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Foundry VTT - Basics for Dragonbane

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Foundry VTT: Dragonbane Campaign Initialization

Foundry Virtual Tabletop (VTT) is particularly well-suited for Dragonbane due to its robust support for the system’s unique mechanics, such as card-based initiative and roll pushing. Unlike generic platforms, Foundry allows for deep automation of Free League’s specific ruleset, provided the foundation is laid correctly.

System and World Initialization

The first step in any Foundry campaign is defining the architecture of the server.

  1. Game System Installation:

    • Navigate to the “Game Systems” tab in the main Foundry setup menu.
    • Install Dragonbane / Drakar och Demoner (Official System by Free League).
    • Note: The free system includes the character sheet and basic mechanics (rolling, pushing, initiative). It does not include the full text of the rulebook or the art assets unless you purchase the premium “Dragonbane Core Rules” module.

  2. World Creation:

    • Game System: Select dragonbane from the dropdown.
    • Data Path: Ensure your user data is stored on a drive with sufficient space, as Dragonbane assets (maps and tokens) can be high-fidelity.

The Dragonbane Interface Structure

While the layout is similar to other systems, Dragonbane utilizes specific tabs differently:

  • Combat Tracker (Initiative): Unlike D20 systems that use dice, this tab manages the Initiative Deck (1-10 cards). The system automatically deals cards to combatants at the start of a round and handles reshuffling.
  • Actors:
    • Player Characters: Full automation for Attributes, Skills, and “Pushing” rolls (which automatically marks Conditions).
    • Monsters: Simplified sheets that often feature clickable “Monster Attacks” tables, automating the randomness of creature behavior.
  • Compendiums: If you own the Core Rules module, this is where you will find drag-and-drop Spells, Heroic Abilities, and Kin.

Scene Configuration

Dragonbane focuses heavily on exploration and lighting.

1. Grid and Scale

Dragonbane typically uses a 2-meter grid.

  • Grid Type: Square.
  • Grid Scale: Set to 2 meters (standard Dragonbane movement unit).
  • Gridless Option: For “Theater of the Mind” scenes (common in travel montages), set the grid Opacity to 0 but keep the scale for measuring range if needed.

2. Lighting and Atmosphere

Darkness is a mechanic in Dragonbane (torches have limited duration/radius).

  • Global Illumination: Turn OFF for dungeons/caves to force players to use light sources.
  • Token Lights: PCs carrying torches should have their token light emission set to Dim: 10 and Bright: 0 (or appropriate meters per item rules).
  • Fog of War: Crucial for maintaining the mystery of exploration.

Interactive Journals (Lore Management)

Dragonbane is lore-rich. Organizing information effectively is key.

  • Map Pins: Drag Journal Entries (e.g., “Room 3: The Crypt”) onto the Scene canvas to create clickable pins. This keeps your room descriptions visually tied to the map location.
  • Handouts: Use the “Show to Players” function on specific image journals to display riddles or clues found during the adventure.

I wonder…

  • How can I automate the “Banes and Boons” mechanic using Foundry macros for situational modifiers?
  • Is there a way to sync my Obsidian session notes directly into Foundry Journals to avoid double-entry?
  • Can I configure the “Token Action HUD” module to give players one-click access to their Heroic Abilities without opening their character sheets?

References

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