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UPDATE: Finally, I return to the Shaper, and present an actual revision. This update brings it in line with the mechanics of the other two "completed" classes (the Telepath and the Soulknife), as well as adding some extra content. For a full run-through, see my last post in this thread.

The updated document can be found here (this is a link).

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Hello all.

A while back, I began working on implementing psionics in 4th Edition. In hindsight, due to the amount of work required to create unique and balanced classes in this edition (as well as my timetable hitting the wall that is Law School), my initial goals were a bit foolhardy.

A while back, I finished my first class: (The Telepath).

And today (finally), I have the second "done": (The Shaper).

Feel free to read, download, use and play this class. I only ask that, if you do, you provide me with your thoughts and feedback on the class. If anyone has the time to playtest it, I would very much appreciate as much actual playtest-feedback as I can get.

This class, in particular, needs some feedback on Utility powers. The class utility powers were the strongest sticking point, and at the moment, I'm none too happy with them.

You can access the PDF for the new class (which again, also comes with handy features, like magic-item conversions to psionic implements, a skill, a few feats, and an epic destiny) by following this link (this entire paragraph is the link).

From the document:

Build Options: Construction shaper, control shaper
Class Features: Astral Assistant, Ectoplasmic Savant, Ritual Casting

Shapers draw their power from the shifting, malleable ectoplasm of the Astral Sea, shaping it through pure force of will into whatever instruments they need. They use their ability to manipulate this material to shape the battlefield, modifying the terrain, and occasionally creating animate puppet-like creatures. Many shapers see themselves as a one-man-army, but nearly all of them find that their talents are greatly augmented by a group of companions.

As a shaper, you possess an innate understanding of the workings of the astral sea, and its interactions with the material world. You can shape the ectoplasm into crystalline formations, infuse it with elemental energies, or use it to create astral constructs to serve as your hands. You excel at dealing with multiple foes at a distance, and serve a vital role on the battlefield, allowing your allies to take on much more expansive forces with relative ease.

With a glimmer of energy in your eyes, you assess your situations and your environments, always searching for the way to best shape things to your advantage.

PS: And again, if anyone actually likes it, feel free to go tell Wizards of the Coast to hire me for their next handbook with psionics in it. I promise, I wouldn't mind.
:D

CWestHawk wrote:

Thank you so much for your work on this. Admittedly, I've only read a little bit so far, but I'm impressed with it, even the utility powers that supposedly need looking at. I need to take a closer look to see what might be wrong (and to look at utility powers higher than 10), but so far I'm impressed.

Then again, I'm also looking at this work through the lens of "that could have been me having to do all that work, so why should I gripe?"

No no, gripe! Please, gripe away! :D

Remember, if you're griping when I asked you to, you're providing "useful feedback" so that I can improve the quality of the class overall.

Griping is essential. Unless it's perfect, and if you said that, I would know that you were lying to me.

CWestHawk wrote:

Hehe! Good point. Okay, here's one.

What're the stats for the astral constructs that these powers can create?

... Damn, I can't believe I forgot that. This is what I get for compiling the final document from the complete and total mess that is my working document.

The short version: there are no stats for them. Since the class is built to current mechanical implementations for "conjuring," they use almost all of the conjuration keyword mechanics.

But here's the full keyword:

Revised v2 Document]New Keyword:
Construction: Powers that create objects or creatures of ectoplasm drawn from the Astral Sea.

Constructions
Powers that have the construction keyword create objects or creatures of ectoplasm drawn from the Astral Sea.

A construction is treated as a conjuration, except for the following.

Unless a power description says otherwise, a construction can't be attacked or physically affected, and allies of the construction's creator can move through the space a construction occupies. Enemies of the construction's creator can move through the space a construction occupies, but they treat the space as difficult terrain, and the construction's controller can use it to make an attack against the creature as an immediate interrupt.

I've also updated the document itself. You specifically want the _v2 document, which includes this keyword now. I'm going to update the links in the original post a wrote:

Dude. I loved the heroic tier. Can't wait to see what you've added. Our telepath thanks you.