.png){kind=logo}
When creating a NPC monster statblock for the Fantasy Grounds Unity VTT platform, formatting and wording are crucial to ensure that the statblock is recognized and parsed correctly by the platform's import tool. There are two accepted formats for NPC statblocks in the platform: the standard format used in the official D&D 5e Monsters of the Multiverse sourcebook and the format used by D&D Beyond. The NPC Import Tool is located in the Campaign-->NPC--> (Bottom of the NPC Data Frame>) DnD5e Ruleset...
The key difference between these formats lies in the arrangement and orientation of the ability score numbers within the statblock, which is determined by the text input. It's worth noting that statblocks found online or in third-party content may deviate slightly or significantly from the official format, so it may be necessary to perform some minor editing in a text editor like Notepad++ to ensure the statblock adheres to the correct format.
Furthermore, it's a good practice to double check your formatting and compare it to the official D&D 5e NPC monster statblock. This will help ensure that the statblock is imported seamlessly and without errors on the Fantasy Grounds Unity VTT.
The following text can be considered a template for a DnD5e NPC monster statblock formatting. Please note that the HTML markup or Microsoft words can insert extra lines and unwanted spacing. PDFs are notorious to insert double spacing between carriage returns. Highlighting your text and using the CTRL+J shortcut will strip out extra lines, but use this with caution and judiciously as you will lose your actual formatting of the NPC statblock text.
Colons, bold print, indents, bullet point, semi colons, out of order text, armor vs armour class spellings, and descriptive line headers are not needed.
DND5E Stat block Example:
Grondar the Brawler
Humanoid (Half-Orc)Medium, Lawful Neutral
Armor Class 14 (Studded Leather)
Hit Points 45 (6d10 +12)
Speed: 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 8 (-1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0)
Saving Throws Str +5, Con +4
Skills: Athletics +5, Intimidation +2
Damage Vulnerabilities None
Damage Resistances None
Damage Immunities None
Condition Immunities None
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., normal
Languages: Common, Orc
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Traits Multiattack. Spellcasting. Innage Spellcasting.
Brawler. Grondar has advantage on attacks made with unarmed strikes.
Relentless Endurance. Grondar can drop to 1 hit point instead of 0 and still be conscious.
Savage Attacks. When Grondar scores a critical hit, they can roll one of the weapon's damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.
Half-Orc Resilience. Grondar has proficiency in saving throws against being frightened.
Actions
Club. Melee Weapon Attack +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 +3) bludgeoning damage.
Brawler's Strike. As a bonus action, Grondar can make an unarmed strike, which deals 1d4 +3 bludgeoning damage.
(with the strength modifier and proficiency bonus included).
When creating a NPC monster statblock for the Fantasy Grounds Unity VTT platform, formatting and wording are crucial to ensure that the statblock is recognized and parsed correctly by the platform's import tool. There are two accepted formats for NPC stat blocks in the platform: the standard format used in the official D&D 5e Monsters of the Multiverse sourcebook and the format used by D&D Beyond. The key difference between these formats lies in the arrangement and orientation of the ability score numbers within the statblock, which is determined by the text input.
It's worth noting that stat blocks found online or in third-party content may deviate slightly or significantly from the official format, so it may be necessary to perform some minor editing in a text editor like Notepad++ to ensure the statblock adheres to the correct format. Furthermore, it's a good practice to double check your format and compare it to the official D&D 5e NPC monster statblock. This will help ensure that the statblock is imported seamlessly and without errors on the Fantasy Grounds Unity VTT.
The following text can be considered an INCORRECT format for use with the FG Unity NPC parsing tool in the DnD5e rule set for NPC monster statblock import. Can you find the potential issues with the data below for parsing into the FGU Stat block import tool?
Wrong or Bad NPC text stat block Example:
Name: Grondar the Brawler
Race: Humanoid (Half-Orc)
Size: Medium
Alignment: LN
Armor Class: 14
Hit Points: 45
Speed: 30 feet
Ability Scores:
STR 16 (+3)DEX 12 (+1) CON 14 (+2) INT 8 (-1) WIS 12 (+1) CHA 10(+0)
Saving Throws: Str +5, Con +4
Skills: Athletics +5, Intimidation +2
Damage Vulnerabilities: None
Damage Resistances: None
Damage Immunities: None
Condition Immunities: None
Senses: Darkvision 60', normal
Languages: Common, Orc
CR: 2 (450 XP)
Traits:
Brawler: Grondar has advantage on attacks made with unarmed strikes.
Relentless Endurance- Grondar can drop to 1 hit point instead of 0 and still be conscious.
Savage Attacks When Grondar scores a critical hit, they can roll one of the weapon's damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.
Half-Orc Resilience, Grondar has proficiency in saving throws against being frightened.
Actions:
Club. Melee Weapon Attack +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8 bludgeoning damage.
Brawler's Strike. As a bonus action, Grondar can make an unarmed strike, which deals 1d4 damage (with the strength modifier and proficiency bonus included).
Note:
The Backstory and other notes or data gets pasted into the field on the right hand side on the NPC import tool.
Backstory:
Grondar is a towering, intimidating half-orc bouncer, whose strength and intimidating presence make him a formidable force in any physical confrontation. Despite his fearsome appearance, Grondar is not prone to violence and will only resort to it when necessary to defend his establishment and clients. He is quick to use his brawler trait to disarm any potential troublemakers without hurting them, and his half-orc traits allow him to be even more resilient in any situation.
Summary:
When creating NPC monster statblocks for the Fantasy Grounds Unity VTT platform, it's important to follow the correct formatting and wording to ensure the statblock is recognized and parsed correctly by the platform's import tool. Two accepted formats are the standard format used in the official D&D 5e Monsters of the Multiverse sourcebook and the format used by D&D Beyond. It may be necessary to perform some minor editing in a text editor to ensure the statblock adheres to the correct format, and it's a good practice to double check the formatting and compare it to the official D&D 5e NPC monster statblock. Use the CTRL+J shortcut to strip out extra lines but use it judiciously as it will lose your actual formatting of the NPC statblock text.
FG Atlassian Tect Formatting and Examples for NPC Statblocks Link.