System Transparency

All forms of esoterica are fundamentally the same, even when their methods are wildly different. Even when not explicitly called out in the various spell, power, veil, effect, item, or ability descriptions, any effect which could affect an esoteric system does affect it, as described here.

Spell resistance and power resistance are effective against spells, powers, and other esoteric effects using the same mechanics. If a creature has one kind of resistance, it is assumed to have the other. (The effects have similar ends despite having been brought about by different means.)

All spells, powers, and effects that dispel magic have equal effect against transparent effects using the same mechanics, unless specifically described to function differently (as with veilweaving).

The spell detect magic detects all powers, their number, and their strength and location within 3 rounds (though a Psi Lore check is necessary to identify the discipline of a psionic aura). The power detect psionics can detect spells, their number, and their strength (though it requires an Arcane Lore check). Detect magic, detect psionics, and similar abilities can also detect the effects of other esoteric systems, though they may also require specialized checks where appropriate.

Dead magic areas are also dead psionics areas and dead areas for other esoteric systems.

System transparency in in effect for all esoterica, except where explicitly stated to not be in effect (such as with psi-null feats and certain other limited effects).

System Equivalency

Level Equivalency

Some abilities or effects depend on the level of an esoteric effect or some other aspect of that effect; however, not all esoteric effects have discrete levels. For interactions between such systems, use the following charts or ask your GM if the effect in question is not covered.

Remember that this chart is a guideline and not meant to be applied universally in all instances.

For example, it is appropriate to use this chart when adjudicating the protection granted by a lesser globe of invulnerability. That spell should protect against spells, powers, veils, glyphs, hexes, ki abilities, and auras of 3rd-level equivalent or lower.

However, it is not appropriate to use this chart in other cases, such as when checking prerequisites. For example, the prerequisite of “Must be able to cast 3rd-level spells” would not be met by being able to manifest 3rd-level powers nor by being able to bind vizier veils to to the Head chakra nor by being able to cast advanced glyphs, major hexes, or adept ki strikes.

Element and Energy Type Equivalency

The four classical elements—Air, Earth, Fire, and Water—and the elements of the five phases—Earth, Fire, Metal, Water, and Wood—have some significant interactions between differing systems. The system of Ki Cultivation is the most common place to encounter this, but it can also occur elsewhere.

Each element is directly related to one specific type of energy damage. Earth is related to acid, water is related to cold, and fire is related to fire. Air and metal are both related to electricity. Finally, wood is related to sonic energy, but sonic has no related classical element.