Question RE: Tokens, Map, Combat Tracker (and more!)

[MMaslow2]

Hello all,

My local DM group expressed interest in a VTT and I suggested trying Fantasy Grounds. I just purchased the modules, subscribed to ultimate, and poured through numerous online videos. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the answers to what I'm looking for.

#1. Character XP: I created a "test" character and gave them 3 levels of Barbarian. However, when I view the party sheet in DM mode, then click the XP tab, I don't see how much the character needs to actually level up. Does this need to be entered manually? I can't seem to edit the second number, only the first.

#2. It doesn't look like the Encounter tab automatically calculates the CR/XP value. Again, does this need to be calculated and entered manually? Do I have create a new "Encounter" for every random encounter players come across if I wish to give XP?

#3. For PC's, when I try to target them or have them target an NPC, I keep receiving the "Unable to target token not linked with combat tracker". I took the token from the "Character Sheet". Added it to the map. Then I dragged the token (again from the Character Sheet) in to the Combat Tracker. Am I doing something wrong?

#4. One of my players wants to use a Barbarian. Rage isn't considered an "Action" on their character sheet and I don't see it listed under "Effects". How is the tracking of Rage (the bonus damage, damage reduction, and "charges" all tracked?)

#5. Another player wants to play as a Wizard. He wishes to use Sleep. Again, I'm lost as to how to manage this. Does he have to roll the dice manually in chat, then deduct from the lowest HP characters?

Again, I feel like there's a MUCH easier way to do this.

If someone would be willing to give me a quick tour through Fantasy Grounds to review some basics, I would be forever indebted to them. I've watched so many videos, yet I don't feel like I'm any closer to my answers. Thanks so much!

[damned]

Welcome MMaslow2

1. The XP fields dont auto update for you. Some people use them, some dont. I level characters up based on adventure milestones rather than XP.
2. Yes that is correct. IF you wish to auto-assign XP you would generally do it with Encounters.
3. You are close - but no cigar. Portrait to Combat Tracker. Combat tracker to Map.
4. Have a look at Zacchaeuss complete Barbarian package
5. Cant remember for sure. Start with getting tokens/combat tracker setup correctly and then have the Wizard target the enemy with sleep and hit cast and see what happens...

[LordEntrails]

To expand a bit on what Damned said;

1) I'm not sure. My players handle the second part of the XP. I handle their current amount by dragging the encounter to the XP portion of the party sheet, then clicking on the Award XP button. That part is the DM's job.

2) If the DM clicks the auto calc circular arrow on the encounter, then FG will auto populate the CR and XP (then the encounter can be dragged to the party XP sheet as mentioned in #1). Note that the CR is purely based on the total XP and does not include the modifier based upon the number of opponents.

3) Yep, tokens should always be dragged onto the map from the CT. Otherwise targeting won't work.

4) In the 5E sub-forum there is a sticky about resources, in that post there are links to the Complete XYZ Packages. REad those and download the files for samples of everything that can be automated or actions that can be created if wanted.

5) The DM has to handle sleep. The player can roll the amount of HP effected, but then it's up to the DM to affect the correct targets. Programming, especially with all the house rules and rules exceptions would make automating this tough.

As for a "tour", check out the Discord server, someone there may be able to jump on and give you a tour :)

[Zacchaeus]

Have a look here (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/index.php/5E_Character_Sheet#Main_Tab) - this gives some details on what the functions in the main tab do. As noted you can edit the second box to add the XP for the next level (you can also edit the first box too - and so can your players).
Make sure that your encounter is unlocked (little lock icon to right) so that you can see the two half circle 'Refresh' buttons. You can use these to calculate the CR and XP of each encounter when first produced or when it is changed. Whether you need to create a new encounter or not depends on the circumstances. You could set up a random encounter for 1d6 Goblins and you could use that any number of times to generate an encounter. However it will only generate Goblins/ If you want Kobolds then you'll need a Kobold encounter. More information on encounters here (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/index.php/Encounters) and the party sheet here (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/index.php/5E_Party_Sheet).
As noted above
The sticky containing links to information is this one (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?27296-Guides-videos-and-other-helpful-information). And the Barbarian is this one (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?27314-Effects-The-Complete-Barbarian-Package). Don't sweat being able to do everything all at once. It will take time for you and your players to get your head around things. Don't jump into an adventure right away; take at least one session where you just practice running a few encounters and iron out problems/ difficulties.
Yes, no way to automate this. More information on effects here (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/index.php/5E_Effects).