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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wyrmshadows" data-source="post: 4042928" data-attributes="member: 56166">On my conflation of Epic level RPing with Mythic RPingIt has been mentioned that I am conflating epic level D&D rping with mythic, Age of Heroes type RPing.I argue that for Epic Level D&D to possess any real versimilitude within the tropes of fantasy as opposed to comic superhero roleplaying, epic play should take place as if seen in a mythic hero context.According to epic 3.5 rules and what I read about 4e, everyone past a certain level has abilities that can only be described as supernatural. Within traditional fantasy the only folks that have the ability to tap into the supernatural are those with a mystical/magical leaning such as wizards or those possessing other than human bloodlines (like the fey blood of Merlin or Gandalf being one of the Istari if I am correct). Warriors, thieves, and others who aren't supernatural in their ability cannot perform supernatural feats even though they perform the kind of cinematic actions capable of heroes in novels or movies.Generally speaking, cinematic combat, if not taken too far still looks possible (especially from the the perspective of those who know little to nothing of what real combat entails). Supernatural abilities, when performed by those such as wizards and priests seem completely sensible within the internal fantasy logic of most fantasy gaming and fiction.However, once a martial character (warrior, soldier, knight, thief or anyone who relies on pure skill to kill with a weapon) crosses into the realm of the improbable or impossible within the internal genre logic of fantasy RPing and fiction, there is a natural disconnect and the threat of damaging suspension of disbelief. Such characters essentially become superheroes of the Marvel/DC variety because they are no longer relying on knowledge or skill but instead like Spiderman, Captain America, or the Flash, are relying on inherent powers. In fantasy this power is, by default supernatural (even if its called chi or psi). A good example of the siliness of fantasy superheroism is the transformation of Legolas into a shieldsurfing demigod in the LoTR movies...blech. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f621.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":mad:" title="Mad    :mad:"  data-smilie="4"data-shortname=":mad:" /> The only way around this is to enter the realm of the mythic where men transcend their humanity and do the impossible by merit of a birthright, divine gifts, etc. If the game becomes mythic in character at 21-30th level, then D&D characters are more than mere superheroes but become something beyond mortals altogther. Taking D&D into the realm of the mythic at these levels will still allow high level heroes to feel like fantasy heroes and not just regular people with cool powers who are essentially superheroes without the spandex.Wyrmshadows</blockquote>

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