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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KarinsDad" data-source="post: 3976067" data-attributes="member: 2011">Wuxia has evolved into a superhero type of thing where abilites are no longer natural or even quasi-natural. Hence, it is now in the realm of supernatural (or magical) abilities.Magic is when something is accomplished which cannot be done via natural forces or abilities.If you saw Wuxia in the real world, you would be shocked and awed and consider it magical based on your frame of reference. No different than when a street magician pulls one off on someone. In this case, it's a natural ability, but it seems magical.But, Wuxia (as depicted in the movies) are not really natural abilities (i.e. real world natural abilities). One cannot use a "studying martial arts a long time, you might refine your techniques to such a degree that you do things that are impossible for the untrained" explanation to explain what is seen in the movies without suspending disbelief to do so. One never had to suspend disbelief in DND for natural martial abilities until higher levels. Low level Monks could not heal themselves and fall great distances without magic.Do you consider Wuxia as depicted in the movies as trained natural real world abilities? Within the context of the story, belief can be suspended to do so, but DND should not have such a "context of the story" as its default low level setting. Sure, a given DM can tell his players to suspend belief for his specific campaign setting, but this level of supernatural capability and extreme suspension of disbelief should not be the default for low level PCs. That's not DND flavor.This is like Eberron discussions. If magic exists in the world, it would be considered science and people would use it to solve everyday problems. Well, that's not DND flavor either, regardless of WotC releasing the setting. When magic becomes science, it is no longer special and unique. When martial abilities duplicate magical abilities, magic is no longer special and unique.Just another super power. Yawn.I draw the line at low level DND characters doing Wuxia-like supernatural yet explained as non-magical martial deeds.</blockquote>

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