Help please?

[Garravesh]

I just bought the system and a ton of DLC content for 1.0 and 2.0. I can't seem to figure out how to do anything of importance. I have learned the basic there is a decided lack of YT videos that help with 1.0 and 2.0. I want to be able to import Dungeon Alchemist maps I have into maps here and run them here. I don't want virtual gaming as all my players are present but rather a map that is able to be displayed as they progress.

I have sunk a lot of money into this and after 10 hours of watching YT videos and experimenting I have not learned much,......

[Zacchaeus]

In Dungeon Alchemist you can export maps in a format that is specific to Fantasy Grounds (Click on File and then Export). Select Fantasy Grounds from the Format drop down and the file type in the next box and then save. Once you have done that open Fantasy Grounds and then click on Images on the right hand menu and then on the small blue import icon at the bottom right of the window that opens. Navigate to the folder you saved the image from DA in and select it.

There's more on import images into FGUVTT in video one here https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?55797-How-do-I-in-Unity

[dendarii]

In Dungeon Alchemist, save your DAM file where you want the "master copy" to be, but when you Export the map from DA, select Fantasy Grounds as the format, then for the location, select either the FG images folder (if you want the map accessible in any campaign) or to the campaign-specific images folder.

You can get this location from within FG by clicking on the Assets button on the right, then the Folder button on the bottom right of that window. This will open Windows Explorer in the location of your FG installation. If you want the map to be accessible from any campaign, click the Images folder under the Fantasy Grounds folder. If you want it in a specific campaign, click the Campaigns folder, then the specific campaign, then the images folder.

Most of the maps I create are for my running campaign, so I'll save them to the images folder for that campaign, which in my setup is "I:\FantasyGrounds Unity\campaigns\Odyssey of the Dragonlords\images".

DA exports both the image and a line of sight and lighting file in XML format, so if you export to a different location, make sure you copy both those files back to the images folder.

I'm not sure if the Import process Zacchaeus describes above also imports the XML.

If FG is already running when you export the map, click the Refresh button on the Assets window to see the new asset.

Double-click on the map and click "Create Map Record". An Image window will open with the map in it, and will include line of sight and lighting from DA. I love DA!

One thing to note, however, is that although FG supports WEBM files, the ones generated by DA can take a LOOONNNG time to export, so I usually select JPG as my format.

[Morenu]

If you have trouble and want to chat live, my discord is in my signature. Reach out, and i can setup a live chat/screen share or text back and forth. Not an expert but i can probably help with any frustration.

[Zacchaeus]

I'm not sure if the Import process Zacchaeus describes above also imports the XML.


As long as the xml file is in the same folder as the image (and there's no reason for it not to be) then it will indeed get imported into FGU. Also you can always manually add the xml file to the campaign/images folder once it's imported and FGU will recognise what it is and apply it.

[dendarii]

Thanks, Zacchaeus. That's good to know.

[Garravesh]

Ok...So I am confused. I use Dungeon Alchemist and I use Inkarnate........I can create much with Inkarnate with their tools. Dungeon ALchemist allows AI to create me dungeons. I bought this tool along with the additional DLC in the hope that I would have maps already created to ease my time spent on Inkarnate...... especially since I am digitally recreating Mystara and the Hollow World. I am currently working on X1 "Isle of Dread" a well known module for basic and expert Dungeons and Dragons.

Where are all these maps created for VTT on the Isle of Dread? All I see is bits and pieces of the original module and story and clickable incidents like random encounters etc. Am I to understand that I need to create all the maps from the original scans of the original module?

Where is the maps for Island of Dread that could be used for a VTT game? Am I deluded in thinking they were already made for me and in reality I must create them myself?

I do not understand much here....

I am unable to grasp how I would play a game with no maps and no organization. I have fiddled around with the screen and I see dice and spaces for macros......where are the maps ? Where is the ability to bring up maps for random encounters? I do know how to bring up contents of the modules and post a map on the screen and it seems to have pins stuck in it.......am I to believe they scanned the old maps and that is what I use for the maps?

From what I have read here, and I am disheartened, is that I have to create my own maps.....create my own random encounters.......create my own everything for a module that is already complete.....


1. I am looking for a way to use LoS and "fog of war" on a map so that the PC's cannot see my master map and know .....Oh look there is a secret door there OR have spends time forcing them to write out their own dungeon map as they progress. I want to control that.

2. TO see videos of 1.0 or 2.0 that show a campaign from the DM's perspective on how he/she runs a campaign and what they are doing so I can emulate it and learn to run this.....all the YT videos are very much 5.0 heavy and NONE that I have seen offer and "watch me run a campaign behind the scenes" this is what I am doing.

Thanks for all the input......i feel silly now spending 1100 dollars on mini pdf's of the same stuff I already own......I own every book in PDF or physical form from TSR up until 3.5

[damned]

If you buy a module that is a conversion of a published product it will have the same contents as the published content. If Isle of Dread has three maps then that is what the FG product will have. It is a conversion of that product. Far and away the majority of published adventures (not on FG - everywhere) do not have maps for every encounter, especially smaller encounters. But that is the same no matter what format you buy the product in - the original physical copy from 1981 or the PDF from DMSGuild or the Fantasy grounds product.

Older products had less maps. Older products were designed to be played without minis - it was a lot of hand waving and talking. But even 5E products from WotC dont have all the maps. Not every monster has an image etc.

In terms of FG adding images - its not economical to do so - images cost money and the majority of the money goes straight to WotC not to FG or the devs who convert the products. Additionally no one has a right to make substantial alterations of the products - the license allows FG to convert the product into FG format - that does involve some formatting changes etc and maybe the addition of pins/bookmarks - but adding additional content is not in the license.

Its probably not the answer you want but it is what it is.

In terms of encounters - they are usually draggable straight on to the CT and from there on to a generic map.

Please can you give a specific example of what you are trying to do. Alternatively you can join the discord server and someone may be able to go thru some of your questions in person.

[johnecc]

I don’t have Isle of Dread, but just looking at it on the FG Store page, it does appear to have line of sight built in. Maps will normally be found in the Images folder, but normally in the story entry there will be links to Encounter, and maps.

[Zacchaeus]

Although they relate to 5e modules videos five and twenty four here are useful in showing how to run a published module https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?55797-How-do-I-in-Unity

As damned says the FG conversions are duplicates (or as close to them as can be) of the original published material and include only that which the publisher gives us when we develop. Not every encounter will have a map; and this is especially true of random encounters. Remember as well that the images that are provided are the original images that appeared in the books, and those were created (and are still primarily created) for the books, and not for a digital platform. Only in the last couple of years have the images provided by WotC included things like the complete .psd files with layers for things like the grid, numbering, secret doors etc so that those could be switched off to create players maps without those. Previously it would have been a single layered flattened image with the room numbers baked in. Things like room numbers and text can be very difficult to remove from an image to produce a players map.

For videos you may want to watch one of the people who stream their games. I can't really point you to anyone in particular since I've never watched a stream but Discord has a channel with links to them and I think Smiteworks did one a few years ago. I'm not sure if any of them stream the ruleset you mention but how you run a game using a published module is system agnostic.

And, again, join Discord and we can give you much more immediate guidance and suggestions.

[Laerun]

Potential steps to get up to speed with Fantasy Grounds. This experience will be similar in most rule sets. Most videos and tutorials are in 5th edition because most of the user base was/is using that rule set. Smiteworks is a rather small team and most users that make videos are volunteers and doing such for no pay or gain other than to help others through some of the nuances of the platform. Take smaller chunks of the platform. I made a series of content creation videos and DM related topics that might help you with some basics, best practices, and steps. Again 5e biased, but still valid.

If you have time to sit with me, I'd be willing to help you with Fantasy Grounds. It might help alleviate some of your frustrations and perhaps answer some questions.

Here is our community Discord, the Fantasy Grounds Academy community:
https://discord.gg/Ew6nYyw

1. Start with the User Interface (UI)

The first step is getting comfortable with the Fantasy Grounds UI. While there are variations between rulesets and themes, most of the core elements stay consistent. Focus on these areas:

Navigation: Learn where key features are located, like the Library, Assets, Combat Tracker, and Images. These are the foundation of how Fantasy Grounds works.

Drag-and-Drop Functions: Practice dragging and dropping items, NPCs, spells, and other elements into character sheets, encounters, and story entries.

Right-Click Menus: Fantasy Grounds uses right-click menus for quick access to important functions. Experiment with these on different windows and assets to understand your options.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Text Editing: Learn how to format text entries efficiently with basic keyboard shortcuts, making it easier to create clean and organized story entries.


2. Master Character Creation

Character creation is central to most rule sets in Fantasy Grounds, and mastering this process will cover about 50% of the system.

Start here:

Drag-and-Drop for Stats and Abilities: Practice pulling stats, abilities, and equipment from the Library and applying them to your character sheets. This will help streamline character creation and customization.

Customizing Characters: Once you’ve got the basics down, explore how to add special abilities, manage inventory, and adjust stats manually.


3. Explore Map Tools and Combat Integration

With a good handle on character creation, start exploring the map tools and how they interact with the Combat Tracker:

Using Basic Maps: Work with the maps included in the module or campaign. This gives you a feel for the built-in features before adding complexity with custom maps.

Line of Sight (LoS) and Fog of War: While not essential to running a fun combat session, these tools can add immersion. Experiment with defining walls, doors, and vision barriers to control what your players can see.

Combat Tracker: The Combat Tracker is crucial for managing initiative, tracking health, and automating certain actions. Even without complex maps, mastering this tool makes combat run smoother.


4. Add Complexity Over Time

Once you’ve gotten comfortable with the core features, you can start adding more complexity. Remember that the more features you introduce, the more setup time and practice will be required. Here’s what you can consider adding:

Line of Sight: If you want to increase immersion, LoS allows you to control visibility on the map. But it also adds more setup time, so introduce it only when you’re ready.

Sound Effects and Animated Maps: These are nice extras but are far from essential. They require additional tools and configuration, so think of them as optional layers to enhance the experience once you’ve mastered the basics.


5. Content Creation with Third-Party Tools

Once you’re comfortable with how maps work in Fantasy Grounds, you can start bringing in third-party maps from tools like Dungeon Alchemist or Inkarnate:

Importing Maps: Practice importing maps from these tools, making sure you understand how to integrate them into your campaign. You’ll also want to add LoS if it fits your style of play.

Customization: Knowing how to customize maps in Fantasy Grounds (adding LoS, adjusting grid size, etc.) is crucial for making your third-party maps work seamlessly with your encounters.


6. Small Steps to Avoid Overwhelm

Fantasy Grounds is a powerful tool, but trying to master everything at once can lead to burnout. Take small steps, focusing on one area at a time:

- Start with the UI and character creation.

- Move on to the map tools and Combat Tracker.

- Gradually add and master in extras like LoS, sound, or animated maps as you become more confident.

Content creation & conversions.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzjJyt4w-pw1JR-KAkUmNRGrTaGFwXouB&si=CfK8OjyjXn3wlhmL

GM tips and setup running for running a game: (5e)

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzjJyt4w-pw3i04lpzokAcgRo2oScFlJJ&si=EAcMB_V7LKl6mEIJ

We also have Self-Help Text channels for resources regarding Fantasy Grounds and related content in our Discord.
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[Garravesh]

Thanks for the replies. I understand what this toolset is used for now. I wasted my money but that's fine I jumped in headfirst.

My intentions were to use a map on a virtual screen to alleviate players seeing my maps. My players are in person so I dont need all the other stuff just a way to show a map with a "fog of war"
I assumed, in error, this tool aka Fantasy Grounds recreated the module X-1 etc and all I had to do was push a button and it would recreate a game of sorts with maps and access to tools for doing such.
In reality all it does is create PDF's maps , which are direct reproductions, with some pins on it . I will have to recreate all the maps myself and utilize a different tool.

As to older games and modules not supporting MINI's thats simply not true but I am not here to argue that. Gygax was a miniature wargamer before D and D. I'm not salty just disappointed. I use Inkarnate and Dungeon Alchemist with a modicum of success.

I will try to find a YT production of someone running a Dungeons and Dragons game and utilizing this tool.....maybe develop some ideas.

Thanks for the feedback and replies.

[damned]

Hi Garravesh without getting into a debate on the evolution of the D&D rules :bandit: if you bought less than 30 days ago and you bought from FG store you can request a refund and they will oblige.

[Garravesh]

Steam. It took me 6 hours of watching videos before I opened the game and monkeyed around.....they told me I was not eligible for a refund.

[Garravesh]

thanks for all the information. I wont bother you all with more posts.

[damned]

That is a shame you cant refund.
Maybe in the future your circumstances will change and you will get to use the tool - it really is a very good tool.
You can do all the masking and line of sight and dynamic lighting with your Dungeon Alchemist maps in Fantasy Grounds but it will take a little bit of setup.
There are groups that started using FG just to show the maps and overtime players started bringing their laptops so they could do everything on the FG character sheets etc and enjoy the automation but mostly the tool is designed for remote play.

Your questions are always welcome.