Giving the monk more choices: the Mystic, version 1.6 -- post #41

[CRGreathouse]

I'd read the feats, but somehow missed their integration with the PDF. Perhaps you should include them in the PDF?

AND... not to be a jerk, but Stunning Fist is still missing. It either should be added, or reference to it should be removed.

I'm pretty sure this class is replacing the Monk for me... I really like the versatility.

Yeah, I guess I should add them, for reference at least.

The Stunning Fist feat is from the PH, but I could add it as well if you'd like. I've modified it so it can be taken on low levels (level 1 for Warrior-path mystics or fighters). What do you think?

 

[Phaedrus]

Well, I guess I am a jerk. I was (mistakenly) thinking Stunning Fist was a Monk special ability and totally forgot it's a feat.

Please ignore all my previous posts!!!

 

[CRGreathouse]

Well, I guess I am a jerk. I was (mistakenly) thinking Stunning Fist was a Monk special ability and totally forgot it's a feat.

Please ignore all my previous posts!!!

No, not at all... I think it was a monk special ability (as well as a feat) in 3.0, before a basic bonus feat is 3.5. Plus, the feat as written needed some changes to work (since it required level 8 to 11 and a feat, IUS, that I dropped). It was for the best.

In any case... any feedback or suggestions on the mystic powers?

 

[fuindordm]

I'm still following the thread, but haven't had time to go over the latest version in detail. I get the feeling that you're moving the powers in a direction away from what I would like to see, though.

What's the rationale behind giving them the abliity to return death/negative energy type attacks against their opponents, though? That took me by surprise, I think of mystic powers as very anti-death, this seems more like getting in bed with the enemy.

Ben

 

[CRGreathouse]

I'm still following the thread, but haven't had time to go over the latest version in detail. I get the feeling that you're moving the powers in a direction away from what I would like to see, though.

Could you be more explicit? I recognize you haven't yet read over the latest version, but I'd like to hear more about this.

It's pretty easy to pick-and-choose mystic powers as a DM, so in one sense I'm not worried (check out the 'martial mystic' variant on the last page). On the other hand, if you have other ideas for powers that would be better I'd love to hear them.

What's the rationale behind giving them the abliity to return death/negative energy type attacks against their opponents, though? That took me by surprise, I think of mystic powers as very anti-death, this seems more like getting in bed with the enemy.

First of all I don't see them as particularly anti-death, although (as mentioned above) it would be easy to so restrict them. I just think of it as another way to avoid attacks of various sorts: by reflecting it.

What do you think the 'fundamental theme' of the mystic should be? Do you have any particular ideas for powers that would apply this theme? Do you have any specific critiques on the design of the mystic beyond certain powers you don't like, or are your problems limited to that power and possibly a few others? What do you think of the abilities all mystics get?

 

[fuindordm]

What do you think the 'fundamental theme' of the mystic should be? Do you have any particular ideas for powers that would apply this theme? Do you have any specific critiques on the design of the mystic beyond certain powers you don't like, or are your problems limited to that power and possibly a few others? What do you think of the abilities all mystics get?

I see the fundamental theme as introspective perfection of self through physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. The fixed abilities related to this theme, I think, should be purely defensive and passive--the Heart of Fire ability is a good example. I've already harped on Slow Fall, so I'm not going to do it again.

The class is very well designed. If I were to do it I would probably make more of the powers restricted according to the player's choice of path, so that the paths you choose really alter the flavor of the class.

Not very helpful, I know. You've done really good work here, and I would certainly use the class myself as a DM or a player.
Ben

 

[Quickbeam]

Our group is getting ready to kick off the "Age of Worms" adventure path later this month and this Mystic class may find its way into the party as an NPC (occasionally run as a PC by a player whose shcedule does not always permit him to attend our sessions). Thanks for sharing this very interesting take on how to give Monks an array of paths to follow!!

 

[CRGreathouse]

Our group is getting ready to kick off the "Age of Worms" adventure path later this month and this Mystic class may find its way into the party as an NPC (occasionally run as a PC by a player whose shcedule does not always permit him to attend our sessions). Thanks for sharing this very interesting take on how to give Monks an array of paths to follow!!

I'm glad you like it.

If you have any feedback about the class once you've seen it in play I'd love to hear about it.

 

[drgonlovr2]

Hmm, I myself am A little torn. First, it seems like you are combining all of the classes from the PHB together, but as Chieromancer says, it is a good class for prestige classes. I don't think it should be QUITE as openly available as you "imply". I think some quest or voyage would be needed to be a Mystic. I am not totally sure what I'm trying to get at. I guess I just need to read more of a description from you than the DND class format, you know?