YEP ! Would love to attend that panel, but just cannot manage it with my job right now.
My idea, if any devs are watching would be Origin as a theme. Most powersets are not designed around any of the origins per se (although Traps and Devices make for good "TECH" powersets.), but you could actually use any of the origins as a basic theme for powersets of all types.
How would you do Magic. Well, my vote would be to go elemental. Fits closely with the Circle of Thorns. Lets consider a Blast set called Magical Blast.
Tier One : Ice Bolt
Tier Two : Fire Blast
Tier Three : AoE Earth power (Fault, Tremor etc...)
etc...
Mix all four elements and you have easy to make powersets. Even better would be to make it like the Epic ATs and allow you to choose different powers at each tier to allow maximum customization of your attacks. Player 1 chooses Flares at T1, and Lightning Bolt at T2, while player 2 chooses Ice Bolt at T1 and and Fire Sword at T2.
This could even lead to 5 new ATs.
The Magician (Choices of Magical powers at each tier)
The Mad Scientist (Science)
The Cosmic Hero (Mutation)
The Inventor (Choices of Technology powers at each tier)
The Renaissance Hero (Choices of natural powers at each tier, Guns, Blades, Bows etc..)
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
You may want to listen to this while you read...
They had a "Design a Costume Set" panel last time, which led to the 50's Sci-Fi pack, and will do another this time.
They're also going to do a "Design a Powerset" panel, which could lead to a truly amazing set.
Next Pummit:
DESIGNING AN ARCHETYPE!!!
Open Archetype Suggestion thread!, Kirsten's Epic Weapon Pools, Feudal Japan, Etc., Alignment specific Rularuu iTrials!
If Masterminds didn't suck, they'd be the most powerful AT in the game.