FAQ: Power Sources

What are Power Sources?

            Each class draws on something, whether it is the strength of a deity, ambient magic or a well of experience. This is called their Power Source.

What does a Power Source do?

            Immediately? Nothing. Mechanics – wise, Power Sources come much later into character growth, usually affecting the choices around which Archetype and which Epic Destiny the character can choose.

            Thematically speaking, each Power Source gives a flavour to a group of classes by conforming to a common set of themes.

What are the Power Sources?

Arcane

            Arcane characters are unanimously magical. Their expertise lies in twisting the ambient magic of the world to fit their own ends. Classes that are Arcane include Wizards, Sorcerers, Bards and Artificers.

            Arcane characters are generally very good at a distance, and between the classes, they can provide, support, damage, healing and utility in equal measure. Arcane classes are also uniquely flexible; many of them have access to the Arcane spell list, and at least one method of manipulating their spells to suit their needs.

            The Arcane Power Source lacks any viable melee options, however, and have no ability to Tank.

Divine

            Divine characters subscribe to the will of the Gods. They are devoted to one or several causes, and wield their deific gifts to further the ends of their patron. Classes that are Divine include Cleric, Inquisitor and Paladin.

            All Divine characters embrace the theme of defence over offence. They incorporate some of the best healing capabilities with defensive unity that can be used up close and personal or at a distance. Equally, a single Divine class is a force to be reckoned with, as their God-given powers grant them many tools to fight one or more enemies alone.

            Despite their defensive flexibility and depth of the Divine spell list, Divine classes lack any dedicated ability to fight at range, even though some Inquisitors and Clerics can attempt to alleviate this problem.

Martial

            Martial characters draw on wells of experience and intense training. They do not have supernatural powers, but rely on themselves over everything else to see the day through. Classes that are Martial include Fighter, Ranger, Rogue and Warlord.

            Martial characters are easily the most well rounded of the Power Sources, combining offence, defence and utility in equal measure. They are generally have more Hit Points than other classes, and any one class can be tooled to cope with any situation.

            Martial characters also have the greatest flaw amongst the Power Sources; there is no spell list for Martial characters. This means that Martial characters cannot overcome more exotic foes without the aid of magical characters, and more eclectic powers of the other Power Sources remain far out of their reach.

Primal

            Primal characters worship Greater Spirits in the same manner that Divine characters worship Gods. They are not bound to the service of one patron, instead revelling in the entirety of the natural world. Classes that are Primal include Barbarian, Druid, Elementalist and Totemic.

            Primal classes contain many extremes in their lineup. Many of them, Barbarian in particular, can only do one role at a time, whereas many other classes can potentially fill several roles. Nevertheless, all Primal classes are powerful, and contain aspects and combinations of powers that are not present in other Power Sources.

Psionic

            Psionic characters use the mind to wield the power of the immortal soul. They are uniquely powerful, and make use of exotic power mechanics. Classes that are Psionic include Chronarch, Monk and Psion.

            Psionic classes follow a theme of spending. Each one has a resource, whether it be Seconds, Ki or Power Points, which they use to augment their spells and powers. As a result, Psionic characters can manipulate their functions to perform exceedingly well in and out of combat.

            Despite all of their power, Psionic classes are limited to how far they can push themselves. When their Psionic Resources run dry, they must use more mundane methods of combat, which in turn is generally less effective than other classes.

Shadow

            Shadow characters have a relationship with darkness as an entity. Although they have a potentially evil source, a Shadow character is no less inclined to do good or evil. Classes that belong to the Shadow Source include Doomguard, Faustian and Shadowdancer.

            Shadow classes run under the theme of the pact. Every one of them includes an aspect of their soul that has been given away, or turned into something more malefic. Their class powers allow them to cover the whole spectrum of party needs.

            Although a Faustian can aid a party, this Power Source has no dedicated healers amongst its ranks. In addition, many of the more exotic powers at the Shadow Source’s disposal require precise conditions, making them situational and inflexible.

[Kudos to a Google for th epictures. You all know the drill by now.]