Dungeons and Dragonsrecently revealed an Unearthed Arcana that introduced the Psion – its first new class in over six years. This psychic spellcaster uses the power of their mind to alter the universe around them and control the battlefield. Though it is unclear which book this class will appear in,Dungeons and Dragonsis planning to launch it with four subclasses: the Metamorph, Psi Warper, Psykinetic, and Telepath.
Each of these archetypes brings something new to the table, from the ability to reshape one’s body or warp creatures around the battlefield to further mastery of energy and mind manipulation. Interestingly enough, the subclasses from thenewDungeons and DragonsPsion classshare a lot in common with some iconic Marvel characters, allowing players to easily replicate some of their favorite superheroes or villains from theX-Men,Fantastic Four, or elsewhere.
The Four Psion Subclasses in Dungeons and Dragons
Metamorph – Sculpt the Body Like Wolverine or Mister Fantastic
The Metamorph reshapes their body to suit their needs. They can turn their arms into weapons, extend their limbs, and alter their forms in unexpected ways. Quickened Healing and Life-Bending Weapons also give them the ability to heal themselves and others with their Psionic Energy.
Between his supernatural healing factor and adamantium claws,Marvel’s Weapon X mutant Wolverineis evoked through abilities like Quickened Healing and Organic Weapons. However, Extended Limbs and Mutable Form also allows one to mimic some of the malleable powers used by characters like Mister Fantastic.
Psi Warper – Warp Around Like Nightcrawler or Doctor Strange
The Psi Warper controls the battle by warping space itself. They can empower spells like Misty Step and Shatter using their Psionic Energy, and improve the Telekinetic Propel feature of the base Psion class. At higher levels, they can swap places with allies to avoid hits, and can even reposition huge groups of allies or enemies on the battlefield.
The Psi Warper’s focus on teleportation is reminiscent of Nightcrawler, whose ability to move himself and others over short distances is in line with this Psion archetype’s abilities.Doctor Strange’s iconic portals in the Marvel universework in similar ways, letting one learn the dimensional manipulations of the Sorcerer Supreme with this subclass just as easily.
Psykinetic – Control Matter Like Magneto or The Invisible Woman
The Psykinetic is the first of two Psion subclasses that focuses on doingwhat the newDungeons and Dragonsclass does, but better. Featuring adaptable enhancements to Telekinetic Propel and Attack Mode, plus synergies with the Shield, Telekinetic Crush, and Telekinesis spells, the Psykinetic masters matter by using energy to create protective barriers and destructive force.
Though his powers are technically magnetism, Magneto’s iconic skillset could be replicated using the Psykinetic’s telekinesis, along with Empowered Attack Mode’s ability to hover. Likewise, Rebounding Field can help fans embody the powers ofThe Invisible Woman as seen inMarvel Rivals, with spells like Otiluke’s Resilient Sphere, Wall of Force, and Invisibility bringing the idea home.
Telepath – Master the Mind Like Professor X or Jean Gray
The fourth and final Psion subclass is the second that doubles down on the class’ core fantasy. The Telepath enhances Psion features like Telepathic Connection and Defense Mode, and grants benefits to spells like Detect Thoughts and Confusion when combined with Psionic Energy. These masters of the mind can also buff allies with telepathic aid, making them strong support characters.
As one of the most iconic Telepaths in fiction, all of this subclass’ abilities immediately callX-Menleader Professor Xto mind. Telepathy is likewise one of Jean Grey’s most iconic abilities – though the overpoweredX-Menhero would also likely have features from the Psykinetic as well.
