Deep Magic is a supplement for the 4th edition of the popular tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. It focuses on expanding the options for spellcasters, providing them with a wide variety of new spells, rituals, and magic items. The supplement introduces a new class, the Mage. Mages are versatile spellcasters who can specialize in different schools of magic, such as elemental magic, necromancy, illusion, and more. They have access to unique spells and abilities that allow them to manipulate the fabric of reality in different ways. In addition to the Mage class, Deep Magic also introduces new magic systems, such as ritual magic and rune magic.
In addition to the Mage class, Deep Magic also introduces new magic systems, such as ritual magic and rune magic. Ritual magic allows spellcasters to perform complex rituals that can have powerful effects, such as summoning creatures, creating magical barriers, and even altering the fabric of reality in a certain area. Rune magic, on the other hand, allows spellcasters to inscribe magical runes onto objects, which can then be activated to produce various effects.
I reviewed all 700 spells in Kobold Press’s Deep Magic Book
The point of the document is not for people to read through it all (that would be as insane as writing it) but rather if you do buy this book, and are looking at approving a specific spell, this may give you some idea of any problems the spell currently has.
I also point out some of the great spells in the book as well. You can find them labelled as (GREAT)
I guess if I had to summarize my findings I’d say that this book’s spells are filled with a mix of proofreading and balance problems.
- Either ignoring or just not understanding 5th edition mechanics.
- It has a lot of spells with unclear or vague text.
- The spells are not balanced for their level
- There are at least 140 spells that to me are clearly underpowered or clearly overpowered for their level (and not by a little)
- There are another 83 spells that are on the edge of being called either of these.
But there are other issues with it’s spells as well.
- There is an over-reliance on referencing other spells in order to explain a spell's effects.
- Too often you need the creature statblocks in one of Kobold Press’s other products to use these spells
- Though this is somewhat mitigated by the statblocks being open license, since you can find websites that provide them. They should still have been provided in this book.
- The 1st level spell Mosquito Bane, for instance, lets you kill any insects (with less than 25 hp) within 50 feet of you without them even getting a chance to save against it.
The quality of the subclasses is much better than the spells. But they can be generic at times.
The formatting also needs work as well. About 50 pages worth of actual content gets thrown into an appendix for some reason (including subclasses, spells, and other features).
- They introduce new spell schools but then don’t treat the subclasses and spells in these schools consistently (some subclasses or spells end up in their associated school’s section, while others get thrown into another section of the book)
That isn’t to say it is all bad news. I think there is great content in the book. It just gets dragged down by all of this.
Also, a lot of the issues that were present in their past products weren't addressed. Like many of these proofreading issues were present in the Midgard Heroes Handbook as well as earlier Deep Magic products.
Overall, the product just felt like it needed more time in the oven.
I guess if I had to summarize my findings I’d say that this book’s spells are filled with a mix of proofreading and balance problems.
The supplement also includes a wide range of new spells, which cover a variety of themes and effects. Some spells allow spellcasters to deal damage to enemies, while others provide utility effects such as teleportation, healing, or crowd control. There are also spells that allow spellcasters to manipulate elements, summon creatures, and even transform themselves into different forms. Deep Magic also introduces new magic items, which can provide spellcasters with powerful bonuses and abilities. These items range from enchanted weapons and armor to magical artifacts and trinkets. Each magic item has its own unique properties and abilities, allowing spellcasters to customize their characters and playstyles. Overall, Deep Magic is a comprehensive supplement that expands the options for spellcasters in the 4th edition of Dungeons & Dragons. It provides players with new spells, rituals, and magic items, allowing them to create more diverse and unique characters. Whether you're a fan of playing spellcasters or simply want to add more magical options to your game, Deep Magic is a valuable resource for any Dungeons & Dragons player..
Reviews for "The Art of Martial Magic: Combining Combat and Deep Magic in 4e"
1. Sarah - 2 stars: While I appreciated the attempt at creating a unique and immersive magical world in "Deep Magic 4e," I found myself disappointed with the overall execution. The rules system felt convoluted and difficult to grasp, making it more of a chore than a pleasure to play. Additionally, the book lacked clear instructions and examples, leaving me confused and frustrated. Overall, I found the experience of playing "Deep Magic 4e" to be more of a headache than a fun escape into a magical realm.
2. John - 3 stars: As a longtime fan of tabletop RPGs, I was excited to dive into "Deep Magic 4e." However, my enthusiasm quickly waned when I realized how unbalanced and underdeveloped the magic system was. Many of the spells and abilities seemed overpowered, making combat encounters trivial and removing much of the challenge from the game. The lack of variety in the available magic spells and lackluster character options also contributed to my overall disappointment. While "Deep Magic 4e" had potential, it failed to deliver a satisfying and balanced magical experience.
3. Emily - 1 star: I regret purchasing "Deep Magic 4e." The content provided in the book felt rushed and poorly thought out. The writing was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to understand the mechanics and rules of the game. Additionally, the artwork and layout left much to be desired, further detracting from the overall experience. I found myself constantly referencing external sources and seeking clarification online, which significantly hampered my enjoyment of the game. Save your money and find a different RPG system that offers a more polished and coherent magical experience.
Beyond the Arcane: The Allure of Deep Magic in 4e