So what do these domains represent? It is very simple, these domains represent the magical manifestation of their own personalities. It is difficult for it to be otherwise.
Imagine my "Master of the Highseekers" which I am planning to introduce. He will have the strength domain. That means he will be an imposing bulwark against whatever he chooses to be a bulwark against.
Mystics with war or destruction abilities will necessarily be combative and violent in nature. I can easily see those with the trickery domain styling themselves as "Masque" or "The Nightmare Queen".
Originally posted by ferratus
Okay, we know that mystics have changed. It is no longer the power of flesh.
When was it the power of flesh, again?
Mystics are walking domains. I think they're really interesting, and have a great deal of potential, but they still get their magic the same way they always have. Inner faith and deep personal commitment wound up in an emotional connection to the cosmic spiritual forces in a living Krynn. Which, of course, easily allows the characters you mention.
Cheers,
Cam
Originally posted by ferratus
Okay, we know that mystics have changed. It is no longer the power of flesh.
I believe this is covered in the Book of Erotic Fantasy. :D
Seriously, I like the changing face of mystics in 3e. Their ability to use any domain is killer. I don't know that I've thought of it in terms of defining a character, but I guess you could at that.
Remember the Dwarf Earth Mystic? The ultra-simple way of doing that in 3e is to take one dwarf, add the mystic class, and have him take the Earth domain. Wala! One Dwarf Earth Mystic. ;)
Originally posted by Cam Banks
When was it the power of flesh, again?
When it could only affect living things.
Before it was "through meditation and introspection, I could influence the way my body worked, or influence other living creatures."
Mystics as "walking domains" have become "little gods" in their own right. They will use their domain powers in the situations of life, which will shape their personality. It only makes sense that the reason this particular talent manifested was because they already had a personality that matched it. A chicken and egg sort of scenerio... which came first?
The flavour is now completely different. It is now not a result of pre-set "schools" that you learn by introspection. Rather, your introspection unleashes magical forces. The number of domains, after all, is vast. Especially if you consider that you are not limited to the player's handbook.
Originally posted by ferratus
A chicken and egg sort of scenerio... which came first?
The egg. Dinosaurs were around before chickens, and they laid eggs.
Originally posted by Dragonhelm
The egg. Dinosaurs were around before chickens, and they laid eggs.
Heh, well I sort of bent the metaphor. Mystics choose their domains because of their personality, but the choice of their domain bends their personality even more.
The domain is a tool. If you give someone the destruction domain, he is going to solve problems by destroying things. The healer will solve problems by healing things... or at least healing things that destroy things. ;)
Either way, a different personality that the person with the destruction domain.
Originally posted by ferratus
Heh, well I sort of bent the metaphor. Mystics choose their domains because of their personality, but the choice of their domain bends their personality even more.
The domain is a tool. If you give someone the destruction domain, he is going to solve problems by destroying things. The healer will solve problems by healing things... or at least healing things that destroy things. ;)
Either way, a different personality that the person with the destruction domain.
Yeah, that's a very interesting way of looking at things. Domains were originally made for clerics to help define them, thereby escaping "specialty priests" (which we see with PrCs anyway).
With the mystic, they get one domain, and that's it. I can definitely see it shaping the character, being a tool, etc.
Neat idea, Terry!