Questions regarding Epic Levels

[cignus_pfaccari]

I find that between CR 20 encounters and CR 21 there is a quantum leap in power and not the relatively level progression that occurs at earlier levels. The costs of magic items etc also enjoys this quantum level progression.

The quantum leap is annoying. I understand why they did it, but man...that's a HUGE leap in costs.

When kitting ourselves out for an epic game, we had pretty much carte blanche to equip ourselves, but had to check with the DM before coming up with anything strange (like, say, an item that cast Mass Heal on the character once/round). Instead of buying a lot of overpriced epic stuff, we mostly went for non-epic bonuses that would stack. This was also protection against Disjunctions; not only would more items be likely to save (and you not being reduced to penury if you fail), but if the DM had to wait a half hour while you rolled saves for every item, then maybe he'd think twice about doing that.

Also, if you're building for a one-shot or a game that starts in epic levels, expect lots of schticks or weird stuff that people wouldn't play in an ordinary game where they had to level and didn't have access to things that came out midway through the campaign.

Brad

 

[Stone Angel]

We are or were running a mini campaign that started out at 30th. Everything that you hate about 16th+ levels just gets worse. Which is why I love it. Barbarians dishing out 3 digit damage consistently. Wizards can do disgusting things, espicially with the spell seeds. Our cleric who wrangled the saint template has an ac of over 100.

In order to challenge them you have to be clever. The Epic Book does a good job of powerfull PrC to give to both PC's and NPC's. The magic items are a little weak as Cothy said just extrapolated versions of the DMG items. The monsters are really good though, but make sure you test the waters slowly, CR is not always a good indicator of how they will fare against your party. Hope this helps

The Seraph of Earth and Stone

 

[Cyri'kazzen the Drow]

Thanks for all the posts. They are very enlightening. I will definitely have to read through the book with a fine tooth comb. Another question....

Now suppose someone is a bit of a power gamer, what epic rules do you think could be taken advantage of? I trust that some of my players will be looking for "areas" where they can maximize their character's power and take advantage of the system.

Thanks again.

 

[VirgilCaine]

But for the most part I found the biggest balance issue at high levels was not in ELH, but in the core rules, mainly Mordenkains Disjunction. This spell will break the game.

If you throw it around every where, yes.
If you have enemies that value magical treasure, then they won't attack with it, they'll use when their backs are against the wall, not whenever it seems like a good idea.