D&D 5E How do you think "Epic" play will work (if at all)?

[MasterTrancer]

I'd really love to see something similar to levels 30-36+ of BECMI: "paths" tending toward immortality (and the attainment of it)...though I don't recall the Immortal play being very fun, the questing was much more interesting!

 

[TerraDave]

Agree, probably not needed.

And would not want a whole distinct even higher level experience. Levels 15 or higher (or even 12 or higher) should feel plenty epic, if you are ever going to run into Orcus, it may as well be then, and not on some even higher set of levels.

Still, for those very long running games (and to be able to have characters like you might see in the original deities & demigods or old issues of dragon) you could just allow characters to take levels in other classes. Keep the XP required fixed and prof bonus flat. Maybe cap number of HD or HP (or limit HP gain).

 

[Minigiant]

I see it working as E20 like system based on epidlc destinies where the numbers don't grow but options grow and restrictions are lifted.

You can have an epic archmage with 50 prepared spells but the same slots of a level 20 wizard.
A Prince of thieves with 15 trained skills and tools and 4 stroke of lucks a day.

A legendary swordsman who can grapple kraken and cut through walls of force.

A cleric or paladin who becomes a solar with level 9 spells.

Then you punch out Demogorgon.

 

[Jester David]

I'd do something akin to Pathfinder's Mythic, with epic characters gaining new abilities. But without the math increasing or numbers really increasing.

But I might have the actual classes continue, so you can be an epic fighter/druid. Or just have a single Epic class with assorted options would work.

 

[Chocolategravy]

I think it was Mearls that talked about there being epic levels back in the playtest. CR 30 monsters would also seem to point to it. Whether that ends up holding true or not is tough to say however. 5E's lack of modularity or a strong underlying system make it difficult to expand. 4E had a strong underlying system so was very easy to take into levels beyond 30 as was 3E because it is both modular and has a strong system, but 5E would be very very messy. For instance relieving the 20 cap on stats would cheapen the barbarian capstone, extra attacks would reduce the benefit of the fighter's attacks and slow down combat. They can't really "continue" the system they have and become a level 21 barbarian, they'd have to tack on a new system, halt advancement at 20 and let characters progress through new epic classes or somesuch.

 

[pogre]

I am really drawn to epic play. I really like the idea of it. However, I have never had a D&D group that epic play seems to work very well with and it is probably my fault, not theirs. Every time I read Sepulchrave II's amazing story hour it reminds me that epic play is not only possible, but can be amazing.

I agree with the posters writing that epic rules would have to be an extended system not a mere continuation of the levels. The comparison to E6 others have made certainly strikes the right chord for me.

I do hope they try to do epic. Even if they fail, which by large consensus they did in 3e, it will still give some great ideas to mine.

Part of the attraction of D&D for me is unlimited play, even though I rarely get there with my groups.

 

[fuindordm]

A small signpost towards levels 21+ can be found in the capstone abilities of several classes with key powers that refresh after a short or long rest: "If you roll initiative and have no inspiration/mastery dice/sorcery points left, then you gain one X."

So in 5E, I think part of being epic will mean you get to use your class features more frequently. I can easily imagine epic-level characters gradually increasing this sort of minimum reserve. For other classes, we can see more channel divinity, more arcane recovery, etc. The point being that these characters stay at the top of their form longer, and can get through more encounters.

I can also see the proficiency bonus and ability score increases continuing up to L30, just as they do with monsters. Something would have to be done about the PCs' weak saving throws, however.

Ben

 

[DaveMage]

I love epic level play.

One of the things I loved about 1E through 3.X is that the only character limitations are set in your campaign - rather than the rules.

With bounded accuracy, they could make levels 21-40 and the proficiency bonus at level 40 would only be something like +10 - hardly game-breaking. And, since monsters now have a longer level "shelf life" the CR 18 monsters would be just as challenging at higher levels if you increase the number appearing.

Alternatively, you could go with a 1E model whereby after a certain level you no longer gain HD, but your HP max increases by 3 per level (or somesuch). This edition seems made for epic level games that won't break the math.

 

[Scorpio616]

I'd like to see more of a Power Points ala Gold Box Immortals for those on the road to godhood.

Spend them on boosting attacks; like affecting multiple foes with a 1 foe spell or making a melee attack like Movie Sauron's Broom of Doom, defenses; like 50 point damage soaking barriers or Utilities; getting a 20 on a ability check.

 

[DMZ2112]

Being high level doesn't make a story epic. Having mythical powers doesn't make a story epic.

If D&D5 has an Epic sourcebook I hope it's just a master class in campaign design, because seriously, enough with 21st level or special feats being cruise control for a compelling campaign.

Enough.