5e - Ask me

[Vaall]

ASK ME — Conditional “Ask‑to‑Use” Effects for 5E
Current Version: v1.3.2 • Updated: 2026‑04-13

https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/2821/view

ASK ME adds flexible, condition‑aware “ask‑to‑use” effects to the 5E ruleset in Fantasy Grounds.
When a roll happens (attack, save, check, damage, heal), the GM gets a small popup asking whether to apply a specific bonus/penalty or an automatic outcome fix — only when it actually matters.


Autonomous: No dependency on other extensions.
Condition aware: IF / IFT / IFN, TYPE(), CUSTOM(), and keyword tokens.
Smart triggers: Prompts appear only when useful (e.g., ASKSAVE! on a failed save).
Legendary‑style autos: ASKATK! flips a miss into a hit, ASKAC! flips a hit into a miss (except Crit), ASKSAVE! flips a failed save into a success (except Fumble).
Charges: “X uses remaining” supported directly in the effect label (e.g., 3ASKATK: 1d6).
FG‑native safety: Never overrides a natural 1 (auto miss) or natural 20 (critical hit).
ASKADD visibility: If your effect includes ASKADD: or ASKADDT:, the popup shows the additional effect and whether it will be applied to source or target.



A note from the author

This is my first extension for the community. It was built with the help of AI to speed up iteration, but that does not replace the work of an amateur or professional developer — there may be mistakes. Please report issues so we can make it better!


What it does

Adds new ASK tags to effects so the GM can choose (case by case) to apply a bonus/penalty or force the minimal change needed to flip an outcome.

Attacks

ASKATK: dice → Prompt to add bonus to the attack roll.
ASKATK! → Offer AUTO HIT (adds just enough to reach AC) if the attack would miss.
ASKAC: dice → Prompt to apply a defensive penalty to the attack roll.
ASKAC! → Offer AUTO MISS (subtract just enough to fall below AC) if the attack would hit.


Saves & Checks

ASKSAVE: dice / ASKSAVE!
ASKCHECK: dice / ASKCHECK!
! means: Only prompt on failure, and “Use” forces auto‑success via minimal delta.


Damage & Healing

ASKDMG: dice
ASKHEAL: dice


No popup if an effect is OFF or marked apply = skip.


How to write ASK effects

Create an effect on a CT actor (source or target) with one or more ASK tags.

Dice mode — Use any FG dice expression:

ASKATK: 1d4+2
ASKAC: 1d6
ASKSAVE: 1d6
ASKCHECK: 1d10
ASKDMG: 1d8
ASKHEAL: 3


Auto mode — Flip the outcome with the minimal change (no dice needed):

ASKATK! — If the attack would MISS, offer AUTO HIT
ASKAC! — If the attack would HIT, offer AUTO MISS
ASKSAVE! — If the save would FAIL, offer AUTO SUCCESS
ASKCHECK! — If the check would FAIL, offer AUTO SUCCESS


Charges

Prefix or suffix format supported in the label:
3ASKATK: 1d6
2ASKSAVE!


Additional effects (displayed in popup)

ASKADD: Bless — “Additional effect (on source): Bless”
ASKADDT: Prone — “Additional effect (on target): Prone”


Advanced filters for skills and attributes

ASKCHECK: now accepts:
* lists of skills → ASKCHECK: 1d4 perception,stealth
* lists of attributes → ASKCHECK: 1d4 dexterity (affects all DEX skills)
ASKSAVE: also accepts multiple attributes → ASKSAVE: 1d6 dexterity,constitution



Examples

Guidance; ASKCHECK: 1d4 (D: 1 min)
Shield; ASKAC?: 5; ASKADD: Shield (with Shield; AC: 5 with apply: SRS)
Bardic inspiration; ASKATK: 1d6; ASKCHECK: 1d6; ASKSAVE: 1d6 (D: 10 min)
Parry; IFT: ATK(melee); ASKACD?: [PRF] (with BCEG and apply: SAS)
Legendary resistance; 3ASKSAVE!
Test; 3ASKATK!; 1ASKADDT: Prone (3 uses to automatic hit and the first use add prone to the target)



Compatibility & Requirements

Ruleset: 5E (CoreRPG‑based)
Host‑side only UI popup (GM sees the prompt)
Safe with ADV/DIS, and respects nat 1 / nat 20 guards



Known Limitations

Slight freeze when adding an effect
No rerolls: The extension never re‑rolls dice; it only adds/subtracts a minimal bonus/penalty. A fumble (nat 1 on attack) remains a fumble, and a critical hit (nat 20) remains a critical — regardless of bonuses.
ASKDMG damage type: Currently, ASKDMG does not override or recompute damage types. The applied bonus follows the original damage context; mixed or complex damage typing is not resolved.
GM‑side popup only: For now, the popup only appears on the GM/host side. I haven’t yet found a clean separation to make it work perfectly on the player side as well.
Two‑step prompts (e.g., ATTACK → AC counter) are presented as separate windows in sequence.



Changelog

v1.3.2 Fixed with the overflow error with attack roll
v1.3.1 Fixed with Stealthtraker compatibility
v1.3.0: Fixed GA and AWD compatibility. ASK windows now correctly appear on the owning player for PC rolls. Minor modifications to the text displayed in the ASK ME window. Visibility of the result of the roll versus the target value is limited to the GM.
v1.2.3: Fixed ASKAC?: x and filter with IF: ATK(x)
v1.2.2: The Pre-ASK line will be removed if the jet doesn't have a matching ASK (just to streamline the chat).
v1.2.1: Fixed the resolution of the ASK window following rolls initiated by the PCs. If the roll originates from the dice tower. Intermediate and final results are shown for gm only if the roll originates from the dice tower.
v1.2.0: Possibility of having multiple potential bonuses on the same roll. Added ASKHEALD (I had forgotten about it). Fixed the condition check.
v1.1.1: correction of stack overflow on ASKCHECK
v1.1.0: Restored compatibility with other extensions. Added advanced filters for skills and attributes. New localized interface (automatic FR/EN switching)
v1.0.0: Initial public release.


If you try it, feedback and edge cases are highly appreciated!
Contributions welcome — especially for a safe, clean approach to player‑side prompts or robust handling of damage type augmentation.

Vaall

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[mccartysr]

Do you have a public repository, e.g., github or gitlab, to accept contributions?

[Vaall]

I'm not at all familiar with this field; I know of GitHub by name but I have absolutely no idea how to use it.

However, any contribution is welcome. My crafter profile has just been approved by FGU; the extension should be coming soon.

[MrDDT]

Nice work, I like it.

[Fingersome]

I have yet to manage to get this to work, but there were a couple of patches today, which might have broken something...

[EDIT 1:] It seems to be a conflict with another extension - I'll have a dig around and see which one isn't playing nicely.
[EDIT 2:] It seems there's a conflict with Stealth Tracker by JustinFreitas (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?72054-5E-StealthTracker)

[Vaall]

Thx for the information..
I dont use this extension but i'll get it as soon as possible and i correct my script for compatibility

[AkinDrago]

I have been begging for this type of extension.
I was just curious if if it possible for the ASKSAVE: and ASKCHECK: to be designated for individual abilities like ASKSAVE: 4 INT;.

[Vaall]

I have been begging for this type of extension.
I was just curious if if it possible for the ASKSAVE: and ASKCHECK: to be designated for individual abilities like ASKSAVE: 4 INT;.

I have to admit I haven't looked into that yet. I didn't think it would be needed, but I’ll check it out and hopefully release an updated version soon with this included.

[graphil]

Really nice extension. Is it possible to have versions that ask the player rather than the GM? For example, for bardic insp, it should be the player deciding if they want to use it or not.

[Vaall]

I just sent version 1.1 to check compatibility with Stealth Tracker.

In this future version, I've also implemented advanced filters for skills and attributes (like ASKSAVE: dexterity or ASKCHECK: arcana).

Regarding the request to have the window pop up on the player's side, it's something I've tried but haven't been able to configure.
I have new extensions to upload first, and perhaps I'll look into this feature afterward.

[graphil]

Requested rolls has popup windows on the player side. Maybe have a look to see how that works.

[Vaall]

Version 1.1.0 added to the forge.
- Restored compatibility with other extensions.
- Added advanced filters for skills and attributes (see first post)
- New localized interface (automatic FR/EN switching)

[metaldm007]

Absolutely amazing stuff happening every couple months I check the Forge. Feels almost inevitable with the way people have been putting code together where we'll be able to prompt Inspiration/Indomitable rerolls.

Question: Is there any way to make it so that Asks *don't* expire? For example I have a 2024 Fighter, and the Tactical Mind feature is really awesome, but it'd be nice if I could have it set to be always available through the Advanced Effects extension, as otherwise the effect is expended on use. I suppose I could set the number of Ask charges to something like 999, but was wondering if there was a more elegant way of doing it.

[Vaall]

It's true that I designed this extension for single uses (then I added the charge mechanic).

For effects with unlimited uses, you can indeed perform 999 charges, or try using "D" (like "ASKCHECKD:") at the end to deactivate the effect after using the bonus, then with an extension like BCE or BCEG, add an "ATS" to reactivate the effect on any new turn.

[graphil]

I'm getting a bug with just Askme extension installed running 5e 2024.
When a player rolls a skill roll we get many skill rolls for that skill appearing in chat with a bunch of errors in the log.

[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:18:55 AM] [WARNING] buttoncontrol: Could not find pressed icon (button_link_down) in control (shortcut) in class (char_skill_item)
[2/2/2026 8:19:01 AM] [ERROR] Script execution error: [string "CoreRPG:scripts/manager_record_data.lua"]:7: stack overflow
[2/2/2026 8:19:01 AM] [ERROR] Script execution error: [string "CoreRPG:scripts/manager_record_data.lua"]:7: stack overflow
[2/2/2026 8:19:01 AM] [ERROR] Script execution error: [string "CoreRPG:scripts/manager_utility.lua"]:112: stack overflow
[2/2/2026 8:19:01 AM] [ERROR] Handler error: [string "CoreRPG:scripts/manager_actor.lua"]:71: stack overflow

[Vaall]

I apologize for the inconvenience. I experienced the same issue on my end, which I didn't encounter when uploading version 1.1.0.

I've just applied a fix to version 1.1.1, which will be available on the forge ASAP.

[graphil]

No worries. Thanks for the quick fix. Confirmed it is working OK now.

[metaldm007]

Are there any other known extensions that are incompatible with this one? I am finding that the only ASKs I can get to work are ASKCHECKs. I'll try and experiment in the mean time to see if there's some other extension causing this.

EDIT: I have identified a conflict with the Generic Actions extension (https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/152/view)!

[Vaall]

Thanks for reporting the incompatibility with GA.

I've run several tests throughout the day and I'm unable to explain it.

On a new campaign where I have GA and Ask Me installed, it works perfectly (see screenshot - note that it also works with over 50 different expansions installed). But on an old campaign, I'm encountering the same issue as you where GA prevents the Ask Me windows from popping up.

I don't think it's a issue with the last version of GA's end either, since I can still get both expansions working on a new session.

I'll keep looking. Perhaps Silent Ruin will have an explanation.

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[graphil]

Is there a difference in the GA options between the two?

[Vaall]

I found an explanation.

In my main campaign (which is very old), the "Ask" pop-ups were no longer appearing.

After some research, the cause of the problem turned out to be the following file:
Fantasy Grounds Data/campaigns/<Your Campaign Name>/CampaignRegistry.lua

This file stores various campaign options, including settings defined by older versions of expansions. In my case, an older version of Generic Actions contained entries such as:

["OptVERIFY_ATTACK_TYPE"] = "on",
["OptVERIFY_DAMAGE_TYPE"] = "on",
["OptVERIFY_HEAL_TYPE"] = "on",
["OptVERIFY_CAST_TYPE"] = "on",
["OptVERIFY_CASTSAVE_TYPE"] = "on",
["OptVERIFY_EFFECT_TYPE"] = "on",
["OptVERIFY_POWERSAVE_TYPE"] = "on".


These keys are no longer used by current versions of GA (which now store options in db.xml), but their presence in CampaignRegistry.lua interferes with Ask Me, preventing it from integrating correctly with dice roll managers.

Solution A: Remove CampaignRegistry.lua
This action resets all campaign options. (Important: Make a backup first!) FG will recreate a clean version the next time it's launched.
This immediately resolved the issue for me.

Solution B – Edit CampaignRegistry.lua
Open the file with Notepad++ and delete only the following lines:
["OptVERIFY_XXX_TYPE"] = "on",
(where XXX = ATTACK, DAMAGE, CAST, etc.)
This preserves all your other campaign settings.

In a new campaign, these old keys never exist → which is why Ask Me works.

I will also try to work on a new version of Ask Me that will clean up these options to prevent you from having to manipulate your files.

[metaldm007]

I found an explanation.

Solution A: Remove CampaignRegistry.lua
This action resets all campaign options. (Important: Make a backup first!) FG will recreate a clean version the next time it's launched.
This immediately resolved the issue for me.

Solution B – Edit CampaignRegistry.lua
Open the file with Notepad++ and delete only the following lines:
["OptVERIFY_XXX_TYPE"] = "on",
(where XXX = ATTACK, DAMAGE, CAST, etc.)
This preserves all your other campaign settings.

In a new campaign, these old keys never exist → which is why Ask Me works.

I will also try to work on a new version of Ask Me that will clean up these options to prevent you from having to manipulate your files.

I tested option B but the prompt still didn't pop up. I'll try fiddling around the lua files a bit more to avoid wiping my settings entirely.

Also found another extension incompatability; the Damage Reroll Feats (https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/1455/view)extension being active means that you aren't prompted for ASKDMG (I assume because it also has a prompt pop up)

EDIT: Separate from this, I was wondering if there was a way to have multiple additive ASKs be prompted in succession?

For example, my fighter with Tactical Mind has to pass a DC 30 Athletics check, they roll a 14 + 5 = 19, then are prompted for the d10 as part of the ASKCHK. They roll a 10 on the d10, for a total check of 29, which is final. When doing this however, they have a separate ASKCHK for a d6 from Bardic Inspiration that they aren't prompted on for that roll.

Lastly, the provided Shield macro seems to not work like the Shield spell proper. It only applies for that one attack and then either becomes disable or is removed.

[Vaall]

Yes, you're right, he also added those two "note" options for it to work (I hadn't noticed it was blocking ASKATK).

["OptDISARM_SIZE_ADVDIS"] = "on",
["OptINVENTORY_COUNTS"] = "on",



Regarding Damage Reroll Feats extension, I don't own it, so it might be difficult for me to patch it. I can suggest something blindly to achieve compatibility, like for the Stealth Tracker extension.


I haven't looked into the possibility of having multiple ASK effects on the same roll; I'll see if it's possible, but I can't guarantee anything.

Regarding ASKADD, it works like the BCEG tags (EXPIREADD or SAVEADD). You have to create an effect in the global effects list, and that's the one you need to configure to last one turn. Otherwise, yes, that's normal; the bonuses are only given on a single roll.

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[metaldm007]

Regarding ASKADD, it works like the BCEG tags (EXPIREADD or SAVEADD). You have to create an effect in the global effects list, and that's the one you need to configure to last one turn. Otherwise, yes, that's normal; the bonuses are only given on a single roll.

66489

So I've come to a big of a strange conundrum where, as part of the ASKAC result, the bonus to AC is also applying to the attack roll.
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The provided effect also turns the spell into an auto miss, but if I make a version without the ! then the attack roll bonus applies. I'll try playing around with my extension again to see what could be causing an incompatibility. I do have a lot of extensions, but if nothing else it can hopefully allow me to help you.

[Vaall]

Update
Version 1.2.0:
- Possibility of having multiple potential bonuses on the same roll.
- Added ASKHEALD (I had forgotten about it).
- Fixed the condition check.

Regarding ASKAC, no, it's not a bug; it's just that I haven't been able to modify the AC value after the attack roll. So, and this is a bit of a misnomer, I'm reducing the attack roll instead.

[metaldm007]

Update
Version 1.2.0:
- Possibility of having multiple potential bonuses on the same roll.
- Added ASKHEALD (I had forgotten about it).
- Fixed the condition check.

Regarding ASKAC, no, it's not a bug; it's just that I haven't been able to modify the AC value after the attack roll. So, and this is a bit of a misnomer, I'm reducing the attack roll instead.

Thank you for the clarification and the update!

[graphil]

Looks like the latest version is breaking the tower when in combination with Requested rerolls.
In a fresh 5e 2024 campaign with just requested rerolls and ask me have a player drop a skill check in the tower. This works as expected.
Then the GM gets the player to do a hidden skill check. It rolls on the tower but now displays the result to all players.
After this, even dropping a skill check on the tower shows the result to the players.

[Vaall]

I could be wrong, but I think this stems from the FG 5.1.2 update.

I tried my older versions of ASK Me again and I'm still experiencing the same issue (without any other expansions): when a player triggers an ASKx effect, the GM can't resolve the pop-up window ASK. Using the dice tower works fine. And if the GM triggers the window, there's no problem either.

I'm looking into it, but I can't guarantee a quick fix.

As for the issue with the final result being displayed, that will be resolved at the same time.

New: I haven't forgotten you, it's just more complicated than I thought.

[Vaall]

Version 1.2.1 added to the forge.
- Fixed the resolution of the ASK window following rolls initiated by the PCs.
- If the roll originates from the dice tower. Intermediate and final results are shown for gm only if the roll originates from the dice tower.


I tried but couldn't get the window to move to the player's side.
Sorry for the delay in the fix.

[Lo Zeno]

I love this extension!
I'll echo the others who said that they hope you can figure out a way to move the window to the player's side - I'll add that if you manage, I'd still like some kind of message/window/toaster popup on the DM's side to warn that a player has been prompted.

If I may add one thing: I'm currently mix-and-matching the use of this extension and the Staged Rolls functionality of Requested Rolls (which others have mentioned) because the usecase clearly overlaps and for some D&D abilities one works better than the other and viceversa. If you and mccartysr could put your heads together, I think you could merge Ask Me and the "staged rolls" part of Requested Rolls together, thus solving the problem of the window on player's side foir you and splitting the Staged Rolls out of Requested Rolls. Just a thought, it could end up not be worth doing but it shouldn't hurt to have that conversation.

[Vaall]

Version 1.2.2 added to the forge.
- The Pre-ASK line will be removed if the jet doesn't have a matching ASK (just to streamline the chat).

I understand your desire, and I assure you that if I could have done it, I would have done it exactly that way.

I haven't given up hope. Perhaps at some point I'll find a similar extension (like a step counter for the window) that will allow me to find a solution. But for dice rolls, it's more complicated because part of the roll resolution happens on the host's end, so it has to go through them.

Version 1.2.3
- Fixed ASKAC?: x and filter with IF: ATK(x)

[Lo Zeno]

I haven't given up hope. Perhaps at some point I'll find a similar extension (like a step counter for the window) that will allow me to find a solution. But for dice rolls, it's more complicated because part of the roll resolution happens on the host's end, so it has to go through them.

The Damage Reroll extension by lprchaun does the same thing: a popup appears after the roll, and has to deal with the roll resolution on the host's end (although, it's damage rolls, not attack rolls or saves), and that extension managed to make it appear to the user not just the DM:
https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/1455/view
Maybe see if lprchaun can give you a pointer in the right direction?

[SmackDaddy]

Is this only for the 2024/5.5e D&D?

[Vaall]

Sorry for not replying sooner.

Currently, this extension works for 5th Edition (Legacy and 2024). I haven't tried it with any other rulesets.

[metaldm007]

Discovered another couple incompatibilities, one new and one reappearing.

For the first, I believe its on the other extensions end; Advanced Weapon Damage (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?59741-extension-Advanced-Weapon-Damage-Extension) makes it so that ASKDMG causes the console to pop up with an error, and it does not apply the extra damage (in fact, it applies no damage) to the attack. The extension is rather old and I don't believe it will be updated any time soon, but figured I would let you know.
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It also appears that the Generic Actions (https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/152/view) incompatibility has popped up again, as the prompt only pops up when asking for damage. Not sure what specifically is causing it, but seems to be different from the previous reason of leftover code.

[Vaall]

Thank you for this report. I've just finished patching my other extensions for the upcoming FGU update, so I'll be able to take a closer look at this and also suggest the option for the pop-up window to appear on the client side.

[Vaall]

Hey, everyone

I've made a lot of small changes to the visual appearance of the ASK ME window. Most importantly, I've made it usable by both the player and the hosting provider. The first person to reply approves its use.

v1.3.0: Fixed GA and AWD compatibility. ASK windows now correctly appear on the owning player for PC rolls. Minor modifications to the text displayed in the ASK ME window. Visibility of the result of the roll versus the target value is limited to the GM.

Please feel free to give me feedback if you notice any display issues (information summary, etc.).

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[Lo Zeno]

most importantly, i've made it usable by both the player and the hosting provider. The first person to reply approves its use.

shiny!

[Snakebitten]

Heyo, ever since the update, now every time a PC tries to make an attack roll it doesnt go through and the following error pops up.
[ERROR] Handler error: [string "CoreRPG:scripts/manager_actor.lua"]:220: stack overflow

[Vaall]

Thank you for bringing it up, I was able to reproduce the error and correct it in v1.3.2.

[Necessarius]

I identified this extension causing an issue creating this log when paired with the extension 5E - StealthTracker https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/165/view

`[ERROR] Handler error: [string "CoreRPG:scripts/manager_actor.lua"]:231: stack overflow`

it was preventing all skill check results from a PC sheet from appearing in chat.

[Vaall]

Thank you for reporting this.

I've just contacted the creator of StealthTracker to offer a patch to fix the error message and the incompatibility between our two extensions.