Metaphysical Transparency

Description

Magic and psionics are two different metaphysical phenomena. Even arcane and divine magic have different inherent properties. As a result, training in one doesn't necessarily confer the ability to interact with the other. Even if it does, you may see diminished results.

Merging Abilities

• Spellcraft and Psicraft are merged into a single skill named "Metacraft." GMs and players using custom character sheets should feel free to rename the skill "Metacraft," but are not required to do so.
• Use Magic Device and Use Psionic Device are combined into a single skill and renamed "Use Metaphysical Device."
• The Detect Magic spell and the Detect Psionics power are renamed "Detect Metaphysics." Any classes with either on their spell or power list may add Detect Metaphysics for free to their spellbook or list of spells/powers known, and (for casters who prepare their spells) it is always considered prepared.
• All magic item creation feats are combined with their psionic analogues.

Spellcraft

Spellcraft check results are limited to 5× the number of ranks a character has taken in an appropriate Knowledge skill, based on the particular metaphysical energy (generally divine magic, arcane magic, or psionics) of the effect or item being identified. If a character has no ranks in the appropriate skill, not even the type of energy can be identified. For this purpose only, bonuses to a Knowledge skill (including Bardic Knowledge and Skill Focus) count as ranks as long as the character has at least one actual rank in the skill. Characters who can use the appropriate Knowledge skill untrained may treat bonuses as ranks even if they have no actual ranks.

Familiarity with a particular type of metaphysical energy allows a character to ignore the limitation to Spellcraft checks relating to that type of energy, regardless of skill ranks. The capacity to use metaphysical energy as a learned ability grants familiarity with that type of energy. For example, a druid can cast divine spells, so they can perform Spellcraft checks on divine magic without being limited by ranks—or lack thereof—in Knowledge (religion). Spell-like abilities (and similar innate minor abilities) do not automatically confer familiarity.

Diminished Effects

Dispel magic has a diminished effect on psionic powers, while negate psionics has a diminished effect on magic. When making a dispel check against the opposing energy, the check is assessed a –4 penalty. There is no differentiation between arcane and divine magic in this situation.

Antimagic field halves its effect when used on psionics, and null psionics field halves its effect when used on magic. Each round, an opposing effect has only a 50% chance to remain unhindered. If hindered, it is considered suppressed for 1d4 rounds, and then becomes unhindered for the remaining duration of the spell or power. There is no differentiation between arcane and divine magic in this situation.

Other

Generally speaking, spell resistance and power resistance function normally against all types of metaphysical energy. If the GM so desires, beings of pure magic or psionic energy may be vulnerable to the other type to some extent.

Effects that specifically block certain spells or types of spell effects usually have the same effect on any psionic counterparts, and vice versa. This is determined on a case-by-case basis by the GM.

If a class has Knowledge (arcana) as a class skill, yet has no inherent magical aptitude, add Knowledge (psionics) as a class skill.

Feats

Metaphysical Transparency Your abilities that affect particular types of metaphysical energy (such as the Dispel Magic spell) no longer have diminished effects when used on other energies. In addition, you may ignore the Spellcraft limitation for all types of metaphysical energy. You must still have had some sort of prior exposure to the specific energy type in order to discern its type. Prerequisites: Familiarity with at least one type of metaphysical energy.