Other possible power sources

[The Shadow]

I *think* that Ki will be a power source, but I *hope* they fold it into Psionic.

 

[hong]

I *think* that Ki will be a power source, but I *hope* they fold it into Psionic.

I don't. I consider the decision to fold wuxia into psionics as the stupidest decision since... well, since the last stupid one.

 

[Szatany]

I *think* that Ki will be a power source, but I *hope* they fold it into Psionic.

and waste opportunity for bazillion classes, prcs, feats, spells, and so on? Doubtful

 

[Traycor]

The ones that I'm absolutely convinced we'll see include:
Psionic
Ki
Aura (I don't know if they'll call it this, but that's essentially what it'll be)
Artifice (as in Eberron artificers)

It looks to me like you are confusing "source" with "execution". Psionic and Ki are sources of power... but Aura? That is a means of execution (one that can be either arcane or divine, depending on the character). If you are talking about the source being a character's personal energy from within, (such as an aura from a bard that would not be arcane) then this should be included with Ki. Essentially Ki is just tapping into a person's inner power.

Artifice is the same way. That's how you cast, not the source of the power. Artifice can be arcane or divine.

Martial characters will all have the "Martial" power source regardless of /how/ they trained or if they fight by dancing around or by shooting a bow. Arcane & Dinine characters should be the same way. Just because you introduce a new means of execution doesn't mean you need a new Source.

 

[Henry]

What I'm still fuzzy on is -- what is meant by "sources of power?"

 

[Traycor]

What I'm still fuzzy on is -- what is meant by "sources of power?"

All it means is, "Where do these cool-guy abilities come from?"

Can a fighter do the amazing things he does because he is a supernatural being (divine power), can he use combat manuevers because he was infused with ancient magic (arcane power), or can he do amazing combat manuevers because he is an incredible warrior with amazing talent and abilities (martial power source).

That's all it means. So wizards have an "arcane source". Clerics divine. Fighters martial, etc... It's a very generic and blanket mechanic that will hopefull get rid of the need for distictions like "Extrodinary", "Supernatural" and "Spell-like" abilities.

 

[AdmundfortGeographer]

My take on options I would like seeing:

Psionic
Ki
Shadow
Elemental
Pacts (fey, fiend, celestial, powerful extraplanar)
Life-force (preserver/defiler, lifebender)
Runes/symbols
Steam/wierd science/clockwork tech
Crystals (could go with psionic, but not necessarily)
Ley-lines/geographical sites
Astrology/astronomy (movements and positions of celestial objects, could go well with rune power and ley-line power)

 

[Irda Ranger]

It looks to me like you are confusing "source" with "execution". Psionic and Ki are sources of power... but Aura? That is a means of execution (one that can be either arcane or divine, depending on the character).

Agreed. Same for "shadow" and some others I've seen on this thread.

Part of the problem, I think, is that it's not clear what "Arcane" means as a power source. "Divine" suggests that the power ultimately comes from some God or other power extra-planar source, such as demons or angels. It suggests faith and devotion (or subservience, for evil religions). "Martial" suggests that the power comes from mastery of the physical self. It's actually almost like "Ki" in that sense, so perhaps the Monk will be a Martial character too.

But what is "Arcane"? To me it suggests that the power comes from a source outside of the Mage (so its neither Martial nor Psionic), but that you're not "asking" for it either - you reach out and take it, usually through mastery of the words of power that the Universe doesn't have any choice but to answer to. But that doesn't really say where the power comes from. If "Arcane" is merely a non-faith, non-physical technique, then it would encompass things like "Shadow" and "Elemental" and "Pact Magic" and something like Al-Quadim's Sha'ir. However, if you suggest that Arcane just means tapping into "the Weave" (as in the Forgotten Realms) or receiving power from the Moons (Dragonlance) or life-force (Dark Sun), then all of those other types I've mentioned are unique and different power sources.

Me, I think Arcane is a broad technique, and includes Shadow and Runes and Pact Magic, etc.

My thought is a short list:

Nature / "the Green"
Psionic

They may do "Ki", but thematically it seems to be the same as "Martial." It's just physical mastery.

What seems cool to me is the thought of "villain only" power sources:

Demon Favors
Souls
Blood / Sacrifice
Vampiric Life-force / Energy Drain

 

[olshanski]

Not that I want any of these:

Tatoos
Dragonmarks
Positive Energy
Negative Energy

 

[Mouseferatu]

It looks to me like you are confusing "source" with "execution".

Well, yes and no.

You're right that "aura" is an effect, not a source, in strictest terms. But that said, I can still see the game lumping "aura-focused" characters together in some way, shape, or form. It would be inaccurate to call it a "power source" for them, but I can see them making up their own category of some sort.