4e / GSL Defining Martial as Ki

[Sadrik]

Now that Ki is gone from development. I have a proposal. Defining martial powers as "Ki", many people have taken issue with the seemingly "magical" effects the martial power source can generate. Define it as Ki and it is all good.

[Obryn]

I actually wouldn't object to this. I've been a fan of Earthdawn since its release, and I have no problem if every PC channels magic into their class abilities.

With that said, I don't think it's in any way needed. It just has a certain appeal, IMHO.

-O

[Vyvyan Basterd]

I don't think Ki needs to be a defined power source at all. Power Sources help the designers tie classes together thematically and are revealed to players as a shorthand descriptor to help them understand the theme the class was bulit upon.

The idea of focusing your character's ki into his abilities can apply at the character concept level. You could have a Fighter who is a Samurai who focuses his ki to perform his exploits. You could have a Barbarian who is a Mongol Warrior that focuses his ki into his rages. The concept of focusing your ki crosses the power sources and can be used with many character concepts to pull together the flavor you seek.

[Moniker]

"Ki" sounds far, far too Asiatic to be used as a core definition of martial characters. Martial seems fine; it's all semantics, anyhow!

[Intense_Interest]

pa-tay-to, pa-tah-to! Katana, Bastard Sword! Martial, Ki! Hit-Points as damage, Hit-points as narrative!

Lets call the whole thing off!