch an ability or two than give her a level adjustment in the middle of the campaign. Plus, some of the abilities don't make sense (e.g. a gnome's bonus on illusion checks), and I don't want the Onth races to be any more powerful, just different.