Hi there! I'm experiencing an odd issue while building a homebrew subclass, specifically one I'm creating for a Warlock following the 2024 PHB (5.5e Core) rules.
When saving the subclass with the required features at each level, I'm able to publish it without issue. However, I was attempting to add certain spells for the subclass, as is typical for Warlocks with their subclass-specific spells feature. While most spells I'm attempting to add to it result in no issue, I get this error after saving the subclass if I add certain spells from the 2024 Player's Handbook:
This homebrew Subclass has data mapped to it that is licensed content or private homebrew. This typically occurs when licensed or private homebrew spells are linked to the Subclass.
This issue specifically occurs when I try to add either of the spells linked below:
As noted and as indicated on the linked pages, these spells are both from the 2024 PHB, and I don't see any clear reason why these particular spells are triggering the abovementioned error when several other spells I've added to the subclass do not. Removing those spells from the spell list and saving the subclass again removes the error, so it's definitely those specific spells causing the problem, though I suspect there are others that may result in the same issue.
Here are a few examples of spells I've added to the subclass using the exact same method, but which do not trigger the error (and thus are examples of spells that don't cause the issue):
Although none of the three example spells are part of the normal Warlock spell list, I'm able to add them to the spell list for the subclass without preventing the subclass from being published, so it doesn't appear that the issue has anything to do with the normal restrictions for spells based on class. My best assumption at this point is that the issue is due to some issue with how those specific spells (Thorn Whip and Grasping Vine) are tagged on D&D Beyond.
The issue is that you can't publish something if it uses spells from paid content. The Player's Handbook is paid content.
You can only use spells from free content, such as the Basic Rules. That's the difference between the two groups of spells you've indicated: some are in the Basic Rules and some aren't.
Ahhh interesting. That's definitely a bit frustrating though. Is there any way in D&D Beyond and/or within the subclass builder to see whether a spell is specifically a paid/licensed spell versus one included in the Basic Rules? All of these spells are just listed as "Core Rules 5.5e" in the homebrew builder, and I can't find anything indicating that they're only in the PHB without manually checking whether a spell is visible in the Basic Rules.
Ahhh interesting. That's definitely a bit frustrating though. Is there any way in D&D Beyond and/or within the subclass builder to see whether a spell is specifically a paid/licensed spell versus one included in the Basic Rules? All of these spells are just listed as "Core Rules 5.5e" in the homebrew builder, and I can't find anything indicating that they're only in the PHB without manually checking whether a spell is visible in the Basic Rules.
Unfortunately the only way I've found to do that is to actually go looking in the Basic Rules spell list for it. It is frustrating as hell.
Note that those errors also only apply if you're trying to publish your homebrew for the global community. If it's just for use in your own group, you can ignore those warnings and use it as-is. It's shared with your campaigns automatically; no need to publish.
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Hi there! I'm experiencing an odd issue while building a homebrew subclass, specifically one I'm creating for a Warlock following the 2024 PHB (5.5e Core) rules.
When saving the subclass with the required features at each level, I'm able to publish it without issue. However, I was attempting to add certain spells for the subclass, as is typical for Warlocks with their subclass-specific spells feature. While most spells I'm attempting to add to it result in no issue, I get this error after saving the subclass if I add certain spells from the 2024 Player's Handbook:
This issue specifically occurs when I try to add either of the spells linked below:
As noted and as indicated on the linked pages, these spells are both from the 2024 PHB, and I don't see any clear reason why these particular spells are triggering the abovementioned error when several other spells I've added to the subclass do not. Removing those spells from the spell list and saving the subclass again removes the error, so it's definitely those specific spells causing the problem, though I suspect there are others that may result in the same issue.
Here are a few examples of spells I've added to the subclass using the exact same method, but which do not trigger the error (and thus are examples of spells that don't cause the issue):
Although none of the three example spells are part of the normal Warlock spell list, I'm able to add them to the spell list for the subclass without preventing the subclass from being published, so it doesn't appear that the issue has anything to do with the normal restrictions for spells based on class. My best assumption at this point is that the issue is due to some issue with how those specific spells (Thorn Whip and Grasping Vine) are tagged on D&D Beyond.
The issue is that you can't publish something if it uses spells from paid content. The Player's Handbook is paid content.
You can only use spells from free content, such as the Basic Rules. That's the difference between the two groups of spells you've indicated: some are in the Basic Rules and some aren't.
pronouns: he/she/they
Ahhh interesting. That's definitely a bit frustrating though. Is there any way in D&D Beyond and/or within the subclass builder to see whether a spell is specifically a paid/licensed spell versus one included in the Basic Rules? All of these spells are just listed as "Core Rules 5.5e" in the homebrew builder, and I can't find anything indicating that they're only in the PHB without manually checking whether a spell is visible in the Basic Rules.
Unfortunately the only way I've found to do that is to actually go looking in the Basic Rules spell list for it. It is frustrating as hell.
pronouns: he/she/they
Agreed. That said that does explain the source of the issue. I appreciate it, thank you!
No problem!
pronouns: he/she/they
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ModeratorOn the Spells page, you can also open Advanced Filters and use the Source field.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?filter-source=148
Note that those errors also only apply if you're trying to publish your homebrew for the global community. If it's just for use in your own group, you can ignore those warnings and use it as-is. It's shared with your campaigns automatically; no need to publish.
Need help with D&D Beyond? Come ask in the official D&D server on Discord: https://discord.gg/dnd