Magic user and random psionics

[Grazzik]

Assuming the PC is a regular human, a magical OCC (i.e. LLW or Shifter), not a magic OCC that explicitly allows psionics (i.e. Mystic or TW OCC), and not a demigod, can they roll for random psionics during chargen?

I've always assumed no, based on the idea that psychics expend their PPE early in the development of their psychic powers and ISP. It just feels a bit munchkin-y to allow it. However, I can't find an explicit rule preventing it and starting to second guess long standing house rules of late.

[Killer Cyborg]

Yes, normal humans--mages or not--get to roll for random psionics.

[Library Ogre]

Basically, unless they are explicitly given psionics (qv Operator, Mystic), or explicitly denied psionics (Borg, some species), they roll psionics.

[Killer Cyborg]

Basically, unless they are explicitly given psionics (qv Operator, Mystic), or explicitly denied psionics (Borg, some species), they roll psionics.

Succinctly put!

[Grazzik]

Basically, unless they are explicitly given psionics (qv Operator, Mystic), or explicitly denied psionics (Borg, some species), they roll psionics.

Succinctly put!

Thanks both for the confirmation!

I think I'll still keep my house rule, as I feel it diminishes the nature of the Mystic and psychic TW.

[Library Ogre]

I've always assumed no, based on the idea that psychics expend their PPE early in the development of their psychic powers and ISP. It just feels a bit munchkin-y to allow it. However, I can't find an explicit rule preventing it and starting to second guess long standing house rules of late.

Ok, this is where I get a bit curmudgeonly.

I absolutely dislike random-roll psionic powers. As you say, it's a random bonus that people may or may not get based on a single roll, one time, and it can be a big boost. It got even worse with RUE, IMO, where even major psionics was a free ability, whereas it used to cost a significant portion of your skills.

So, I had a slightly different idea.

To be a psychic (outside of xCC abilities) costs skill slots. 1 Slot = 1 minor psychic power, ME + 1d6 ISP/level. Every extra slot spent is another minor psychic power. If the slot spent is an OCC skill, you get it at your level. If it is a Secondary skill, you get it at 1st level (it doesn't matter at 1st level, but if you get secondary skill at 4th level, your power will always be 3 levels behind you, insofar as that matters).

If you want a Super Power, you first need 3 Minor powers, and then spend 2 skills to learn a Super Power. All Secondary: 1st level. All OCC: Your level. One of Each? 1/2 your level.

Mind you, I like to include something like the PF Knight OCC's 4 background skills for everyone, and also think that there should be skill trees available for picking up magic, warlockry, and priestly abilities.

[Grazzik]

So, I had a slightly different idea.

A nice compromise, but at some point I'm sure it just makes more sense to have a master psychic rather than waste skills on buying powers.

Mind you, I like to include something like the PF Knight OCC's 4 background skills for everyone, and also think that there should be skill trees available for picking up magic, warlockry, and priestly abilities.

Makes sense if you trade in skill slots. My preference is to allow the "knacks" from Rifts WB13 for that individual flavor, but family skills also make sense - I'll have to consider them. Thanks!

[Library Ogre]

So, I had a slightly different idea.

A nice compromise, but at some point I'm sure it just makes more sense to have a master psychic rather than waste skills on buying powers.

It absolutely does; I think chasing after psychic powers that way is a bad choice. However, some people are gonna want to do it... they're gonna decide that being able to use Telekinesis is way more valuable than having a 30% chance to cook a meal, and start chasing that dragon.

Mind you, I like to include something like the PF Knight OCC's 4 background skills for everyone, and also think that there should be skill trees available for picking up magic, warlockry, and priestly abilities.

Makes sense if you trade in skill slots. My preference is to allow the "knacks" from Rifts WB13 for that individual flavor, but family skills also make sense - I'll have to consider them. Thanks!

Skill slots are a useful, fungible, resource that everyone has. The WB13 Knacks are just "non-psionic powers" that you get on a random roll. Compare, instead, to the "Sorcerous Proficiencies" of NB3: TtGD, or various attempts at "mental skills" that increase IQ, ME, and MA like Physical Skills do PS, PP, PE, and Speed, or SDC, or combat abilities.

[Ice Dragon]

Yes, they role on psionics .