Making Epic Boons Memorable: Turning the Power Up to 11!
If you and your group often engage in campaigns that surpass level 20, it would be a mistake to overlook the incredible benefits of epic boons.
Dungeons & Dragons Mastering Epic Boons
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, reaching level 20 is no small feat. It’s an accomplishment that only a few campaigns ever achieve. But what if I told you that there’s more to the game than just maxing out your level? Enter the Epic Boons, a mechanic that allows you to continue progressing beyond level 20 and unlock some truly incredible abilities. These boons have the power to fundamentally change the way the game is played, so let’s dive in and explore how to make them feel truly epic.
Making Epic Boons Memorable: Unleashing the Power!
To make your epic boons truly memorable, you need to give them the attention they deserve. After all, a max-level party gains epic boons at a slower rate than a weaker party would gain level-ups. These moments of growth should be celebrated and cherished.
So how do you make a boon feel truly epic? Well, you have a few options. First, you can choose how a boon manifests to a character. This will vary depending on the type of boon and the story you’re telling. Talk to your players and make sure the boons they obtain are bonuses they want for their characters and that fit into the narrative you have planned.
Here are some ideas for different types of boons and how you can make them feel truly epic:
Boons As Acquired Skills and Techniques: Mastering the Art
Some boons represent the culmination of acquired skill and training. These boons, like skill proficiency, peerless aim, or combat prowess, can be turned from magical effects into acquired techniques. This means that the player gets to roleplay acquiring the boon each time they use it.
- Xur Has Arrived with New Exotics! 🎮🔥
- The Return of the Fortnite Driftboard: Get Ready to Shred with Styl...
- The Love Hotel Bosses of Persona 3 Reload: Hierophant and Lovers
For example, when a player uses the Boon of Combat Prowess to turn a miss into a hit, describe the masterfully performed feint that enabled the strike. This not only adds flavor to the game but also makes the boon feel truly earned.
Boons As Divine Blessings: Ascending Beyond Mortality
Epic-level boons are intended to represent a character’s ascension beyond mortality. Having a deity or great power bestow these boons can add a sense of awe and wonder to the game. You can have the character interact directly with the great power as part of the process of gaining the boon.
For example, a good-aligned paladin or cleric might gain the boon of planar travel, being bound to Elysium and allowed to visit the domain of their patron deity. This not only adds depth to the character’s story but also makes the boons feel truly divine.
Boons As Ordeals Survived: The Price of Power
Some boons can be rewarded after an influential event that changes a character’s nature. The boon becomes a part of the character’s story, no longer just a mechanical bonus. Negotiate with the player about how this ordeal manifests, such as some form of visible scarring or a transformative experience.
For example, the complete immunity to fire damage represented by the boon of the fire soul deserves a memorable scene, like the character being dipped in the River Styx. This not only adds a visual element to the game but also makes the boons feel truly earned through sacrifice.
Boons With Costs: Power Comes at a Price
While the benefits of a boon should outweigh the consequences, it’s not a bad idea to give the boons some costs that keep them memorable. These costs could be specific to the boon itself or the way it manifests visually on a character, changing how people interact with them.
For example, the boon of undetectability denies the effects of both beneficial and harmful divination magics. They can’t benefit from guidance or cast helpful divination spells such as tongues. You could also have the boon distort people’s ability to remember the identity or name of an undetectable character. This adds a unique twist to the game and makes the boons feel truly impactful.
How To Use Epic Boons Before Level 20: Unleashing the Potential!
Now that you know how to make your epic boons truly memorable, let’s explore how to use them before reaching level 20. Not all of the epic boons listed in the Dungeon Master’s Guide are created equal. Some are equivalent to features a level one character can start with, while others are more in line with an extra feat or Ability Score Increase.
If you’re willing to put in some extra effort, you can offer these epic boons as replacements for normal feats or ASIs. Some boons may require a bit of adjustment, but with a little rebalancing, they can function well with a lower-level party.
Here are some examples of how you can modify epic boons to work before level 20:
Boon Of High Magic: Unleashing the Arcane Potential
Original Effect: Gain a ninth-level spell slot
Modification: Gain an additional spell slot equal to your highest-level spell
This modification allows the boon to gradually unlock the same power as its epic version while staying relevant at each point of a character’s growth. Half-casters and warlocks will also be able to benefit from this modified boon.
Boon Of Dimensional Travel: Opening Portals to Adventure
Original Effect: Cast misty step once per rest
Modification: None
Since a second-level spell slot is not game-breaking beyond third level, you can offer this boon as-is. You could even buff the epic version to be usable several times per rest, such as equal to the proficiency modifier. This adds an extra dimension of versatility to the game.
Boons Of Fate and Luck: A Twist of Fate
Original Effect: Add a d10 to a roll once per rest
Modification: None
These boons give a nice bonus to different types of rolls, but they average out to the same bonus as a point of inspiration or a charge of the lucky feat. This keeps the balance of the game intact while still providing a helpful and impactful boon.
Boon Of Fortitude: Unyielding Resilience
Original Effect: Gain +40 hit points
Modification: Gain +2 hit points per level
This modification is functionally the same as the tough feat but has a cooler name. It allows characters to feel sturdier and more resilient without being overpowered.
Boon Of Invincibility: The Ultimate Defense
Original Effect: Once per rest, reduce the damage from an effect to 0
Modification: Once per long rest
While this boon may seem intimidating, the player won’t know when the best time to use it is. It isn’t going to be blocking disintegration once per day but will instead be about on par with a half-orc’s Relentless Endurance. This keeps the power level balanced while still providing an epic-feeling ability.
Boon Of Spell Recall: Unlocking the Mysteries
Original Effect: Cast any known spell once per rest, even if not prepared
Modification: None
For games that closely track prepared spells, this is a very strong tool in the hands of a Wizard. Otherwise, it’s functionally the same as the boon of High Magic. This allows spellcasters to feel more versatile and powerful without breaking the game.
For boons that don’t provide an in-combat bonus, such as the Boon of Planar Travel, you can hand them out more freely and use them to flavor your campaign. A plane-hopping adventure might start with a deity bestowing the Boon of Planar Travel, allowing the party members to always plane shift back to their home.
Q&A: Answering Your Burning Questions!
Q: Can a character have multiple epic boons? A: Yes, characters can gain multiple epic boons throughout their adventures. However, it’s important to balance the boons and make sure they don’t become overpowered. Discuss with your players and choose boons that fit their character’s story and gameplay style.
Q: Are there restrictions on which classes can gain epic boons? A: In general, any character who reaches the necessary milestones and fulfills the requirements can gain epic boons. However, some boons may be better suited for certain classes or playstyles. Consider the balance and flavor of the boon when assigning it to a character.
Q: Can epic boons be upgraded as the character levels up? A: Yes, you can choose to upgrade epic boons as the character progresses. This can be accomplished by increasing their power or unlocking new abilities related to the boon. Keep in mind that this should be done carefully to maintain game balance and player satisfaction.
Q: How do I incorporate epic boons into my campaign story? A: Epic boons can be tied to major milestones or plot points in your campaign. They can serve as rewards for completing a particularly challenging quest or facing a powerful enemy. Think about ways to integrate the boons into the narrative, either through divine intervention, character growth, or world-altering events.
Q: Can I create my own epic boons for my campaign? A: Absolutely! The Dungeon Master’s Guide provides a list of epic boons, but you’re not limited to just those options. Don’t be afraid to create your own boons that fit your campaign’s world and themes. Just make sure to keep them balanced and discuss them with your players beforehand.
Final Thoughts: Unleash the Epicness and Share Your Stories!
Epic boons are a fantastic way to add depth and excitement to your Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. By making them memorable and incorporating them into your story, you can create truly epic moments that your players will remember for years to come.
So go forth, unleash the power of epic boons, and let your imagination run wild. And don’t forget to share your epic moments and stories with us on social media using the hashtag #EpicBoonsUnleashed. Let’s inspire each other and create a community of epic storytelling!
References:
- Dungeons & Dragons Tips: Help Players Make Memorable Characters
- Wizards of the Coast Official Website
- Dungeon Master’s Guide
