Beyond Tabletop - The Everything Post

At the time of writing, Beyond Tabletop (version 5.0.11) has just finished a major version upgrade, and some quality of life updates. When the creator released version 5, they also made it free for everyone, with a donate if you like system.

So, just what is Beyond Tabletop, and why should I twist my DM/GM/Player’s arm(s) to use it?

Beyond Tabletop (BTT) has a few main features/sections – and I will explore all of them.

Character Sheets (D&D 5e and Pathfinder)

Looking for a solid digital character sheet that would handle all of the calculations, numbers, etc. was the main reason I came across BTT in the first place. My group and I are comprised of fairly new players, and we wanted something that would make our lives easier. On top of that, we wanted something that would work on our iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Windows Laptops, Android Phones, and Android Tablets. With such a variety of devices, it was spectacular to come across this app.

How does it work?

You log in with a Google account, and you see the dashboard view. You can choose to create a new D&D 5th edition character or Pathfinder character there.

If you choose to create a D&D 5th Edition Character, you get launched right into the General section where you can quickly choose your name, race, class, background, and personality traits. It is super convenient, as the backgrounds do update base on your class option. If you (or your players) are brand new to D&D, you also have the, previously paid-only, option to launch the Character Builder. I love this, I truly do. It is like having the experienced DM/GM standing over your shoulder guiding you through creating a character. It even helps you determine your ability scores via rolling (you can use their digital dice, or your own), a point buy, or the default values.

The Pathfinder experience is very similar, without the builder. I did have to click General before it brought me to the page but I think that’ll be fixed shortly! (more on that later).

From that point on, you can start adding your equipment and weapons. They have included a bunch of easily accessible weapons/armor to use as a template (for some easy homebrew options, or to make it instant).

Some of my other features include:

·      XP Log (my DMs favourite feature – “Why do you have that XP again?”)

·      Support for XP based leveling

·      Journal (for those note-takers in your group)

·      BEAUTIFUL Overview page with limited customization

·      Tracking for spell slots/prepared spells

·      Comprehensive Feats list (Pathfinder only)

·      Built in conditions (Pathfinder only)

·      Power tracking (D&D only)

·      Homebrew toggle (turns a lot of dropdowns into text fields, so you can add whatever you need to)

·      Built in Dice

·      Support for Companions (big and small!)

One thing I am going to go into a bit more detail for is the Overview page. This is a lot like your Player Sheet, but more interactive. The sheet allows you to track consumables (arrows, potions, etc.) and show if you have gained or lost HP. The Overview page is even more powerful on the D&D side, where you can do your death roll by just pressing a button, cast powers, (and it will do countdowns when applicable, or anything else you may need!),  do a short/long rest, roll hit dice, and more! If that wasn’t enough, anything more you may need you can get in one of two ways (this works in both D&D and Pathfinder sheets):

1. Press the pencil in the top left corner to edit the layout and content of the page (limitedly).

2. Click on the content, and it will bring you to the detailed page with that information!

I found this covered my needs, regardless if I was playing D&D or Pathfinder.  

DMs tools

So I have talked a lot about what Beyond Tabletop offers for a player, but why should I as a/my DM/GM be interested?  

It brings a lot to the table (pun fully intended) for a Dungeon Master as well. Right now this is where they are focusing the most on improving. The app has a built in map creator that can be shared/linked to players (looking for a Roll20 competitor?) that currently supports: Tokens, turn order, player controlled tokens, interactive chat with battle information, chat integrated dice rolling, hiding items/monsters/characters from players and the ability to import assets (via links). It also supports hex maps as well as square/pixel maps. The only caveat here is you cannot import anything in, but rather link to the asset you want to use. 

It also allows you to create encounters, write up an adventure log, pre-write quests, and mark them as known (so they show to the linked players), keep your own notes and journal entries, have a list of enemies, and NPCs with stat blocks (and move them between!), and now you there is a comprehensive monster list you can use to reference! It also supports audio cues, and a summary page.

Personally, I find that compared to some other options out there (Adventures Codex, Kobold Fight Club, OrcPub) that this is a little weak, but if their impressive update schedule of late shows anything – good things are coming quickly! So I would keep an eye on this, and maybe hop into their Discord where you can get the answers to questions or make suggestions and get quick responses. You can also use the subreddit (r/beyondtabletop).