I've been contemplating the ratings I've given to the various Psionic PrCs in my
guide. I'm wondering if some of them need to be revised up or down. Here are the ratings I've given to each of them, underneath the Spoiler. I've only included the PrCs officially statted out, not suggested adaptations or homebrew.
Psionic Prestige Classes[spoiler]
Anarchic InitiateBody LeechCerebremancer (XPH, SRD)
The Psionic equivalent of the Mystic Theurge. Due to the multiclassing requirement, you'll feel behind your single-classed counterparts for much of the game.
Exception: this PrC
is a green choice in campaigns that begin at high levels, so long as you focus on one side of the progression to secure 9th level spells or powers.
Cognition Thief (PGF)
Loses too many ML.
ConstructorException: this PrC either wreaks havoc on the CPsi nerf to Astral Construct, or the CPsi nerf wreaks havoc on it. If your DM rules that this PrC ignores the nerf, but that the nerf is otherwise in effect, this PrC tips over into the
purple category. If your DM rules that the nerf applies to this PrC, this PrC becomes somewhat less attractive, and dips down into
green territory.
CryokineticistredCrystal MasterDiamond DragonEbon SaintEctopic Adept (CPsi)
This PrC is
redException:green.ElocaterException: if you are playing a gish-type character that is primarily melee fighter and secondarily a manifester, such as Ranger 4/Psion 1, this PrC may be
green or even
blue, depending on your exact build.
Fist of Zuoken (XPH)/
Psionic Fist (SRD) (XPH, SRD)
The Psionic Monk. Has its own manifester level and power progression. Not a good choice, for that reason.
Exception: a blue choice for any non-Psionic Monk-type character who wants psionic powers without the Psion's weak BAB. Consider one level in this PrC followed by a full progression in Slayer.
Flayerspawn PsychicredException: the text ALSO suggests that the PrC gains the Illithid Blast feature as a Supernatural ability. If so, then the PrC is black. Confirm with your DM which option he or she will enforce before giving this PrC any consideration.
Illithid Slayer (XPH)/
Slayer (SRD)
Two versions of this PrC exist. The SRD version is better than the XPH version due to the relaxed entry requirements. You get full BAB and eventually immunity to Mind-Affecting effects while psionically focused. This immunity is SUPERIOR to Mind Blank, as does not block friendly Mind-Affecting effects! Those, alone, are worthwhile trade-offs. The class also grants you proficiency with all Simple and Martial weapons and all kinds of armor, but not shields, while requiring no such proficiencies in the first place. The proficiencies make Illithid Slayer/Slayer a good springboard class into other gish PrCs that do require such proficiencies.
Iron MindMeditantMetamind (XPH, SRD)
This PrC is broken, and not in the good way. The loss of 5 manifester levels (!) is what kills it.
Psion UncarnatePsychic AssassinPsychic TheurgeException: if you have access to the Archivist from Heroes of Horror, this is a
green choice. Note that that has more to do with the sheer power and versatility of the Archivist more than it has anything to do with what Psion contributes to the build.
Psychic Weapon MasterPyrokineticistException: three levels will get you better saves and BAB than a single-classed Psion, plus two infinite-use ranged touch attack abilities, and therefore, rates black as an option.
Pyrokineticist Variantsthree-level dip in either Acetokineticist or Sonokineticist a green choice under the base rules.
Exceptions:Sonokineticist becomes green for the full 10 levels,
and it becomes blue for a three-level dip.
Cryokineticist is green for a three-level dip. Otherwise, the rankings remain unchanged from the base rules.
Quori Mindhunter (MoE)
Generally exclusive to Eberron. You get a d6 hit die, a better BAB, and lose one ML. The abilities you get are pretty nice, especially since a few are bonus powers known. On the other hand, the more interesting powers of the PrC involve possession, which is a rather rare campaign feature, and the prerequisites are crappy.
Quori Nightmare (RoE)
For PCs, this is Kalashtar-specific, so it's generally Eberron-specific. You get better BAB, more skill points, a d8 hit die, and some interesting abilities. Those abilities are fear effects, mind you, which are often resisted at higher levels. You also lose a ML. But, for a 5-level psionic PrC, of which there aren't many, this isn't bad.
Sanctified Mind (LoM)
The BAB, feat and weapon proficiency requirements suck, but what you get out of this PrC is great: full BAB and almost full manifesting. The first level class feature is also one of the only ways in the game to avoid two particularly nasty status conditions. A very good PrC for any gish Psion.
SangehirnShadowmindSoul ManifesterStorm DiscipleSubverted PsionThrallherd (XPH, SRD)
When does a PrC that loses 2 manifester levels and which has sub-par entry requirements get to be a
purpleWarmindException: for otherwise non-Psionic melee characters, this is
a blue choice. The 5th level ability is particularly awesome, and can double any melee combatant's damage output.
Wonderworkerred rating.
Zerth Cenobite
