I was reading through yet another book (pretty sure that it was The Will and the Way) when I was reminded of a question I had about psiologists.
Both the kit and the prestige class requires that a psionicist studies at three academies. But when you look at the seven main cities, three (Urik, Gulg, and Draj) require that anyone with psi talent study at the state-run academy (often in the “forbidden kingdom” part of the city).
From reading on, it sounds like these academies are pipelines to funnel psionicists into the templarate.
So how does one from those cities get enough freedom to go to two other academies?
For the kit, is this something that you explain in your backstory?
For the prestige class, do you put it in the backstory or do you play it out? And if you play it out, is it as an inactive character in the character tree (given an uncertain amount of time to get into the academy as a journeyman, then to pick up however many levels/skills/powers, then extricate themselves)? Separate sessions with the DM, to play through various political games among the teachers, students, and possibly secret police spying for those opposed to the government?
Mind you, I LOVE the idea of a master of psionics training at multiple academies, getting different perspectives. I’m just not sure that it fits in with D&D and keeping the party together.
As long as I’m on the topic, has anyone used unusual academies? The cities follow the teachings of that psionicist from Raam from 700 or so years ago (name escapes me right now). I think it’s mentioned that thri-kreen and halflings maintain their own traditions. Are there other traditions (non wilder ones) that were used out there?
And is there a mechanical difference between them?
Kind of curious how others have handled this.