D&D 5E (2014) DungeonScape (formerly known as Morningstar)

[ThirdWizard]

Yet, same WotC.

Totally different in this case. This is licensed 3rd party software. That means the company making it is invested in its success, not getting a check and handing over source code that they can walk away from.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

Totally different in this case. This is licensed 3rd party software. That means the company making it is invested in its success, not getting a check and handing over source code that they can walk away from.

I can't seem to find anything saying that, but may be being thick (likely!). Do you have a link which confirms that's it's purely/primarily licensed and WotC aren't paying them to develop it etc.?

 

[Gilwen]

I shared a flight with them and I can tell you they are invested in the success. Obviously they didn't discuss their contract with me from WOTC but the app is built upon their proprietary system and they have a ton of features planned out.

 

[Morrus]

Just finished filming a long demo/interview with them. I was very impressed. They are extremely enthusiastic and it's infectious.

 

[fjw70]

Right now I am mostly interested in the digital ebooks for the PH, MM, DMG, etc.

I WANT THE BOOKS ON MY IPAD. So I am looking forward to checking this out.

 

[Remathilis]

I remember hanging out on the Evermore88 boards when Core Rules 2.0 was their top product. They were a great group of people who really understood their D&D and were really accessible to their customers. It sounds like Trapdoor is cut from the same cloth; I'm really looking forward to Dungeonscape coming out soon!

 

[Hobo the Delightful]

The rulebooks will absolutely be available through DungeonScape and will be fully integrated with the programming of the app i.e., I want the red dragon in my adventure - I drag and drop said red dragon into my adventure with all stat blocks, HP, etc.

Although we can't comment on PDFs and what WotC will make available that way, DungeonScape is the digital version of 5e D&D. DungeonScape character sheets will be exportable to PDF to print.

Seems that any thoughts that the rulebooks themselves would be available through this are not happening. Seems like a useful app though, I wonder about pricing and stuff. I certainly am not interested in a subscription model, but I guess that is where it will be going.

Also

Where art thou PDFs, WotC?

 

[ThirdWizard]

I can't seem to find anything saying that, but may be being thick (likely!). Do you have a link which confirms that's it's purely/primarily licensed and WotC aren't paying them to develop it etc.?

In the original press release, WotC wrote:

We are excited to announce our newest licensee, Trapdoor Technologies. Trapdoor is working on an integrated toolset and rules knowledge base to support the new edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Combining rules, character sheets, and adventures together into a clean interface, Trapdoor's goal is to create tools for Dungeon Masters and players that will allow for fast and easy management of their game. Known for now as Codename: Morningstar, the tools will have a limited playtest at Origins Game Fair.​

The thread about this on ENWorld, by Morrus, is here.

There is also a quote by Hobo here that refers to this as a license.

EDIT: Oh, hi Hobo! Delightful to see you.

 

[Hobo the Delightful]

I would need to know

1) The price point
2) Do I own the material once I buy it or is there some subscription? (that would be a deal breaker for me)
3) How robust is the "creator's" toolbox will be.

Answers:
1. There will be some content available at no cost. DungeonScape will be free to download and we'll give you enough of a taste of player and DM tools to decide how you want to move forward. From there, we'll have something available at every level. A la carte, bundle, SUPER bundle. More details as soon as we're able.

2. Yes, you will own the material. We will never take anything you've paid for away - you will always have access to it.

3. Robust as hell You can create on a macro level or a micro level - build some monsters, assign stats, then some traps. Add traps to a map you've made, then maybe you add some adventure text. Keep building and you've got a whole campaign.

 

[Hobo the Delightful]

How will material from new books be handled?

Errata will be synched automatically as it comes out - no need to wait for it to be published. As far as new books/adventures/modules/supplements, as soon as they become available physically, they'll be available for download in DungeonScape.