-	-	Psionic Ability +	-	-
-	-	Psionic Powers +	-	-
Attack Modes +	Defense Modes +	Psionic Disciplines +	Minor (Devotions) ^	Major (Sciences) ^
Psionic Combat +	Multiple Psionic Operations +	-	Use of Psionic Powers +	Recovery of Psionic Strength Points +
Psionics	-	Thanks Tim!	-	PH

<fine detail: note the 2point reduction on the links following psionic powers>
<standardize: psionic powers should all be on one line>

Psionics are various powers derived from the brain,
and they enable characters so endowed to perform in ways which resemble magical abilities.
If your DM opts to include psionic abilities in your campaign,
they will be determined for humans (and possibly dwarves and halflings) as follows:

Characters with one or more unmodified intelligence, wisdom or charisma ability scores of 16 or higher might have psionic ability.
Whether or not this ability is possessed is then determined by a dice roll using percentile dice.
Any score of 00 (100%) indicates the ability exists.
For each 1 point of intelligence above 16 add 2% to the dice roll,
for each 1 point of wisdom above 16 add 1% to the dice roll,
and for each 1 point of charisma above 16 add 0.5% to the dice roll
(drop all fractions).

Example: A character has INT of 17, WIS of 12, and CHA of 17.
There are 2^1/2 points to be added to the psionic potential roll because intelligence is 1 above 16,
and ^1/2 point for charisma 1 above 16, total 2^1/2 + 1/2 = +3.
The dice are rolled, and any score of 97 or greater indicates psionic ability exists in the character.

Q: If a character’s intelligence, wisdom,
or charisma score increases,
can he make a new check for psionic
ability?

A: Yes. The character may check for psionic
ability each time his chance improves, but
never when it gets worse. Fractions are
dropped when calculating psionic potential,
so the new number must round down
to a number at least one point higher than
the old number before the character is
entitled to a new roll.
(144.7)

Q: Does a gem of insight allow another
check for psionic ability? How
about a ring of human influence or
rod of splendor?

A: A gem of insight (see Unearthed Arcana,
page 100) will allow a new check for psionic
ability, but only after the possessor has
received an ability score increase from the
gem. If the character uses the gem properly
and receives an increase in both intelligence
and wisdom, he makes one
additional roll for psionics, not two.
The charisma increases provided by the
latter two items are not permanent; they
last only as long as the item is worn (in the
case of the ring, on page 130 of the DMG)
or held or carried (in the case of the rod,
on page 94 of Unearthed Arcana). Only
permanent ability score increases allow
additional checks for psionic ability.
(147.103)

If psionics are possessed,
it is necessary to determine the ability (or strength)
and the number of powers the character has.
Psionics in no way affect the performance of the character in his or her chosen class,
except as possible behavioral modifiers.

Q: How are psionic strength, psionic
points, defense points, and attack
points related? How does the
expenditure of attack and defense
points reduce psionic strength?

A: Psionic strength is determined when a
character is created. A character has a
maximum of one attack and one defense
point per point of psionic strength. Psionic
strength is a constant, representing the
character's maximum psychic potential
and his relative power in psionic combat;
it is never reduced except through the
reduction of ability scores or similar mishaps.
Attack and defense points represent
the finite amount of psychic energy available
to the character at any given time.
Note that the use of psionic abilities
require both attack and defense points
(see the Players Handbook, page 111).
(142.10)

Question: Is it possible for ail character races to have
psionlcs, or is that power restricted?

Answer: As stated in the PH, page 110, the DM
may allow psionics to be used in a campaign by humans, and
possibly by dwarves and halflings of an exceptional nature. No other
character race may have psionic power.
 

Question: I have a player character elf with psionics, but
according to a recent issue of The Dragon, elves are not al-
lowed to have ‘psionics. How come elves were allowed to
have them originally (check an old Monster Manual), but now
are not? Was it only Non-Player Character elves that were, or
all elves? Since my elf has psionics, should he be allowed to
keep them or should he give them up?

Answer: Normally, elves are not capable of having psionics. The ref-
erence in the old MM refers to the rare and unusual ex-
ception. As with any rare and unusual ability, psionics for elves should
be limited to NPCs, Whether or not your elf should continue to have
psionics is a decision your DM will have to make. — WN
 

Q: How often should a character check for possession of psionic abilities?

A: Once when the character first begins play; afterward, psionics
checks are made only when powerful magics or special circumstances
permit this to occur; see the next question.
(78.16)
 

Q: If a non-psionic character has his intelligence, wisdom, or charisma
increased by powerful magics (tomes, wishes, etc.), would
this allow for a new chance to become psionic?

A: Yes. The benefits of a tome of clear thought, leadership and
influence, or understanding (which raise intelligence, wisdom,
and charisma respectively) automatically allow for a new chance
to become psionic. A wish spell, properly worded, would automatically
give a character psionic ability, as long as the recipient
has an intelligence, wisdom, or charisma score of at least 16. The
action of a deity (far rarer than even a wish or a magical tome)
would automatically give any character psionic ability, regardless
of his ability scores. Increases in ability scores which occur
naturally, such as through normal aging, would also allow for a
later check if the character was not already psionic.
    As an example, consider the character described on p. 110 of
the PH, with Int 17, Wis 12, and Cha 17. Suppose
the player fails to roll 97 or higher on the character's initial psionics
check, and the character later gains a point of intelligence
so that score is now 18. The player would then make a new check
for the character's psionic potential, adding the additional bonus
for the extra point of intelligence to the dice roll, so that now a
result of 95 or higher is needed.
    Also, it is possible for a character's psionic strength to be
automatically increased, if an increase in an ability score raises
that score higher than 16. If the character in the above example
started with a charisma score of 16, and was determined to have
psionic ability, he would receive no 'doubling' bonus on the
roll for psionic ability points, since only one of his ability scores
is higher than 16. But if a later event raised the character's charisma
to 17, he would immediately benefit from the change by
having his psionic ability doubled.
(78.16)
 

Q: Can a character lose his psionic potential if he suffers a
decrease in one of the three important ability scores?

A: It is possible for a character to be stripped of psionic ability by
the loss of one or more points of intelligence, wisdom, or charisma.
If the change leaves the character without a score of 16,
then the character fails to meet the minimum requirement for
psionic potential, and any psionic ability he once possessed is
now lost.
    If a character suffers a decrease in one of the three important
ability scores, but still meets the minimum requirement (one
score of 16 or higher), he has not lost his psionic potential, but
will possibly suffer a decrease in his psionic strength point total.
If the ability score in question was formerly 13 or higher (allowing
a bonus to the psionic strength roll), then that bonus is lost
and must be subtracted from the character's psionic strength. If a
character originally had scores of 16 or higher in two of the three
ability areas (permitting the doubling or quadrupling of the
number of strength points) and suffered a loss that brought one
of those scores below 16, then both the 'doubling (or quadrupling)
bonus' and the single bonus point originally awarded for
that score must be subtracted from the character's psionic strength.
(78.16)
 

Q: How can the chance for psionic abilities be quickly assessed
for NPCs who have no previously noted scores for intelligence,
wisdom, and charisma?

A: The DM can roll a d6 for any NPC in question; if a 1 comes
up, then a roll of 00 on percentile dice (or 98-00 for a member of
the magic-user or cleric class) indicates that this NPC has psionic
ability. This should make psionic NPCs rare enough so that the
game balance is not disrupted.
(78.16)
 

Q: Which player character races in the AD&D game can possess
psionic ability?

A: Human, dwarven, and halfling player characters are allowed the chance to have psionic ability.
Initially, in early editions of the Monster Manual, elves (or at least leader-type elves) were also
included in this group. But in later editions of the AD&D books,
elves were defined as non-psionic. Based on this ruling, Roger
Moore's article on elves in issue #60 of DRAGON® Magazine
stated that elves had a brain structure that prohibited them from
having psionics. However, judging by E. Gary Gygax's comments
and additions in later articles (most notably the "Featured
Creatures" and Astral Plane articles in #67), it would seem, after
all, that elves can have psionic ability. Thus, player-character
elves should be allowed the chance to be psionic, and so, by
assumption, should half-elves.
(78.16)

ADQ: Can elves and gnomes have 
psionics? 
ADA: Yes, psionics are possible for 
both these races. 
(Polyhedron #16)

Q: Is it possible for a character to use a wish spell to become
immune to psionic attack?

A: Yes, it's possible. One wish spell, properly worded, would bestow
immunity to one particular psionic attack mode; the end
result of five such wishes would be a character possessing what
the DEITIES & DEMIGODS Book calls 'Class VI' psionics.
The character is immune to the effects of any psionic attack
mode, and cannot possess any psionic powers from that time
forward -- but the character is still subject to the effects of psionic
disciplines employed by others. If a character tries to get
around this by wording a wish so as to obtain immunity from
attack while retaining his own psionic powers, something awful
is bound to happen as a result; a wish of this sort can never be
granted. It would be possible to 'stop short,' using four wishes
to get immunity from all but one particular attack mode and still
retain one's own psionic powers, but vulnerability to that single
attack mode could turn out to be an Achilles' heel.
(78.16)

Q: Can Oriental characters have psionic
abilities?

A: Psionics are optional in an Oriental
setting using the AD&D 1st Edition rules,
just as they are in non-Oriental settings.
(151.8)
 
 
 

Still, psychic powers are a thorny matter to deal with for most RPGs.
I was not happy with the way I handled them in AD&D, but their treatment in the Lejendary Adventure  system seems quite easy and handles well from both ends of play.
Better still, the overall Ability is likely to transfer smoothly to other genres using the basic LA rules and mechanics with minor adjustments to limit its impact in non-magical, low technology settings.

Cheers,
Gary

Gnarley Bones wrote:
Gary, I have heard (probably incorrectly) that you did not (and do not) play with psionics in your game?

If so, how do you handle mind flayers in your game?
I'm interested in doing away with psionics altogether and would like to replace their psionic powers with comparable spells (charm, suggestion, power word stun, etc).

Right you are.
there were no psionic or psychic powers in my campaign.
A mind flayer did its blast and/or used spell-like powers to affect others, just as you are doing in your campaign.

Psychogenic Ability in the Lejendary Adventure game system worrks very much that way, and it is easy to use, can move into genres other than fantasy as well 8)

Cheers,
Gary

Dragon Fire wrote:
Gary, quick question.
Who was/were the contributor(s)/creator(s) for the psionic section of the 1E PHB? Steve and Frank didn't recall and recommended I ask you.

Heh...

Mentzer emailed me about that this AM.
the fact is that no one controbuted much of anything to the section, other that urging me to do it. that came from a bunch of gamers from the chicago area.
I confess I listened, for the way I tried to acccomplish the inclusion was not in harmony with the system.

Psychogenics in the Mythus and Lejendary Adventure games works well, so i eventually got it right...

Cheers,
Gary

Dragon Fire wrote:
Gary, quick question. Who was/were the contributor(s)/creator(s) for the psionic section of the 1E PHB? Steve and Frank didn't recall and recommended I ask you.

Heh...

Mentzer emailed me about that this AM. the fact is that no one controbuted much of anything to the section, other that urging me to do it. that came from a bunch of gamers from the chicago area. I confess I listened, for the way I tried to acccomplish the inclusion was not in harmony with the system.

Psychogenics in the Mythus and Lejendary Adventure games works well, so i eventually got it right...

Cheers,
Gary
 

JASON THE RULESREADER wrote:
Gary,

What are your thoughts of inclusion of psionics in the AD&D game?

My nephew just rolled "00" the other night to see if he had them. (I require that)

So I guess I will honor such a rare event. But he rolled 92 for a base attack strength with his bonuses gives him 100 even. So (groan) now he can unleash a psionic blast upon a non psionic.

In 23 years of playing this is only the second character to qualify for psionics...

To be succinct:

Psionics. as with weapons speed and the table of comparison of varying damage by armor type, was something I got talked into. I never used them in my campaign--other than the Illithids' and like monsters attacks. Franklu, they don't fit with the rest of the AD&D system, and i planned to pull them from a revised edition.

I have a similar capacity in my latest game system, but I wanted it, and so it meshes smoothly, is neither over-powering nor under-powered.

Cheers,
Gary

chrisspiller wrote:
Hey Gary, just a question regarding your commenst about psionics. If you had ended up pulling them from a revised edition of AD&D what were your plans regarding monsters that were specifically psionic-themed (e.g., Mind Flayers, Intellect Devourers) or monsters that had psionic powers in addition to other powers (e.g., high-powered devils and demons)? Were you planning on keeping them and making their psionic abilities something that only they possessed and weren't available to PC's or perhaps revising the system in general so it fit better with the overall structure of AD&D (like what you mentioned with LA's psionic system)?

Pax,

Chris

Their attacks would have been revised to be powers, and otherwise they'd have remained in the bestiary for the game. Mind FLayers, the Illithids, were operative before I developed the crappy psioniscs sysyem I hate to admit I devised 

Cheers,
Gary

Cab wrote:
Who talked you into including psionics? What was the reason for it, especially as a potential PC ability? I'll confess to never having been particularly fond of that part of the game either; I've dabbled with it a bit, but it never really grew on me.

A mixed group comprised of former wargamers and new FRPGers from Chicago.
they wanted to be able to use interesting mental powers typically found in SF novels.
As I loved the latter, I unfortunately listened and agreed.

When I reviewed the results of the design I wasn't happy, but i had promised, so I kept it, chump that I was.

The Psychogenic Ability in the Lejendary Adventure game system fits into the overall fantasy milieu quite seamlessly, and it translates to other genres with ease.
I supose that was enabled by my false start with psionics in the AD&D game 

Cheers,
Gary
 

Clangador wrote:
Col_Pladoh wrote:
Clangador wrote:
Gary, how did psionics first creep in the D&D game? Did you use it in you home campaign?

Gaming fellows from Chicago urged psionics, properly electronically enhanced psychic powers, be included. Foolishly, I accomodated them.

As a matter of fact I never used psionis in my campaign.

Cheers,
Gary
 

So it's not just me that doesn't like them. 
 

Heh!

Heavens no. Along with weapon speed and weapon effect vs. armor, psionics are likely the least used and mosty disliked part of the AD&D rules.
OTOH, I have mental powers nicely managed in the Lejendary Adventure game system, so it can be done 

Cheers,
Gary
 

Quote:
Originally posted by Dark Psion
Can you explain the addition of Psionics in the AD&D Players Handbook (1st edition)?
It seemed added on and thrown together.
 

How right you are!

When I was writing the AD&D core material, some of my fellows in the Chicagoland area put considerable pressure on me to include psionics in the system.
Sadly, I caved in to please them.
If I had not been so deeply immersed in the whole, trying to get it finished on schedule, I'd have doon a far better job with the psychic-power area, I believe.
It would have been far better if I'd waited and done the material when concentrating solely on that aspect of play.

Gary
 

Quote:
4.) Lastly, (and forgive me if you've answered this) if there is one rule/concept you would change in AD&D 1st edition after the fact, what would it be?

Thanks,

Remathilis
 

Yes! First, I'd remove the psionics material, possibly adding it back in later on, having been able to spend more time and being very careful to see that it meshed better with the magic system in the game.

Next, I'd drop the weapon speed and weapon vs. armor material, as those are seldom used and generally slow and complicate play. Those considerations could be picked up in a special "duelling" supplement or the like.

BTW, when I am DMing AD&D, I tend to ignore rules that get in the wat of the flow of the game.
When I have said so before an audience, there have always been some audience members who expressed shock, not to say horror and disbelief.
I aon't a rules lawyer, and I believe my own advice--ignore and change as the DM sees fit to make the players' involvement intense and the game be a compelling experience

Cheers,
Gary

Cheerio,
Gary
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottGLXIX
Gary, I know you aren’t a big fan of psionics. I always thought the psionic hermit from the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth was a cool encounter though. I’m curious, did you ever have a regular, or semi-regular, PC in your campaign that possessed psionic abilities?
Scott

Howdy 

You are right about "psionics" in AD&D. The system wasn't really set up to handle them properly. No player in my group had them, not did I ever play a PC possessing them in AD&D.

However, in the LEJENDARY ADVENTURE game there is a Psychogenic Abilty that world well, and my one active character possess that capacity, and it is very useful much of the time.

Cheers,
Gary
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gentlegamer
Is that because of genre considerations? That is, AD&D is pseudo-medieval fantasy where such abilities are inappropriate? Or were the rules themselves simply problematic from a mechanical point of view?

Would you believe both?

In the LA game I solved both problems, for in it the form of Extraordinary Ability is not in conflict with the milieu, and the rules are simple, within the framework of the game mechanics and those that operate the other magical skills.

Cheers,
Gary
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoffrey
2. You've noted that you did not use psionics in your AD&D games. What did you do, then, with the monsters listed below? Did you just not use them?

brain mole
cerebral parasite
intellect devourer
shedu
su-monster
Obviously I ignored tham as they affect only characters with psionic ability 
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tewligan
Ah, nice and tidy (well, rules-wise, anyway...)! Thanks for the quick reply, good sir!

Thanks. That enabled avoidance of the clunky, grafted on psionics mechanics I was talked into adding to the AD&D game.

kender, dwarves? (paladinesangel)