[OOC] Converting Your Character: Magic of Incarnum

Much like psionic characters, those relying on soulmelds for their powers are coming from a very different direction than most 4th Edition character classes.

The chief challenge in adapting an incarnum-shaping character to a 4th Edition character role is that meldshapers got to change their powers every day, and thus could easily defy the normal strictures of a particular role or class. An incarnate blasting enemies every round with dissolving spittle feels a lot like a warlock, but the next day he might take the fighter’s place, wearing incarnate avatar and wielding an incarnate weapon. That’s just not an option in 4th Edition. Thus, your newly converted meldshaper must accept that you won’t be able to bounce around between roles as he could before.

The good news is that with that reduced flexibility comes increased power. A common complaint from many meldshapers is that they couldn’t keep up with other characters’ damage-dealing capabilities. Now that you’re using an existing class as a base, you’ll be just as effective as any fighter, rogue, or wizard at dishing out the pain.

As with psionic characters, renaming or re-flavoring some of your powers may help your character feel more like a meldshaper. Change dire radiance and diabolic grasp to purelight brilliance and grasp of the kraken, and you’re well on your way to reimagining your “warlock” as a true meldshaper.

Incarnate
This class mixes powers traditionally associated with strikers and leaders. If you identify your character with any of the direct-damage soulmelds (such as dissolving spittle or lightning gauntlets) or the personal-mobility soulmelds (airstep sandals, cerulean sandals), you should try the scourge warlock build (Player's Handbook p130).

On the other hand, if you favor soulmelds that help your allies—such as diadem of purelight or lifebond vestments—or that provide you a small boost in melee combat (bluesteel bracers, vitality belt) you might try the battle cleric build (p61) or even a paladin build (p90).

Soulborn
Modeled loosely on the 3rd Edition paladin, the soulborn translates best as a defender, using either the avenging paladin or protecting paladin build (p90) depending on your preferred soulmelds.

Totemist
Even more than the incarnate, the totemist specializes in a broad array of damage-dealing soulmelds. Most of these melds point toward the striker role; try the scourge warlock build (p130) if you’re blasting foes with fire and ice or the brawny rogue (p117) or two-blade ranger build (p104) if you prefer unsheathing claws or fangs to do your dirty work.

Alternatively, you might try for more of a controller feel; use the war wizard build (p157) and focus on unleashing wide blasts of damage against your enemies.