How to Automate effects on NPCs

In real I dont see a way to show darkvision as well or torchlight... FG can do this.
So it's not wrong to ask for a function to implement a following aura (character-box around him)?
With what I would be able to create NPC with slow aura as well.

But btw.. To add an effect to FG what does -50% movement cant be hard to programm..?

Well I would like to give random or fixed loot to single monsters.
I actually work with the story, parcels and encounters but searching for the item all the time again isn't fun.
In real I would be able to write down the loot as well to the monster, so why can't it be cool to have the chance to do it in FG as well?

And I use FG instead of Roll20 cuz of its cool automatisations. Don't you Devs want to make your programm even more cool at all?

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Originally Posted by Alkenix

In real I dont see a way to show darkvision as well or torchlight... FG can do this.
So it's not wrong to ask for a function to implement a following aura (character-box around him)?
With what I would be able to create NPC with slow aura as well.

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Their have been one or two technology demonstration extensions that place an aura around a token for visual use only that I have seen since being on the forums. But, as far as I know none of them were deemed stable enough to fully develop or for the community developer to maintain.

Of course you can always ask for a new function. Do so here; https://fg2app.idea.informer.com/

My response was not intended to discourage you, but rather inform on the approach FG takes as well as some of what is likely and not likely to be implemented.

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But btw.. To add an effect to FG what does -50% movement cant be hard to programm..?

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As I said, right now FG does nothing with movement. The only thing it knows even related is distance between two points. So a complete movement model and logic would have to built. And of course with RPGs, rules are complex and full of exceptions, and exceptions to the exceptions. Some of the simplest exceptions are diagonals and hard corners. But then get into partial movement, difficult terrain, effects, etc etc.

So first you would have to do that, then you would have to program an effect for it.
My experience tells me that such a benefit, calculating movement, is something that the FG devs see as having a small return on a very large resource investment. But, maybe I'm wrong, or maybe the community sees such as a huge benefit, that's why their is the wishlist, to communicate these ideas to the devs, and for the community to inform the devs what improvements they see as the most valuable.

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Well I would like to give random or fixed loot to single monsters.
I actually work with the story, parcels and encounters but searching for the item all the time again isn't fun.
In real I would be able to write down the loot as well to the monster, so why can't it be cool to have the chance to do it in FG as well?

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And I use FG instead of Roll20 cuz of its cool automatisations. Don't you Devs want to make your programm even more cool at all?

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First, I'm not a dev. I'm just a user like you :) You will see the devs are active on the forums here, but their names will all have the "Developer" tag on them.

The devs here do listen to the community. A few examples;
- Check out the workshop thread, there the devs often get in highly technical discussions with community developers and help them develop code for community extensions.
- As mentioned before, check out the wishlist. Though their are a lot of ideas on there and no one marks them 'closed' or 'implemented' a great many of the ideas there have already been incorporated. Here's an idea I suggested 10 days ago, and either because it was added to the wishlist or coincidence, it's already slated for the next version; https://fg2app.idea.informer.com/proj/?ia=122026
- You'll note that their are weekly updates and corrections to the DLC. Checkout the City Hall for these announcements.
- There are regular updates with release notes. Check out the last release notes with a summary of what was added with the current release.
- Want to see what's coming in the next update? You can join the public beta testing, see the Laboratory. Want to just see what's being added in 3.3.7? Then browse through this post and you can see what the devs are adding; https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forum...Release-v3-3-7

FG doesn't have dynamic lighting or any functions for aura's. This may well be something which is implemented in Unity but the current version doesn't have it.

Similarly there are no effects which reduce movement and since FG doesn't limit movement of any token on the map this is something that you would do manually. You could create an effect as a reminder on the character that movement is restricted.
To give out random loot you could create a table with random values of coins or any other treasure that you want and output the result to a treasure parcel. Link the table to the story entry containing the NPCs.

Sorry, I forgot to answer this part;

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Originally Posted by Alkenix

Well I would like to give random or fixed loot to single monsters.
I actually work with the story, parcels and encounters but searching for the item all the time again isn't fun.
In real I would be able to write down the loot as well to the monster, so why can't it be cool to have the chance to do it in FG as well?

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I'm not sure I'm seeing the problem.

If you mean you want to link a item object to an NPC object, then you have to do that either by putting the item on the "Other" tab of the NPC, or, like I said before, you normally link both a NPC and a Parcel through a story entry. Have you tried linking the item on the Other tab?

Note, it will only link the item, it will not update the statistics of the NPC. There is no ability to do that.

Also, if you are creating lots of NPC's, have you looked at Engineer Suite by Maasq on the forums here? It has a function called NPC Engineer that might be along the lines of what you are looking for.

Now, as for random items, you have to use one of the FG functions that has the ability to randomly return results. The simplest of these are random tables. For creating a random item table see; https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/...Treasure_Table

There are also Story Templates that can be used to create random stuff that might be of interest as well; https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/...tory_Templates

Well you guys are good.
I will check out your ideas later home.
What I read till now sounds great to me. ☺

If I don't forget to update this post after testing, don't be mad to me please. ��

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Originally Posted by Alkenix

If I don't forget to update this post after testing, don't be mad to me please. ��

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We don't get mad, we get even! Just Kidding :)

It really takes a lot to get the folks around here riled up. We pretty much always assume everyone is genuine and nice and they have to work hard to prove otherwise. Its just best if we always assume people are misunderstood or frustrated rather than actually mad etc.

Best of luck and if you remember, let us know how it goes :)

I'd like to add the details for customizing spellcasting saving throws and attacks.

The [NPC] is a nth-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is [ability] (spell save DC #, +# to hit with spell attacks). The [NPC] has the following spells prepared.
Cantrips (at will): <spell name>,<spell name>
1st level (4 slots): <spell name>, <spell name>
2nd level (2 slots): <spell name>, <spell name>

That will set the DC level and attack bonuses to what ever you want.

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Originally Posted by jkagie

I'd like to add the details for customizing spellcasting saving throws and attacks.

The [NPC] is a nth-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is [ability] (spell save DC #, +# to hit with spell attacks). The [NPC] has the following spells prepared.
Cantrips (at will): <spell name>,<spell name>
1st level (4 slots): <spell name>, <spell name>
2nd level (2 slots): <spell name>, <spell name>

That will set the DC level and attack bonuses to what ever you want.

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Included. I originally left this out because the post was too long, but I've edited bits out so that this can be squeezed in :)

Hi. I am interested in adding a healing potion action to my NPC (basically a one time regeneration effect). Is there a way to add this so that a HEAL action will be added to the CT? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by cdhyanchand

Hi. I am interested in adding a healing potion action to my NPC (basically a one time regeneration effect). Is there a way to add this so that a HEAL action will be added to the CT? Thanks.

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Just create a new action in the actions tab. Put it in a group something like Consumables and make it have a heal action. You can even give it quantities if you want.

Edit: if you need details on how to do that, just ask :)

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Originally Posted by cdhyanchand

Hi. I am interested in adding a healing potion action to my NPC (basically a one time regeneration effect). Is there a way to add this so that a HEAL action will be added to the CT? Thanks.

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The code for that is shown here...
Attachment 26284
Also, you can learn all you need to know about coding for FG in the wiki here - https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/...php/5E_Effects
And beyond that, if you want to be lazy and have EVERY SINGLE item, spell, class feature, face trait, and feat coded for you, I have those available on the DMs Guild.

Details would be great. Just to be clear I am talking about adding this action to a monster NPC stat block. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by cdhyanchand

Details would be great. Just to be clear I am talking about adding this action to a monster NPC stat block. Thanks.

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Aha! Adding it to a monster stat block isn't possible (that I am aware of).

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Originally Posted by cdhyanchand

Details would be great. Just to be clear I am talking about adding this action to a monster NPC stat block. Thanks.

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Create a trait in the NPC and include the phrase 'regains xdx hit points'. That will show a heal on the CT.

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Originally Posted by Zacchaeus

Create a trait in the NPC and include the phrase 'regains xdx hit points'. That will show a heal on the CT.

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CAre to add that variant to the first post for us? Probably in the Traits section :)

Ya I just thought of that, that is good advice because although NPCs don't have "healing potions" per se, some do have second wind, so you could absolutely do that.

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Originally Posted by Zacchaeus

Create a trait in the NPC and include the phrase 'regains xdx hit points'. That will show a heal on the CT.

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Thanks Zacchaeus! That's what I needed.

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Originally Posted by LordEntrails

CAre to add that variant to the first post for us? Probably in the Traits section :)

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Originally Posted by rob2e

Ya I just thought of that, that is good advice because although NPCs don't have "healing potions" per se, some do have second wind, so you could absolutely do that.

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I would but there's no more room in the first post. I might look at editing it sometime to reduce it's size.

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Originally Posted by Zacchaeus

I would but there's no more room in the first post. I might look at editing it sometime to reduce it's size.

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Or, put it all into an attachment like I had to do with the Adventure Creation stuff. I just put a summary in the post and then make an attachment with the details.

Or, put it all up on the wiki, then link to the wiki. that way you wont have those size limitations at all, and it would be easy to find.

Once in the Wiki then the PDF and ePub user manuals can pick it up...

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Originally Posted by LordEntrails

Or, put it all into an attachment like I had to do with the Adventure Creation stuff. I just put a summary in the post and then make an attachment with the details.

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Originally Posted by mattekure

Or, put it all up on the wiki, then link to the wiki. that way you wont have those size limitations at all, and it would be easy to find.

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Originally Posted by Xemit

Once in the Wiki then the PDF and ePub user manuals can pick it up...

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This article has now been incorporated into the 5e Wiki. Link in the first post.

Hi,

I am having issues to make spellcasting works. I load the PHB and use the wording as you suggested but spells are not loaded most of the time. I can see the right number of slots but not the spells. It sounds to me like it cannot read the module, even if for some other NPCs were loaded.

Any hints?

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Originally Posted by Drogo210

Hi,

I am having issues to make spellcasting works. I load the PHB and use the wording as you suggested but spells are not loaded most of the time. I can see the right number of slots but not the spells. It sounds to me like it cannot read the module, even if for some other NPCs were loaded.

Any hints?

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Not sure what problem you are having...

If you are talking about the "Spellcasting" trait on an NPC, the spells do not get added to the NPC until the NPC is re-opened or added to the CT. That is when the spellcasting trait gets parsed and the actions added.

If that is what you are talking about, please double check your wording and format is exact. Even adding a comma or colon in the wrong place will break it. If it still isn't working, please post a screen shot of what you are doing and provide the steps for someone to reproduce.

Yes I was talking about parsing spell in a NPC.

Attachment 26511
Attachment 26512

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Attachment 26517

In the first example you have "prepared:"
The colon is wrong. You need a period instead.

Remember;

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Spellcasting
If the NPC can cast spells then you can automate the population of the actual spells into the NPC sheet. Additionally with the correct wording FG will work out the attacks and spell save DCs where those are present in the spell/ The trait should be named 'Spellcasting' and the wording should be as follows:

The [NPC] is a nth-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is [ability]. The [NPC] has the following spells prepared.
Cantrips (at will): <spell name>,<spell name>
1st level (4 slots): <spell name>, <spell name>
2nd level (2 slots): <spell name>, <spell name>

It is important that the wording is exactly as above including the punctuation. All spell names should be in lower case separated by a comma.
If the NPC has innate spellcasting abilities then replace the heading with 'Innate Spellcasting' and replace the 1st level, 2nd level etc with 3/day, 1/day or whatever the NPC rate of casting is.

If you want to override the automatic calculation of spell save and attack rolls replace the first line with this

The [NPC] is a nth-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is [ability] (spell save DC #, +# to hit with spell attacks). The [NPC] has the following spells prepared.

(thanks jkadje)

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I don't see anything wrong with your trait. If you are using any extensions make sure you test in a new campaign without extensions in case that's an issue. Also if you are editing an existing spellcaster make sure you delete all the existing spells from the NPC spells section before closing and re-opening the NPC to re-populate the spells.

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Originally Posted by LordEntrails

In the first example you have "prepared:"
The colon is wrong. You need a period instead.

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It doesn't matter whether it's a colon or a period.

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Originally Posted by Zacchaeus

It doesn't matter whether it's a colon or a period.

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Ah :)

Thanks,

Figured it out. I was doing it wrong, I assume.

I did enter the trait and after I clicked the "+" of Spell, while I should just drag the NPC in the CT without pushing the "+".

I do not know if it's the standard procedure but it worked.

Many thanks.

Does anyone know how to word an NPC Action that temporarily gives a creature vulnerability to bludgeoning damage? (Or if such a thing is even possible?) I know how to apply this manually as an effect (VULN: bludgeoning), or as a power on a PC sheet, but I'd really like to be able to do this right from an NPC monster sheet.

An example of the type of ability I'm trying to create: Brittle Bones. One adjacent creature gains vulnerability to bludgeoning damage for 1 minute.

There is no wording which will parse out effects such as resistance or vulnerability to damage.

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Originally Posted by Rades

Does anyone know how to word an NPC Action that temporarily gives a creature vulnerability to bludgeoning damage? (Or if such a thing is even possible?) I know how to apply this manually as an effect (VULN: bludgeoning), or as a power on a PC sheet, but I'd really like to be able to do this right from an NPC monster sheet.

An example of the type of ability I'm trying to create: Brittle Bones. One adjacent creature gains vulnerability to bludgeoning damage for 1 minute.

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You do that WITHIN the sat block.Attachment 26641

Nevermind DELETE ME! I don't mean delete this post, I mean DELETE ME FROM YOUR LIFE! I'm no help.

Also, why can't you delete posts on this message board?

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Originally Posted by rob2e

You do that WITHIN the sat block.Attachment 26641

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I knew you could set it up so that an NPC always had vulnerability - what I was hoping for was a way to make an ability that GAVE someone vulnerability during a fight. But it sounds like that isn't possible. Thanks Zacchaeus for the quick response, I'll just have to write the effect manually on the tracker when this ability is used. :)

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Originally Posted by rob2e

You do that WITHIN the sat block.

Nevermind DELETE ME! I don't mean delete this post, I mean DELETE ME FROM YOUR LIFE! I'm no help.

Also, why can't you delete posts on this message board?

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All you can do is edit your post and delete everything and replace it with something like "[deleted because I'm a doof!]"

You can build the effect (Brittle Bones; VULN: bludgeoning) in your Effects window with the appropriate settings for duration and visibility and then drag it into your hotlinks for quick access during your campaign. Just drag it onto the appropriate actor in the CT or on the battlemap.

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Originally Posted by cdhyanchand

You can build the effect (Brittle Bones; VULN: bludgeoning) in your Effects window with the appropriate settings for duration and visibility and then drag it into your hotlinks for quick access during your campaign. Just drag it onto the appropriate actor in the CT or on the battlemap.

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I think this is exactly what he was wanting to avoid having to do.

Bit of a necro, but what can you do. I spent the last 90 minutes fumbling around trying to get the 'Spellcasting' trait to work. Pro tip - make sure you have the damn source book loaded. Turns out the PHB wasn't loaded, so the spell auto parsing wasn't working. Just leaving this here for any other sleep deprived would-be DM's.

Hi, I need some help if you can, I have no idea what I am doing wrong, the wording for spellcasting action seems exactly as it should but the Spell saves and DC do not follow to CT

Attachment 38457

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Originally Posted by Cireiluj

Hi, I need some help if you can, I have no idea what I am doing wrong, the wording for spellcasting action seems exactly as it should but the Spell saves and DC do not follow to CT

Attachment 38457

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I believe you need to state what the spell DC and spell to hit numbers are in the Spellcasting trait. You would want The orc shamman is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The orc shamman has the following spells prepared:

(the spells part looks fine)