Psion v0.6 - the Playtest Version
Added 2019-03-18 19:22:36 +0000 UTCAs promised, here's the updated version, what I am dubbing the playtest version. This is probably the last major revision before 1.0, which is what I'll publish to /r/UnearthedArcana and the like. That will probably be next week. Of course, 1.0 is not finished, and I usually think that around 1.3 is when things are fully ready.
Hopefully with this version it'll be a bit more clear where things are going; in general, as thing to present, this something I am much happier with, though there is still a lot of fluff and polish, this is a version that I think can be played with a clear vision for what you want to do with your character.
As it was asked for last time, here is a PDF link for it:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1N7WkGiw6OkWU6xyDAHbiRw1Uir6qgfH6
Let me know if a printable version is needed.
As people read it (or even play it) some of the most important questions I'm looking for feedback on:
*Can you make the character you wanted to play? If not, what's getting in your way? Obviously there has to be limitations on power and flexibility, but its worth considering what they are and if they can be addressed.
*Do you feel like your turns are meaningful? Do you feel like you make decisions of relatively equal wait to other characters you have played?
*Do you feel distinct from a Sorcerer? From a Warlock? Obviously there will be a lot of overlap here, but the goal is to make sure that Psion clearly has it's own things to do as well.
*Is it clear what you powers can do?
I know a couple people will be playtesting it over the coming week as it marches toward a late March v1.0.
I will probably work on a smaller item or two while this marinates a bit (subclasses for PHB classes, spells), and before coming back to this for the v1.0. After that, there will be small-ish update to Artificer probably for v1.7, and than come April(ish) I will open a poll about what I should work on again.
I also want to add... to all the new patrons... (and existing ones)... thank you! It simply incredible that so many people are out there supporting D&D content, and hope the content is adding new fun to your table! After all, making D&D more fun would be impossible, so I'll just hope for new fun! :)
Comments
There is a couple reasons for the progression model. First, I don't think the point system works for a full caster - at least not in the same game as spell slots. It's too powerful and too much bookkeeping, but at the same time I didn't want to use Spell Slots for the Psion. Second, making it a short rest caster helps carve its niche as more of "someone that uses powers" rather than "someone that casts spells"; third, as I delved into that route, it really just made the most sense to use a more Warlock like framework. I think it's possible that they could move to a d8 though; that said, I think their spell casting is significantly more flexible than a Warlock, so I'm not sure they are as directly comparable, but this is the sort of thing that may need more playtesting. Nomad will probably be a future Psion type, though I can't say the details yet - Translocation is definitely a likely Psion power for the future, not sure what their second power would be right now. This is definitely one that needs to be done carefully, as low level teleporting can get out of hand fairly quickly. Wujin will probably be the Sorcerer or Wizard subclass of Psionics. It just makes more sense for them to unfettered access to magic. Appreciate the feedback! I can't promise to make a version that makes everyone happy, but it's definitely good to know what people like and don't like as we move forward, and I can try to make sure the decisions I've made make sense or have rational behind them, and if I can't sell them the majority of people I'll reconsider :D Should get a new version sometime today or in the next day or two.
KibblesTasty
2019-03-25 15:12:54 +0000 UTCI'll be honest I was expecting a full caster version instead of this warlock version, right now it looks a bit underpowered? In a word I should say, Comparing this to a warlock it doesn't seem as fun or powerful (This is first glance haven't fully play tested it yet) Mainly due to having limited casting like a warlock but having the hp of a full caster. May be because it's not done and all the spells and talanets aren't there. Thought my question will Nomad and Wujin make a return as those where my favorite "sub classes" for the mystic But negatives out the way good job tackling this unbalanced and looking forward to 1.0
2019-03-25 01:43:15 +0000 UTCIt's good feedback to know that's the impression they give. I'll think about how to approach that. I think their core action loop is very different mechanically due to the inherent powers and talents they get, they are going to be good at different things. The Awakened can cycle telepathy and telekinesis to debuff and damage, the Unleashed can use consistently empowered telekinesis doing more damage and being more resilient, while the Transcended is more a support with a damage spike ability to to help focus fire. From there talents should let you customize how you want to approach your role, but they start as controller (Awakened), striker (Unleashed), and support (Transcended) to use a bit of out of date terminology. In 5e, these roles are much looser, and the class reflects that letting you drift between them to the extent you might want to through what you select. That said, if people are getting the impresison they are too similar, that's definitely something I will need to consider how to tackle, and if I can tackle that without getting rid of the modularity.
KibblesTasty
2019-03-21 04:45:21 +0000 UTCHey it looks fairly balanced, but the sub-classes lack any theme or identity. It almost feels like it doesn't matter what you choose. Will try to play test!
BearSheriff
2019-03-21 03:27:14 +0000 UTC
