This review has been sponsored by the publisher. Find more DMs Guild Reviews on my website and YouTube channel.

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Designed by: Kera Hildebrandt

Main Character Syndrome happens when a self-centered person believes their life is more dramatic and interesting, and thus more important, than anyone else’s. They’re the “main character” in life, so of course everything revolves around them!

This is particularly problematic in a collaborative game such as Dungeons & Dragons, which features multiple people hanging out, telling stories, and having fun together. The Main Character sees every opportunity to wrest control of the narrative, hog the spotlight, and make the game all about their character.

The Main Character Class is dedicated, cheekily, to that player.

Refreshingly, The Main Character isn’t simply overpowered, but cleverly abuses several game systems to give them an edge in every situation.

Their competitive advantage mainly comes from their ability to switch feats.

The Main Character gets a ton of feats as they level up (in addition to their normal ASI every four levels), and can swap existing feats for whatever they need as a bonus action.

The Feat Switch is limited to a certain number of times per day, but still affords the class a lot of power that definitely feels like cheating, and cleverly allows the Main Character to step in and solve lots of different situations.

They also select a Character Flaw such as “Too Beautiful” (cast suggestion) or “Cursed with Natural Power” (free cantrips), as well as regular Character Developments, which can add different racial traits, magic items, and even a limited use of the wish spell.

They’re the hero after all.

At level one the Main Character can select from four different Backstories, which function as subclasses.

I love the concepts and designs of each class, though each one is a little flawed when it comes to the rules and overall balance.

main character chosen one

For example, the Chosen One features an awesome Plot Twist ability, where players can roll a d100 to determine what crazy thing happens in their adventure, from secretly being a doppelganger to a trusted ally’s betrayal.

But the feature doesn’t come online until 14th level! Ugh.

The Edgy Backstory offers a Grim Form transformation that gets additional traits as you level, adding resistances, flight, proficiencies, cantrips, and more.

Superpower aside, I would’ve liked to see some level prerequisites on some of those traits, as the later level features are a bit boring.

I also love the sketchbook artwork used throughout (including the cover page), though I wish the entire book were designed like that!

The art and writing in The Main Character Class had me laughing, smiling, and giggling throughout. As a piece of satire, it absolutely works, and as a legit character class it’s very close to the spotlight that the Main Character so sorely wants deserves.

Pros:

  • Four subclasses that nail the different “flavors” of main characters.
  • Fun sketchbook-style artwork.

Cons:

  • Each subclass could use a bit of adjustment (even in the context of their overpoweredness)

The Verdict: A hilariously powerful, satirical class for all your dreaded Main Character Syndrome players to embrace their ridiculousness.

A review copy of “The Main Character Class” was provided by the publisher. Find more DMs Guild Reviews on my website and YouTube channel.

Support my work by using my affiliate links and pledging via Patreon.