Expand your virtual tabletop experience by seamlessly incorporating towers into your Fantasy Grounds campaigns. Towers, towering structures steeped in lore and adventure, can serve as formidable fortresses, enigmatic dungeons, or hidden sanctuaries. Adding them to your game unlocks a wealth of possibilities, enhancing immersion and creating unforgettable encounters. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to seamlessly integrate towers into your Fantasy Grounds world, empowering you to craft captivating storylines and unforgettable battles.
To begin, you must first import the tower image files into your Fantasy Grounds library. These files can be obtained from various sources, such as official module packs or community-created assets. Once imported, you can place the tower on your map using the object placement tools. By selecting the appropriate image and adjusting its size and orientation, you can position the tower strategically within your game world. Additionally, you can modify the tower’s properties, such as its name, description, and lighting effects, to customize its appearance and enhance its functionality.
Furthermore, you can add interactive elements to your tower to make it a truly dynamic entity. By creating zones within the tower, you can define specific areas that trigger events, such as combat encounters or dialogue interactions. You can also incorporate custom scripts to automate actions and add depth to the tower’s functionality. By leveraging these advanced features, you can create a fully immersive and interactive tower that will captivate your players and enhance their gaming experience.
Importing a Tower Map into Fantasy Grounds
Importing a tower map into Fantasy Grounds is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. First, you will need to locate the map file that you want to import. This file can be in a variety of formats, such as .jpg, .png, or .bmp. Once you have located the map file, you will need to open Fantasy Grounds and create a new campaign. Once you have created a new campaign, you will need to click on the “Maps” tab and then click on the “Import Map” button. A dialog box will appear that will allow you to select the map file that you want to import. Once you have selected the map file, click on the “Open” button. The map will then be imported into Fantasy Grounds and will appear in the “Maps” tab.
Adding a Tower Map to a Scene
Once you have imported a tower map into Fantasy Grounds, you can add it to a scene. To do this, click on the “Scenes” tab and then click on the “Add Scene” button. A dialog box will appear that will allow you to enter the name of the new scene. Once you have entered the name of the new scene, click on the “OK” button. The new scene will then be created and will appear in the “Scenes” tab. To add the tower map to the new scene, click on the “Maps” tab and then drag and drop the map onto the new scene.
Setting the Map Size and Position
Once you have added the tower map to the new scene, you can set the map size and position. To do this, click on the “Map” tab and then click on the “Size and Position” button. A dialog box will appear that will allow you to set the map size and position. The map size is measured in pixels and the map position is measured in feet. Once you have set the map size and position, click on the “OK” button. The map will then be resized and repositioned.
| Map Format | Supported |
|---|---|
| .jpg | Yes |
| .png | Yes |
| .bmp | Yes |
Creating a New Tower Tile Set
Creating a new tower tile set involves the following steps.
1. Creating the Base Tiles
Begin by creating a base grid of tiles that will form the foundation of your tower. These tiles should be simple squares or rectangles and should be sized to fit the scale of your other tiles. For example, if your other tiles are 100 pixels by 100 pixels, your base tiles should also be 100 pixels by 100 pixels.
2. Adding Details to the Base Tiles
Once you have created the base tiles, you can begin adding details to them. This can include adding windows, doors, balconies, and other architectural features. When adding details, consider the following factors:
- The scale of the tiles: The details should be small enough to fit on the tiles without looking cluttered or overwhelming.
- The style of the tower: The details should match the overall style of the tower, whether it is a medieval castle, a modern skyscraper, or something else.
- The purpose of the details: Some details may serve a functional purpose, such as windows or doors, while others may be purely decorative, such as balconies or ornamentation.
Here is a table summarizing the factors to consider when adding details to your tower tile set:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Scale | The size of the details in relation to the size of the tiles |
| Style | The architectural style of the details |
| Purpose | The functional or decorative purpose of the details |
Configuring the Tower’s Properties
Once the tower is placed on the canvas, you can right-click on it to access its properties. The properties window is divided into several tabs, each of which allows you to configure a different aspect of the tower.
The General tab contains basic information about the tower, such as its name, description, and size. You can also set the tower’s alignment and ownership here.
Lighting
The Lighting tab allows you to configure the tower’s lighting. You can choose from a variety of lighting effects, such as ambient light, spotlights, and flickering candles. You can also set the color and intensity of the light.
The following table lists the different lighting effects that are available in Fantasy Grounds:
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient Light | A soft, diffuse light that fills the entire tower. |
| Spotlight | A bright, focused light that can be used to highlight specific areas of the tower. |
| Flickering Candles | A flickering light that simulates the effect of candles. |
You can use the Preview button to see how the lighting effects will look in the tower.
Adding Rooms and Walls to the Tower
Once you have created the basic structure of your tower, you can start adding rooms and walls to create a more complex layout.
Creating Rooms
To create a room, select the “Room” tool from the toolbar. Then, click and drag to create the outline of the room. You can adjust the size and shape of the room by dragging the corners or sides of the outline.
Adding Walls
To add walls to a room, select the “Wall” tool from the toolbar. Then, click on the edge of the room where you want to add the wall. You can drag the mouse to create the length of the wall, and you can adjust the height of the wall by dragging the top or bottom of the wall.
Adding Doors and Windows
You can add doors and windows to your walls by using the “Door” and “Window” tools from the toolbar.
| Tool | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Door | Click on the edge of a wall to add a door. Drag the mouse to set the width of the door. |
| Window | Click on the wall to add a window. Drag the mouse to set the size of the window. |
Customizing the Tower’s Appearance
The appearance of your tower in Fantasy Grounds can be customized in a number of ways. Here are the steps involved:
1. Open the Tower Properties Window
Right-click on the tower in the Scene tab and select “Properties”.
2. Select the Appearance Tab
In the Tower Properties window, select the “Appearance” tab.
3. Change the Tower’s Image
To change the image of your tower, click on the “Browse” button and select a new image file.
4. Customize the Tower’s Size and Rotation
You can customize the size and rotation of your tower by adjusting the values in the “Size” and “Rotation” fields.
5. Add Custom Tokens to the Tower
To add custom tokens to your tower, click on the “Add Token” button. You can then select a token from your library or create a new one.
| Token | Description |
|---|---|
| Door | The entrance to the tower. |
| Window | A window in the tower. |
| Balcony | A balcony on the tower. |
You can also customize the appearance of your tokens by adjusting their size, rotation, and opacity. To do this, select a token and then click on the “Edit Token” button.
Adding Lighting and Fog Effects
Fantasy Grounds offers a robust lighting and fog system that can add depth and atmosphere to your virtual tabletop. To create lighting effects, go to the “Scene Lighting” tab in the “Scene” menu. Here, you can add lights and adjust their properties such as color, intensity, and range.
Fog effects can be added in the “Scene Fog” tab in the “Scene” menu. You can choose from different fog types, adjust the density, and set the fog’s distance from the camera.
The following table provides a summary of the lighting and fog properties you can adjust:
| Light Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | The color of the light. |
| Intensity | The brightness of the light. |
| Range | The distance at which the light has an effect. |
| Type | The type of light, such as directional, point, or spot. |
| Fog Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | The type of fog, such as linear or exponential. |
| Density | The thickness of the fog. |
| Distance | The distance from the camera at which the fog starts to appear. |
| Color | The color of the fog. |
Experiment with different lighting and fog settings to create atmospheric and immersive scenes for your Fantasy Grounds games.
Inserting the Tower Map
Begin by selecting the “Insert” tab within Fantasy Grounds and choosing “Map.” Locate your designated tower map and click “Insert from File.” Adjust its position and size as needed.
Placing Lights on the Map
Navigate to the “Layer” tab and select “Light.” Click on the map to add a light source. Repeat this process to create additional lights.
Configuring Light Properties
Right-click on each light source to access its properties. Adjust the “Radius” to control the area it illuminates. Select “Dynamic” for the “Lighting Type” to make the light respond to movement.
Setting Up Dynamic Lighting for the Tower
In the “Lighting” tab, ensure “Dynamic Lighting” is enabled. Adjust the “Dynamic Lighting Options,” such as “Fog of War” and “Token Visibility,” to modify how the light sources affect the map.
Creating Line of Sight
To establish line of sight between tokens and light sources, right-click on a token and select “Reset Line of Sight.” This will recalculate visibility based on the current lighting conditions.
Troubleshooting Lighting Issues
If you encounter flickering or other lighting problems, verify that the “Dynamic Lighting” option is enabled and that the “Lighting” tab settings are configured appropriately. Additionally, disable any third-party plugins that may interfere with lighting.
Tips for Dynamic Lighting Optimization
To improve performance, limit the number of light sources on the map and consider using “Occluders” to block light from certain areas. Optimize maps by removing unnecessary objects or walls that obstruct line of sight.
Adding Objects and NPCs to the Tower
To add objects and NPCs to the tower, you will need to use the Object and NPC tabs in the Tower Properties window. The Object tab allows you to add objects to the tower, while the NPC tab allows you to add NPCs to the tower.
Objects
To add an object to the tower, click on the Object tab in the Tower Properties window. Then, click on the Add button. This will open the Add Object window. In the Add Object window, you can select the type of object you want to add, as well as its name, description, and other properties.
NPCs
To add an NPC to the tower, click on the NPC tab in the Tower Properties window. Then, click on the Add button. This will open the Add NPC window. In the Add NPC window, you can select the type of NPC you want to add, as well as its name, description, and other properties.
NPC Properties
When you are adding an NPC to the tower, you will need to specify its properties. These properties include the NPC’s name, description, race, class, level, and alignment. You can also specify the NPC’s stats, skills, and abilities.
The NPC’s stats are its strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom, and charisma. The NPC’s skills are its proficiency in various skills, such as athletics, stealth, and persuasion. The NPC’s abilities are its special abilities, such as spellcasting or martial arts.
NPC Inventory
You can also specify the NPC’s inventory. The NPC’s inventory is the list of items that the NPC is carrying. You can add items to the NPC’s inventory by clicking on the Add button in the Inventory tab of the NPC Properties window.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | The name of the NPC. |
| Description | A description of the NPC. |
| Race | The race of the NPC. |
| Class | The class of the NPC. |
| Level | The level of the NPC. |
| Alignment | The alignment of the NPC. |
| Stats | The NPC’s stats. |
| Skills | The NPC’s skills. |
| Abilities | The NPC’s abilities. |
| Inventory | The NPC’s inventory. |
Using Macros to Automate Tower Events
Macros are a powerful tool in Fantasy Grounds that can be used to automate a variety of tasks, including tower events. By creating a macro that triggers a specific event, you can save time and effort while running your game.
To create a macro, open the Macros tab in the Fantasy Grounds interface. Click the New Macro button and enter a name for your macro. In the Macro Code field, enter the following code:
“`
[event]tower[/event]
“`
This code will trigger the tower event when the macro is executed. You can customize the event by adding additional parameters to the code. For example, the following code will trigger the tower event and set the difficulty to hard:
“`
[event]tower|difficulty=hard[/event]
“`
You can also use macros to automate other aspects of tower events, such as rolling for initiative, setting up the combat tracker, and awarding experience points. By creating a library of macros, you can streamline the process of running tower events and make your games more enjoyable.
Here is a table summarizing the different parameters that you can use to customize tower events:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| difficulty | The difficulty of the tower event. Can be easy, medium, hard, or deadly. |
| level | The level of the tower event. |
| size | The size of the tower event. Can be small, medium, or large. |
| treasure | The amount of treasure that is awarded for completing the tower event. |
| xp | The amount of experience points that are awarded for completing the tower event. |
Working with Multiple Tower Levels
Fantasy Grounds supports the creation of multi-level towers with different maps for each floor. Here’s how to manage multiple tower levels:
- Create the First Level: Create the first level of the tower using the Map Editor.
- Add New Level: Select "Tower" > "Add New Level" to create additional levels.
- Configure Level Properties: Set the dimensions, scale, and orientation of each level.
- Add Map Images: Add map images for each level by selecting "Tower" > "Add Map Image."
- Set Level Transitions: Use the "Level Transitions" tab to connect different levels using doors or stairs.
- Adjust Z-axis: Use the "Z" slider in the Map Editor to adjust the vertical positioning of each level.
- Change Default Level: Set the default level that players will enter when joining the game.
- Customize Level Names: Rename levels as needed to provide descriptive names for each floor.
- Determine Visibility: Choose whether to hide or reveal specific levels to players.
- Designate Encounter Level: Specify the encounter level of each level, allowing you to control the difficulty of encounters on each floor. This can be detailed by creating a table in HTML with 4 columns:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Tower Level | The name of the tower level. |
| Encounter Level | The encounter level assigned to the tower level. |
| Difficulty | The perceived difficulty of the encounters on the tower level. |
| Available Features | A summary of the features or significant encounters available on the tower level. |
How to add a tower to Fantasy Grounds
Towers are a great way to add verticality and challenge to your Fantasy Grounds games. They can be used as lookout points, sniper nests, or even as the final boss battle location. Adding a tower to Fantasy Grounds is a relatively simple process, and it can be done in just a few steps.
First, you will need to create a new map for your tower. You can do this by clicking on the “Maps” tab in the Fantasy Grounds interface, and then clicking on the “New Map” button. In the “New Map” dialog box, you will need to select the size of your map and the type of terrain you want to use. Once you have created your map, you can start adding the tower itself.
To add a tower to your map, you can either use the “Object” tool or the “Terrain” tool. The “Object” tool will allow you to place a pre-made tower on your map, while the “Terrain” tool will allow you to create your own tower from scratch. If you are using the “Object” tool, you will need to select the “Tower” category from the object library. Once you have selected a tower, you can click on the map to place it. If you are using the “Terrain” tool, you will need to select the “Tower” shape from the terrain library. Once you have selected the tower shape, you can click and drag on the map to create your tower.
Once you have added the tower to your map, you can start adding the interior. You can do this by clicking on the “Interior” tab in the Fantasy Grounds interface. In the “Interior” tab, you will find a variety of objects that you can use to furnish your tower. You can add furniture, weapons, armor, and even NPCs. Once you have finished adding the interior of your tower, you can save your map and start playing.
