This review has been sponsored 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.
Designed by: Marc Altfuldisch
In my nine years of playing Dungeons & Dragons, I’ve only experienced high-level (15+) gameplay one time, and that was a custom campaign that began at 13th level!
Epic Characters goes even further, providing players with all the rules for advancing well beyond 20th level, up to level 30, with full class and subclass progression, alongside new features, spells, and mythic boons.
The 60+ page supplement is primarily devoted to class progression for levels 21-30. The designer breaks down their philosophy toward each class, and how certain milestones are organized and rewarded.
For example, everyone tends to get a “central class ability boost” at level 23, while spellcasters will receive additional spell slots and levels, and martials will acquire cool new features.
At 24th level a Fighter can turn a critical hit into a regular hit, and get a free riposte with the same reaction. Action Surge lets them pass through those pesky force walls, and at 30th level they gain warfare dice that reflects their incredible adrenaline.
Sorcerers can expend all spell slots to cast super-powered spells that deal maximum and doubled damage, and a epic level Rogue can no longer suffer disadvantage, and automatically detect nearby traps.
As the most different class, Warlocks get the most love and attention, with over 20 new epic level invocations – including at-will Fire Shield, and the ability to possess the creature who kills you. Gnarly.
Though epic level features get pretty ridiculous, I was impressed that the power creep feels surprisingly grounded. I’m still not touching high-level D&D any time soon, however!
The supplement also includes unique racial features that unlock at 25th level, representing physical changes, as well as Mythic Boons, Maneuvers, and Spells, for those crazy enough to continue playing at level 30.
The Mythic-rank rewards are divided into three tiers of power level. Boons are passive abilities, such as magic resistance or increased hit points, while Maneuvers are inspired by the Battle Master Maneuvers and unlock cool new abilities that turn the player character into the Hulk.
Mythic spells are just as crazy as you think, including permanent duplication, summoning dragons and eldritch nightmares, creating your own plane of existence, or casting the reality-altering Ultimate Wish a la “No More Mutants” from Scarlet Witch.
It’s odd to respect and admire a rulebook while also Nope-ing out of ever using it. Without seeing the adventures and creatures on the other side of the DM screen, it’s hard to comment on the balance level for epic level players. But the book is well-organized, professionally designed, and incredibly comprehensive, and is probably the definitive third party supplement for epic level D&D.
Pros:
- Level 21-30 progression for all 14 classes (incl Artificer and Blood Hunter)
- Over 20 new Warlock invocations
- Over 50 epic racial features
- Over 50 Mythic Boons (passive), over 40 mythic spells, and 30+ Mythic Maneuvers (active) for 30th
Cons:
- None!
The Verdict: With ten levels of class progression and dozens of new features, boons, and spells, Epic Characters features a ridiculous amount of content to support impressively balanced high level play on the player’s side.
A review copy of “Epic Characters” 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.
RogueWatson 