The Incarnum Magic System is Neat but Remarkably Derivative

[ForceUser]

A clever derivative, no less.


glass.

Clever, but not particularly original in concept.

 

[Jer]

I should clarify--the rules mechanics for incarnum magic are entirely new (although still somewhat Vancian in execution). I am simply suggesting that, from my reading, the effects of incarnum classes wielding soulmelds seem remarkably similar to Jedi wielding the Force.

Well, Jedi Force powers were mostly based on the idea of psychic powers with some Eastern mysticism thrown in to the mix. Its very rare for someone to come up with a totally unique and different "fluff" for a magic system that doesn't sound either like what has come before or totally stupid. In fact, I can't think of any at all off the top of my head that aren't based in some way on either real-world historical "occult" traditions or on established literary ideas (many of which were also based primarily on real-world occult traditions of magic).

And yes, the extreme proliferation of magic in D&D is getting a bit silly. That's one reason why I'm looking forward to Hjorimir's Ethâra campaign--we're going back to magic as rare, mysterious, and special, as opposed to mundane, assumed, and commonplace like it is in 3E.

That's why I like to play in the occasional Ars Magica game - where your wizard gets to be the big powerhouse, commoners run screaming in fear when they see you coming, and nobody worries that your mage isn't "balanced" with the warriors.

 

[Drowbane]

So does this mean you're done with my book?

I've been itching to craft a few dozen Incarnum characters, my gut reaction is "its all about the Totemist"... but I gotta play with the mechanics abit. Initially, Incarnates look kinda weak. No nukage, low HP, poor BAB, and they seem to be designed as melee types?

I want a Totem Rager though, damnit. With the "Wolverine" (Sphinx) claws no less!

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

Hah! Good point.

I've been leaning back and forth on whether or not to buy Magic of Incarnum. Based on this thread, I think that I will indeed give it a chance.

Magic missile could have the most variable appearance ever. You could have a half-naked guy with a skull necklace yelling "Yoga Flame" and it would still be magic missile.

 

[The Shaman]

Magic missile could have the most variable appearance ever. You could have a half-naked guy with a skull necklace yelling "Yoga Flame" and it would still be magic missile.

Sometime I want to run a gnome spellcaster who's spell effects all resemble various forms of vegetables - his magic missle will appear as a glowing carrot...

As soon as a I saw the description of MoI, my reaction was, "Oh, it's the Force for D&D - how terribly original." *yawn*

 

[Umbran]

How is it that a thing can be "fresh" and "disappointingly predictable" at the same time?

 

[Joker]

Sometime I want to run a gnome spellcaster who's spell effects all resemble various forms of vegetables - his magic missle will appear as a glowing carrot...

As soon as a I saw the description of MoI, my reaction was, "Oh, it's the Force for D&D - how terribly original." *yawn*

I thought it was turnips?

 

[Turanil]

Many people want to add Jedi characters to their D&D games. This book should be perfect for them it seems.

Nonetheless, I agree with the idea that this proliferation of magic is making it mundane and non-exciting. I would rather like to see a supplement like Iron Heroes.

 

[The Shaman]

I thought it was turnips?

Nope, that's globe of invulnerability.

 

[ForceUser]

How is it that a thing can be "fresh" and "disappointingly predictable" at the same time?

Fresh approach to D&D magic, yet disappointingly predictable magical effects.