This FAQ is to be neutral in opinion. It is to provide information, with as little bias as possible (preferably none, but that may be somewhat unrealistic) and allow people to make their own decisions.
What is available with a subscription?
-Dragon Magazine: In this magazine you'll find new material and articles to help make your characters and campaigns more fun and more compelling. Soon to become more player centric.
-Dungeon Magazine: In this magazine you'll find adventures, maps, and articles to help make your campaigns more enjoyable. Soon to become more DM centric.
-Compendium: A web-based database of all the character building elements from each book and online magazines released, as well as monsters, deities, and a glossary of terms.
-Character Builder: A stand alone program (Windows/.NET SP 3.5 based) for building your 4th edition characters. With a subscription you unlock the ability to create characters from levels 1 to 30 with elements from each of the books and online magazines released while you are a subscriber, as well as any released before you became a subscriber.
-Monster Builder: A simple web-based bonus tool that aids you in creating standard monsters for your 4th edition campaigns. Current Version is not going to be updated.
-Encounter Builder: A simple web-based bonus tool that aids you in creating level appropriate encounters for your 4th edition campaigns. Current version is not going to be updated.
-Ability Generator: A simple web-based bonus tool that allows you to figure out your characters ability stats. Currently only supports PHB 1, and is not going to be updated.
What if I don't want to subscribe, but I want to try them out?
-The compendium will launch in a "demo" mode that will allow you to view the text of items found between levels 1 to 3 in the PHB1. You can still use it to search for items that may be in other books, but you will only be able to find their source and not see the full text.
-The character builder has a "demo" version you can install, which will allow you to build a character from level 1 to 3 using the PHB1 & PHB 2 information.
-Dragon magazine #'s 360 to 367 (link to archive), as well as the barbarian playtest in Dragon #368.
-Dungeon magazine #'s 151 to 158 (link to archive).
The character builder hangs while installing, what's up?
- Install the .net sp first then....
Where can I go to find what has been added with updates?
-[link to D&Di News]
When do the updates come out for the compendium and character builder?
-The fourth Tuesday of every month. [Newly updated the first Tuesday of every month starting June 2nd]
How will I know there is an update available?
-When you start up the character builder it checks to see if there is an update available, if there isn't then it'll tell you that you are up to date. If there is an update available then you can update at that time or later. You are allowed up to 5 updates per month, so if something happens to your system or install you don't have to wait for the next update to get all the information back.
I put in my user name and password, but it tells me it isn't correct.
-Your user name is the e-mail account associated with your D&Di subscription. That is the user name you must provide, not your forum user name.
If I subscribe now do I get everything from before I was a subscriber?
-Yes you can access all the Dragon and Dungeon magazines. The compendium's information is fully accessible, and the character builder update will contain information from before your subscription.
How much does it cost?
-The current cost structure is as such:
12 Months = $59.40 ($4.95 per month)
3 Months = $19.95 ($6.65 per month)
1 Month = $7.95 ($7.95 per month)
I subscribed but it still says subscribe, how long do I have to wait?
-This has to do with a cookie or cache being set before you subscribed. Close your browser and then open it back up. Login to D&Di. This should be enough. If not clear your cookies and cache and try again.
I'm having trouble with my account and I can't figure it out. Who do I contact?
-If you are having problems with your account contact WotC through their customer support system (link).
When do the Dragon and Dungeon articles get released?
-Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at least one article from either magazine is released.
How will I know what content is being released in the magazines?
-You can check out the Dragon Table of Contents, the Dungeon Table of Contents, or the Editorial Calendar.
What is the next tool to be released?
-The recently announced Campaign tools is the next tool(s) to be released. As more information becomes available this FAQ will be updated.
What about the other tools I heard about?
-The tools that have yet to be released are at the moment not actively being worked on as WotC has started to focus on one tool at a time.
What if I want to upgrade my subscription?
How do I stop the auto renewal?
How do I cancel my account?
Please if you have answers, questions, or comments post them. I'll be adding more as I have time.
This is the FAQ that Kyros_Tachyus started. I will be pulling questions from his suggestion threadas well (if you have suggestions not in that thread, please post them in this thread).
What are each of the forums for?
Are there options for me since the Game Table isn't out yet?
Auto-renew? (There is a couple pages on the WOtC Webiste for this)
Where to go if I have problems ordering/updating/submitting bugs.
Info on re-installation of Character Builder if/when required?
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
Why can't I start a thread in the Dungeon/Dragon Article discussion forum or the Announcements forum?
Who (or what) are VCLs/News Guides?
Do I need a credit card?
Can I use Paypal?
"This FAQ is to be neutral in opinion."
Appears to conflict with draft section.
"new material and articles to help make your characters and campaigns more fun and more compelling"
This clearly appears to be an opinion. I have read the Zines and the Ezines and they have not always in my opinion delivered anything useful, let alone a Character or a Campaign aid.
Minor, however.
"This FAQ is to be neutral in opinion."
Appears to conflict with draft section.
"new material and articles to help make your characters and campaigns more fun and more compelling"
This clearly appears to be an opinion. I have read the Zines and the Ezines and they have not always in my opinion delivered anything useful, let alone a Character or a Campaign aid.
I stole that part from their description page. If you feel that it is a little biased then I will change it.
How is this:
Dragon Magizine: In this online magazine you can find articles where developers explain their thought process and how they came up with new elements in the Design and Development column, follow Shelly Mazzanoble's Confessions of a Full Time Wizard where she share's her experiences with 4th edition, find new feats or powers specific to a class in the Class Acts column, find platests and previews of new classes, monsters, and races to be released in future books, find expanded information on the released campaign settings, and/or more. Soon to become more player centric
Edit: I will also change the Dungeon one to be of this style as well. The above is just an example
-Encounter Builder: A simple web-based bonus tool that aids you in creating level appropriate encounters for your 4th edition campaigns. Current version is not going to be updated.
I must have missed this. They're not updating the monster database for it? Or they're just not increasing the functionality?
I must have missed this. They're not updating the monster database for it? Or they're just not increasing the functionality?
It was meant to be "not increasing the functionality".
I made sure to use "current version" since the latest Ampersand mentions an encounter builder in the upcoming Campaign Tools, whether they are web-based or application based is still to be determined.
If it is not clear I will add it to my list of things that need to be touched up.
I stole that part from their description page. If you feel that it is a little biased then I will change it.
How is this:
Clearly better IMO.
No matter what someone might find something to complain about, it is best to minimize what users will object to.
General, Compendium, Bonus Tools, Character Builder, Magazines, etc etc.
For the question about When is an article released, you should include a link to the editorial calendar.
Make the information easy to find when someone has a specific question. Group it by categories.
General, Compendium, Bonus Tools, Character Builder, Magazines, etc etc.
For the question about When is an article released, you should include a link to the editorial calendar.
Oh it will. This was just a rough draft I sent mudbunny. As I said in my first post in this thread nothing is in order.
It'll be grouped much like the original FAQ. Though this time I'm going to add links to sources (if available).
This time I want to get a good set of information before starting to organize it. The last one still had some originization problems, because I just started putting information in and grouped it the best I could as I went.
I might even include subcategories to make it a little bit more user friendly than the original.
Don't forget to mention that theDDI softwareCharacter Builder is not Mac OS compatible.
Slight correction. I think the rest of the current offerings are platform-neutral (since they are all web-based or PDFs).
Don't forget to mention that the DDI software is not Mac OS compatible.
I touched upon that in the Character Builder description:
-Character Builder: A stand alone program (Windows/.NET 3.5 SP 1 based) for building your 4th edition characters. With a subscription you unlock the ability to create characters from levels 1 to 30 with elements from each of the books and online magazines released while you are a subscriber, as well as any released before you became a subscriber.
The Campaign Tools/Manager may or may not be a fully stand alone program. It probably will be, but until more information is released it remains as an unknown. When more information is released about it, I will make sure it gets added.
I touched upon that in the Character Builder description:
-Character Builder: A stand alone program (Windows/.NET 3.5 SP 1 based) for building your 4th edition characters. With a subscription you unlock the ability to create characters from levels 1 to 30 with elements from each of the books and online magazines released while you are a subscriber, as well as any released before you became a subscriber.
Why can't you just have an FAQ entry that clearly states these tools are not Mac OS (and what ever other OS) compatible instead of just mentioning in passing what system they're based on? As long as you're making an FAQ, you might as well make sure you touch as many bases as possible.
It is much easier (and less confusing) to say "The following OSes are supported" (and provide one OS than to say "the following OSes are not supported" and to attempt to provide a list of every other OS out there.
Perfect, as long as it's not just touched on, but made into it's own FAQ entry. Otherwise it might get missed. Plus I would think that as a software development company, WoTC would want to proudly announce the software requirements.
Of course you might also want to add an FAQ entry that addresses the fact that there are no plans to create a Mac OS version at this time. That way there'd be no people mistakenly signing up thinking that there might be a version in the near future. Maybe something like:
Q. Is there a Mac OS version of the VTT, Character Builder, or Visualizer in the works?
A. There are no plans at this time to make a Mac OS version of these tools. However, they will currently run on an emulator.
I'll add:
I use _______ operating system, is it compatible with the D&Dinsider tools?
-The stand alone tools such as the Character Builder (and future tools like the Game Table, Character Visualizer, and Dungeon Builder) require a Microsoft Windows XP or newer operating system running the .Net Framework 3.5 SP 1. These tools are not supported in the Win 98, Win NT/Server 2000, Mac, Linux, or DOS operating systems and there are no current plans to support these operating systems.
-The web-based tools such as the Magazines and the Compendium should work with any operating system and are dependant on your browser settings.
Huh the Character Builder requirements use to be on the website as a button icon under the Character Builder. It seems to have disappeared.
I'll add:
I use _______ operating system, is it compatible with the D&Dinsider tools?
-The stand alone tools such as the Character Builder (and future tools like the Game Table, Character Visualizer, and Dungeon Builder) require a Microsoft Windows XP or newer operating system running the .Net Framework 3.5 SP 1. These tools are not supported in the Win 98, Win NT/Server 2000, Mac, Linux, or DOS operating systems and there are no current plans to support these operating systems.
-The web-based tools such as the Magazines and the Compendium should work with any operating system and are dependant on your browser settings.
Now that's what I'm talking about. Good work!
Show
Hi folks, I've decided to make a nice quick FAQ for you to read through so that we can all enjoy our time here on the boards more!
General Questions
Q. What is DDi?
General Questions
Q. What is DDi?
Answer
A. D&D Insider, or DDi for short, is a collection of digital content and tools available as a subscription from Wizards of the Coast.
A: Follow the instructions on this link:
http://wizards.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wizards.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1850
Q. Is there a Mac OS version of the VTT, Character Builder, or Visualizer in the works?
A. There are no plans at this time to make a Mac OS version of these tools. However, they will currently run on an emulator.
I'm a non-computer savvy, Mac-only guy. where can i find an emulator that will let my computer run all the other parts of the DDI?
this is just me asking. I'm a casual gamer, but i'd like to work more than just the magazine info out of a subscription if at all possible. I really don't get how all the different Operating Systems work.
I'm a non-computer savvy, Mac-only guy. where can i find an emulator that will let my computer run all the other parts of the DDI?
this is just me asking. I'm a casual gamer, but i'd like to work more than just the magazine info out of a subscription if at all possible. I really don't get how all the different Operating Systems work.
[OFF TOPIC]
The only way I'm familiar with is by running Parallels on an Intel chip Mac.
I tried searching the forums here for "mac" but it came up empty. And I couldn't do another search for 30 seconds, so I gave up. Good work WoTC on making that feature useful. If you dig around in the technical and DDI forums you'll find threads about it. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
[/OFF TOPIC]
I'm a non-computer savvy, Mac-only guy. where can i find an emulator that will let my computer run all the other parts of the DDI?
this is just me asking. I'm a casual gamer, but i'd like to work more than just the magazine info out of a subscription if at all possible. I really don't get how all the different Operating Systems work.
Bah, I wish people would be more precise when writing FAQs.
You don't want an emulator, you want a virtual machine. Parallels and VMWare Fusion are popular choices. You will need a copy of Windows to run in the virtual machine, and I'm obliged to say for CoC purposes that it has to be legal. This allows you to run Windows within your operating system, which in turn will allow you to use the CB and any other Windows-specific applications you feel like. This will work on Linux too. Alternatively, you can choose to set up a dual boot; I personally prefer this because it is, in my personal experience, easier to work with, though I'm sure many will disagree.
@mudbunny: Could you please try to get that FAQ entry fixed?
Q: Can I pay a lower price and only gain access to _____ feature? For example, only the Character Builder?
A: I have no idea, which is why I looked in the FAQ. ;)
Why can't you just have an FAQ entry that clearly states these tools are not Mac OS (and what ever other OS) compatible instead of just mentioning in passing what system they're based on? As long as you're making an FAQ, you might as well make sure you touch as many bases as possible.
My understanding is that Mac's Leopard OS comes with Boot Camp, meaning that Macs running Leopard can also run Windows and therefore use the Character Builder. Perhaps that technicality is another reason why there is not a specific mention of Mac compatibility.
My understanding is that Mac's Leopard OS comes with Boot Camp, meaning that Macs running Leopard can also run Windows and therefore use the Character Builder. Perhaps that technicality is another reason why there is not a specific mention of Mac compatibility.
This is true that Intel Macs running 10.4 and up can use Boot Camp to run Windows. The user will still have to purchase a copy of Windows. So essentially you've covered this ground in the Windows requirements.
-edit- There is still not a Mac version. Perhaps it would be better to word it like that instead of saying it's not Mac compatible.
A good question to add to the FAQ is:
Q: Can I pay a lower price and only gain access to _____ feature? For example, only the Character Builder?
A: I have no idea, which is why I looked in the FAQ. ;)
No, you can buy the whole package or nothing. At this stage there are no partial packages and you cannot buy access to components individually.
Ive got a request about one thing. Could you make us a good descent map builder before 2010
If you are familiar with the game Neverwinter night 1 and 2 you all know that they have a dungeon creation system that is very nice, also people can create there own item and submit it to the community. Perhapse you could built you map creator the same way. If people could submit there creation this could be awsome.
I really think it should be on the top list
Anyway i have plenty of idea for that if you need me, i will be happy too.
No, you can buy the whole package or nothing. At this stage there are no partial packages and you cannot buy access to components individually.
That is unfortunate. I only want one item, the Character Creator (makes NPC creation much easier). I am unwilling to pay such a high price for the use of only one item.
Oh well, too bad for me.
Q: Will you have access to the back issues of Dragon/Dungeon with a subscription, or just the most current issue?
Sorry if this is the wrong thread, or I missed this info somewhere.
Q: Will you have access to the back issues of Dragon/Dungeon with a subscription, or just the most current issue?
Yes you have access to all Dragon and Dungeon magazines while you are subscribed.
One thing I was interested in, was making a submission to Dragon Magazine. My submission is a story, but I don't notice any story type submissions in Dragon or anywhere else.
Is it simply not what DDI accepts as a submission, or is there some where I can still try to submit?
I really want to give it my best shot, but it seems so exclusive and formated when it comes to what I have seen submitted. Its kind of frustrating.
You should follow the submission guidelines - first submit the idea, then they'll tell you if they want you to actually do it, then you can do the work.
Yeah I have seen their guidelines. They seem to be gearing for people to write a very specific set of things (like adventures). Additionally, I have tried to submit adventure ideas in the past that did not get accepted. The process is a very long waiting game.
The story is something I would like to write, it is D&D related - but it has no house to be represented in yet. I thought maybe that if I could get some shorter versions of the story published in one of the Magazines, that it could springboard me into being able to write a book.
Obviously its a long shot goal and a bit of a dream. But maybe there is a way.
Thanks.
More specifically, a one-off payment of under ten bucks gets you unlimited use of the full CB; you just won't get any future updates. You still get to make characters up to level thirty using any and all material up to the latest update at the time you purchase it.
And there you have it. $9.95 gets me everything, but no updaes. If I want updates, I have to rebuy everything every month.
I do not want everything, so why pay for everything? I only want one small piece of it.
This is why restaurants sell items ala cart. Sure, you can buy a $50 meal, but if you only want toast, it is very wasteful.
A. There are no plans at this time to make a Mac OS version of these tools. However, they will currently run on an emulator."
Uhg, this is soooo disappointing. As soon as you decide to use .NET, you immediately lose any possibility of real cross-platform compatibility. Linux & Mac aren't the biggest market share, but lots and lots of those users are D&D fans. As a programmer, I think the decision to go with .net is a lazy cop-out. There is no need to go using somebody else's proprietary framework when you could've done just as well or better without it - or with an open-source framework. That would go along better with the spirit of this game anyway. Let's make the next version in Java or just C++ with OpenGL so everybody can enjoy it without enduring the enormous security risks and instability that come with installing a windows partition. Better yet, involve the community with an open-source development paradigm to lower your development costs and allow the gamers to contribute.