Kobold Press, a well-known publisher of tabletop role-playing games, has released a book titled "Deep Magic" that explores new spells and magical options for players and game masters. This book, available in PDF format, is a valuable resource for those interested in expanding their magical repertoire in games like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder. The "Deep Magic" PDF offers a collection of over 600 spells, including unique spells categorized under different schools of magic, such as illusion, necromancy, and enchantment. The book also presents variant spells, allowing players to customize their characters' casting abilities further. In addition to the extensive spell list, the "Deep Magic" PDF provides options for new magic-themed subclasses, feats, and magical items for both players and NPCs. The book's contents are not limited to traditional fantasy settings but also cover urban magical environments and settings inspired by ancient mythology.
Seriously, did they even play test Clockwork Magic at all?
Knowing that Clockwork was one of the first outings, and that the Deep Magic compilation book is being rigorously playtested and updated based on player feedback definitely helps. I haven t read these kobold press options, so I don t know how balanced they are, but I feel like sometimes the perfect balance isn t desirable argument gets used to defend things that are seriously in need of a balance adjustment.
The book's contents are not limited to traditional fantasy settings but also cover urban magical environments and settings inspired by ancient mythology. The "Deep Magic" PDF can be a useful tool for Dungeon Masters looking to add depth and variety to their campaigns and for players looking for innovative ways to approach magical characters. It promotes creativity and serves as a source of inspiration for different gaming scenarios.
D&D 5E Just Me, or Are Kobold Press Deep Magic Options Very Unbalanced?
Seriously, did they even play test Clockwork Magic at all?
There are several spells that are just strictly less or more powerful/useful versions of PHB spells, but with sprockets or whatever.
Is it just me? Are all the Deep Magic books about the same?
Is anyone here backing the Deep Magic Kickstarter? Any idea what sort of play testing process they’re putting the options through?
log in or register to remove this adMarc Radle
Hero
The Deep Magic Clockwork PDF was one of the very first 5E installments the Kobolds did. It received very positive feedback at the time, but it certainly has a few things that could stand to be clarified!
The Deep Magic 5E hardcover is a very different beast! Every single spell has been gone over, updated, improved, balanced, and rigorously play tested! The book was developed by industry legend Kim Mohan, and will be the definitive book of 5E magic.
As for your question if anyone is backing the Deep Magic Kickstarter, in just the first few days, there are already 1,564 backers! You can check it out here:
Reactions: doctorbadwolf and SkidAceSkidAce
Legend
SupporterSeriously, did they even play test Clockwork Magic at all?
There are several spells that are just strictly less or more powerful/useful versions of PHB spells, but with sprockets or whatever.
Is it just me? Are all the Deep Magic books about the same?
Is anyone here backing the Deep Magic Kickstarter? Any idea what sort of play testing process they’re putting the options through?
I backed it, even though I have all the individual pdfs already.
I look forward to the compilation, cleaning up, and the new stuff from stretch goals.
Reactions: Salthorae , Parmandur and doctorbadwolfdoctorbadwolf
Heretic of The Seventh Circle
The Deep Magic Clockwork PDF was one of the very first 5E installments the Kobolds did. It received very positive feedback at the time, but it certainly has a few things that could stand to be clarified!
The Deep Magic 5E hardcover is a very different beast! Every single spell has been gone over, updated, improved, balanced, and rigorously play tested! The book was developed by industry legend Kim Mohan, and will be the definitive book of 5E magic.
As for your question if anyone is backing the Deep Magic Kickstarter, in just the first few days, there are already 1,564 backers! You can check it out here:
I’m probably going to back it, but what I saw in Clockwork and some of the others definitely have me worried I’ll still have to adjust the options for balance.
Knowing that Clockwork was one of the first outings, and that the Deep Magic compilation book is being “rigorously” playtested (and updated based on player feedback) definitely helps.
But I would note that I’m probably more balance-minded than most folks. Even a lot of the DMsguild best sellers, for instance, I find to be quite obviously under or over powered compared to the average phb option.
So, I hope there is no offense when I say that I found a particular 3pp to be well outside the power bandwidth of the phb.
Reactions: pukunuiDWChancellor
Kobold Enthusiast
I've run a few sessions with NPCs from Demon Cults & Secret Society's which caused me to dig up some of my old Deep Magic pdfs.
Yeah, I don't care about strict "balance." They're incredibly flavorful and cool because they really stand out from using PHB spells. As a DM I can forgive a little of this if it makes the table spark better.
On that note, one of the most "powerful" spells my players use is Mage Hand. YMMV.
Reactions: jayoungrMorrus
Well, that was fun
Staff memberToo much balance can negatively affect flavour. Not everything has to be exactly equal; it's more important to be playable and fun.
Reactions: teitan , Turgenev , dave2008 and 1 other personCharlaquin
Goblin Queen (She/Her/Hers)
Too much balance can negatively affect flavour. Not everything has to be exactly equal; it's more important to be playable and fun.
Agreed, but too little balance can be just as much of a problem. Not everything needs perfect parity, but you want most things to fall within the same ballpark, with a bit of wiggle room. I haven’t read these kobold press options, so I don’t know how balanced they are, but I feel like sometimes the “perfect balance isn’t desirable” argument gets used to defend things that are seriously in need of a balance adjustment.
Morrus
Well, that was fun
Staff memberAgreed, but too little balance can be just as much of a problem. Not everything needs perfect parity, but you want most things to fall within the same ballpark, with a bit of wiggle room. I haven’t read these kobold press options, so I don’t know how balanced they are, but I feel like sometimes the “perfect balance isn’t desirable” argument gets used to defend things that are seriously in need of a balance adjustment.
That’s not what’s happening here. Reactions: Parmandur and CharlaquinMarc Radle
Hero
I thought this FAQ answer from the Deep Magic kickstarter might be of interest .
Is this project doing more than just collecting all of the Deep Magic volumes together?
Yes, we compiling of all the generic Deep Magic volumes (up through Alkemancy). However, that underestimates the scope of this project by a ton.
Here's how the book is being expanded with all-new material and updated work:
1) adding over 110 new spells by Jeff Lee, Wolfgang Baur, Steve Winter, and others, including some from Warlock, from Margreve, and from Empire of the Ghouls.
2) removing the weakest or most niche spells, the ones that rarely or never will see play,
3) correcting language and balance issues,
4) adding entire new spell sets like Infernal Magic (if we hit that stretch goal),
5) adding new sections such as arcane servants and spell variants,
6) adding in all the playtest updates from the past few years, and
7) adding in probably 50 backer spells by the time the Kickstarter is done. We'll see where it ends up on that front, of course; could be higher, could be less.
You can see the provisional table of contents on the Kickstarter page, and it is a downloadable PDF so you can dig into it that way as well.
This project is collecting those Deep Magic PDFs, but it's also making something richer and better on that foundation.
Whether you are a seasoned player or new to tabletop RPGs, the "Deep Magic" PDF offers an extensive collection of spells and magical options that can enhance your gaming experience..
Reviews for "Unleash the Raw Power of Deep Magic: Free PDF from Kobold Press"
1. John - 2/5: I was really disappointed with the "Kobold Press Deep Magic PDF for Free Reading". The content was lacking and didn't offer anything exciting or unique. The spells and magic system were generic and uninteresting. I also found several typos and formatting errors throughout the PDF, which was quite frustrating. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time on this free reading.
2. Sarah - 1/5: I found the "Kobold Press Deep Magic PDF for Free Reading" to be a complete waste of my time. The content was unorganized and difficult to understand. The spells were not well-explained, and it was hard to figure out how to effectively use them in a game. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked creativity. I was really hoping for something more interesting and useful, but unfortunately, this PDF fell short.
3. Mark - 2/5: I had high hopes for the "Kobold Press Deep Magic PDF for Free Reading", but it did not live up to my expectations. The content felt rushed and poorly researched. The spells were unbalanced, some being too powerful while others were useless in practical situations. The lack of clear explanations and examples made it difficult for me to fully grasp the concepts. I would only recommend this to someone who has nothing better to read.
4. Emily - 2/5: I was not impressed with the "Kobold Press Deep Magic PDF for Free Reading". While it had some interesting spell ideas and concepts, the execution was lacking. The writing was confusing and convoluted, making it hard to understand the mechanics of the spells. The PDF also lacked proper organization, making it difficult to navigate and find specific information. Overall, I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a well-crafted and informative magical system.