Are Psionic powers still planned for the game?

Hybridwolf

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I recently started playing again with the latest updates and about halfway through Myrellion I had a thought/worry; Are we still going to get Psionic abilities/skills and characters?

Iirc it was mentioned back when TiTs was first being started that the player could possibly get Psionic powers through certain transformative items or with a high enough Willpower (it even has a tooltip in game that says as much) that would provide unique abilities to use in combat, or even new scenes. However the game has been in development for some time now and there doesn't seem to have been any headway on implementing it, and with how far the game has gotten into its creation it feels less and less likely that it will ever be implemented because of how much would now need to be changed to accommodate such a system.

This may be me just overthinking it, I've been looking forward to its implementation ever since it was mentioned and not seeing any progress on it is worrying. The only thing that comes to mind is the Uveto Frostwyrm scenario that has some flavour of psionics in it, I think there are other characters that are supposed to have it too but it hasn't been implemented for them yet.

Hell maybe I just missed something, like a post or update notice, that talked about Psionics at some point and I'm worried about nothing. If that is the case then woops lol xD
 
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Theron

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I recently started playing again with the latest updates and about halfway through Myrellion I had a thought/worry; Are we still going to get Psionic abilities/skills and characters?
Last I heard (which was some time ago), they still wanted to add Psionics, but hadn't decided how, yet.
Iirc it was mentioned back when TiTs was first being started that the player could possibly get Psionic powers through certain transformative items or with a high enough Willpower (it even has a tooltip in game that says as much) that would provide unique abilities to use in combat, or even new scenes.
I don't think high Willpower was ever going to bestow Psionics by itself. The Character Creation tooltip is 'strengthen your own psionics, should a person of human decent ever gain mind powers'.
However the game has been in development for some time now and there doesn't seem to have been any headway on implementing it, and with how far the game has gotten into its creation it feels less and less likely that it will ever be implemented because of how much would now need to be changed to accommodate such a system.
I think part of the problem is they didn't/don't have a strong idea for how players would get access to Psionics. A class, a TF or an augment (possibly through a symbiote) have been proposed. They've been kicking the can down the road. I say it's high time to TK the can instead.
This may be me just overthinking it, I've been looking forward to its implementation ever since it was mentioned and not seeing any progress on it is worrying.
You're not the only one. People keep asking from time to time.
The only thing that comes to mind is the Uveto Frostwyrm scenario that has some flavour of psionics in it, I think there are other characters that are supposed to have it too but it hasn't been implemented for them yet.
Uveto was supposed to be the introduction to Psionics. Savicite is Psionically active and the high concentration is why Milodan have latent Psionic abilities (see Zaalt). Lurelings, the Janeria and the Frostwyrm as well. Slyveren generally have some form of Psionics. There's a dream on New Texas that's caused by a Psionic Cowgirl. As such, it can't be blocked by the Sleep Fapnia.

The Ice Queen Distress Call can result in Steele getting a Broken Psi-Amp, which is currently useless.
 

Theron

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It is still planned, yes.
Has the method been decided? I'm not asking what it is, in case you don't want to spoil the surprise. But it seems to me that one of the biggest barriers to implementing player Psionics was deciding how/when the player would get them. The 2nd being finding the time to code.
 
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Drash

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Speculation time. Maybe it would require a quest involving the various races on Uveto?
The Milodan, the Korgonnes, Essyras and either the Frostwyrm or the Lurelings? If you've killed the Frostwyrm you have to go through the harder route of involving the Lurelings.

We've got an increasing number of Milodan being infected with whatever caused the Futazon to happen. A lot of Milodan seem to be seeking this stuff out on purpose. Maybe their elders and Priestess are not quite as supportive of this happening and want to put a stop to it?
https://wiki.smutosaur.us/TiTS/Milodan_Amazon
The same stuff could also be threatening the other races forcing them to work together for a change.

We've also got that specialized diving suit from the Deep Sea Lab quest. You'd have to visit the core of Uveto in a few places, or journey into some of the deepest deposits of Savicite ever seen. I dunno lots of potential.
 

HugLife

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Not that I am aware of :/
Now that the amount of planets has been trimmed down and we're functionally at the end of the game, is there really any point? We'll only actually have the psionic powers for one planet; unless they're substantially powerful to justify saving them until the end of the game, I'd almost say you'd be better off just removing any reference to players getting them.
 
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drossbots

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Unless they're made available sooner in the story.
That's what I would assume would happen. It only makes sense, if the new planet is supposed to be the last story planet. Personally, if I was going to throw a psionic class in the game, I'd put it on Tarkus or something. That seems to be where class identities start to solidify. Plus it leaves a large portion of the game left for you to play with your new toys. I doubt psionics would be cancelled outright, with how popular the idea is in the community. Someone asks this same question on the discord every week basically.

Of course, that's just speculation on my part.
 
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Hybridwolf

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Meant to reply to this the other day but lost track of time and such.

I think part of the problem is they didn't/don't have a strong idea for how players would get access to Psionics. A class, a TF or an augment (possibly through a symbiote) have been proposed. They've been kicking the can down the road. I say it's high time to TK the can instead.
I thought that the idea for Psionics being introduced originally was that it was going to be Savicite (an apparently psionically active gem) that induces it into the PC, they get exposed to it quite often and I vaguely recall during the threesome on Uveto with Anno & the Huskar's mentioned the Savicite getting smaller after using it so much in the scene (hinting that it was being absorbed by the PC somehow). However I might be misremembering that as I haven't checked it recently. So I always thought the player would get exposed to a very large chunk/vein of Savicite that "activates" the Psionic gene (or whatever it might be) that allows them to use those powers.

My personal thoughts are not to tie it to a class as it would restrict a specific feature of a game behind a class where none of the other classes do anything like that, such as hacking not being only possible with a Tech Specialist.
 

Theron

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I thought that the idea for Psionics being introduced originally was that it was going to be Savicite (an apparently psionically active gem) that induces it into the PC, they get exposed to it quite often and I vaguely recall during the threesome on Uveto with Anno & the Huskar's mentioned the Savicite getting smaller after using it so much in the scene (hinting that it was being absorbed by the PC somehow). However I might be misremembering that as I haven't checked it recently. So I always thought the player would get exposed to a very large chunk/vein of Savicite that "activates" the Psionic gene (or whatever it might be) that allows them to use those powers.
I don't recall anything like that. It would make some sense to do it that way, but Savin said upthread that the method hasn't been decided. So who knows? Uveto is also technically optional. Zaalt's Broken Psi-Amp is also a potential (missable) trigger.

My personal thoughts are not to tie it to a class as it would restrict a specific feature of a game behind a class where none of the other classes do anything like that, such as hacking not being only possible with a Tech Specialist.
Depends on how it's implemented. If it's just a collection of combat powers, with the occasional flavor mention, it wouldn't be different from the other classes. As cool as it would be, I don't expect big changes if Steele has Psionic powers, like being able to consistently read NPCs minds or a major recurring minigame or something.

Savin - 2015 said:
More likely, the PC interfacing with psionics will either cause you to shift into a new class outright, or unlock (a smaller array of) abilities and perks alongside your current class. Fen's definitely mentioned wanted to do a psyker class, though it might be annoying to retroactively jam it into the game. We'll see.

There will totally be a bunch of lust-based Psi powers, for the reasons Jim mentioned. There will ALSO be attack/debuff powers. These will probably be represented as different sides of a level-up tree in the Psi-class, or as the powers granted by different psi-amps or parasites.

While not firm material, the last time Fen and I discussed Psionics (the notes doc is "last edited August 14, 2014"), they more or less broke down like this (names subject to change):
  • Empaths/Telepaths. The Lust tree, can send erotic thoughts and manipulate the target's mind. Might also include some debuffs like making yourself invisible, or taking control of the target's arm to make their aim swing all over.
  • Psychokinetics. The Physical tree, includes elemental-based mental attacks, throwing shit around with your brain, and inflicting physical status effects like Disarm, Sunder, etc.
  • Something about Clairvoyance? Probably get rolled into Telepathy/assoc. Mentalist tree unless its like the "tank tree" with you precognitively dodging attacks and shit.
Fenoxo - 2016 said:
My plan for psionics has always been to add a fourth class down the road - as well as some kind of implant/parasitic brain worm that can be used to effectively replace your old class with psionics.

Psionics becoming more common in your encounters are end-game content. There's nothing particularly wrong with the PC getting to be a little special in the early game either.
Given how much has changed, this may or may not be accurate.
 
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Bobonga

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Personally I would like a Psyker class. What I would like to see is that there are generic psionic powers accesible to any class. The Psyker has class powers unique to them and passives that improve the generic ones. That way everyone can have space magic, but you also have a distinguishable expert class. Like Tech Specialists can improve shields and drones or Smugglers specialise in high evasion gear.
 
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Savin

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Depends on how it's implemented. If it's just a collection of combat powers, with the occasional flavor mention, it wouldn't be different from the other classes. As cool as it would be, I don't expect big changes if Steele has Psionic powers, like being able to consistently read NPCs minds or a major recurring minigame or something.
Yeah, that's the plan -- it'll just be another class. Or some kinda para-class-thing. We're still arguing about it, but don't expect it to be super game-changing. There's been roughly zero future-proofing for any kinda psionic gimmickery throughout the game's lifespan.

Clearly Eldritch tentacles are the best way to introduce said mind powers mmhmm.
That would certainly be a good idea for a way to get them :p
 

Theron

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Clearly Eldritch tentacles are the best way to introduce said mind powers mmhmm.
That would certainly be a good idea for a way to get them :p
The Strange Egg is right there. (Though I agree something like that shouldn't be the only way.)

Savin said:
There's been roughly zero future-proofing for any kinda psionic gimmickery throughout the game's lifespan.
What are the chances of things being retroactively added to account for it? Like each class' specific action on FIRST-14?
 
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Savin

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What are the chances of things being retroactively added to account for it? Like each class' specific action on FIRST-14?
If it ends up being its own class you can select from the get-go, basically every single class-specific parser at LEAST will have to be updated. Beyond that it'll be up to Fen, since he's the one who'll get voluntold to do all of it.

Which I why I think having it be its own CLASS is a bad idea and it should be an alternate perk/power tree.
 
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Theron

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We're still arguing about it but don't expect it to be super game-changing.
What will it take for a decision to be made? It sounds like the argument could go on forever, if you let it.
 

Hanzo

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If it ends up being its own class you can select from the get-go, basically every single class-specific parser at LEAST will have to be updated. Beyond that it'll be up to Fen, since he's the one who'll get voluntold to do all of it.

Which I why I think having it be its own CLASS is a bad idea and it should be an alternate perk/power tree.
Yeah, alternate tree is better.

If psionic ends up being its own class, it'll be even more work. As an additional tree with perks to choose from, it'll just need one perk per level, or even less (I think it's ok if alternate trees don't have one perk each level). However, as a class, it must have one perk per level +another two to choose from. All those extra perks and powers have to be designed, written and coded, not to mention the testing and balancing.

Incubating the egg of a creature with psionic powers is a fine way to gain said powers. Anything but those nightmarish brain worms (or whatever that thing was) I think I read on discord some time ago, lol.
 

Theron

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If psionic ends up being its own class, it'll be even more work. As an additional tree with perks to choose from, it'll just need one perk per level, or even less (I think it's ok if alternate trees don't have one perk each level).
You'd need to rework the UI to have 3 columns. Maybe only display the third if Steele qualified for Psionic abilities?
However, as a class, it must have one perk per level +another two to choose from. All those extra perks and powers have to be designed, written and coded, not to mention the testing and balancing.
I expect they already have a lot of ideas for what they want Psionics to do. You're right they'd need to be coded.

Speaking of balancing, if they were class-agnostic, they'd need to be balanced against the perks for the other classes for each row. If it's a separate class, they'd just need to be balanced against each other. Not that the classes are internally balanced right now anyway. (Melee Tech and Ranged Merc are the clear winners).
Additionally, the classes don't all have the same number of levels I'd give up for Psionics. Or at least, some rows would have to be a really good alternative.
2. As a Melee Merc, I'd be willing to give up Bloodthirsty, because it's Energy return doesn't keep up with Second Wind. Ranged isn't likely to skip Armor Piercing.
3. Your core special attack. Nope. Only if it's crazy good. The threshold for 'crazy' is lower for Melee, because it doesn't compound as much as Ranged.
4. Both of the Evasion boosters are probably skippable for something decent.
5. Both of these are Int based. Not taking Int? Skip, get something else.
6. +20% damage is deceptive. It only applies to the base damage, not the bonus from Physique/Aim. If the alternative is good, I'd take it.
7. Boost to
8. Is a universal. I just don't see anybody giving this up unless the Psionic power is crazy good.
9. Giant Slayer is way too situational. It applies more often than I thought before I went though the code, but most of the enemies it applies to are before Zheng Shi (that I know of). Rending Attacks is good if you picked up one of Level 3.
10. Lunge is extremely useful if you don't have Wings. If you do, it's still good for inflicting Stagger. Bigger Guns is only good if you want to use Power Armor weapons, but don't want to bump Physique or use Power Armor. Or take the Cybernetic Exoskeleton.
TL;DR
Melee: 2, 4, 5, 6, 10. Might also give up 3, 9 if the alternatives are both good.
Ranged: 4, 5, 6, 10
2. Both are decent, but Low Blow can be skipped if you make sure to use a Stun Weapon. Shoot First is decent, but a good alternate might be enough to entice me away.
3. Your major damage boost. No way you're giving this up.
4. Your major defensive. SFG is extremely good. Never tested Disarming Shot. It would be really hard for something to be a viable alternative.
5. It wouldn't take much for an alternative to be better.
6. Quick Draw is good if you primarily use a Tease weapon, so you can switch to a different one without losing a turn. Likewise, Leap Up is extremely good when enemies have Trip attacks. Still, I could see forgoing these.
7. Energy regen. No way. Too important.
9. I've had some good success with Alpa Strike + Shoot First. It also combos well with Can Opener. If I'm at 50% health, something has gone wrong. Smugglers are better at surviving with low Heath than the other Classes, but I still don't think the reward is worth it. Could see myself picking an alternative.
10. Can Opener only works on Melee attacks. Mag Binders is a Reflex vs Reflex Stun, which is nice. I don't find myself using it often. Possible Psionic pick.
Tl;DR
Definitely: 5
Maybe: 6, 9, 10
2. Attack Drones are getting a rework into full creatures. No idea if they'll still be worth it. I hope so. Currently Melee Drone Tech has enough Damage output Shield Booster is overkill. I'd need to test the new system to see if I could forgo both Drones and Shields. Maybe? I'm guessing not.
3. Charge Weapon got nerfed and is still ridiculous. I have proof people take Overcharge, though I'm not sure why. Ranged could take a Psionic perk.
4. Survivability increase & Energy regen. Too important.
5. I don't find myself using the Disruptors. Maybe because I went Melee? Easy skip for Melee, not sure about Ranged.
6. See Mercenary 6. Pass
7. I don't take either of these anyway. Actually dead level in the current game, as far as I'm concerned.
9. Drone Control is mandatory if you use Drones. Otherwise useless. Deadly Shock is a decent alternative, but definitely not mandatory.
10. Boosted Charges is only good if you took (and use) one of the Disruptors. Linked Emitters is more consistent than Desperation, but not that great. Could pass easily.
Tl;DR
Definitely: 6, 7, 10
Melee: 5
If not Drones: 9
Ranged, maybe: 4, 5, 10
Consider that Mercenaries would be slightly better at Psionics because of their boosted Maximum Willpower. Specifically because of high Physique. Muscle Space Wizards, Go!
 
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Hanzo

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You'd need to rework the UI to have 3 columns. Maybe only display the third if Steele qualified for Psionic abilities?
Three columns would be a mess with tiny buttons and hard to read text on mobile. Just add another two buttons per level, below the existing ones. So, each level would have four buttons of the current size in a 2x2 arrangement.

Consider that Mercenaries would be slightly better at Psionics because of their boosted Maximum Willpower. Specifically because of high Physique. Muscle Space Wizards, Go!

Make psionic powers run on ¿bimbo? Intelligence then.
 
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