Psionic encounters and ESP

[linebeck]

Although not mentioned in the 3LLBs, 1 Ed. DMG p. 182 states:



“If the player party has used psionic powers during the last turn, or spells resembling psionic powers during the last round, then the chance for a psionic encounter will be 1 in 4 if an encounter is otherwise indicated.”



Among the spells listed as resembling psionic powers is ESP.



I have been using ESP extensively in the Castle Greyhawk game I am playing on roll20. It is in many ways a game breaker – the spell lasts approximately two hours and allows my character to detect thoughts behind walls and doors – the party is thus seldom surprised.



I think adding the possibility of psionic encounters is one way of mitigating this spell. The fact that I am ESPing would draw the attention (and thus a chance of encountering) of cerebral parasites, brain moles, demons, or a lich (!) even on level one makes employing ESP far more dangerous.



I like this approach as it is a good way of keeping the spell as powerful as written while at the same time imposing potentially disastrous consequences for its use.


Thoughts?

[talysman]

Eldritch Wizardry says something similar:

"If a psionic is in the party of adventurers or if psionic or psionic-related powers are being used there is a 1 in 6 chance that any encounter indicated is psionic."

That's a lower chance of a pisonic encounter than in AD&D, but: (1) wandering monster rolls are more frequent in OD&D; and (2) Just having a psionic character, even when no psionic abilities are used, is a risk.

[Deleted]

The thought of attracting a Mind Flayer or Intellect Devourer who will sniff you out like a bloodhound for your fertile, tasty brains is a game balancer for sure.