Hi, I've googled this and got equal results for yes and no, but is psionics magic or is it a mental force that can simply be used in some instances to create magical effects?
This is best asked in the Rules and Game Mechanics sub-forum. Bugs & Support is for website issues like sheets not loading or pages not working correctly.
The short answer though is Maybe?
Psionics in general are a controversial mechanic that some people love and some people hate. In 5th edition they only recently released psionic rules (soul knife rogue and psi warrior fighter). In 5th edition, the mechanics of psionics are indistinguishable from traditional "magical" effects.
In other editions the interactions between psionics and magic were much different.
Hi, I've googled this and got equal results for yes and no, but is psionics magic or is it a mental force that can simply be used in some instances to create magical effects?
Sorta both. Generally speaking, no, psionics are not inherently magical. But in order to simplify 5e, many psionic features simply cast spells (usually without spell slots or components), cast spells are always magic. See what I mean about "both"?
I’ve always thought if psionics in D&D as utilizing the mind to access the power of the Multiverse to warp reality, without utilizing the Weave as magic must in some form.
I’ve always thought if psionics in D&D as utilizing the mind to access the power of the Multiverse to warp reality, without utilizing the Weave as magic must in some form.
Draconic Shard with 8 psionic abilities, only 2 of which are magical.
There are more, but 6 out of the first 7 results of a 5 second search seemed like enough.
And just to nip this argument before it starts: no, a spell attack does not mean it is magic, it just means it isn't a weapon/physical attack. It is magic if it is a spell, magic item, or says it is magic.
Asking "is psionics magic?" is like asking "is magenta a color?"
I mean, yeah, but also no. In older editions they were separate, but with the streamlined 5e rules, they're pretty much two different flavors of the same brand of ice cream.
Asking "is psionics magic?" is like asking "is magenta a color?"
I mean, yeah, but also no. In older editions they were separate, but with the streamlined 5e rules, they're pretty much two different flavors of the same brand of ice cream.
Doing a search for "psionic", 75% of the results have at least 1 non-magical psionic ability. Hell, 2/3 of the psionic subclasses have 0 magical features.
Only about half of psionics are magical (less if you don't count "psionic spellcasting" which is just innate spellcasting).
This reminds me of the scene in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice when Jay Baruchel asks Nicolas Cage if sorcery is “science or magic”, and his answer is “Yes”.
As others have pointed out, it's the question that's the problem. Is psionics magic? Yes, if you want. No, if you don't want. That's really not an avenue that will bring clarity or understanding. There's a game design problem at the center of the conversation. You're going to have to ask something like, "How does it change my game if psionics isn't magic" in order to approach anything like a useful answer.
You might want to say that psionics isn't magic in order to create a memorable foe for your players to face. If their counterspells don't work against the enemies' abilities, they'll need to embark on a quest to learn about their opponent and to find the spells, items, and abilities which will allow them to challenge this new and interesting group of antagonists. You'll want to invent lore which explains why psionics and magic aren't the same thing. Then, you can use that lore to construct NPCs to oppose the players and challenges for the players to overcome.
You might want to say that psionics is magic in order to reduce time spent on working out rules interactions at your table. If counterspell works against psionic abilities, then players don't need to worry about whether they have the right tool for the job and you don't have to invent new mechanics to codify the interaction of two disparate power sources. Instead, the group gets to focus on play which interests them--and that makes everyone's game more enjoyable. Ensuring that the players at your table are having a good time is as important as any aspect of the game.
P.S. Google is the wrong tool for working out this problem. Google has no understanding of the problem. You need to find a person who has experience playing the game. Youtube might have some good offerings, although equally, your local gaming shop might help you get in touch with someone who can engage you in dialogue.
As others have pointed out, it's the question that's the problem. Is psionics magic? Yes, if you want. No, if you don't want.
Whether or not psionics is magic is no more optional than any other house rule.
Types of effects that are magical: spells, magic items, and effects that say they are magical
Types of effects that are not magical: everything else.
It really is that simple. I didn't realize psionics were a source of so much confusion in the community. Only the psionics that specifically cast spells or specifically say they are magical are magical, the other half are not.
Also, you can't counterspell non-spell actions whether they are magic or not, so that only applies to psionic spellcasting.
When I create my worlds (usually one where magic is well known); psionic powers are usually powers of the mind, not the arcane. However, the magic of other worlds, especially yours, is for you to decide.
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Hi, I've googled this and got equal results for yes and no, but is psionics magic or is it a mental force that can simply be used in some instances to create magical effects?
IsaacC
This is best asked in the Rules and Game Mechanics sub-forum. Bugs & Support is for website issues like sheets not loading or pages not working correctly.
The short answer though is Maybe?
Psionics in general are a controversial mechanic that some people love and some people hate. In 5th edition they only recently released psionic rules (soul knife rogue and psi warrior fighter). In 5th edition, the mechanics of psionics are indistinguishable from traditional "magical" effects.
In other editions the interactions between psionics and magic were much different.
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Sorta both. Generally speaking, no, psionics are not inherently magical. But in order to simplify 5e, many psionic features simply cast spells (usually without spell slots or components), cast spells are always magic. See what I mean about "both"?
According to the rules, it is magic even if it isn't.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
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Which rules?
The ones you were talking about.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Gotcha. Just making sure you were referring to spells and not all psionics.
I would say yes, it's in fact magic. If it has magical capabilities its magic. It's kinda just logical in my opinion.
I would say though it's not the traditional Arcane or Divine magic but more of a 3rd type.
So psionics would be subjected to creatures with magic resistance?
By 5e RAW, yes. Although if you're the DM it's up to you.
If it is casting a spell, yes. Just psionically dealing force or psychic damage, no.
I’ve always thought if psionics in D&D as utilizing the mind to access the power of the Multiverse to warp reality, without utilizing the Weave as magic must in some form.
RAW though it would correct? Seems any Psionic ability is considered magic.
Have always felt that way as well.
I don't think a single feature of the soulknife rogue or psi warrior fighter is described as magical.
For monsters, with very little effort I found:
There are more, but 6 out of the first 7 results of a 5 second search seemed like enough.
And just to nip this argument before it starts: no, a spell attack does not mean it is magic, it just means it isn't a weapon/physical attack. It is magic if it is a spell, magic item, or says it is magic.
Asking "is psionics magic?" is like asking "is magenta a color?"
I mean, yeah, but also no. In older editions they were separate, but with the streamlined 5e rules, they're pretty much two different flavors of the same brand of ice cream.
Anzio Faro. Protector Aasimar light cleric. Lvl 18.
Viktor Gavriil. White dragonborn grave cleric. Lvl 20.
Ikram Sahir ibn-Malik al-Sayyid Ra'ad. Brass dragonborn draconic sorcerer Lvl 9. Fire elemental devil.
Tayn of Darkwood. Human Life Cleric. Lvl 10.
Doing a search for "psionic", 75% of the results have at least 1 non-magical psionic ability. Hell, 2/3 of the psionic subclasses have 0 magical features.
Only about half of psionics are magical (less if you don't count "psionic spellcasting" which is just innate spellcasting).
This reminds me of the scene in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice when Jay Baruchel asks Nicolas Cage if sorcery is “science or magic”, and his answer is “Yes”.
As others have pointed out, it's the question that's the problem. Is psionics magic? Yes, if you want. No, if you don't want. That's really not an avenue that will bring clarity or understanding. There's a game design problem at the center of the conversation. You're going to have to ask something like, "How does it change my game if psionics isn't magic" in order to approach anything like a useful answer.
You might want to say that psionics isn't magic in order to create a memorable foe for your players to face. If their counterspells don't work against the enemies' abilities, they'll need to embark on a quest to learn about their opponent and to find the spells, items, and abilities which will allow them to challenge this new and interesting group of antagonists. You'll want to invent lore which explains why psionics and magic aren't the same thing. Then, you can use that lore to construct NPCs to oppose the players and challenges for the players to overcome.
You might want to say that psionics is magic in order to reduce time spent on working out rules interactions at your table. If counterspell works against psionic abilities, then players don't need to worry about whether they have the right tool for the job and you don't have to invent new mechanics to codify the interaction of two disparate power sources. Instead, the group gets to focus on play which interests them--and that makes everyone's game more enjoyable. Ensuring that the players at your table are having a good time is as important as any aspect of the game.
P.S. Google is the wrong tool for working out this problem. Google has no understanding of the problem. You need to find a person who has experience playing the game. Youtube might have some good offerings, although equally, your local gaming shop might help you get in touch with someone who can engage you in dialogue.
Whether or not psionics is magic is no more optional than any other house rule.
Types of effects that are magical: spells, magic items, and effects that say they are magical
Types of effects that are not magical: everything else.
It really is that simple. I didn't realize psionics were a source of so much confusion in the community. Only the psionics that specifically cast spells or specifically say they are magical are magical, the other half are not.
Also, you can't counterspell non-spell actions whether they are magic or not, so that only applies to psionic spellcasting.
When I create my worlds (usually one where magic is well known); psionic powers are usually powers of the mind, not the arcane. However, the magic of other worlds, especially yours, is for you to decide.
I enjoy writing, roleplaying, watching TVs and movies, and playing video games!
Currently playing the resident time lord in Las Aminour.
Want to check out my stuff? Here’s my campaign:
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