I am loving using D&D Beyond and will be getting 7 of the books this month, so that I have access to all the things I need. However, I feel like homebrew could be so much better (It's already really good!) if it had some basic variables for use in lots of places. for example:
A subclass might have a feature that gives you a Modifier of type Damage, subtype additionalSpellDamage and fixed value profBonus + spellAttackMod + 2 This would give your spells, extra damage of the same type, the value of your profficiency bonus, plus your spell attack modifier, plus 2 which would depend on your character.
These variables could be used to do all sorts of things. Want an item that gives you a limited use ability where the number of uses = wisdomMod + initiativeMod then sure, why not! Want to give your spell damage = minimum(10, charAge - intelligenceTotal) so that it is you character's age - total intelligence, to a minimum of 10, go for it!
These would just be linked to the values in your character sheet and would allow for huge customisation, if you want to use a more powerful but more complex language.
It's just a thought, but I have many items in my current campaign that I can't add to my character because the homebrew inputs don't allow it.
Something like this would be helpful for recreating the Abyssal Tiefling which I currently can't do properly because of Abyssal Fortitude: "Your hit point maximum increases by half your level (minimum 1)."
The team are very aware that the whole homebrew solution could be massively improved.
The user interface isn't in a good place right now and there are many potential modifiers that aren't available. It does the job, but it could do it better. :)
I don't know when any work might be undertaken for a revamp of the system, but just wanted to let you know that the team that developed the homebrew system feel the same as you guys do and something will be done in the future!
If you're takiing suggestions look at Roll20's way of doing it. Everything is a variable that can be changed and called making it easy to create custom races, classes and subclasses on the fly. Currently D&D Beyond still holds up better for overall character creation (although watch out for their Charactermancer, it's looking very nice) but the homebrewing leaves a lot to be desired compared to Roll20's approach.
Basically if you took the "variables" Roll20 approach with the builder optimised for your new revamped character sheet it will blow all competition out of the water. This would involve a lot of work, though, since you would basically have to completely rewrite your system. Still, worth considering maybe?
You basically summed up my thoughts completely. The character creation side is really great on DDB, but the freedom to match whatever a DM wants to give you with magical items or your homebrew class ideas just isn't quite there at the moment. I have a few items from my DM that just can't be implemented.
I think this sort of rework would be well worth doing in the future if they want people to have complete freedom, like they currently have with pen and paper and Roll20.
Wow I didn't see Grinnz' or StormKnight's comments when I posted mine, sorry.
Hi to both of you!
Grinnz, yes, stuff like that exactly would be great.
StormKnight, thankyou for taking the time to reply. It's good to know that there are plans in the future to revamp this part of DDB because I really love this service and really want ti to improve and succeed! This just came into my mind while making some homebrew things and the fact I'm a programmer >.< Good luck to you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Hi there,
I am loving using D&D Beyond and will be getting 7 of the books this month, so that I have access to all the things I need. However, I feel like homebrew could be so much better (It's already really good!) if it had some basic variables for use in lots of places. for example:
A subclass might have a feature that gives you a Modifier of type Damage, subtype additionalSpellDamage and fixed value profBonus + spellAttackMod + 2
This would give your spells, extra damage of the same type, the value of your profficiency bonus, plus your spell attack modifier, plus 2 which would depend on your character.
These variables could be used to do all sorts of things. Want an item that gives you a limited use ability where the number of uses = wisdomMod + initiativeMod then sure, why not!
Want to give your spell damage = minimum(10, charAge - intelligenceTotal) so that it is you character's age - total intelligence, to a minimum of 10, go for it!
These would just be linked to the values in your character sheet and would allow for huge customisation, if you want to use a more powerful but more complex language.
It's just a thought, but I have many items in my current campaign that I can't add to my character because the homebrew inputs don't allow it.
Something like this would be helpful for recreating the Abyssal Tiefling which I currently can't do properly because of Abyssal Fortitude: "Your hit point maximum increases by half your level (minimum 1)."
The team are very aware that the whole homebrew solution could be massively improved.
The user interface isn't in a good place right now and there are many potential modifiers that aren't available. It does the job, but it could do it better. :)
I don't know when any work might be undertaken for a revamp of the system, but just wanted to let you know that the team that developed the homebrew system feel the same as you guys do and something will be done in the future!
Pun-loving nerd | She/Her/Hers | Profile art by Becca Golins
If you need help with homebrew, please post on the homebrew forums, where multiple staff and moderators can read your post and help you!
"We got this, no problem! I'll take the twenty on the left - you guys handle the one on the right!"🔊
If you're takiing suggestions look at Roll20's way of doing it. Everything is a variable that can be changed and called making it easy to create custom races, classes and subclasses on the fly. Currently D&D Beyond still holds up better for overall character creation (although watch out for their Charactermancer, it's looking very nice) but the homebrewing leaves a lot to be desired compared to Roll20's approach.
Basically if you took the "variables" Roll20 approach with the builder optimised for your new revamped character sheet it will blow all competition out of the water. This would involve a lot of work, though, since you would basically have to completely rewrite your system. Still, worth considering maybe?
My Homebrew: Races | Subclasses | Backgrounds | Spells | Magic Items | Feats
Need help with Homebrew? Check out this FAQ/Guide thread by IamSposta
See My Youtube Videos for Tips & Tricks using D&D Beyond
Hey CyberM1nd :)
You basically summed up my thoughts completely. The character creation side is really great on DDB, but the freedom to match whatever a DM wants to give you with magical items or your homebrew class ideas just isn't quite there at the moment. I have a few items from my DM that just can't be implemented.
I think this sort of rework would be well worth doing in the future if they want people to have complete freedom, like they currently have with pen and paper and Roll20.
Thanks for your reply :)
Wow I didn't see Grinnz' or StormKnight's comments when I posted mine, sorry.
Hi to both of you!
Grinnz, yes, stuff like that exactly would be great.
StormKnight, thankyou for taking the time to reply. It's good to know that there are plans in the future to revamp this part of DDB because I really love this service and really want ti to improve and succeed! This just came into my mind while making some homebrew things and the fact I'm a programmer >.< Good luck to you.