5E - AoE Spells Auto-Targeting & Upcast (FREE BETA)

[Henix]

This is an excellent catch, and it is actually the exact type of scenario I was referring to in my previous post when I mentioned: "Regarding the management of custom effects and spells that aren't currently fully automated or scalable with upcasting under the hood, I am already working on a major update addressing exactly this."

The current parser struggles with multi-option cantrips like Toll the Dead, miscalculating the base progression and incorrectly overlapping the scaling dice across the different damage actions.

The good news is that this is precisely what the new system fixes! I am currently putting the finishing touches on it, and I think I should be able to push this big update by tomorrow. Because it is a very massive update with a lot of structural changes, it will be accompanied by a video explaining all the new features and how the custom upgraded scaling logic works.

Thank you for the detailed breakdown, the fix is right around the corner!

[Henix]

Hi guys,

The massive update is actually postponed for a couple of days because I have some things to manage IRL. I will let you know as soon as it goes live!

[SmackDaddy]

Is this still in beta or will this be released as paid soon?

And how does this differ from the updated AoE Targeting extension recently updated?

[Lo Zeno]

And how does this differ from the updated AoE Targeting extension recently updated?

The AoE Targeting extension does just that, adds functionalities to target tokens with areas of effect spells instead of manually targeting each token.

This extension does what it says on the first post:
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forum...l=1#post763888

• Precise Template Auto-Targeting: Automatically calculates and selects tokens within spell templates instantly upon placement. No more dragging targets manually for Fireball!
• Smart Upcasting: Handles spell upcasting mechanics perfectly, ensuring the correct damage and scale are applied dynamically for most spells.
• Persistent Spell Management: Tracks ongoing, turn-by-turn spell effects seamlessly without cluttering your Combat Tracker.

The upcasting popup is the key differentiating point, IMHO. But also the way they handle AOE targeting is different.

[Henix]

Is this still in beta or will this be released as paid soon?
And how does this differ from the updated AoE Targeting extension recently updated?

The AoE Targeting extension does just that, adds functionalities to target tokens with areas of effect spells instead of manually targeting each token.

This extension does what it says on the first post:
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forum...ing-amp-Upcast

The upcasting popup is the key differentiating point, IMHO. But also the way they handle AOE targeting is different.

To answer the first part: Yes, the extension is currently in beta while I work through these major feature implementations and ensure everything is rock-solid. I estimate it will remain in beta for roughly another month and a half before the official release.

Regarding the comparison, Lo Zeno explained it perfectly!

The core difference comes down to the scope and design philosophy. From what I understand, the other AoE Targeting extension is a good, more generalized targeting system. This extension, however, is built from the ground up to focus on COMPLETE automation specifically tailored for D&D 5e (fully supporting both the 2014 and 2024 rulesets).

Instead of just calculating token targeting on the map, this extension integrates the shapes directly into the underlying 5e mechanics. It handles the interactive upcasting popups, automates slot deduction, manages complex dynamic damage/effect scaling based on spell levels, and tracks ongoing persistent spell.

Essentially, it aims to be a comprehensive mechanical overhaul for how spells are cast and resolved in 5e, rather than just a targeting aid!

[Henix]

The Update v0.2 is LIVE!

The massive new update is officially live on the Forge!

I won't paste the giant walls of technical documentation here since you can find all the specific tag details on the Forge description page itself, but this update introduces a complete overhaul for spell management, advanced custom upcasting/tags, and full NPC Combat Tracker support.

I’ve put together an update video explaining all the major changes, new tags, and features in action, so be sure to check that out for the full walkthrough!

Watch the Showcase Video on YouTube

I really hope this update addresses the edge cases we've been diving into and makes everyone happy with the new level of automation. Please pull down the latest version and let me know how it performs in your upcoming sessions!

Happy gaming!

[MrDDT]

Wow this is super awesome! Nice work.

[MrDDT]

Can you make it so that the targets when they are AOE permanent, can't be targeted? I can see when people using AOEs they might target stuff by mistake.

They can be targeted by AOEs and other AURAs. Maybe put an option in for it?

AOE Effect ext also has built in that if you have the creature type "Object" it will not be targeted by AOE Effects. Also using type Object, will not trigger on self (when it's the bearer of that). So if you are placing an AOE Effect on an "Object" NPC place holder. You can use the basic coding of

NameofAoE; AURA: 10 all; AOE Effect Name; Effect of AOE.

Example:

Flaming Sphere; AURA: 5 all; AoE Flaming Sphere; SAVEE: [SDC] DEX (M); SAVEDMG: 2d6 fire

When this is placed on a normal NPC that has a type other than "Object" it will trigger each end of turn, however, if the type is "Object" it will not place the "AoE Flaming Sphere" on that Object. Also it will not place that on any Object type.

That make sense?


So much good stuff in this update. Thank you for the video.

[Lo Zeno]

The Update v0.2 is LIVE!

Watch the Showcase Video on YouTube

Massive update indeed! I'm still going through the video but it already looks like a lot of great stuff

[SmackDaddy]

I am still doing some testing to figure out the conflict, but with this update, me nor my players get the pop-up (or shapes that pop-up) any longer when clicking use power. My player said he was getting this in his logs:

[6/12/2026 11:20:52 AM] [WARNING] window: Anchored static width ignored for control (targeting_add_button) in windowclass (ct_section_targets)
[6/12/2026 11:20:52 AM] [WARNING] window: Anchored static width ignored for control (targeting_clear_button) in windowclass (ct_section_targets)
[6/12/2026 11:20:59 AM] [WARNING] window: Anchored static width ignored for control (targeting_add_button) in windowclass (ct_section_targets)
[6/12/2026 11:20:59 AM] [WARNING] window: Anchored static width ignored for control (targeting_clear_button) in windowclass (ct_section_targets)
[6/12/2026 11:21:00 AM] [WARNING] window: Anchored static width ignored for control (targeting_add_button) in windowclass (ct_section_targets)
[6/12/2026 11:21:00 AM] [WARNING] window: Anchored static width ignored for control (targeting_clear_button) in windowclass


UPDATE: Disregard - I ended up not realizing the name changed and it was unloaded in my extensions (normally if the name stays the same, it doesn't unload it) I loaded it, and it's working now. Thank you! (maybe this will help someone else which is why I left my post intact)