Help please?

[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=PL...K8OjyjXn3wlhmL

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

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...cMB_V7LKl6mEIJ

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

[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 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.