To each there own, but to me the Martial Power Source IS Ki/Chi. We do not need a Power Source that is purely Asian in theme and flavor. However, the argument could also be made that Ki/Chi is a form of psionic energy (psycometabolism), all being about the power of the mind over the body. However, I personally would rather see Psionics remain more about Telekinetic and Telepathic powers, and leave the Ki/Chi to the Martial classes. JMHO. YMMV.Steely Dan said:
Power Sources purely cosmetic?
FourthBear
First Post
How clearly defined the various power sources are is directly dependent upon the willingness of writers, DMs and players to restrict the various power sources. For example, if the Shadow power source was the *only* way to use illusion or necromancy powers, that would be a very clear contrast. However, it would require the Arcane, Divine, Psionic and all other power sources to *not* contain any illusion, necromancy effects. This, of course, is highly unlikely. So as 4e goes along, the designers and home brewers will have to be vigilant in prevent scope creep for each power source, if they desire strong divisions between the capabilities of the power sources.
As far as I can see, the only Power Source whose enthusiasts are keen on defining in any way clearly is the Martial Power source. I don't think the Arcane, Divine or Psionic power sources have fans that will have any significant taste for putting any limits on their scope. There will be some significant, non-cosmetic, differences between these, IMO. However, they will not be particularly strong because no one wants to say what Arcane *can't* do.
As far as I can see, the only Power Source whose enthusiasts are keen on defining in any way clearly is the Martial Power source. I don't think the Arcane, Divine or Psionic power sources have fans that will have any significant taste for putting any limits on their scope. There will be some significant, non-cosmetic, differences between these, IMO. However, they will not be particularly strong because no one wants to say what Arcane *can't* do.
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Khaalis said:
Totally, I'm with ya, but this topic does raise volume arguments (martial vs. ki), that's why I ducked. I think in the end some people just think it would be "fun" to have a ki power source, which is fine as this is a "game".
But I don't think classes/power source etc should be separated based on culture.
This thread indicates that the wizard will have Mirror Image -- which is an illusion spell.Kzach said:
LordArchaon
Explorer
Khaalis said:
Yeah, me for example I was at first a supporter of the Ki source, mainly because I thought it was the last chance for official Asian classes, but after seeing the tattooed monk in the works in one of the developer's blogs, and knowing that powers sources will be 8, I would very much prefer to see ninjas, monks and all these types as paragon paths that mix psionic with martial power. Psionic+Martial="ki"...
Dronehound
First Post
I think power sources could also be useful in the campaign game design and encounter design. For example, god X is temporarly imprisoned by the big villain, the result being that Divine-based powers derived from that god are less powerful. Or that areas of the game world are plagued by dead-magic zone, making Arcane-based powers ineffective. Or the big bad Necromancer built his tower over a conduit to the Shadowplane, making all Shadow-based powers longer-lasting. Or finally, the fighter, thief and psion are captured and forced to put magickal shackles on that prevent the usage of Martial powers, but the psion is still able to use his to escape... I think it gives flavour and texture to the character, more than being cosmetic.
MaelStorm
First Post
Wizard spells that are illusions:Kzach said:
-Ghost Sound
-Mirror Image
-Displacement
-Invisibility
As to answer to your question what I expect, that these power source have a mechanical reason. DC and Khaalis answers shed more light on possible mechanical reason, so far these answers satisfy me.
