So I have a couple homebrew spells that I would like to add as an option for an official subclass to choose.
For example, I'm trying to add lightning/thunder based spells for the Tempest Domain cleric.
I tried entering the subclass under the "Available for Classes" on the homebrew spell, but then I realized that it would treat it as if it were in the expanded spell list and be Always Prepared but I that's not what I was looking for. I wanted it to be a spell that the cleric could choose if they wanted.
Would I have to make the spells available to all clerics under "Available for Classes" for it to be just an option? I don't necessarily want it to be an option for every cleric either.
Is what I'm describing possible on DnDBeyond or is that something we'll have to kind of figure out a workaround manually? Also, apologies if this has already been discussed. Whenever I searched for this topic, it always seemed to be the reverse (putting official spells on homebrew subclasses).
I tried entering the subclass under the "Available for Classes" on the homebrew spell, but then I realized that it would treat it as if it were in the expanded spell list and be Always Prepared but I that's not what I was looking for. I wanted it to be a spell that the cleric could choose if they wanted.
Maybe I'm way off, but I'm pretty sure what you said is the way it's supposed to work. If you enter it into the "available for class(es)" section, it should be selectable, but not always prepared. The tooltip mentions an expanded spell list, but expanded spell lists have worked differently for different classes historically. For example, the 2014 Warlock expanded spell list would give you new options, but not make them always prepared.
This is how it has worked for me in the past, but I haven't made any new spells since the 2024 rules were released.
So I have a couple homebrew spells that I would like to add as an option for an official subclass to choose….
I tried entering the subclass under the "Available for Classes" on the homebrew spell, but then I realized that it would treat it as if it were in the expanded spell list and be Always Prepared….
Yes, that’s the way the system of programmed.
Would I have to make the spells available to all clerics under "Available for Classes" for it to be just an option?
Yes.
Is what I'm describing possible on DnDBeyond…
Yes and no. It is not possible to create a spell as an available option to prepare for specific subclasses on DDB.*👇 Only for base classes. However, it is possible to create a subclass that has spells added to the list they can prepare from without automatically having them always prepared.
To do so, make a customized version of that subclass using the original official version as a template so the system will automatically import all of the subclass’ standard features. Then you can add an “Additional” Optional Class Feature to that subclass that will add your spells to the list from which PCs using it could prepare as normal. You can find instructions on how to accomplish that in the Homebrew Subclasses & Species FAQ, question #14: (https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/dungeons-dragons-discussion/homebrew-house-rules/131411-a-homebrewers-how-to-faq#HomebrewSubclasses&SpeciesFAQ).
Towards the bottom of the answer there is a small note on how to use that same set of instructions for adding additional “always prepared” spells, you would simply select “no” instead of “yes” from the dropdown indicated. Your players would simply activate the Optional Class Features for their character and activate your feature just like the Optional Class Features for base classes that were included in Tasha’s Cauldron, or not and then play it exactly as the official version.
*👇
👉*It is possible for the old “legacy” (5e14) versions of the classes that had to “learn” their spells, so subclasses for the bard, ranger, sorcerer, warlock, and wizard classes), but since the newer “core rules” (5e24) PHB versions of every spellcaster gets to prepare spells, I’m not sure if that’s still possible anymore as I haven’t had time to test that specifically yet, and if it is it’s subject to change anyway.
I tried entering the subclass under the "Available for Classes" on the homebrew spell, but then I realized that it would treat it as if it were in the expanded spell list and be Always Prepared but I that's not what I was looking for. I wanted it to be a spell that the cleric could choose if they wanted.
Maybe I'm way off, but I'm pretty sure what you said is the way it's supposed to work. If you enter it into the "available for class(es)" section, it should be selectable, but not always prepared. The tooltip mentions an expanded spell list, but expanded spell lists have worked differently for different classes historically. For example, the 2014 Warlock expanded spell list would give you new options, but not make them always prepared.
This is how it has worked for me in the past, but I haven't made any new spells since the 2024 rules were released.
It all depended on whether or not the base classes automatically knew all spells on their class’ spell (artificer, cleric, druid, paladin) or not (everyone else). For subclasses that were for classes that did automatically know all their spells and just prepared the ones they wanted every day, those spells were automatically always prepared. Subclasses for the other classes worked the way you remember.
So I have a couple homebrew spells that I would like to add as an option for an official subclass to choose.
For example, I'm trying to add lightning/thunder based spells for the Tempest Domain cleric.
I tried entering the subclass under the "Available for Classes" on the homebrew spell, but then I realized that it would treat it as if it were in the expanded spell list and be Always Prepared but I that's not what I was looking for. I wanted it to be a spell that the cleric could choose if they wanted.
Would I have to make the spells available to all clerics under "Available for Classes" for it to be just an option? I don't necessarily want it to be an option for every cleric either.
Is what I'm describing possible on DnDBeyond or is that something we'll have to kind of figure out a workaround manually? Also, apologies if this has already been discussed. Whenever I searched for this topic, it always seemed to be the reverse (putting official spells on homebrew subclasses).
Maybe I'm way off, but I'm pretty sure what you said is the way it's supposed to work. If you enter it into the "available for class(es)" section, it should be selectable, but not always prepared. The tooltip mentions an expanded spell list, but expanded spell lists have worked differently for different classes historically. For example, the 2014 Warlock expanded spell list would give you new options, but not make them always prepared.
This is how it has worked for me in the past, but I haven't made any new spells since the 2024 rules were released.
My Homebrew: Subclasses, Monsters, Feats, Backgrounds, Magic Items
Migrating to 2024 and releasing new Homebrew regularly.
Feedback and play-testing appreciated!
Yes, that’s the way the system of programmed.
Yes.
Yes and no. It is not possible to create a spell as an available option to prepare for specific subclasses on DDB.*👇 Only for base classes. However, it is possible to create a subclass that has spells added to the list they can prepare from without automatically having them always prepared.
To do so, make a customized version of that subclass using the original official version as a template so the system will automatically import all of the subclass’ standard features. Then you can add an “Additional” Optional Class Feature to that subclass that will add your spells to the list from which PCs using it could prepare as normal. You can find instructions on how to accomplish that in the Homebrew Subclasses & Species FAQ, question #14: (https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/dungeons-dragons-discussion/homebrew-house-rules/131411-a-homebrewers-how-to-faq#HomebrewSubclasses&SpeciesFAQ).
Towards the bottom of the answer there is a small note on how to use that same set of instructions for adding additional “always prepared” spells, you would simply select “no” instead of “yes” from the dropdown indicated. Your players would simply activate the Optional Class Features for their character and activate your feature just like the Optional Class Features for base classes that were included in Tasha’s Cauldron, or not and then play it exactly as the official version.
*👇
👉*It is possible for the old “legacy” (5e14) versions of the classes that had to “learn” their spells, so subclasses for the bard, ranger, sorcerer, warlock, and wizard classes), but since the newer “core rules” (5e24) PHB versions of every spellcaster gets to prepare spells, I’m not sure if that’s still possible anymore as I haven’t had time to test that specifically yet, and if it is it’s subject to change anyway.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
It all depended on whether or not the base classes automatically knew all spells on their class’ spell (artificer, cleric, druid, paladin) or not (everyone else). For subclasses that were for classes that did automatically know all their spells and just prepared the ones they wanted every day, those spells were automatically always prepared. Subclasses for the other classes worked the way you remember.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting