Power sources. What's the point?

[Simplicity]

One thing I can't figure out is what is the point of "power sources"?
We spent all this time obsessing over what the 8 power sources are going to be, but powers are granted to you based on your class. I don't think feats have prerequisites based on power sources... Just on abilities, race, and class, right?... So, what difference does power source make? Who cares if a druid is a "primal" class or a "divine" class? And why does it matter that the PHB2 deals with certain power sources over others? Is it just entirely fluff?

 

[DreamChaser]

its a thematic, flavor based guideline...

martial powers shouldn't summon mystical forces down to smite foes, for example...

it's mostly fluff / guideline related however.

DC

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I suspect we will see more differences with each "Power" book. So will probably see Power Source specific feats, Paragon Paths (think free-floating PP's that reside within their Power Source), etc.

In general too, it is a good way to figure out what you want to play, want to deal with the gods go Divine, want to be completely physical based go Martial, etc.

 

[Cheesepie]

The PHB2 dealing with certain power sources is only important because it helps us guess which classes are in it.

 

[Mort_Q]

Keywords. Could be used later.

 

[Scribble]

I can see a few potential uses already:

1. I think the biggest area will be for DDI, character/encounter building stuff, and the rules compendium. Click on a power source and get all the powers that fall under that source.

2. Certain items might enhance certain power sources. You have an item of arcane power: gives anyone who uses the arcane power source an added benefit. Doesn't matter fi you're a wizard or a warlock, you gain the benefit because you use the arcane source.

3. Gives designers another tool to help wrap their mind around how powers work. Ways to think about how the power would work.

 

[Bison]

Not much power specific right now, but I think a great place to work in the distinction would be for magic items. to where you would have to have access to a certain power source to make an item work.

Not sure if I will use this idea in my first campaign game or not (not all magic items but some). But worth kicking the idea around.

 

[Cadfan]

Power source isn't a strict mechanical distinction. Its more a design guideline.

 

[Argyuile]

Not much power specific right now, but I think a great place to work in the distinction would be for magic items. to where you would have to have access to a certain power source to make an item work.

Not sure if I will use this idea in my first campaign game or not (not all magic items but some). But worth kicking the idea around.

Unless I'm smoking crack some of the rituals are dependent on your power source.

 

[andarilhor]

1 - It´s a fluff.

2 - It´s a Design tool!

3 - Defines some abilities of a class, same way the role.

Martial classes gains a lot of weapon and armor proficiences, maybe are the only ones who gets proficiency in militar weapons. Their powers are most based in weapons (which gives then a bonus to attack of proficiency). Some classes gain bonus to attack in some circunstances.

Divine classes gain channel divinity and has access to divinity feats. They use holy symbols as implements. Most of their powers has healing and Radiant keywords, while some of then use weapons and fire damage.

Arcane classes gains minus weapons and armor proficiencies, and their powers are not based in weapons, but in implements. They have access to at least 2 implements. Their powers has a wide array of energy damages (Acid, fire, cold, eletricity and thunder).

Based in this we can foresee the others power sources:

Primal classes will have some ability of using their primal forces, barbarian rage, druid polymorph, sorcerer overforce, shamans totem abilities.

Ki classes will have some kind of power similar to Channel Divinity, but will be more internal. I think will see something similar to Rokugan Void and 2edition Oriental Adventures Kiai!

Psionic classes may have powers based primarily in charm and psychic (dahhh). I hope we not see some kind of ressurrection of the Power Points, because they simply don´t fit in 4e.

Elemental and Shadow? I have no idea!