The first chapter of the Radiant Citadel book just got released for a limited time and I didn't see any new threads about it so I figured I'd make one myself.
Personally probably still not gonna buy it, but it's starting to change my mind on that a touch. I still have a fair few issues with the book, some sensible a lot not admittedly. But at a first glance does seem interesting, and I feel like I might be far more interested in the other settings it introduces then I am in the citadel itself.
I like the preview. Admittedly early days, but the concept is pretty good.
Personally, I am a big fan of the adventure books that are broken up into distinct adventures, rather than the marathon version, since i tend to mix and match parts from different material inside a campaign. Si I am looking forward to this one. I will likely not use every scrap of it, but the ability to select individual adventures as a short run for newer players, or to weave into a campaign has a great appeal (and after reading the first section, ideas are forming already)
I personally really like it. I wasn’t expecting much, but I turned out pleasantly suprised. It seems like a fun little new area in the DnD multiverse, and it brings a lot of new flavor in a old idea - a multiversal hub. It’s very solarpunk and utopian, but not without its problems… and it seems that a utopia is sorta a thing that DnD has been lacking for a while. It’s a very interesting counterpoint to Sigil, which I continue to love with all my heart. On that note, it doesn’t seem like a replacement for Sigil in any way, just almost a narrative foil to the beloved mess that is Sigil and Planescape. And I know some people will hate the utopia of it, I certainly didn’t like it at first. But I think it’s fine to have a home base location that doesn’t have almost any problems, and a place like this is missing in the DnD multiverse.
Another thing that I wasn’t expecting and was pleasantly surprised by was the deep lore connections, especially the one to the First World. It seems like the Citadel might possibly be very important to a interesting part of DnD lore, and I have my theories on what the true nature and capabilities of it are. I hope it turns out to be at least moderately connected to what I’m thinking it is.
Im not sure if I will buy the whole book, as I’m not too keen on these compendium adventure books, but I’m at least pleased at the free chapter we got so far. A fleshed out location with a unique feel and deep lore connections? Considering WotC’s new direction of “make it all up yourself”, I’m shocked that we got something as good as this is.
The citadel seems to be a hub for the inner planes, while Sigil is the hub for the outer planes. Makes it an interesting alternative for a different style.
The citadel seems to be a hub for the inner planes, while Sigil is the hub for the outer planes. Makes it an interesting alternative for a different style.
That's sort of A) the thing that will save or kill this premise and B) why I'm sort of cynical about this one.
Sigil isn't just interesting because it's a hub for other places; rather: like Deep Space 9 in Star Trek, Ceres in The Expanse, or any other good "hub" style of setting it's a place of its own as well.
By contrast; based upon the descriptions I've seen the radiant citadel... isn't. It's just sort of "a mall" in so many words. I hope it isn't: because honestly I quite like a "place between places" sort of a setting, leads to a lot of interesting stuff potentially... But I'm not sold yet; hopefully teh final version comes out better than Strixhaven or Monsters of teh multiverse; but I shan't hold my breath.
It’s interesting, it not enough to justify me buying an adventure book as I never use them save for stealing some monsters or magic items from them. If someone in my group buys the book I will look through it but it’s a pass otherwise.
The areas in the Radiant Citadel being opened up for use on the DMsGuild has me a bit excited however, interested to see what the writes and others make.
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"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Is there anything that the preview actually unlocks for use in the character builder, encounter builder, or even listings? The copy on the claim page feels misleading. I suspect it's generic text that they plan to use for all previews, but it feels squidgy.
Is there anything that the preview actually unlocks for use in the character builder, encounter builder, or even listings? The copy on the claim page feels misleading. I suspect it's generic text that they plan to use for all previews, but it feels squidgy.
It unlocks exactly what it says it does, the first chapter of the new book, which is only lore. So, you get the "compendium" part of the first chapter. Except for the map, there are no rules options within this section.
Not a fan. It came off as being written by someone very politically-minded, which is the exact opposite of what I play D&D for.
I also echo CaptainCorvid's sentiment, that it's too much of a midpoint than an adventure location itself. It has too many perfect solutions for everything.
I expected the preview to be the first adventure (or part thereof) so we could try it out. I was excited for that, but it turns out to just be the background information, which doesn't really help me make my mind up, at all. If they gave a sample of the actual bit I'd be interested in, in might have tempted to me buy it (assuming it was any good), but this doesn't really move the needle at all.
I'll probably give the book a miss.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
When they announced it, I thought it was going to effectively replace Sigil. But then they specifically mention Sigil as a place that exists in the multiverse, so it was good to see that.
Seems like a cool hub world to me, but I don’t typically buy adventures, so I’ll still wait on buying it until I see what’s in there. How much is citadel vs. adventures
One thing I heard is that the settings in the book will be included in the licensing for DMs guild, so people can write new adventures in the new worlds this introduces.
It brings to my mind the fabled city of Tanelorn. A city outside the eternal struggle between Law and Chaos, interspersed throughout Micheal Moorcock's Eternal Champion multiverse.
It's been a place sought after and fought for by many Champions and Companions. In some stories weary champions seek a respite from eternal struggle. In other "universes" a champion might manifest as a companion to aid or inform other champions.
I think the multicultural elements of the founding civilizations provide a less problematic way to include cultural elements outside the western medieval in a campaign.
It provides a place to explore these stories and hopefully avoid some of pitfalls of colonial cultural appropriation. It seems a decent effort in that direction.
Speaking of companions, Elric's companion Moonglum comes to mind.
Moonglum presents as a member of fantasy analog of a Bedouin type desert culture. They are a terriffic character but the "sidekick" loyalty of the brown companion is problematic. But Moonglum manifest as an adventurer member of a founding civilization of The Radiant Citadel presents an opportunity to give them a more powerful story of thier own.
These are just first impressions and thoughts of an old white southern dude.
Is there anything that the preview actually unlocks for use in the character builder, encounter builder, or even listings? The copy on the claim page feels misleading. I suspect it's generic text that they plan to use for all previews, but it feels squidgy.
It unlocks exactly what it says it does, the first chapter of the new book, which is only lore. So, you get the "compendium" part of the first chapter. Except for the map, there are no rules options within this section.
From the claim page: "This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet."
I don't mind if there isn't anything, but it feels like a misleading statement, and I'm just trying to get a feel for if this is a generic template statement they're going to use every time, whether it's relevant or not, versus leftover/reused from the Vecna Dossier, which I don't think had anything for the character builder either. Though that one I didn't download.
Rant aside, I am looking forward to this book and the compendium content on the new civilizations. I already have some adventure ideas just based off the intro chapter.
Hey folks, a quick reminder that racism does not fit with Wizards of the Coast's values and is not tolerated on these forums.
We love seeing folks discussing and enjoying the preview chapter, as well as celebrating the amazing work that the creative team put into describing the culture and building these adventures.
If you don't like the content, feel free to discuss that - it's all valuable feedback, but racist remarks will be resolved by our moderation team.
Is there anything that the preview actually unlocks for use in the character builder, encounter builder, or even listings? The copy on the claim page feels misleading. I suspect it's generic text that they plan to use for all previews, but it feels squidgy.
It unlocks exactly what it says it does, the first chapter of the new book, which is only lore. So, you get the "compendium" part of the first chapter. Except for the map, there are no rules options within this section.
From the claim page: "This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet."
I don't mind if there isn't anything, but it feels like a misleading statement, and I'm just trying to get a feel for if this is a generic template statement they're going to use every time, whether it's relevant or not, versus leftover/reused from the Vecna Dossier, which I don't think had anything for the character builder either. Though that one I didn't download.
I totally understand where you are coming from. And I partially agree. However, I read the advertisement as a whole section:
Now you can bring the Radiant Citadel to your table by unlocking the first chapter of Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel at no cost!
This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet.
So, I always take the reliable part of these adverts, which is, in this case: "you get the first chapter of the book". Everything else is technically correct in the second statement, however useless, if there is no content to be used with the character builder, encounter builder or digital sheets.
So, yeah, in the end for free content, it really doesn't matter. This would be maybe a bit more problematic with purchasable content.
Gonna be a pass from me as well. Just doesn't interest me in the least. I tend to like adventure compendiums but not the ones after the Ghosts of Saltmarsh one. I fee like most of the resent books have been subpar. I keep holding out hope for exciting new adventure books but keep being let down. They seem to instead focus on niche areas while "trying" to make them applicable to the entirety of D&D.
Gonna be a pass from me as well. Just doesn't interest me in the least. I tend to like adventure compendiums but not the ones after the Ghosts of Saltmarsh one. I fee like most of the resent books have been subpar. I keep holding out hope for exciting new adventure books but keep being let down. They seem to instead focus on niche areas while "trying" to make them applicable to the entirety of D&D.
What other ones are there? Candlekeep, Yawning Portal?
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Is there anything that the preview actually unlocks for use in the character builder, encounter builder, or even listings? The copy on the claim page feels misleading. I suspect it's generic text that they plan to use for all previews, but it feels squidgy.
It unlocks exactly what it says it does, the first chapter of the new book, which is only lore. So, you get the "compendium" part of the first chapter. Except for the map, there are no rules options within this section.
From the claim page: "This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet."
I don't mind if there isn't anything, but it feels like a misleading statement, and I'm just trying to get a feel for if this is a generic template statement they're going to use every time, whether it's relevant or not, versus leftover/reused from the Vecna Dossier, which I don't think had anything for the character builder either. Though that one I didn't download.
I totally understand where you are coming from. And I partially agree. However, I read the advertisement as a whole section:
Now you can bring the Radiant Citadel to your table by unlocking the first chapter of Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel at no cost!
This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet.
So, I always take the reliable part of these adverts, which is, in this case: "you get the first chapter of the book". Everything else is technically correct in the second statement, however useless, if there is no content to be used with the character builder, encounter builder or digital sheets.
So, yeah, in the end for free content, it really doesn't matter. This would be maybe a bit more problematic with purchasable content.
I agree it's not a huge deal because it's free, but as someone who doesn't DM, I try not to acquire stuff here that's worldbuilding based, I go for character creation stuff. And the wording makes it look like there is character creation stuff. Even for a free item, they're advertising content that doesn't exist, and I can't remove something from my collection if I claim it and decide it's something I don't want after all.
I think on the Vecna claim page it also didn't mention that there was an adventure attached, it just said 'legacy and statistics,' then the same blurb for the second paragraph as here. If they're going to continue with these, a little more detail/clarity on what's actually in them would be nice.
One thing I heard is that the settings in the book will be included in the licensing for DMs guild, so people can write new adventures in the new worlds this introduces.
The DMs Guild email blast today might have come out after you posted this, but yeah, they've already announced a companion book:
Exclusive Radiant Citadel Content Coming to DMsGuild
The designers of this upcoming offering from Wizards of the Coast are bringing you even more Radiant Citadel content exclusively on DungeonMastersGuild. Journeys Beyond the Radiant Citadel holds 7 gazetteers of expanded lore and encounters for the wondrous lands.
Journeys Beyond drops July 19 only on DMsGuild, alongside 16 pieces of commissioned art and 3 cover frames packaged in a FREE commercial use art pack for DMsGuild creators.
The "Radiant Citadel" setting will become available for all DungeonMastersGuild creators on July 19 as well.
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Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock) Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
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The first chapter of the Radiant Citadel book just got released for a limited time and I didn't see any new threads about it so I figured I'd make one myself.
Personally probably still not gonna buy it, but it's starting to change my mind on that a touch. I still have a fair few issues with the book, some sensible a lot not admittedly. But at a first glance does seem interesting, and I feel like I might be far more interested in the other settings it introduces then I am in the citadel itself.
I like the preview. Admittedly early days, but the concept is pretty good.
Personally, I am a big fan of the adventure books that are broken up into distinct adventures, rather than the marathon version, since i tend to mix and match parts from different material inside a campaign. Si I am looking forward to this one. I will likely not use every scrap of it, but the ability to select individual adventures as a short run for newer players, or to weave into a campaign has a great appeal (and after reading the first section, ideas are forming already)
I personally really like it. I wasn’t expecting much, but I turned out pleasantly suprised. It seems like a fun little new area in the DnD multiverse, and it brings a lot of new flavor in a old idea - a multiversal hub. It’s very solarpunk and utopian, but not without its problems… and it seems that a utopia is sorta a thing that DnD has been lacking for a while. It’s a very interesting counterpoint to Sigil, which I continue to love with all my heart. On that note, it doesn’t seem like a replacement for Sigil in any way, just almost a narrative foil to the beloved mess that is Sigil and Planescape. And I know some people will hate the utopia of it, I certainly didn’t like it at first. But I think it’s fine to have a home base location that doesn’t have almost any problems, and a place like this is missing in the DnD multiverse.
Another thing that I wasn’t expecting and was pleasantly surprised by was the deep lore connections, especially the one to the First World. It seems like the Citadel might possibly be very important to a interesting part of DnD lore, and I have my theories on what the true nature and capabilities of it are. I hope it turns out to be at least moderately connected to what I’m thinking it is.
Im not sure if I will buy the whole book, as I’m not too keen on these compendium adventure books, but I’m at least pleased at the free chapter we got so far. A fleshed out location with a unique feel and deep lore connections? Considering WotC’s new direction of “make it all up yourself”, I’m shocked that we got something as good as this is.
The citadel seems to be a hub for the inner planes, while Sigil is the hub for the outer planes. Makes it an interesting alternative for a different style.
That's sort of A) the thing that will save or kill this premise and B) why I'm sort of cynical about this one.
Sigil isn't just interesting because it's a hub for other places; rather: like Deep Space 9 in Star Trek, Ceres in The Expanse, or any other good "hub" style of setting it's a place of its own as well.
By contrast; based upon the descriptions I've seen the radiant citadel... isn't. It's just sort of "a mall" in so many words. I hope it isn't: because honestly I quite like a "place between places" sort of a setting, leads to a lot of interesting stuff potentially... But I'm not sold yet; hopefully teh final version comes out better than Strixhaven or Monsters of teh multiverse; but I shan't hold my breath.
It’s interesting, it not enough to justify me buying an adventure book as I never use them save for stealing some monsters or magic items from them. If someone in my group buys the book I will look through it but it’s a pass otherwise.
The areas in the Radiant Citadel being opened up for use on the DMsGuild has me a bit excited however, interested to see what the writes and others make.
"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Characters for Tenebris Sine Fine
RoughCoronet's Greater Wills
Is there anything that the preview actually unlocks for use in the character builder, encounter builder, or even listings? The copy on the claim page feels misleading. I suspect it's generic text that they plan to use for all previews, but it feels squidgy.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
It unlocks exactly what it says it does, the first chapter of the new book, which is only lore. So, you get the "compendium" part of the first chapter. Except for the map, there are no rules options within this section.
Not a fan. It came off as being written by someone very politically-minded, which is the exact opposite of what I play D&D for.
I also echo CaptainCorvid's sentiment, that it's too much of a midpoint than an adventure location itself. It has too many perfect solutions for everything.
I expected the preview to be the first adventure (or part thereof) so we could try it out. I was excited for that, but it turns out to just be the background information, which doesn't really help me make my mind up, at all. If they gave a sample of the actual bit I'd be interested in, in might have tempted to me buy it (assuming it was any good), but this doesn't really move the needle at all.
I'll probably give the book a miss.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
When they announced it, I thought it was going to effectively replace Sigil. But then they specifically mention Sigil as a place that exists in the multiverse, so it was good to see that.
Seems like a cool hub world to me, but I don’t typically buy adventures, so I’ll still wait on buying it until I see what’s in there. How much is citadel vs. adventures
One thing I heard is that the settings in the book will be included in the licensing for DMs guild, so people can write new adventures in the new worlds this introduces.
I really dig it.
It brings to my mind the fabled city of Tanelorn. A city outside the eternal struggle between Law and Chaos, interspersed throughout Micheal Moorcock's Eternal Champion multiverse.
It's been a place sought after and fought for by many Champions and Companions. In some stories weary champions seek a respite from eternal struggle. In other "universes" a champion might manifest as a companion to aid or inform other champions.
I think the multicultural elements of the founding civilizations provide a less problematic way to include cultural elements outside the western medieval in a campaign.
It provides a place to explore these stories and hopefully avoid some of pitfalls of colonial cultural appropriation. It seems a decent effort in that direction.
Speaking of companions, Elric's companion Moonglum comes to mind.
Moonglum presents as a member of fantasy analog of a Bedouin type desert culture. They are a terriffic character but the "sidekick" loyalty of the brown companion is problematic. But Moonglum manifest as an adventurer member of a founding civilization of The Radiant Citadel presents an opportunity to give them a more powerful story of thier own.
These are just first impressions and thoughts of an old white southern dude.
I dig the politics too.
I'm definitely going to get the book.
From the claim page: "This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet."
I don't mind if there isn't anything, but it feels like a misleading statement, and I'm just trying to get a feel for if this is a generic template statement they're going to use every time, whether it's relevant or not, versus leftover/reused from the Vecna Dossier, which I don't think had anything for the character builder either. Though that one I didn't download.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Rant aside, I am looking forward to this book and the compendium content on the new civilizations. I already have some adventure ideas just based off the intro chapter.
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I totally understand where you are coming from. And I partially agree. However, I read the advertisement as a whole section:
Now you can bring the Radiant Citadel to your table by unlocking the first chapter of Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel at no cost!
This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet.
So, I always take the reliable part of these adverts, which is, in this case: "you get the first chapter of the book". Everything else is technically correct in the second statement, however useless, if there is no content to be used with the character builder, encounter builder or digital sheets.
So, yeah, in the end for free content, it really doesn't matter. This would be maybe a bit more problematic with purchasable content.
Gonna be a pass from me as well. Just doesn't interest me in the least. I tend to like adventure compendiums but not the ones after the Ghosts of Saltmarsh one. I fee like most of the resent books have been subpar. I keep holding out hope for exciting new adventure books but keep being let down. They seem to instead focus on niche areas while "trying" to make them applicable to the entirety of D&D.
What other ones are there? Candlekeep, Yawning Portal?
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
I agree it's not a huge deal because it's free, but as someone who doesn't DM, I try not to acquire stuff here that's worldbuilding based, I go for character creation stuff. And the wording makes it look like there is character creation stuff. Even for a free item, they're advertising content that doesn't exist, and I can't remove something from my collection if I claim it and decide it's something I don't want after all.
I think on the Vecna claim page it also didn't mention that there was an adventure attached, it just said 'legacy and statistics,' then the same blurb for the second paragraph as here. If they're going to continue with these, a little more detail/clarity on what's actually in them would be nice.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
The DMs Guild email blast today might have come out after you posted this, but yeah, they've already announced a companion book:
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock)
Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)