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Oct 26, 2012 -- 2:31PM, Garthanos wrote:

Trying to paste keywords and have intersting stuff to interact with it and so on.. on top of an existing library of stuff sounds horrible - worse than if you need to add allignment to all the monsters via a module.

Perhaps my half-baked thought wasn't as clear as I intended, but I am in no way proposing something as ridonkulous and backwards as retro-fitting alignment onto every single monster in the game via keyword pasting.

In fact, I'm circumventing that craziness as well as the incremental addition of even more 'powers' to a character's arsenal (i.e. gifting every divine hero with Armor of Faith).

Oct 26, 2012 -- 2:33PM, professordaddy wrote:

MrPopStar,
you're talking about keywords with actual mechanical effects (like fire damage being susceptible to the "resist fire" effect, for instance).  Totally different issue.  The OP, and thus the thread here, is simply whether it is useful or not to layer on another way to categorize powers and abilities which are already categorized by class, level, type, etc.

I think I'm nailing the issue, actually.

People are drawn to the power source categorizations because they offer a clear, concise, thematic, and inspiring layer of fluff-complexity that offers a means of expressing the flavor of a given capability both mechanically and through the story. Without adding another taxonomy, or trying to tack the descriptor onto the existing tree of designation, I'm submitting the opportunity for everyone to enjoy an elegant compromise.

Oct 26, 2012 -- 2:49PM, kadim wrote:

In a way, this all ready exists. Thinking about 3e, an arcane spell is described as subject to arcane spell failure, where a divine spell is not. So the classification indicates what mechanics apply. This didn't really follow through with armoured spellcasting though, 'cause it became necessary to create class features to ignore this mechanical restriction. I'm unsure whether it's better to just build the restrictions into the classes and leave the class abilities alone or not.

It does exist, yes (in a sense), and I'm nodding to the nostalgia while innovating something more appropriate for the game as it stands.

All the same, there's no reason why we couldn't simplify the modular system through the use of power sources by applying certain mechanical conventions to each one, such as armour restrictions and so on.

I'm against amor restrictions because such a mechanical convention would impugn upon my ability to play an armor-wearing character who draws his battle prowess from the arcane power source (i.e. arcane fighter).

This is where my head is:

SOURCES
The might of every hero is drawn from a reservoir of greatness, and your source reveals where your capability comes from, how you go about drawing on its strength, and how your character is able to succeed in the face of insurmountable odds. Your druid might draw on the primal energy that permeates the natural world. Your bard might sing with a voice that's blessed by the divine glory of the gods themselves.
Your source is one of five key decisions you make about your character, providing you with important cues about his or her identity. In addition, your source provides you with several benefits that help describe their actions as well as storytelling elements that help you bring the game to life.
SKILLS
Each source grants training in one skill. A skill reflects an area of expertise within an associated ability. When you attempt a task or action that involves the skill associated with your source, you gain advantage on the roll.
Training: A skill has an underlying ability. Your modifier when making checks using that skill equals 3 + the ability modifier associated with the skill.
If you already have training in a skill and would gain training in that skill again (for example, a skill granted by both your class and source), you may increase the bonus granted by that skill by 1.
Improving Skills: As you gain levels, you also gain the ability to improve your skills and gain training in new skills. At 2nd level, and at every even-numbered level thereafter, you can increase the bonus granted by one of your skills by 1 (to a maximum of +7). 
QUALITIES
Sources also provide you with a quality. A quality is a special modifier that describes the energy you use to swing a sword, cast a spell, or attempt a feat of daring. Typically, qualities are expressions of a character's ability, and the description of each quality explains how they function in the game.
DESCRIPTION
Description of the sources provides imagery and baseline considerations from which to draw inspiration and paint a picture of your character.
SAMPLE SOURCES
Most adventurers draw their power from the following sources.

Primal
Primal heroes draw strength from the natural world. Many of them have a strong connection to something in nature, such as a totem animal or a natural source of power (such as a deep forest, a volcano, or a storm). Characters using this source are often in tune with the natural rhythms of the world, at home in the wilds, and more comfortable surrounded by animals than others of their kind.
Skill: Natural Lore
Qualities: If you score a critical hit while making a physical attack (roll a natural 20 when attacking with a fist, weapon or natural attack granted by beastform), then you may add 1d4 to the damage roll. This damage increases to 2d4 at level 3, and increases by 1d4 every third level thereafter.
Any spell you cast is not subject to detection via any means, including the use of Detect Magic.
Description: Heroes who call upon the primal source are often clothed in hide armors, wearing shades found in nature... 

...etc. The qualities listed above are in no way indicative of anything I'd write into the game, they're merely placeholders/suggestions made so my intent and drift if more clear.