Contemplating adding a sidekick to a campaign of mine before new DDB features are complete for sidekicks. I am thinking about adding a homebrew sub-class to the closest associated class (i.e. Class - Rogue / Homebrew Subclass: Expert). This seems like the best way to rebuild the automation around leveling through lvl 20 from the Tasha tables.
Also, by not connecting the character to a specific party member, if that player doesn't show for a session the sidekick will be easier to continue to play I am thinking.
Thoughts?
The challenge is that the base class features can’t easily be adjusted, and will show up on the sheet even though the sidekick shouldn’t have them. I suppose you might be able to address some of that by using the ability to create optional features in the subclass that replace the base class features not available in the side kick class.
it also only works for sidekicks who are from official or homebrewed races, not creatures (that are cr 1/2 or less). So, for example, it wouldn’t work for a wolf warrior sidekick, unless you homebrewed a wolf race.
The challenge is that the base class features can’t easily be adjusted, and will show up on the sheet even though the sidekick shouldn’t have them. I suppose you might be able to address some of that by using the ability to create optional features in the subclass that replace the base class features not available in the side kick class.
it also only works for sidekicks who are from official or homebrewed races, not creatures (that are cr 1/2 or less). So, for example, it wouldn’t work for a wolf warrior sidekick, unless you homebrewed a wolf race.
Thank you ArwensDaughter, I was thinking of using optional features to over-ride non-matching features. With the rogue and expert combo the expert will overlap on 8 levels but would require Optional Class features on the other 12 as I mapped out here:
Level
Action
1st
Optional Class Features
2nd
Same as Base
3rd
Optional Class Features
4th
Same as Base
5th
Optional Class Features
6th
Optional Class Features
7th
Same as Base
8th
Same as Base
9th
Optional Class Features
10th
Same as Base
11th
Optional Class Features
12th
Same as Base
13th
Optional Class Features
14th
Optional Class Features
15th
Optional Class Features
16th
Same as Base
17th
Optional Class Features
18th
Optional Class Features
19th
Same as Base
20th
Optional Class Features
Proficiencies are the same but the one item I am not sure how I'll remove is the rogues Sneak Attack. Hoping to get the time later this week to see how well I can craft it.
I also thought of potentially using an official race and/or an almiraj. The almiraj would need to be homebrewed in order to make it work as you suggested but I do not see that being too big of a problem in my campaign. Appreciate the feedback!
Just make modifications. TLDR:my group found a baby manticore that they’re raising and carrying around everywhere which has created a huge challenge as a DM.
I simply treated the manticore as “flavour” and then modded its stat block to be comparable to that of a CR 1/2 big cat (I forget which one). a little up front work, but now I can level it according to sidekick rules in TCoE.
what I did for my group was to let them use the stats for an ambush drake, flavored to look like whatever guard drake color you like. I included movement based off of the color, as that honestly doesn't seem like it's adding too much.
Custom Lineage was added before sidekicks... They said they probably wouldn't even touch custom lineage since its basically Homebrew.
I'm still waiting for my sidekick runs, any ETA?
Many of us are waiting. Radio silence from Fandom and they never answer this question on the DevUpdates. They do tell us about new fake dice and free-to-play clicker mobile games, but key features of using D&D Beyond as a tool? Nope. Chasing because my annual sub just renewed and I'm salty about this.
Custom Lineage was added before sidekicks... They said they probably wouldn't even touch custom lineage since its basically Homebrew.
I'm still waiting for my sidekick runs, any ETA?
Many of us are waiting. Radio silence from Fandom and they never answer this question on the DevUpdates. They do tell us about new fake dice and free-to-play clicker mobile games, but key features of using D&D Beyond as a tool? Nope. Chasing because my annual sub just renewed and I'm salty about this.
Actually, they addressed it in last week's Dev Update. They have an approach in mind, but it's going to be a while, unfortunately.
Well, you could always do what I did for one of my players and homebrew a "monster" starting with the cow statblock and adding the features needed. Would need to be updated on level up, but it didn't take me too long to set up the wolf sidekick for my player.
Yes, but thats more work.. .and my dungeon is ever expanding... so I have two choices: One, work on a homebrew... when it should be available in the DNDBeyond Builder.... or Two, work on polishing off my Dungeon for my stream. We're choosing #2 and waiting.
I just don't get their logic to do custom lineage when they even said that would be a last priority due to it being homebrew anyway.
Custom Lineage was added before sidekicks... They said they probably wouldn't even touch custom lineage since its basically Homebrew.
I'm still waiting for my sidekick runs, any ETA?
Many of us are waiting. Radio silence from Fandom and they never answer this question on the DevUpdates. They do tell us about new fake dice and free-to-play clicker mobile games, but key features of using D&D Beyond as a tool? Nope. Chasing because my annual sub just renewed and I'm salty about this.
Actually, they addressed it in last week's Dev Update. They have an approach in mind, but it's going to be a while, unfortunately.
There haven't been any updates (you can watch the Dev Update twitch, or catch the VOD or Youtube upload for latest dev news).
As for tips on homebrewing sidekicks, I'll create a copy of the monster I want to turn into a sidekick, then copy the traits over and adjust the ability scores per level. The key thing to keep an eye on is how changing abilities will affect the modifiers
There haven't been any updates (you can watch the Dev Update twitch, or catch the VOD or Youtube upload for latest dev news).
As for tips on homebrewing sidekicks, I'll create a copy of the monster I want to turn into a sidekick, then copy the traits over and adjust the ability scores per level. The key thing to keep an eye on is how changing abilities will affect the modifiers
The thing that bugged me most was they said they were not going to do Custom Lineage.... and yet they put that ahead of sidekicks.... My group is dying to play just sidekicks.
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The challenge is that the base class features can’t easily be adjusted, and will show up on the sheet even though the sidekick shouldn’t have them. I suppose you might be able to address some of that by using the ability to create optional features in the subclass that replace the base class features not available in the side kick class.
it also only works for sidekicks who are from official or homebrewed races, not creatures (that are cr 1/2 or less). So, for example, it wouldn’t work for a wolf warrior sidekick, unless you homebrewed a wolf race.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Thank you ArwensDaughter, I was thinking of using optional features to over-ride non-matching features. With the rogue and expert combo the expert will overlap on 8 levels but would require Optional Class features on the other 12 as I mapped out here:
Proficiencies are the same but the one item I am not sure how I'll remove is the rogues Sneak Attack. Hoping to get the time later this week to see how well I can craft it.
I also thought of potentially using an official race and/or an almiraj. The almiraj would need to be homebrewed in order to make it work as you suggested but I do not see that being too big of a problem in my campaign. Appreciate the feedback!
Wait sidekicks can only be CR 1/2? There goes the guard drake sidekick idea then.
Just make modifications. TLDR:my group found a baby manticore that they’re raising and carrying around everywhere which has created a huge challenge as a DM.
I simply treated the manticore as “flavour” and then modded its stat block to be comparable to that of a CR 1/2 big cat (I forget which one). a little up front work, but now I can level it according to sidekick rules in TCoE.
what I did for my group was to let them use the stats for an ambush drake, flavored to look like whatever guard drake color you like. I included movement based off of the color, as that honestly doesn't seem like it's adding too much.
Players must be allowed their scaly dragon good bois.
@Stormknight.
Custom Lineage was added before sidekicks...
They said they probably wouldn't even touch custom lineage since its basically Homebrew.
I'm still waiting for my sidekick runs, any ETA?
Any update on this yet?
Many of us are waiting. Radio silence from Fandom and they never answer this question on the DevUpdates. They do tell us about new fake dice and free-to-play clicker mobile games, but key features of using D&D Beyond as a tool? Nope. Chasing because my annual sub just renewed and I'm salty about this.
My team needs their cow sidekick named Sir Loin.
My team needs their cow sidekick named Sir Loin.
Actually, they addressed it in last week's Dev Update. They have an approach in mind, but it's going to be a while, unfortunately.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Well, you could always do what I did for one of my players and homebrew a "monster" starting with the cow statblock and adding the features needed. Would need to be updated on level up, but it didn't take me too long to set up the wolf sidekick for my player.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Yes, but thats more work.. .and my dungeon is ever expanding... so I have two choices: One, work on a homebrew... when it should be available in the DNDBeyond Builder.... or Two, work on polishing off my Dungeon for my stream. We're choosing #2 and waiting.
I just don't get their logic to do custom lineage when they even said that would be a last priority due to it being homebrew anyway.
What update? 3/11 or 3/4
I need to keep up better on the updates.
3/4 i believe
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Has there been any updates for being able to create Sidekicks on here yet?
And any tips if possible for homebrewing Sidekicks in the meantime?
(I haven't ant experience with the layout of creating Homebrew races etc. on DnD Beyond).
x
Toña. G-B
There haven't been any updates (you can watch the Dev Update twitch, or catch the VOD or Youtube upload for latest dev news).
As for tips on homebrewing sidekicks, I'll create a copy of the monster I want to turn into a sidekick, then copy the traits over and adjust the ability scores per level. The key thing to keep an eye on is how changing abilities will affect the modifiers
Find my D&D Beyond articles here
Okay ta for the info Davyd, much appreciated x
Toña. G-B
I never reported back. My attempt at a new Homebrew subclass to have the side kick level as a regular character failed. 😢
The thing that bugged me most was they said they were not going to do Custom Lineage.... and yet they put that ahead of sidekicks.... My group is dying to play just sidekicks.