Skip to content

Empowering Points Σ

Empowering Points (EP) are a versatile resource that replaces Spell Slots, Focus Points, Sorcery Points, and other similar resources found in SRD 5.2.

Empowering Points serve as a single, flexible resource that characters can use to activate special features or combat moves, cast spells, and boost their capabilities.

Maximum EP

Characters have a pool of maximum Empowering Points at their disposal, which grows as they gain levels:

  • Level 1. The maximum number of EP is 3.
  • Levels > 1. Increase the maximum number of EP by 1 at each level.
  • Level 20. Increase the maximum by an additional 1 EP.
  • Grand Total. 23 EP at level 20.

Restoring EP

Empowering Points can be replenished or saved through various means:

  • Rest.
    • Short Rest. Completing a Short Rest replenishes a number of EP equal to the character's Proficiency Bonus.
    • Long Rest. Completing a Long Rest replenishes a number of EP equal to twice the character's Proficiency Bonus.
  • Recovery. Certain Talents—such as Crimson Ritual or Initiative Surge—allow to recover EP.
  • Free Usage. Many features acquired through Talents—such as Respite or Weapon Mastery—can be activated a specific number of times per Long Rest without spending EP.

Using EP

Empowering Points can be spent to:

  • Activate or Boost Features. Characters use Empowering Points to activate or boost features gained from Talents.
  • Cast Spells. To cast Tiered spells, characters must spend as many EP as the spell tier, as detailed in the Casting Spells section.

Spending Limits

  • Unless explicitly allowed by the feature, EP must be spent in advance, before any D20 Test associated to the usage of the feature.
  • The total EP spent for any Action, Bonus Action, or Reaction cannot exceed half the character's level, rounded down (minimum 1). This condition does not imply that casting Tier 1 spells at character's level 1 is possible; those are only accessible at character's level 2 as described in the Learning Spells section.
  • The total EP spent per round cannot exceed the character's level.

Player Empowerment

The true purpose of EP in the Echoes RPG system is to empower creativity. Players are encouraged to use EP for unique, complex actions that might otherwise be impossible or carry an extremely high success threshold.

How It Works. You, as a player, describe an action not covered by existing rules that you wish to attempt. The GM may set a cost in EP or allow you to propose an amount yourself.

GM's Ruling. The GM makes the call on:

  • Feasibility
  • Any required D20 Test
  • The associated EP cost

Once the GM sets these parameters, they are final. Players can either accept and proceed with the action or move on.