v0.6.0 Already?!

So it's not entirely fair to version 0.5.x, but I've been working on a new feature for a little while, so we kinda just breezed past and on to 0.6.0. Sad day. But sixes are among my favorite numbers, if for no other reason than I have an unusual appreciation for hexagons (aka d20s in profile).

Anyway, so what's new? Well, apart from a few performance improvements and other under-the-hood fixes and tweaks, we now have a third public-facing tool: a wizard spellbook generator!

So let's tell a little story, eh?

Your group of level 6 adventurers is exploring the Underdark when they encounter a higher-level drow wizard and his enslaved minions. An intense skirmish ensues, and you're left to dish out the loot. Your profusely-bleeding gnome illusionist, naturally, asks the big question he's been itching to ask since he saw the drow Misty Step out of trouble: "Was the wizard carrying any... books?"

Now you're a capable DM who uses all the great tools out there. And recently, you saw that your favorite Magic Shop tool also happens to have a spellbook generator. So, you fill out a few short questions...

With a couple quick questions, you've got a spellbook ready and a link to send. "Yes, he was," you say. "And from what you can tell, it's clearly arcane. Check your IM; I've sent you the book's contents."

And with a smile, you move on, happy that you didn't have to sort through spell lists or come up with a plausible spellbook, taking up valuable table or preparation time.

A couple minutes later, the wizard player looks up from his screen. "Um, I can't read this. What are all these symbols?"

You know this character doesn't know Undercommon. So you simply answer, "You're not sure. Perhaps the drow used some fell ritual to create his book, masking its knowledge behind an incredible cipher. Or, perhaps, you just don't know the language."

Several sessions later, after a lot of downtime investment, the gnome has developed a sufficient competence with Undercommon, and you check one simple box.

"Check your spellbook again," you tell your gnome.

And you watch as their eyes light up.

Not only did you create a realistic spellbook with minimal effort on your part, but you've made a part of the world feel more immersive, and created (potentially) a personal plot hook by simply checking a box.