Questions about psionics and elans

Embry · Post by **Embry** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:18 pm

I downloaded some documents about psionics and psionic races and I have some questions specifically about elans (new psionic race found in psionics handbook). I'm sure the information could be found from the book, but I don't yet own a copy (but i intent to buy one).

Document said something bout that elans are actually humans that have gone through somekind of transformation and now i would like to know little more bout this transformation. So the question is... How does one become an elan? Is it trough a disease of somekind (for example vampires), through a ritual or just a slow transformation to elan?

As second thing, let's assume that 2nd-level human fighter becomes an elan. He/she gets all the new elan abilities but does he keep the 2 fighter levels? And if he does, does he keep the 5 extra skill points and bonus feat for being human those two levels? Or is it just that he forgets all the former class abilities and starts from level 1?

As final question, are psionic spellcasters little overpowered? IIRC they ignore foes spell resistance in most cases. And if I understood correctly, no arcane spell failure? Psion in a full plate? Cheesy?

Fiberfar · Post by **Fiberfar** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 2:19 pm

I think you have to be born Elan......
IIRC they go through a transformation that they are not aware of themself. Something done by others i think. but I might be wrong....

The Great Hairy · Post by **The Great Hairy** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:55 pm

Putting aside any problems with Polymorph spells and the like, a PC can not permanently change race from their original, starting race. So a Human fighter can not become an Elan whatever.

As for the transformation Elans go through - it's not something a member of a different race can go through and then become an Elan. The transformation is something that happened in their past, and isn't happening any more, as they breed true (i.e./ parent Elans have baby Elans. They don't have baby humans that they then magic/psion into Elans).

Psions are not overpowered in my opinion. In general Psionic powers tend to be a level behind magical powers. Furthermore, whilst they don't check against SR, they do check against PR (power resistance), which is listed in most monster entries. There are rules in the Psion Book for calculating PR for monsters.

Whilst Psionic powers don't have failure checks, Psions in general do not get the Armour feats, and so have to spend feats whilst leveling to enable them to wear the armour. This means they don't get as many Psionic feats. It balances out. And their BAB is rubbish regardless.

Cheers,
TGHO

Mr.Waesel · Post by **Mr.Waesel** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 2:57 pm

[QUOTE=The Great Hairy]Putting aside any problems with Polymorph spells and the like, a PC can not permanently change race from their original, starting race. So a Human fighter can not become an Elan whatever.[/QUOTE]

Well, there's Magic Jar, and that 9th level power which I've forgotten the name of.

jopperm2 · Post by **jopperm2** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 3:23 pm

I beileve wish and miracle can change a race, gender, or alignment.

The Great Hairy · Post by **The Great Hairy** » Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:35 pm

[QUOTE=jopperm2]I beileve wish and miracle can change a race, gender, or alignment.[/QUOTE]

Probably new thread material mate.

But besides that, if I was GMing, I'd wish-lawyer that one.

Cheers,
TGHO