Psionics Handbook


The Psionics Handbook is a sourcebook for the 3rd edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game that contains a multitude of rules and options for integrating psionic powers into the D&D game.

Contents

This book adapted the psionics concept for third edition D&D, with a new emphasis on balance and playability. The book mixed elements from previous versions of the game along with a number of innovations like linking the system closer to the new system of D&D as well as balance changes such as removing the randomness that had characterized the original system. One of the key innovations was integrating the psionics system into the feats and class system that third edition emphasized. In the earlier editions most characters had a small chance to receive psionic powers as an extra set of abilities; a lucky character could receive powers that were equivalents of magical spells that were not available until mid-to-high levels. In 3.0 characters must take psionic classes or feats to access the abilities forcing a player to forgo other abilities in exchange for psionic powers.

Publication history

The Psionics Handbook is intended for use with the Dungeons & Dragons core rulebooks. It was released in 2000. The book was designed by Bruce R. Cordell. Cover art is by Arnie Swekel, with interior illustrations by Lars Grant-West, Heather Hudson, David Martin, Wayne Reynolds, Arniel Swekel, and Sam Wood.
The material in the original Psionics Handbook was updated for the 3.5 edition in the Expanded Psionics Handbook.

Reception

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