Thread: NPC Character sheets suck.
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February 5th, 2025, 09:26 #1
NPC Character sheets suck.
I've done some searching, but haven't found what I wanted.
I just loaded up Curse of Strahd. I bought it for the FGC, and I now have Ultimate FGU when I found I was able to use my previously purchased material. Maybe that has something to do with it.
I was looking at NPCs, and the sheets.... seem to be the antithesis of what FG is about. There are no links, no QoL improvements for actions, or spells. Just some buttons that link to more sheets. No inventories, nothing to use in the Combat Tracker.
Am I going to have to do all these by hand? Can I do that, then swap the basic NPCs out? Are there "fixes" for this? I found this is also for the Dungeon of the Mad Mage NPCs as well.
Is this just a WotC thing?Last edited by BradMcLeod; February 5th, 2025 at 09:29.
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February 5th, 2025, 11:41 #2
NPCs don't have inventories. However everything else you mention shows up in the combat tracker when the NPC is placed there. All their attacks, damage, saving throws and spell actions appear there. In the case of actions you can also mouse over things like the attack or damage in the NPC sheet and it will highlight. You can click and hold and then drag that onto a target in the CT or onto a token on the map. You can do this for other things as well such as applying saving throws or effects to a target.
From the NPC sheet roll an NPCs saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks by double clicking on the small 'c' and 's' icons next to the ability scores; or if they have them on the skills listed under the ability score block. You can roll these from the Combat Tracker as well if the NPC is on the CT.
See here for more information on the Combat Tracker https://fantasygroundsunity.atlassia...Combat+Tracker and here for more information on the NPC sheet
https://fantasygroundsunity.atlassia...and+EncountersIf there is something that you would like to see in Fantasy Grounds that isn't currently part of the software or if there is something you think would improve a ruleset then add your idea here https://www.fantasygrounds.com/featu...rerequests.php
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February 5th, 2025, 18:05 #3
NPCs don't have inventories because WotC stat blocks for NPCs do not have inventories. The usual method is story driven by location. So their will be a story entry that has links to a map, encounter, & parcel. The encounter will have the NPCs in it and will define their placement on the map. The parcel will have any items found in the room or on the NPC that are considered lootable. Of course the DM can add more to this if they desire or the players want to strip the NPC bodies.
What you see shown in the stat blocks in FG is what you see shown in official sources. You can toggle NPCs and many other objects between legacy and 2024 formats with the button near the bottom. The stat blocks already have the automation needed built in. Spells from the spell casting trait will be parsed into actions when added to the combat tracker. Attacks etc will have clickable text actions, etc.
Perhaps if you include a few screen shots of what you are seeing and mark them up with what you are expecting we can help clarify exactly how to do what you need or identify if a capability is missing.
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February 5th, 2025, 18:08 #4
Well.... I guess I failed that check, eh? I feel dumb now. I'm just going to go back to under my rock.
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February 5th, 2025, 19:01 #5
Lesser Deity
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LOL, don't worry we have all roll a 1 on that perception check...
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February 5th, 2025, 20:14 #6
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Ironically, the 2024 Monster Manual does have 'inventory' now in the form of a line in the stat block for 'gear'. I'm not sure if that matters or not but figured I'd mention it.
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February 5th, 2025, 21:50 #7
Supreme Deity
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Yeah, but it's not really a true inventory; just sort of a notes field.
Regards,
JPG
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February 6th, 2025, 15:28 #8
Don't forget, for special NPCs (like BBEG and recurring villains) you can create a PC sheet for them and take ownership as the GM. I've done that in the past so that I could keep more details about them handy and improve them as the party progresses through the campaign.
Problems? See; How to Report Issues, Bugs & Problems
On Licensing & Distributing Community Content
Community Contributions: Gemstones, 5E Quick Ref Decal, Adventure Module Creation, Dungeon Trinkets, Balance Disturbed, Dungeon Room Descriptions
Note, I am not a SmiteWorks employee or representative, I'm just a user like you.
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February 6th, 2025, 18:21 #9
Pfft. More than one extension has NPC inventories - they are identical - I mean exactly - to the code that PC side uses down to the xml and all. Just not done in FGU.
Free(Forums/Forge) Extension(FGU 5E):
Paid (Forge) Extension(FGU 5E):
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February 6th, 2025, 21:21 #10
Supreme Deity
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While inventories can be done for NPCs if the ruleset enables them; it also adds significantly to the amount of work to prepare NPC books and adventures.
Regards,
JPG
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