I have been attempting to create a new character for a campaign that is starting soon. I started on mobile, then noticed that quite a few options were not available. I decided to switch to an actual computer to see if it was just a problem with the mobile version of the site, but I'm still having the same issue.
I originally planned to create a Variant Human Grave Cleric. When I attempted to choose a feat, however, the only two options I was given were Grappler and Svirfneblin Magic. Then, when attempting to choose my domain, the only option I am given is Life. I attempted to just create a basic Human to see if that changed anything; maybe there was a bug related specifically to the Variant Human and I could make do in the meantime with some manual fudging to get the regular Human to meet my needs. However, I was still limited to just the Life domain. I am sure there are more issues further down the line, but I did not go any further. Is this something other people have experienced? Am I just doing something very wrong?
So basically this app forces me to buy the content I already own again just to use it on a character sheet? I think I'll stick to pen and paper then...
No, nobody is forcing you to do anything you don't like.
And you own a single license of use of that content, you don't own the content.
Probably what I'll end up doing. I already own the books, so if I have to purchase an electronic copy from this site in order to use the official character options, I don't know if it's worth it.
Or I'll just use one of the hundred of free character sheets on the internet that have all the data and functionality this one does.
I don't need the texts, those are in my books, I just need the ability to activate certain functions when I build my character. With pen and paper, this is free, as I own the books. With your product, you are providing a service that only works if I fork over the money again.
I would understand your argument if you said that only get to read the digital versions of the books if I pay. But having to fork over 4 bucks to activate the functionality to create and play a mountain dwarf cleric of another domain than life? Are you kidding me?
Before going any further, I would like to clarify how the purchases work on DDB.
You have two options: 1) Buy the entire book on DDB or 2) Buying the character options piecemeal.
1) With buying the entire book (PHB for example) you do unlock all the character options for the character sheet (non-free subclasses and races, feats...), and also you have the digital book. The only exception to this is when you book the Compendium Only option. In that case, you do not unlock the options on the character builder.
2) Buying the character options piecemeal unlock only the corresponding feature on the character builder and the Toolset Pages. If you are interested in the character options only, this will allow you to buy them at a very low price.
There is a third option, that is, you can use the homebrew toolset to recreate any options you want at a cost equal to zero.
All that said, please, consider that, even if you already have the physical books, maintaining a website like this has a cost as much as the IP of those character options have a cost.
I am not trying to convince you that this is all good and clean, but any service has a cost and that cost is reflected in what it is proposed on the Marketplace.
Last but not least, those character sheet generators which use IP without a license are, as a matter of fact, illegal.
Illegal? I doubt that as there is that little thing called the OGL that allows third parties to use the game mechanics and other elements for their derivative products. This certainly also applies to character sheets (provided they follow the rules of the OGL, of course).
Sure, they cannot include descriptions and texts, but who needs that on a character sheet?
I'll try to be more clear once more.
Within the confines of the OGL released by WotC, DDB is free. You can create and play a Human Fighter (subclass Champion) on DDB for free, as well as any other combination provided in the OGL.
Outside the OGL, one needs to pay the license of use to WotC. Whoever does not do that is acting illegally.
I have been attempting to create a new character for a campaign that is starting soon. I started on mobile, then noticed that quite a few options were not available. I decided to switch to an actual computer to see if it was just a problem with the mobile version of the site, but I'm still having the same issue.
I originally planned to create a Variant Human Grave Cleric. When I attempted to choose a feat, however, the only two options I was given were Grappler and Svirfneblin Magic. Then, when attempting to choose my domain, the only option I am given is Life. I attempted to just create a basic Human to see if that changed anything; maybe there was a bug related specifically to the Variant Human and I could make do in the meantime with some manual fudging to get the regular Human to meet my needs. However, I was still limited to just the Life domain. I am sure there are more issues further down the line, but I did not go any further. Is this something other people have experienced? Am I just doing something very wrong?
Thanks for any help.
You need to unlock the options with a purchase from the marketplace.
No, nobody is forcing you to do anything you don't like.
And you own a single license of use of that content, you don't own the content.
You could also try entering most of it yourself via the homebrew options.
Probably what I'll end up doing. I already own the books, so if I have to purchase an electronic copy from this site in order to use the official character options, I don't know if it's worth it.
Before going any further, I would like to clarify how the purchases work on DDB.
You have two options: 1) Buy the entire book on DDB or 2) Buying the character options piecemeal.
1) With buying the entire book (PHB for example) you do unlock all the character options for the character sheet (non-free subclasses and races, feats...), and also you have the digital book. The only exception to this is when you book the Compendium Only option. In that case, you do not unlock the options on the character builder.
2) Buying the character options piecemeal unlock only the corresponding feature on the character builder and the Toolset Pages. If you are interested in the character options only, this will allow you to buy them at a very low price.
There is a third option, that is, you can use the homebrew toolset to recreate any options you want at a cost equal to zero.
All that said, please, consider that, even if you already have the physical books, maintaining a website like this has a cost as much as the IP of those character options have a cost.
I am not trying to convince you that this is all good and clean, but any service has a cost and that cost is reflected in what it is proposed on the Marketplace.
Last but not least, those character sheet generators which use IP without a license are, as a matter of fact, illegal.
I'll try to be more clear once more.
Within the confines of the OGL released by WotC, DDB is free. You can create and play a Human Fighter (subclass Champion) on DDB for free, as well as any other combination provided in the OGL.
Outside the OGL, one needs to pay the license of use to WotC. Whoever does not do that is acting illegally.
All the OGL content is available for free on this site. The stuff that's missing isn't part of the OGL. This isn't Pathfinder.
New responses moved to new thread. Thread locked due to Thread Necromancy.