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The Ultimate Guide to Module Conversion and Optimization in Fantasy Grounds Unity
Table of Contents
Introduction
Impact of Connection and Performance
Understanding Map Types and Sizes
Pixel Sizes and File Estimation
Extensions and Custom Graphics
Unsharing Images
Scope and Types of Conversions
Quality of Source Material
Tools for Conversion
Approach to Conversions
Conclusion
Resources
Step by step work-flow suggestions
Introduction
The immersive nature of a virtual tabletop (VTT) game like Fantasy Grounds Unity can be significantly impacted by performance issues. This guide delves into optimizing your VTT environment.
Impact of Connection and Performance
Fantasy Grounds Unity operates on a host-client model. The system with the slowest connection can impact gameplay for all. Smiteworks recommends limiting image dimensions to 4000x4000 pixels max.
Understanding Map Types and Sizes
Different types of maps serve different purposes, from tactical battle maps to regional maps. The size should align with their intended use.
Pixel Sizes and File Estimation
Understanding the relationship between file size, pixels, and dimensions can help ensure optimal performance. For example, a 1000x800 pixel RGB image would roughly be around 2.3 MB.
Extensions and Custom Graphics
The use of extensions or custom graphics can affect performance. Keep an eye on the overall file size of your images/tokens folders within the FG data folder.
Unsharing Images
As your campaign progresses, consider 'unsharing' images to prevent performance issues.
Scope and Types of Conversions
Small Projects and Edits: Ideal for personal use.
Building from a PDF, Website, or Word: Suitable for complex projects.
Conversions for Smiteworks or Publishers: Professional-level conversions.
Quality of Source Material
Word or Adobe Publisher Files: High quality, easy to extract text and images.
PDF Format: Quality varies, text and images may be difficult to extract.
Website: Quality varies, may require web scraping tools.
Photos Only: Low quality, requires OCR for text and image extraction.
Tools for Conversion
Image Editing: Gimp is a free and open-source image editor that offers a range of sophisticated tools for various tasks including high-quality photo manipulation.
Text Editing: Notepad++ is a free source code editor that supports several languages and aims to reduce carbon emissions by using less CPU power. Sublime Text offers features like GPU rendering, multiple selections for quick renaming, and an auto-complete engine that provides smart completions based on existing code.
Approach to Conversions
FG Reference Manual Only: Best for rule-heavy games.
FG Story Entry Data: Best for story-driven campaigns.
Both: A comprehensive module that includes both the rulebook and the story elements.
Conclusion
Seamless VTT gaming on Fantasy Grounds Unity requires careful management of resources. This guide aims to provide you with the insights you need to succeed.
Resources
Developer Guide - Product Guidelines
Step by step suggestions Below:
Creating Modules in Fantasy Grounds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive walkthrough for creating modules in Fantasy Grounds, a virtual tabletop for role-playing games.
Prerequisites
Fantasy Grounds software
Basic understanding of role-playing game mechanics
Steps
1. Initial Setup
Create a new campaign in Fantasy Grounds.
Decide on the order of elements you'll build: NPCs, items, encounters, etc.
2. Building Elements
NPCs
Create new NPCs by filling in the relevant fields.
Drag and drop tokens onto the NPC sheet.
Items
Create new items, specifying their properties.
Items can be weapons, armor, or other types of gear.
Encounters
Create new encounters and specify the NPCs involved.
Calculate the Challenge Rating (CR) for the encounter.
Quests
Create new quests and specify the objectives and rewards.
Parcels
Create parcels to hold items and gold rewards.
Link parcels to relevant story entries or encounters.
Maps and Images
Import maps and images into the module.
Grid the maps and place encounter tokens.
Tables
Create tables for random outcomes or loot.
Pre-Generated Characters
Create pre-generated characters if needed.
3. Story Entries
Create story entries to hold the narrative, encounters, and other elements.
Link NPCs, items, and encounters to the story entries.
4. Pinning Maps
Open the map and lock it.
Drag story entries onto the map to create pins.
Place encounter tokens on the map.
5. Exporting the Module
Type /export in Fantasy Grounds.
Fill in the module details: title, thumbnail, category, and author.
Select the elements to include in the export.
Click "Export" to create the .mod file.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Close and reopen Fantasy Grounds to see the new module.
Load the module in a test campaign to verify all elements are working as expected.
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