IMPORTANT: Master of Many Styles question

[Tempest_Knight]

Since we have had almost 2 years since I brought this up last... and a recent thread asking the question got 'deleted'... I bring it back

Quote:

At 1st level, 2nd level, and every four levels thereafter, a master of many styles may select a bonus style feat or the Elemental Fist feat. He does not have to meet the prerequisites of that feat, except the Elemental Fist feat. Alternatively, a master of many styles may choose a feat in that style’s feat path (such as Earth Child Topple) as one of these bonus feats if he already has the appropriate style feat (such as Earth Child Style). The master of many styles does not need to meet any other prerequisite of the feat in the style’s feat path.

The wording allows for two possible interpretations;

1). You ignore the prerequisites of style feats. But must meet the requirements for Elemental Fist.

2). You ignore the prerequisites of style feats and Elemental Fist, except that you must meet the prerequisite of having Elemental Fist for those feats that require it.

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Please hit the FAQ button on this post.

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This issue has been argued to death but to no outcome.

It is ambiguous, both readings of the class feature could have been written clearer. So there is no way to determine intent.

It requires one to make an assumption to allow Early Access to Elemental Fist or allow Early Access to feats that modify Elemental Fist.

[blackbloodtroll]

#2.

[Bandw2]

#2

just please apply common sense and look at the styles that need elemental fist.

[Louis IX]

I agree with the OP in that "except the Elemental Fist feat" isn't very clear and could be interpreted both ways: the "except" could be in relation of "that feat" (forcing the character to meet EF's requirement, but allowing him to take Style feats without requiring EF) or "prerequisites" (allowing him EF without prereqs but forcing him to take EF before Style feats that require it).

Personnally, I'd vote for #2 + you must meet the requirement of having the first feat in a Style chain to take any other feat in the chain (ignoring the other prerequisites).

[DarkPhoenixx]

if it said "except for the Elemental Fist" then it would be more vague, but as it is now i sincerly believe its 2. Now i have different question but that for another thread.

[Tom Sampson]

#2

I think it's clear that you are not supposed to obtain Style feats that require Elemental Fist, due to the bad non-interactions.

[Tempest_Knight]

The main issue is that the wording would be clearer by adding 1-2 words to the sentence.

Reading #1
"He does not have to meet the prerequisites of that feat, except for the Elemental Fist feat."

Reading #2
"He does not have to meet the prerequisites of that feat, except for having the Elemental Fist feat."

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A worded currently, the except can be read as either an exclusion or a modification... allowing for both readings.

Making it "except for" defines it as an exclusion. Requiring you to meet the prerequisites for Elemental Fist, but not the style feats.

Making it "except for having" still, technically, defines it as an exclusion, but an exclusion to he state of having said feat. Requiring you to have Elemental Fist to meet prerequisites for other feats.

[shroudb]

edit: my bad.

#2

[Tempest_Knight]

It is nice to see that there is a general agreement... more then we have 2 years ago... but that is based on 'makes the most sense', not on the wording.

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Still no official ruling.

[Dark Immortal]

I was looking at this very issue the other day and concluded that only #2 would be feasible.

Faq'd to assist.

[Chess Pwn]

#2