Before starting this review of Mages of High Sorcery, I would like to thank the authors Marco Bertini and Marco Fossati (Sign of The Dragon) for sending us a digital copy of their product. It is a supplement for Dungeons & Dragons 5e (more precisely for the Dragonlance setting) dedicated to spellcasters linked to the magic of the three moons: Solinari, Lunitari, Nuitari.

If you are interested in buying a copy, you can find it for $3.95 (about €3.5) on the DMsGuild website.

In order to use this supplement effectively, it is advisable to know the reference setting and, if not in possession of the Player’s Handbook, to have access to the SRD.

 

The Origins of Magic

This supplement clearly describes the origins of lunar magic, placing it in a precise historical period and fully explaining the three branches of this doctrine. In this way it is divided into the respective alignments: good, neutral and evil. In spite of this detail, all magicians abide by the same code of conduct, which is clearly and punctually highlighted in a box.

The first chapter of Mages of High Sorcery deals with the origins of lunar magic, and emphasises how the lunar phases of each of the three moons affects the power of the magicians attached to them.

What I find most interesting is how wizards and sorcerers, depending on the different lunar orbits, will in some cases have to re-evaluate their actions according to the effects conferred by the moons. In some cases, for example, the caster might find themself without some slots or with a considerable advantage during a phenomenon called “The Night of the Eye”.

Review of the Locations in Mages of High Sorcery

The supplement describes the organizational system of such spellcasters and their meeting places. High sorcerers gather during lunar alignments to discuss various matters related to their studies. The three relevant meeting places are:

• The tower of Wayreth, located in the forest of the same name near Qualinesti. This is the only tower to have survived the cataclysm.
• The tower of Daltigoth and Losarcum were both destroyed by an attack of a priest of Istar.
• he tower of Istar, destroyed by the Cataclysm itself.

Furthermore, the same chapter describes the examination for admission to the order, which comprises three tests. For each test, there are a good number of tables to take inspiration from.

New NPCs Ready for Use

The last part of the supplement is dedicated to the appendices.

First of all we find the complete table of moon phases, a fundamental element of this supplement.

In addition, we find a good number of ready-to-use NPCs of various levels. What I appreciated most is the attention to detail put into their creation. These not only offer a good variety of spells, but can also be a source of inspiration for creating original stat blocks, useful even in the most arduous and peculiar campaigns.

Review of the Aesthetics of Mages of High Sorcery

Using eye-catching stock illustrations from Dungeon Masters Guild artists such as Dean Spencer and Enmanuel “Lema” Martinez, the supplement is also aesthetically pleasing. With its 29 pages laid out in a double-column layout, which is standard for this type of manual, it allows for easy reading and quick learning of the contents. The other graphical elements are also very reminiscent of the official D&D5e manuals, making it a perfect complement to that material.

The manual is written only in English, but it is easy to understand even for non-native speakers. It does, however, contain some specific terms related to the setting, of which I recommend having in mind at least the geography.

Conclusions

Like the other products of the Bertini and Fossati duo, this Mages of High Sorcery is a comprehensive supplement despite its small number of pages. In fact, it provides a good number of elements that can be introduced in one’s own campaigns for a very quick read.

If you are a fan of the world of Dragonlance and are looking for new insights into magic, this is the supplement for you.

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