In the PHB and other sourcebooks the note about the reaction trigger for a spell using a casting time of a reaction is in the top of the spell next to the reaction casting time information. However, on D&D Beyond this very important info is put to the bottom of the spell and is written in smaller text and italicised. This makes it both easy to miss and harder to read. Given the importance of it, it should be clear and next to the casting time information - which it pertains to.
For example the reaction text of Counterspell contains the very important information the spell requires line of sight. This detail is not made in the spell main text and due to your presentation choice this vital part of the spell gets easy to miss. There has been multiple times people on here have been confused by it.
- Spoiler relates to Critical Role, if not watched latest episode as of this date, please skip spoiler.-
In the latest episode of Critical Role Matt had to quickly look up the Counterspell spell and checked D&D Beyond which they all use because you sponsor them, and did not notice this important info resulting in a player using it incorrectly.
When you're looking things up quickly in a battle, especially if on a smaller device, your presentation method causes vital information to be easily missed.
May I suggest you move reaction information to the casting time section like it's supposed to be and to make it clear? It would be beneficial for many people who use this site especially newer people who are less used to your choice of presentation.
I mean, it does have an * next to 1 Reaction, which indicates that there's more information to be read. Generally whenever I ready something and se an *, I assume there's important information.
How about we just suggest reaction triggers and material components (the 2 things spells use * for) are put at top of spell description instead of bottom?
And while we're at it, when spells have materials with costs, can they have more attention drawn to them?
From a personal note, I was screaming at my TV when I saw CR make the mistake, mainly because I couldn't understand how they missed it.
The mobile App does have the note for Counterspell up in the casting time field. I know on the website though it's in a different spot (same for material component notes). I'm flagging this one as a request since it's something that's come up at my own tables before.
I think reaction triggers are subset because they're often large (ish) amounts of text and won't fit in the spell header. Instead they need to go in the body.
As for material costs, I don't think that's high priority information as many DMs ignore material costs and most spell casters use foci. Although I agree that there should be something to indicate if a spell has a consumable component
I'd be okay with it being copied somewhere else, but I'd prefer if it wasn't removed from it's current spot.
An asterisk almost always means you will find the additional information at the bottom of the page, or in this case spell description, as a footnote. Typically italicized and smaller to make it noticeable but also noticeably separate.
DDB's current usage is in line with that common practice, and I think it would be safe to assume that most people will automatically search for it in its current place.
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In the PHB and other sourcebooks the note about the reaction trigger for a spell using a casting time of a reaction is in the top of the spell next to the reaction casting time information. However, on D&D Beyond this very important info is put to the bottom of the spell and is written in smaller text and italicised. This makes it both easy to miss and harder to read. Given the importance of it, it should be clear and next to the casting time information - which it pertains to.
For example the reaction text of Counterspell contains the very important information the spell requires line of sight. This detail is not made in the spell main text and due to your presentation choice this vital part of the spell gets easy to miss. There has been multiple times people on here have been confused by it.
- Spoiler relates to Critical Role, if not watched latest episode as of this date, please skip spoiler.-
In the latest episode of Critical Role Matt had to quickly look up the Counterspell spell and checked D&D Beyond which they all use because you sponsor them, and did not notice this important info resulting in a player using it incorrectly.
When you're looking things up quickly in a battle, especially if on a smaller device, your presentation method causes vital information to be easily missed.
May I suggest you move reaction information to the casting time section like it's supposed to be and to make it clear? It would be beneficial for many people who use this site especially newer people who are less used to your choice of presentation.
Thank you for time and consideration.
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I mean, it does have an * next to 1 Reaction, which indicates that there's more information to be read. Generally whenever I ready something and se an *, I assume there's important information.
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How about we just suggest reaction triggers and material components (the 2 things spells use * for) are put at top of spell description instead of bottom?
And while we're at it, when spells have materials with costs, can they have more attention drawn to them?
From a personal note, I was screaming at my TV when I saw CR make the mistake, mainly because I couldn't understand how they missed it.
The mobile App does have the note for Counterspell up in the casting time field. I know on the website though it's in a different spot (same for material component notes). I'm flagging this one as a request since it's something that's come up at my own tables before.
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I think reaction triggers are subset because they're often large (ish) amounts of text and won't fit in the spell header. Instead they need to go in the body.
As for material costs, I don't think that's high priority information as many DMs ignore material costs and most spell casters use foci. Although I agree that there should be something to indicate if a spell has a consumable component
D&D Beyond moderator across forums, Discord, Twitch and YouTube. Always happy to help and willing to answer questions (or at least try). (he/him/his)
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat On - Mod Hat Off
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I'd be okay with it being copied somewhere else, but I'd prefer if it wasn't removed from it's current spot.
An asterisk almost always means you will find the additional information at the bottom of the page, or in this case spell description, as a footnote. Typically italicized and smaller to make it noticeable but also noticeably separate.
DDB's current usage is in line with that common practice, and I think it would be safe to assume that most people will automatically search for it in its current place.