Right! Let's get this started! Oh, you all better thank me for this ...
WARNING! WARNING!
Before you continue reading, make sure you have fully read
this guide.
I will
assume you know the terminology I mentioned in that previous mini-guide.
Good. Now then, this is a guide on how to utilize something called a
framework.
A framework is a collection of macros, tokens, icons, and other things that help you play a specific campaign setting in MapTool. This framework helps you play Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition!
If you are a part of our current D&D group, you probably recognized my different character portrait.
So yes, this is a (mostly step-by-step) guide explaining on how to get all of that.
First of all download Veggiesama's Framework (D&D 4e) version 2.34, which is the current version.
Here is the link to the forum page in which you can download it.
http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=16429
The download link is in big letters, you can't miss it. Keep this forum page open since it also is a guide on how to set-up the framework. If at any point
my directions stop making sense or if
you get confused, refer to
the framework post.
If you still remain confused, message me and I'll be glad to help!
So, did you download the version 2.34 file? Good. It's in the form of a zip file, so
extract it to a convenient location - such as your Desktop. If you don't know how to extract a zip file, Google is your friend.
Once you have zip file extracted, now we can begin.
- Open up Maptools.
- CHANGE your stack size to a higher number, such as 3 or 4.
- In the main MapTools screen (with the green background) click on the File menu.
- Click on Open Campaign and find the campaign file (Veg2.34_Framework.cmpgn) you extracted from the Veg2.34.zip. When done, click on the Open button.
Tada! You should see a bunch pre-made tokens. You should also see Kueh's waifu ... *cough*
Anyway! Some of the tokens are sample player characters and monsters. You can ignore them for now. Your main focus is the yellow knight named "Player Character".
Click on the "Player Character" token and press Ctrl+C to copy it. With your mouse hovering over another area of the map, press Ctrl+V to paste a new copy of that token.
This new copied token will be the starting point of your new character.
Now, you are ready to customize your character! Yay!
Customizing your new token
- Right click on your new copied token and go down on the drop-down menu and click on "Edit"
- Now, find your token image file (the one you have or just created ... right? D: ) on your computer.
- Drag the token image to the top left corner of the newly formed pop-up window. It has a picture of the yellow knight. Also, change the name of your token - while you are at it! Look to the right a bit.
- Click on the "Config" menu tab and drag your token image again to the blank "Portrait" square. It is near the bottom.
- Don't change anything else and just hit the "Ok" button at the bottom right.
Right now, you've adjusted your character token for aesthetic purposes ... but now comes the real part. Stats and skills.
Click on your character token and take a look to your left. You see all these shiny buttons. These are macros. With just a click, you can activate powers and abilities. Good stuff!
But first, let's adjust your in-built character sheet. It would be VERY helpful to have your own character's Character Sheet opened at this time. I will be referring to it, A LOT.
In the macro panel to your left, under "Setup", click on "Character Sheet".
First of all, READ the words carefully. I'll highlight major points, but read and input everything CAREFULLY.
- Type in your current character's level and speed (how many squares of movement)
- Type in your actual stat values for Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. DO NOT put in your stat modifiers.
- Now, look at your class information in the Player's Handbook. (You have one, right?)
- Place any and all the relevant information under the "Hit points and Healing surges" column.
- Adjust the Initiative and Saving throw values, if necessary!
- Now, go to the "Defenses" column. Plug the information from your character sheet. Really, that's it.
- For the "Skills" column, add the bonuses from the "Trained +5" and "Misc" category of your Character Sheet. Don't forget the armor check penalty!
- Forget about the "Misc" column and just click on "Ok".
Oh. Please tell me we are done .... nope. Not even close :cry:
Next, we have to adjust our weapons and implements! Our character is just unarmed, otherwise D:
So, next to the "Character Sheet" button there is a "Weapons and Implements" button. Click on it.
- First, choose the "Edit Weapons/Implements" choice. Then hit "Ok".
- Click on the drop-down menu and choose "Add New Weapon"
- Write in your Weapon's name and stats ... I can't go any more in-dept than that ...
- Hit "Ok" and the weapon will be saved on your character token. Rinse and repeat for multiple weapons or implements.
- When you are done making your weapons/implements, click on the "Weapons and Implements" button again. This time hit the "Equip Weapons/Implements" choice. Then hit "Ok".
- Choose what weapons and implements your character is holding/using. Now you are done with that.
The next thing you want to do is press the pink macro labeled "Rest" (it's under Tools) to get yourself to full HP. Also, Right-click your token, and click Save. Now, save it in a place where you'll remember it.
This is the token file you will give to your DM (Dungeon Master) for the campaign! All you have to do is drop the actual token file (not the picture) onto the DM's map. Also, be sure to tell him/her that it's your newly created token.
Whenever you want to adjust your character token again, just re-load the framework and keep adjusting it to perfection!
****. I haven't even talked about making macros. Screw that noise. This should be enough for now :fail3: