Getting Started
What's the difference between Beginner Mode and Advanced Mode?
Beginner Mode simplifies creature creation with auto-calculated stats (AC, HP, Initiative), pre-built SRD templates, and essential sections only. Advanced Mode unlocks manual overrides for all stats, custom actions with full text control, legendary actions, reactions, expertise skills, and custom armor naming. You can switch between modes anytime without losing progress.
Can I switch modes after I've started creating?
Yes! You can toggle between Beginner and Advanced mode at any time using the button in the top header. Your creature data is preserved when switching modes — Advanced mode just reveals more options.
What are Quick Start Templates?
In Beginner Mode, you can choose from pre-configured templates (Melee Brute, Spellcaster, Scout) that instantly fill in balanced stats for common archetypes. Great for first-time creators or quick monster generation.
How do I use the Random Name Generator?
Click the 🎲 Random button next to the creature name field to instantly generate a fantasy-appropriate name. You can keep clicking until you find one you like.
Do I need an account to browse creatures?
No! You can browse, search, and view full stat blocks without signing in. But you'll need an account to like, save, remix, comment, follow creators, or publish your own creatures.
Auto-Calculations & Templates
What stats are auto-calculated, and which ones do I control?
Auto-calculated: HP (based on CR, size, and CON), AC (based on armor type and DEX), XP (from CR), proficiency bonus (from CR), skill bonuses, passive perception, and initiative. You control: all six ability scores, CR, size, armor type, which skills/saves have proficiency, and all actions/traits.
What's the difference between SRD Template Actions and Custom Actions?
SRD Templates use official D&D mechanics and auto-update when your stats change (e.g., changing STR updates melee attack bonuses). Custom Actions are static text you write yourself — perfect for unique abilities that don't fit standard rules.
Can I edit a template action's description text?
Yes, but editing the description converts it to a Custom Action with static text that won't auto-update. If you just want to rename it (like 'Claw' to 'Spectral Claw'), edit the name field instead of the description to keep auto-updates.
How do I override auto-calculated values like AC or HP?
Switch to Advanced Mode to unlock manual overrides. For AC, select 'Custom' and enter your value. For HP, adjust the Hit Dice Count manually. For Initiative, use the Manual Override field.
Actions & Abilities
What's the difference between Actions, Bonus Actions, Traits, and Reactions?
Actions are what the creature does on its turn (attacks, spells). Bonus Actions are quick actions that don't use the main action. Traits are passive abilities always active (Magic Resistance, Regeneration). Reactions trigger in response to other creatures' actions. Legendary Actions (Advanced Mode only) are used at the end of other creatures' turns.
Can I add custom text or flavor to actions?
Yes! Every action, trait, and reaction has a Narrative Description field where you can add cinematic flavor text. This appears in italics below the mechanical text in the stat block.
What are Legendary Actions and when should I use them?
Legendary Actions are special abilities for boss monsters (CR 5+ typically) that can be used at the end of other creatures' turns. You configure how many uses per round (usually 3). Only available in Advanced Mode.
Can I create completely custom abilities that don't follow D&D rules?
Absolutely! Use Custom Actions to write any ability text you want. Perfect for homebrew mechanics, unique interactions, or rule-breaking legendary effects.
Combat Stats & Balance
How is Armor Class (AC) calculated?
AC depends on armor type: Unarmored (10 + full DEX), Natural Armor (12 + DEX), Light Armor (11 + DEX), Medium Armor (13 + DEX max +2), Heavy Armor (16, no DEX), Mage Armor (13 + DEX). CR also adds bonuses: +1 at CR 5+, +2 at CR 11+, +3 at CR 17+.
How are Hit Points calculated?
HP = (Hit Die × Number of Dice) + (CON modifier × Number of Dice). Hit die size depends on creature size (Tiny=d4, Medium=d8, Huge=d12, etc.). Number of dice is suggested based on CR but you can override it in Advanced Mode.
Can I make a 'glass cannon' or 'tank' build?
Yes! The auto-calculations give balanced starting points, but you can create specialized builds by overriding values. Low HP + high damage = glass cannon. High HP + lower damage = tank. The creator warns you if values are unusual but doesn't stop you.
Account & Security
How do I create an account?
Click 'Sign Up' and choose either: (1) Email/Password registration — enter email and create a password (min 6 characters), or (2) Google Sign-In — authenticate with your Google account. You must accept the Terms of Service to create an account.
What if I forget my password?
On the login page, click 'Forgot Password'. Enter your email and you'll receive a password reset link. If you signed up with Google, just use 'Continue with Google' to sign in.
Is my data secure?
Yes! Passwords are hashed and encrypted. All data is transmitted over HTTPS/TLS. Payment information is processed by Stripe (PCI-DSS compliant) and never stored on our servers. Firebase/Google Cloud provides enterprise-grade security for data storage.
What data is deleted when I delete my account?
Everything is permanently removed: your profile, all creatures, all collections, achievements, pins, comments, likes, followers/following relationships. Billing records are retained for 7 years for tax/legal compliance.
How do I report inappropriate content or accounts?
Contact rollingrealm@outlook.com with details about the content or user. Include the creature name, collection name, or username. We review all reports and take action against ToS violations.
Terms of Service & Privacy
What copyright restrictions apply to creature names?
You cannot use copyrighted/trademarked names owned by Wizards of the Coast or other third parties (e.g., 'Beholder', 'Mind Flayer', 'Illithid', 'Githyanki'). The app blocks these automatically. You can use SRD creature names ('Gelatinous Cube', 'Owlbear', 'Dragon') and create custom names ('Frost Wraith', 'Shadow Stalker').
Can I sell creatures I create with Rolling Realm?
Yes! You retain ownership and can use your homebrew creatures for commercial purposes (DMsGuild, adventure modules, paid content) as long as: (1) You comply with copyright restrictions (no WotC trademarked names), (2) You follow SRD/OGL licenses, (3) You include attribution: 'Created with Rolling Realm (rollingrealm.com)'.
Does Rolling Realm sell my data?
No. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We do not use your data for targeted advertising.
What are my privacy rights (GDPR, CCPA)?
You have the right to: access your data, correct inaccurate data, delete your account, export your data (JSON/CSV), object to data processing, and withdraw consent. UK/EU users can file complaints with the ICO or local data protection authority.
What is the minimum age to use Rolling Realm?
You must be at least 13 years old. Users aged 13-17 need parental/guardian consent to use the service and make purchases. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.
Profile & Customization
How do I edit my profile information?
Go to Profile Settings from the navigation menu. You can edit your username, upload a custom avatar, add an 'About Me' section, and link your social media accounts.
What is the Premium banner feature?
Premium users can upload a custom banner image (1920x320px recommended, max 5MB) that displays at the top of their public profile. Free users see a standard gradient background instead.
What are followers and how do they work?
Other users can follow you to see your latest creatures in their 'Following' feed on the Explore page. Following is one-directional (like Twitter) — someone can follow you without you following them back.
How do achievements work?
Achievements unlock automatically as you hit milestones (e.g., 'First Steps' for creating your first creature, 'Curator' for creating 50+). They're grouped by rarity: Common (40%), Uncommon (30%), Rare (20%), Epic (8%), Legendary (2%).
Collections & Organization
What's the difference between a creature and a collection?
Creatures are individual monsters you create (stat blocks with abilities, CR, etc.). Collections are folders that organize multiple creatures by theme, campaign, or criteria. Think of creatures as files and collections as folders.
Can I create sub-collections (collections inside collections)?
Yes! When creating a collection, you can choose to add it to a parent collection, creating a nested structure. You can only nest one level deep (no sub-sub-collections).
What happens to creatures when I delete a collection?
Creatures are NOT deleted when you remove a collection — they remain in your library. Deleting a collection only removes the organizational folder.
How do I add creatures to a collection?
Click 'Add Creatures' on any collection card. You'll see a list of your published creatures. Select the ones you want and click 'Add Selected.' Only published creatures can be added to collections — drafts must be published first.
Saving & Publishing
What's the difference between 'Draft' and 'Published' status?
Drafts are saved only in your browser's local storage — they're private and not backed up to the cloud. Published creatures are synced to Firebase, appear in the Explore feed, can be added to collections, and are visible on your public profile.
What happens to my draft if I close the browser?
Drafts are saved in local browser storage. They persist between sessions unless you clear your browser data or switch devices. Always publish important creatures to back them up to the cloud.
Can I import/export creatures?
Yes! In Advanced Mode (or when editing an existing creature), use the Import button to load a creature from JSON. Great for sharing with friends or backing up your work outside the site.
Browsing & Discovery
What's the difference between 'Trending' and 'Popular'?
Trending shows creatures that got the most engagement (likes, comments) in the last 30 days, with recent activity weighted more heavily. Popular ranks creatures by total engagement over all time.
How do filters work with search?
Filters stack! You can combine search text with CR range, creature type, size, and tags. For example: search 'fire' + filter by 'Elemental' type + filter by 'CR 5-10' to find mid-tier fire elementals.
What are the Challenge Rating (CR) brackets?
Creatures are grouped into difficulty tiers: CR 0-1 (Trivial) for beginners, CR 2-4 (Easy) for low-level adventures, CR 5-10 (Medium) for mid-level challenges, CR 11-16 (Hard) for high-level threats, and CR 17+ (Deadly) for legendary endgame bosses.
Technical & Troubleshooting
Why did my unpublished drafts disappear?
Drafts are stored locally in your browser. If you cleared browser data, switched devices, or used incognito mode, drafts are lost. Always publish important creatures to back them up to the cloud.
Why isn't my action updating when I change stats?
If it's a Custom Action, it won't auto-update (by design). If it's a Template Action and not updating, try refreshing the page or switching to Advanced Mode and back. If still broken, report it to support.
Why don't changes to my published creature appear immediately in Explore?
Changes sync to Firebase instantly, but the Explore feed may take a few moments to refresh. Try reloading the page. If you're viewing your own creature, make sure you're not looking at a cached version.