D&D’s Lifelong Companion Attribute Explained

For fans of tabletop gaming and ancient history, Dungeons & Dragons has the perfect campaign that mixes both elements together. Mythic Odyssey of Theros is a campaign inspired by elements in Greek mythology, and reimagines old tales of gods and heroes into an RPG adventure. Mythic Odysseys of Theros implements a concept called “Supernatural Gifts,” an idea in which heroes have some sort of aid to help them achieve the goals on their journey. This can be divine, or it can be support in a more earthly, tangible form. One of these gifts might change how relationships weigh for players in D&D.

The Supernatural Gift “Lifelong Companion” explores the concept of great heroes having a support system. In this case, one of their greatest strengths is the love in their life. This gift allows any Dungeons & Dragons player’s character with a relationship to another to receive special benefits to aid them in their quest. The most important thing, however, is the relationship must be mutual, and have both parties’ consent, otherwise the boon will not work. This gift is built on love, trust, and respect of another, instead of needing the divine for power.

For players who choose to use the Lifelong Companion gift, they receive two special D&D abilities. “Boon Aura” gives allies within 5 feet of the player advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed as long as the player isn’t incapacitated. Players will also receive “Companion’s Protection,” which allows the one with the ability to redirect an attack roll made at a creature within 5 feet of them. This ability is only available once per long rest, but would be extremely useful for a D&D character who has a large amount of HP if they want to protect a party member who might be vulnerable.

D&D’s Lifelong Companions Aren’t Just For Love

The Supernatural Gift Lifelong Companion isn’t limited to romantic love. Dungeons & Dragons has included a table for players who have the Mythic Odysseys of Theros manual, and it explains the various types of love which work for the boon. A lover, friend, sibling, parent, child, person connected to a character’s god, admiration for character, or devotion to character qualifies a player for the gift Lifelong Companion. Writing characters for campaigns in Dungeons & Dragons with such deep connections to other characters encourages players to set aside the ‘loner’ persona and embrace emotional intimacy with other players.

By incentivizing players to form deep bonds with others in their party or characters in a story, Dungeons & Dragons is helping to create deeper narratives. Allowing players to find their strength in those around them, instead of focusing on receiving the powers of the gods, is one of the attributes which makes Mythic Odysseys of Theros such an interesting campaign. The human nature of the players is just as important as the aspects of the gods they embrace and follow. Dungeons & Dragons has added many wonderful concepts to the game with its most recent books, and each new expansion allows players to continue to enjoy new aspects of the popular tabletop RPG.

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