Tasha's Cauldron of Everything 🧙 The Good & The Bad (D&D Review) 

One idea that I got excited recently about puzzles was to offer them as something the group can do between games. Rather than having a puzzle blocking all of the groups advancement, rather maybe have it be the lock on a box with something juicy inside. This lets the game keep going a bit, while not eating up valuable table time.

That was a great in-depth review, but unfortunately I can be rather shallow at times. What I was thinking was “That is a beautiful cover. I must have it!”

Oh my God I've been looking forward to this book's release! I'm really glad you did a review on it. Thank you!! :D

I kinda just want all of this in an updated Players Handbook. Maybe put all the races, classes, and spells from these various books into a Player’s Handbook 5.5. I know that doesn’t make as much money, but it would be nice to find all your character options in one place. It gets to be too much after a while.

Tasha's Cauldron references spells from Xanathar's Guide so it's probably best to get Xanathar's first.

Xanathars Guide felt like a Far Harbor quality DLC where Tasha's Cauldron seems more hit or miss like Nuka World. I personally love these books equally and their flavor text characters.

My friend and I bought a digital and physical copy respectively and spent two hours reading it together. We both run a game and play in each others games, and I think there's a lot of potential in the book! I've already opened my players up to any optional features/spells they might want to take, and I'm excited to see what they do with it!

I didn't like that the puzzles are all cipher based, I don't like them cause I feel it breaks the immersion cause they are so obviously game-y and involve thinking in English rather than whatever language is actually being spoken, but smarter people than me have pointed out that with ciphers, mistakes don't take you anywhere, making them much more frustrating.

My biggest issue is that there is no index anywhere in the book.

Good review Nate! Thanks for your time.

Compare a level 4 Mountain Dwarf Wizard vs. a level 4 Variant Human Wizard. If the human takes an ASI at level 4 and the dwarf takes a feat, the dwarf has: - Darkvision 60' - Advantage on saves again poison and resistance against poison damage - 3 Tool Proficiencies: (I'd take Thieves Tools, Disguise Kit, Forgery Kit) - Weapon Proficiencies: (I'd take Rapier, Longbow) - Armor Proficiencies: (Light and Medium)

3:13 you said ‘Rock gnome’.. I heard is as Arach-gnome... aka spider gnome... cool new subclass invented at the spot! Thanks! 😝

Hey nate logan AGAIN! sweet video. For Christmas I am planing to get the D&D core rule books, battle mats and dice. I am also getting some pathfinder pawns for my game. All thanks to your videos keep up the great awesome work. :)

Watching you live on DAG’s Twitch channel right now!! Merry Christmas and thanks for all the great videos this year!!!

I'll be getting my copy soon. Good review Nate. Thanks. Please keep it up!

Thank you for your review. I was mainly interested in the puzzles' section, but after seeing your take on it, I'm reconsidering.

Sounds like an interesting book. I hope to get it for Christmas

Quick background update on spells and other borrowed items... first you missed that the majority of these are from Sword Coast Adventurers Guide. Why have those and other borrowed material? Adventurers League. Makes it easier to designate what is allowed and what isn’t because you choose a set number of supplemental books. Why pull previously used spells? Because SCAG was not WotC or something like that but it was deemed as official regardless by the community. In fact, Xanathar pulled quite a few subclasses from SCAG as well.

Nice review as always, thanks Nate. Don't think it's one I'd be tempted to pick up, but the puzzles section intrigues me, sounds interesting! Nice to see the return of the Mighty Servant of Leuk-O and the Teeth of , too - I remember those from way back in 1st edition. The Mighty Servant is just so much fun 😁

Nate, I use magical tattoos in my game. They came from Scarred Lands. I got this book, but I have been to busy to read it. Thank you for your breakdown.

I ordered this outstanding & wonderful & must have book because of your amazing review. Thx so much 4 being so wonderful @ your craft Nate.....👽👽👻😉

My mom was thinking about buying this, I said no at first but this video told me a lot about it, thanks!

I'm on one side overwhelmed by the huge amount of subclasses, subraces and spells we have now with all these books And on the other side dissapointed with the lack of new tools and advice for running to game or creating new kind of encounters or game features. It's like there is lot of content and at the same time a lack of content.

Good review! Concise and informative. I doff my cap.

Good Halloween everyone

I'm just about to DM for the first time, running The Sunless Citadel. Which is very basic, but I'm using Tasha's Couldron to spice things up, adding puzzles and giving my players a companion and other things. It's a great book.

I have the book and I enjoy it for most of the same reasons, if anything as a dungeon master I'm always happy to have more things to inspire my world building.

This book added so much to my game, like with Xan Guide, my wife is excited to use tattoos. I'm excited to throw this into Ravnica.

I think that this is a great supplement for players and not so much DM's. It's great for new DM's, but not so much for DM's who've been at it for a while. I can see a lot of veteran DM's seeing the DM variant rules here as paper padding. That said, the stuff for players is extremely awesome. As a DM, I don't mind the power creep. Any DM worth their salt should be able to balance encounters accordingly. I actually like to use subclasses as inspiration for NPC's and Enemies, so I feel like subclasses are fairly useful for everyone. The only problem I have is that I'm getting a little burned out by subclasses at the moment. And that's not a problem with this supplement, it's a problem with how WotC has been treating subclasses in general. One of these days I'd like to see a subclass have entirely roleplaying or exploration features. That would be a breath of fresh air. It just seems that nowadays the subclasses we keep getting are mostly combat-focused... and that's only one part of the three pillars of D&D. There are two others, roleplaying and exploration, that needs more love! I'd even like to see a subclass replace some of their main class' features, too. The variant rules for optional class features definitely helps. Feats also help with making things feel new, so I was also happy with that. All in all, this was just a good supplement. It wasn't like Xanathar's by any means. However, this leads us into another discussion entirely: When will 5e make a genre-changing, genre-defining book? Some of the previous editions had some, such as Keep on the Borderlands, Libris Mortis, Book of Vile Darkness, Book of Exalted Deeds, anything by Monte Cook, Red Hand of Doom, etc. These books transcended editions and a lot of people still use them today. I don't think 5e has anything on the same caliber, except for maybe Curse of Stradh. Maybe. There are a TON of modern classics, some of them from Monte Cook's Cypher System, Lamentations of the Flame Princess, OSR folks like Questing Beast, Pathfinder's Kingmaker, Blades in the Dark, etc. There are even some amazing stuff by others systems like stuff from Modiphius, Cubicle 7, Onyx Path Publishing, Green Ronin, Fantasy Flight, R. Talsorian Games, Pinnacle Entertainment, etc. And there are authors publishing 5e material independently (some of whom have done work for WotC and are currently working with them) like Sly Flourish, Keith Baker, Andrew Cawood, Dragonix, Olver Clegg, Jeffrey Yang (up and coming), Dave Coulson, P.B. Publishing (The Haunt is the epitome of a modern classic module!), Eventyr Games, 5e Solo Gamebook (this dude is badass!), Jeff C. Stevens, JVC Parry, M.T. Black, Ed Greenwood (if you can believe it)... and this is just the tip of the iceberg! I say this all because WotC has to compete with not only other systems, but even authors who also publish using 5e. I'd argue that some of these independent authors and studios have put out much greater things than WotC has this edition, except for maybe Curse of Stradh and maybe Xanathar's. The foundations of 5e is awesome in general. I don't want them to change their system, but maybe make a little changes here and there in the type of material they put out and they can lead the industry again in terms of quality. We already know they lead it in terms of popularity, but I no longer pick up their books with awe and wonder anymore as I did when I was a kid. The other authors do, but I want 5e to no longer just be good. I want them to be the best.

I just love the point of view of the book. I honestly didn’t know anything about “Tasha”, so it was neat to get some of her personality displayed. I had more fun reading her side note comments than the actual content of the book. Not due the content being bad, but her commentary gave me a good chuckle. At any rate, nice review! Hoping I’ll some day make actual use of all my D&D stuff again in the future.

I like the book. I have the alternate art version and I will say that the physical quality of it is lower than the core books. The spine is badly glued and the paper is warped and wavy.

I followed the (how to draw fantasy map) It turned out great I love the video It’s why I’m subscribed now

Loved the Song of Albion call out. Great books.

Thanks for the insight, As I just got my Player's Handbook. It'll be aways before I walk into this one.

For the hard puzzles you introduce some hint mechanism your campaign. E.g. the character find the puzzle but don't need to solve it right away. As they continue in the campaign they meet peaople or find notes that provide some helpful information that makes solving the puzzle a step easier.

In contrast, I'm using the Chapter 2 Group Patrons to help make each character's feel like they are more distinct. Since each of them are bound to an organisation/patron from their backstory, and each of these groups will have their own motivations and purposes for the PCs. (I know the Group Patrons were supposed to be one patron for the whole group, but yeah) My players already feel like they have these extra "tools" at their exposure to use during their campaign, and has really led to some nice RP moments so far

The puzzles in the book are based on puzzle solving concepts that are common to certain individuals. There are people that solve puzzles for puzzle solving competitions and a lot of the puzzles they solve are modeled like the stuff in TCoE. For example, a lot of them have the concept of figuring out a secret word or phrase and using that phrase to then solve the puzzle. There are some that play on your expectations and some that are just using logic (like a sudoku or word find). I watched FLEB, a puzzle channel on RU-vid, showcase a lot of this stuff before so when I saw the puzzles in Tasha's it didn't come across as hard to me since I was familiar with the tips and tricks, and those puzzles he showed off had even HARDER tricks, like referencing braille or using pop culture references to find words or phrases.

cant wait to buy that book

Hi Nate! I don't know why, but your sound is much much lower than usual and I had to crank my volume up while getting the rest of my computer sounds way down to be able to hear you out properly. You might want to check that out! Great video!

Thanks for this video. Do you have, or going to do, a video on how to create a sidekick? I can't find a video of someone doing something like this online, although many just discuss the sidekick rules. Say I select a monster from the Monster Manual, e.g. a Merfolk as my sidekick - Do they only keep whatever basic ability scores they have (STR/DEX/etc) and you just add the Expert/Spellcaster/Warrior extras? Or do they keep all their skills/senses/etc too, and on top of that you add the Expert/Spellcaster/Warrior proficiencies?

WotC have specifically stated they will not publish a Ranger 2.0 because this will invalidate the one in the PHB which many people enjoy. You have the option now to swap out the bits you don't like. This exact same argument re the Ranger happened in 3.0/3.5.

Intresting book. I wish they more anthropomorphic creatures as player characters though

I was sorely disappointed by this book, so many things in here that are half-assed or simply uninspired. I've been drifting away from DnD for months now, but this book soured any hope I had left. See you guys in 6th edition, I'm spending my time with systems actually worth my time in the coming years.

Just want to let you know a majority of new spells came from Sword Coast but were updated for erratas

I’m a bit early but... Congrats on 200K

I kinda disagree about it being more for experienced players. I am pretty new to GMing and it gave me some pretty good ideas for making my own homebrew additions... Also, one of the subclasses fits perfectly to the background of one of my players and I can't wait to present him the opportunity to go into that direction :)

I love the more emphasis on your characters mechanics and individualism

I think "Magical Miscellany" is supposed to be a pun on "Magic Missile". I agree that it is clumsy.

I found it kind of meh. Lots of recycled stuff from other books. It's not a lot of new stuff. It has quite a bit that I'll probably never use. I've already come up with the idea of group patrons on my own anyways since I implemented that concept into my games like 30 years ago. I like the new spells but hell, they recycled stuff from Rime of the Frost Maiden that just came out during summer. It's not bad but I'm glad I just got it on D&DBeyond so that the subclasses are there for character page creation. It's not a bad pickup imo if somebody doesnt already have a few of other character source books. People with an imagination and a DM that knows how to think and come up with ideas on their own. I liked the new feats so that's what the book did for me. Few new spells was great. I was hoping for the Ranger rebuild that everyone was after but alas, no dice.

The way every single 5e book comes with massively waved pages because they don't let the shitton of ink on those thin pages dry before binding them

I enjoyed this, one note though is that the nation's, lichs, mummies, Ext. Aren't going to use easy to figure out puzzles😉

I love D&D!!!

looks interesting

As far as OP weak goes. A few subclasses might be OP, and almost all of them are in cleric, plus it’s weird that Dao genie lock is superior to other genies. The spells are really well balanced and the magic items. Well anything with a class prerequisite you can treat as being two rarity levels higher except for wizard spell books.

You don't get enough credit for your content dude!

I remember when this came out I avoided it due to the controversy. I feel stupid for not getting back then it's not even close to what people were saying

I wish I could get these books/expansions but they are so much! I don't have an infinite allowance lol.

I can honestly point out more things I don’t like about the book than things I do. And list more things I felt should have been in it than things that are. Xanathar is a much better book IMO, but it has its gems. Extra class features except rogue is boring, ranger fixes, magic tattoos and every DM tool is awesome except for the puzzles. You’ll find something in this book worth the money

Does this guy stream his d&d games and if so where do I watch and what’s the channel name?

What every FRP Game needs, yet more overpowered class options and features for players. (Can you say $$$ grab?) Please forgive the sarcasm. I have already decided to pass this by... but it's always nice to hear your thoughts. I do agree with your comment (connected with Ranger), "it's kinda meh!" Really sums up my take on the whole thing. The DM section is especially disappointing. At this point the 5e system needs to give DMs more tools to manage the game and encourage setting creativity. More candy for players... the game is already too generic and imbalanced. That's just my opinion and I am glad someone likes this product. 😁

Buggers. Amazon as a seller is out of stock for both versions and the scalpers are busy, selling them at twice the price (or more).

(missll-ANEE)

It's a sub par book. It's just a printed copy of UA and the quality of manufacturing and art has gone down even more which I didn't think wizards could do and it is short.

New 5e book: eh New niche inde RPG: Nice. Pretty much anything from Free League: OH GOD YES!

I'm watching this review because I want to buy the book now but apparently the binding is very poor

Buys both versions of the book.... immediately starts stressing the binding of the special edition book...

You hit the nail on the head with a lot of this. I'm really disappointed. The amount they spent advertising and hyping this book, it didn't deliver for me. I think WotC have a great system in 5e but the supplements compared to 4e are lacking. Probably a corporate move though, ay?

Not a fan of puzzles at all. If your toon has 18+ Int let there just be a roll. I say this because tons with 18+ str just lift or push crap. So why is the Int not used in the same way. Not sure if I explained this right but I hope you see what I'm saying.

who want Asgorath's world dictionary 😎😎

it does make all the puzzles void if players are going to be buying the book

Oof, that’s a spicy take in the thumbnail.

Feels a bit like a computer game when you level up. There is no emotion in the game. No world and and no history. Your videos are god.

Seems they ripped quite a few ideas from Matt Colville. I think I'll stick with his books.

Ah yes, the Battlemaster builds, which recommend you take the Martial Adept feat... on a class that gets all martial weapons by default.

is a witch a female wizard?

Hey, for the dm tools, how about take inspiration from it instead of bashing it.

I have put a hard ban on this book in any game that I am running there is absolutely nothing useful in it specifically the player origin section is the most moronic thing I have ever read in all of my years of gaming .my current group has been working on what we like to call 5.5 which takes everything that they removed from 3.5 and puts it back into the game where it should have been in the first place. We have reinstated weapon damage based on weapon size, different weights for equipment based on character size, and all the negative stat modifiers for the races have been put back where they should have been in the first place.

What is an Iraq gnome

Is better than the fucking xanathar

First view

Artificer are the worst. If I wanted to play star wars I'll play star wars.

Garbage! Worst printing of any D&D book so far! Multiple game stores reporting binding issues! Less than 200 pages for $50!!! Reprinted material to add insult to injury

Kinda disappointed, that WotC have yet to, find a real answer on how to,incorporate a true psionic class into dnd, I dont like it if psionics are only going to be a part of subclasses instead of its own dedicated thing. Psions were a Part of DnD for a long time, yet cant figure it out for 5e.

I found the content for the most part mostly trash. The writers are trying to steer away from the individual in an attempt to equal the playing field. Now your tanky goliath can be outshines by a gnome barbarian or your warforged rogue is now your silent killer. Having racial advantages and disadvantages are what makes the character unique. Allowing those to be changed neutralizes the need to even pick a race aside for narrative fluff. The patron section railroads players into playing a certain class of a certain alignment depending on the patron. I'm tired of the unimaginative subclasses they come up with that are literally designed based off feats in the PHB. We don't need caster versions of every melee class in the PHB, either.

DnD hasn't been good since 3.5 Go play Pathfinder, or 3.5.