Looking to make the digital leap for my group but I'm finding the options a bit confusing and I want to confirm that I'll be able to share.
I have a lot of physical books, so I'm trying to focus on the mechanics/rules components to let them build characters, get items, and have quick access to rules (i.e. purchasing PHB, and then races, classes, backgrounds, and items from other books as needed)
Compendium purchasing says you won't be able to use search, or include the material in character sheets ("does not grant access to...searchable listings, character builder, etc.). If I'm understanding that correctly, it made me a bit paranoid about any special conditions on la cart purchasing.
So...after I set up a master tier subscription, will my players be able to access all my content for their character builds, add gear, and look up PHB rules if I purchase a la carte? Will I still be able to search and link/tooltip for rules, weapons, etc.for the materials I'm buying?
Thanks in advance for any clarity you can provide.
Compendium's allow you to view the book in digital format. The Basic Rules are free, so you can look at that compendium to get an idea what the others will provide in that format. It does not unlock the content elsewhere, like in the character builder, it just puts the book in a better-than-pdf, but online-only format.
The other additional purchase options will unlock the content elsewhere in Beyond, like the character builder, but will not give you compendium access.
One thing to take note on is that however much you do spend on a book is subtracted from the total cost of the book. You'll notice that each time you choose to buy "all of the above," the price drops., but even if you go for the individual purchase options it will still subtract from the total cost. For example, in Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron, it costs $8 USD to purchase each of the new Race options individually. If you only wanted the Warforged, it'd be cheaper to buy it than all the Races at a discounted rate. So you spend $2 USD. You'd then find that the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron is now $2 USD cheaper.
It won't make any of the individual purchase options cheaper, but it does make it easier to unlock all content. So making a mistake on the purchasing won't really hurt you financially in the long run.
As for the subscription, yes. If you subscribe, create a campaign with content sharing enabled. Then, your players will have access to your unlocked content, but only for those characters in the campaign. Any character they make outside of the campaign will only have the content they've unlocked themselves.
If you by individual books, does that make the entire bundle cheaper by the amount you've spend on the individual books?
Yes.
Confirmed! I just made my purchase and my total package cost is now reduced. I really like this feature. I am probably missing something, but you guys should highlight the fact that your pricing reduces as you collect the items in the bundle. Or at least make it more obvious. Sorry if I missed something.
Confirmed! I just made my purchase and my total package cost is now reduced. I really like this feature. I am probably missing something, but you guys should highlight the fact that your pricing reduces as you collect the items in the bundle. Or at least make it more obvious. Sorry if I missed something.
It is mentioned above (first post), and in the pricing FAQs. But folks do often seem to miss that piece. If you have suggestions for how it could be worded better (especially in the first post here), that would be helpful.
So it sounds like if you are not using Beyond, simply looking to purchase a digital version of the book and maps to utilize in a system such as Realm Works or similar, then the "Compendium" version of any book is the best way to go? Another question: I looked for a Compendium option for Tales From the Yawning Portal but couldn't find any, does anyone know why, or if that's just me missing it? Thanks in advance.
So it sounds like if you are not using Beyond, simply looking to purchase a digital version of the book and maps to utilize in a system such as Realm Works or similar, then the "Compendium" version of any book is the best way to go? Another question: I looked for a Compendium option for Tales From the Yawning Portal but couldn't find any, does anyone know why, or if that's just me missing it? Thanks in advance.
Yes, the compendium only option is best if you have no intention of using the character builder.
Yawning Portal is just a bundle of adventures. They do not have new monsters or items or such as to grant you and are purely just adventures. Adventures have no data for builders or character sheets: they're purely just a digital, easier to read, version of the books. In other words it is only compendium content and nothing else so it seems fruitless to add a separate "compendium" option that will just be exactly the same.
Yawning Portal is just a bundle of adventures. They do not have new monsters or items or such as to grant you and are purely just adventures. Adventures have no data for builders or character sheets: they're purely just a digital, easier to read, version of the books. In other words it is only compendium content and nothing else so it seems fruitless to add a separate "compendium" option that will just be exactly the same.
Aftually, there are new monsters, items, etc. There is a problem with the way the Marketplace displays TFYP. Only certain users can see the individual item purchase options for the sub adventures from the marketplace. If I want to get there, I have to use the listings to search for content from those adventures and use the marketplace link there to get, for example, to a page like this:
Do I get monsters, items and spells with a compendium?
Yes and no - buying just the compendium gives you the book in a digital form, which you can read. If that book has monsters, items or spells, you will be able to read those too.
However, you will not gain the monsters, items or spells in the database, so you won't see them when you go to the D&D Beyond items page for example.
If I buy one book, no matter which one, does that open up the use of the character builder? Meaning, do you get access to all feats, subraces, subclasses, etc. from XGtE as well as the PHB. Or, would I need to buy each book to gain access?
If I buy one book, no matter which one, does that open up the use of the character builder? Meaning, do you get access to all feats, subraces, subclasses, etc. from XGtE as well as the PHB. Or, would I need to buy each book to gain access?
Thanks!
When you buy a book, you can use only what that book gives you. In order to use the Xanathar's Guide character option, you need to buy Xanathar's Guide.
I am looking to buy absorb Elements absorb-elements, I had heard it was in XGE but the link says it is in Elemental Evil Player's Companion. The spell isn't available on the website from XGE and the EEPG isn't in the market place at all. Am I able to purchase this spell on this site?
I am looking to buy absorb Elements absorb-elements, I had heard it was in XGE but the link says it is in Elemental Evil Player's Companion. The spell isn't available on the website from XGE and the EEPG isn't in the market place at all. Am I able to purchase this spell on this site?
Elemental Evil Player's Companion is free. If you can view this page, you already have access to Absorb Elements. It was reprinted in XGTE, but you don't need to purchase it for access.
I just bought in to D&D Beyond to run a (new DM!) Curse of Strahd campaign with my family. I have all the books, but wanted a way to display the maps, and a way to reference multiple monsters easily. I tried Fantasy Grounds (and the program is interesting, or would be if it didn't crash every time I tried to use the map masking tool), but it seems like more work than necessary just to run an in-person game. We (and as Dm, especially I) found D&DB to be quite useful.
While it probably will still end up being necessary to print the maps, the electronic source book maps are an excellent way to get the map FOR printing. The ability to pull up multiple tabs of monsters and cross-reference tags is very nice.
Overall, I am quite pleased with the service so far, and while it would be nice to see a discount related to ownership of the print books (or electronic+print bundles), I was also able to use a discount code for 25% off, so I consider that fair enough for having the print books already.
(edit - I wasn't sure to post this in feedback or general discussion)
the team always appreciate receiving positive feedback. We're glad that you're enjoying using D&D Beyond - 2019 is going to be an exciting year, with a whole load of really awesome content and a bunch of cool new tools/functionality. :)
Looking to make the digital leap for my group but I'm finding the options a bit confusing and I want to confirm that I'll be able to share.
I have a lot of physical books, so I'm trying to focus on the mechanics/rules components to let them build characters, get items, and have quick access to rules (i.e. purchasing PHB, and then races, classes, backgrounds, and items from other books as needed)
Compendium purchasing says you won't be able to use search, or include the material in character sheets ("does not grant access to...searchable listings, character builder, etc.). If I'm understanding that correctly, it made me a bit paranoid about any special conditions on la cart purchasing.
So...after I set up a master tier subscription, will my players be able to access all my content for their character builds, add gear, and look up PHB rules if I purchase a la carte? Will I still be able to search and link/tooltip for rules, weapons, etc.for the materials I'm buying?
Thanks in advance for any clarity you can provide.
Compendium's allow you to view the book in digital format. The Basic Rules are free, so you can look at that compendium to get an idea what the others will provide in that format. It does not unlock the content elsewhere, like in the character builder, it just puts the book in a better-than-pdf, but online-only format.
The other additional purchase options will unlock the content elsewhere in Beyond, like the character builder, but will not give you compendium access.
One thing to take note on is that however much you do spend on a book is subtracted from the total cost of the book. You'll notice that each time you choose to buy "all of the above," the price drops., but even if you go for the individual purchase options it will still subtract from the total cost. For example, in Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron, it costs $8 USD to purchase each of the new Race options individually. If you only wanted the Warforged, it'd be cheaper to buy it than all the Races at a discounted rate. So you spend $2 USD. You'd then find that the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron is now $2 USD cheaper.
It won't make any of the individual purchase options cheaper, but it does make it easier to unlock all content. So making a mistake on the purchasing won't really hurt you financially in the long run.
As for the subscription, yes. If you subscribe, create a campaign with content sharing enabled. Then, your players will have access to your unlocked content, but only for those characters in the campaign. Any character they make outside of the campaign will only have the content they've unlocked themselves.
If you by individual books, does that make the entire bundle cheaper by the amount you've spend on the individual books?
Yes.
Confirmed! I just made my purchase and my total package cost is now reduced. I really like this feature. I am probably missing something, but you guys should highlight the fact that your pricing reduces as you collect the items in the bundle. Or at least make it more obvious. Sorry if I missed something.
It is mentioned above (first post), and in the pricing FAQs. But folks do often seem to miss that piece. If you have suggestions for how it could be worded better (especially in the first post here), that would be helpful.
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
So it sounds like if you are not using Beyond, simply looking to purchase a digital version of the book and maps to utilize in a system such as Realm Works or similar, then the "Compendium" version of any book is the best way to go? Another question: I looked for a Compendium option for Tales From the Yawning Portal but couldn't find any, does anyone know why, or if that's just me missing it? Thanks in advance.
Yes, the compendium only option is best if you have no intention of using the character builder.
Yawning Portal is just a bundle of adventures. They do not have new monsters or items or such as to grant you and are purely just adventures. Adventures have no data for builders or character sheets: they're purely just a digital, easier to read, version of the books. In other words it is only compendium content and nothing else so it seems fruitless to add a separate "compendium" option that will just be exactly the same.
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
Aftually, there are new monsters, items, etc. There is a problem with the way the Marketplace displays TFYP. Only certain users can see the individual item purchase options for the sub adventures from the marketplace. If I want to get there, I have to use the listings to search for content from those adventures and use the marketplace link there to get, for example, to a page like this:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/source/17
but compendium only doesn't look to be an option for TFYP.
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
Do I get monsters, items and spells with a compendium?
Yes and no - buying just the compendium gives you the book in a digital form, which you can read. If that book has monsters, items or spells, you will be able to read those too.
However, you will not gain the monsters, items or spells in the database, so you won't see them when you go to the D&D Beyond items page for example.
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!"🔊
Just out of curiosity, Does their Subscriptions give you access to their content like the PH?
The subscriptions function as detailed on the subscription page of the marketplace.
They don't grant access to content, however the Master Tier subscription allows the sharing of content in campaigns.
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 I buy one book, no matter which one, does that open up the use of the character builder? Meaning, do you get access to all feats, subraces, subclasses, etc. from XGtE as well as the PHB. Or, would I need to buy each book to gain access?
Thanks!
When you buy a book, you can use only what that book gives you. In order to use the Xanathar's Guide character option, you need to buy Xanathar's Guide.
Thanks for clarification!! And, the quick response.
I am looking to buy absorb Elements absorb-elements, I had heard it was in XGE but the link says it is in Elemental Evil Player's Companion. The spell isn't available on the website from XGE and the EEPG isn't in the market place at all. Am I able to purchase this spell on this site?
Elemental Evil Player's Companion is free. If you can view this page, you already have access to Absorb Elements. It was reprinted in XGTE, but you don't need to purchase it for access.
I just bought in to D&D Beyond to run a (new DM!) Curse of Strahd campaign with my family. I have all the books, but wanted a way to display the maps, and a way to reference multiple monsters easily. I tried Fantasy Grounds (and the program is interesting, or would be if it didn't crash every time I tried to use the map masking tool), but it seems like more work than necessary just to run an in-person game. We (and as Dm, especially I) found D&DB to be quite useful.
While it probably will still end up being necessary to print the maps, the electronic source book maps are an excellent way to get the map FOR printing. The ability to pull up multiple tabs of monsters and cross-reference tags is very nice.
Overall, I am quite pleased with the service so far, and while it would be nice to see a discount related to ownership of the print books (or electronic+print bundles), I was also able to use a discount code for 25% off, so I consider that fair enough for having the print books already.
(edit - I wasn't sure to post this in feedback or general discussion)
Thanks Praehotec,
the team always appreciate receiving positive feedback. We're glad that you're enjoying using D&D Beyond - 2019 is going to be an exciting year, with a whole load of really awesome content and a bunch of cool new tools/functionality. :)
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!"🔊