Can lower leveled characters use Epic Magic Items?

[TremorFang]

I was just wondering. If a lv. 15 save up a bit, with its starting gold (200,000). Would they be able to use Epic Magic Items like, the Mantle of Epic Spell Resistance, if they bought it?

I don't completely get what the caster levels on items mean. Thanks.

 

[Theo R Cwithin]

The item's "caster level" is the level a caster must have before he can create that item.

Whether or not a 15th level character could buy one is really a question for the DM.

In generic D&D, epic items are usually assumed to be super rare, though not unique (like artifacts). If the DM's world contains a lot of epic level NPCs running around creating epic level magic items and stocking epic level magic shoppes, then you might be in luck.

 

[TremorFang]

Alright. Thanks for the info. Now I understand the items a bit more. Now to talk to the DM.

 

[Uder]

I don't completely get what the caster levels on items mean. Thanks.

Caster level is used for determining the effects of most items (exception: staves), as well as the strength of an item's aura when using detect magic. Note that a strict reading of the DMG also says that it's also the minimum level you must be to craft those items, but this is no longer the case - see the general FAQ and the DMG errata.

 

[Theo R Cwithin]

Caster level is used for determining the effects of most items (exception: staves), as well as the strength of an item's aura when using detect magic. Note that a strict reading of the DMG also says that it's also the minimum level you must be to craft those items, but this is no longer the case - see the general FAQ and the DMG errata.

A much better answer than mine, re: caster levels.
I stand corrected, thanks!