For those who don't know, Epic 6 was an optional rule for 3.5e that essentially capped levels at 6th level, with the PCs only gaining new feats as they advanced beyond that. It was meant to be a more "realistic" level of power; fighters couldn't make a million attacks, wizards couldn't warp reality to their will, etc. I really like Epic 6; one of my favorite campaigns to date was a Pathfinder game that used the rules. But, I was wondering if it would be possible to do something similar with 5e? The reason it worked so well in earlier editions is because all classes got power "spikes" around that level, but the same is not true for 5e. The classes all get their features at different levels; druids would get a feature at level 6, but a cleric who gets theirs at level 8 would never reach that.
I guess my question, summed up, is "Can Epic 6 or something similar work in 5e, and if so what should the level cap be?"
Most classes get a significant feature at level 5 (caster classes get 3rd level spells, fighters get extra attack, etc.), and proficiency bonuses become +3. I'd probably go with level 5.
All stars fade. Some stars forever fall. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Homebrew (Mostly Outdated):Magic Items,Monsters,Spells,Subclasses ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If there was no light, people wouldn't fear the dark.
Most classes get a significant feature at level 5 (caster classes get 3rd level spells, fighters get extra attack, etc.), and proficiency bonuses become +3. I'd probably go with level 5.
Which is similar to 3e, when martial classes got a second attack at 6th.
This is interesting. I've heard of this capping before, but I like how it's presented. I'd stick with 6th rather than stop at 5th. That way the 3rd level spell slots lots get a little boost, plus that additional hit die.
Trying to add reality in a fantasy game is easier said than done. Good luck
I don't know what you're trying to say other than diss the OP. I mean you can interrogate the use of "realism" in advocating epic6 style play, but that doesn't really attack the Epic6 style in itself. It's known issue that in third tier of 5e play, challenge starts to suffer. It seems this epic6 style play may be a remedy for that, and an interesting one. Gritty realism is a trope, and it sounds like epic6 tries to maintain the grit aspect of play, not necessarily edge lord but PCs have to really work for their wins with failure being a constant rather than something that's almost forgotten in 3rd and 4th tier play levels.
So cap at 6, how are feats earned beyond that point? I'm assuming ASI's are subsumed into the feat awarding system. I could see some advance class features being translated info feats a PC would have to epically earn to get (i.e. The Drakewarden does get to ride a dragon-thing someday, but pretty much has to accomplish an epic act to achieve it).
I do not mean to diss' anyone (not even sure what OP means, over power??) I applaud the effort of Epic6 play. As I find myself trying to add realism into this game constantly, but keep hitting roadblocks and speed bumps. For example, and not trying to start an off topic conversation, take a fire giant, normal fire giant. A giant hits you, you take 6D6+7 slashing damage, it says nothing about being thrown across the room from being hit by a giant 18' tall. to me that is not realistic. So I applaud and encourage any effort into trying to make the game more realistic without over complicating the game.
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For those who don't know, Epic 6 was an optional rule for 3.5e that essentially capped levels at 6th level, with the PCs only gaining new feats as they advanced beyond that. It was meant to be a more "realistic" level of power; fighters couldn't make a million attacks, wizards couldn't warp reality to their will, etc. I really like Epic 6; one of my favorite campaigns to date was a Pathfinder game that used the rules. But, I was wondering if it would be possible to do something similar with 5e? The reason it worked so well in earlier editions is because all classes got power "spikes" around that level, but the same is not true for 5e. The classes all get their features at different levels; druids would get a feature at level 6, but a cleric who gets theirs at level 8 would never reach that.
I guess my question, summed up, is "Can Epic 6 or something similar work in 5e, and if so what should the level cap be?"
DM:
Reign of Winter I Curse of the Crimson Throne
Hell's Vengeance | Giantslayer
Varisian Hexalogy: Rise of the Runelords
Player:
Lucille Underfoot, lv. 1 Halfling Storm Sorcerer | Janna Farooq, lv. 1 Human Celestial Warlock
I strive to post at least once per day on all my PbPs. I ask my players to do the same.
More active on weekdays than weekends.
Assume all of my characters are gay.
Most classes get a significant feature at level 5 (caster classes get 3rd level spells, fighters get extra attack, etc.), and proficiency bonuses become +3. I'd probably go with level 5.
All stars fade. Some stars forever fall.
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Homebrew (Mostly Outdated): Magic Items, Monsters, Spells, Subclasses
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If there was no light, people wouldn't fear the dark.
Which is similar to 3e, when martial classes got a second attack at 6th.
I have a weird sense of humor.
I also make maps.(That's a link)
Trying to add reality in a fantasy game is easier said than done. Good luck
I don't know what you're trying to say other than diss the OP. I mean you can interrogate the use of "realism" in advocating epic6 style play, but that doesn't really attack the Epic6 style in itself. It's known issue that in third tier of 5e play, challenge starts to suffer. It seems this epic6 style play may be a remedy for that, and an interesting one. Gritty realism is a trope, and it sounds like epic6 tries to maintain the grit aspect of play, not necessarily edge lord but PCs have to really work for their wins with failure being a constant rather than something that's almost forgotten in 3rd and 4th tier play levels.
So cap at 6, how are feats earned beyond that point? I'm assuming ASI's are subsumed into the feat awarding system. I could see some advance class features being translated info feats a PC would have to epically earn to get (i.e. The Drakewarden does get to ride a dragon-thing someday, but pretty much has to accomplish an epic act to achieve it).
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
I do not mean to diss' anyone (not even sure what OP means, over power??) I applaud the effort of Epic6 play. As I find myself trying to add realism into this game constantly, but keep hitting roadblocks and speed bumps. For example, and not trying to start an off topic conversation, take a fire giant, normal fire giant. A giant hits you, you take 6D6+7 slashing damage, it says nothing about being thrown across the room from being hit by a giant 18' tall. to me that is not realistic. So I applaud and encourage any effort into trying to make the game more realistic without over complicating the game.