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Arbron’s Summoning (5e)

An Add-on Module for Foundry Virtual Tabletop

Author: Jeff "Arbron" Hitchcock Project Source: Project URL Versions 10.274 - 11 (Verified 11) Last Updated 6 months, 1 week ago

Attention: The functionality of this module has been implemented into the DnD5e system since `3.1.0`. This module will not work with that version of the system or later and will not be updated to do so, nor will it be updated for Foundry V12 due to compatible system versions not supporting V12.

Unfortunately due to changes in where summoning data is stored (the system stores it on the summoning spell rather than on the actors), it isn't feasible to provide a migration script from the module to the system's implementation.

This module is designed to make it easy as pie to summon creatures within DnD5e using a simple interface that integrates seamlessly into the standard 5e experience. The module makes use of Honeybadger's excellent Warp Gate module to handle the creation and placement of the actors.

Note: This module is designed to make it easy to implement spells like "Summon Undead" or "Dancing Lights" and features like "Summon Wildfire Spirit" that summon a specific actor template that requires modification based on the casting or caster level. It is not designed for spells like "Conjure Woodland Beings" that can summon any number of different types of creatures without modification.

Step 1: Create Actor to be Summoned

First, create the actor you wish to summon with its default stats. For spells that summon several variants of a single creature template (such as "Summon Undead"), I recommend creating a single version initially and then splitting into variants once the initial configuration is complete to save work.

Summoned creatures can reference the roll data of their summoner using the @summoner reference in a formula. For example, you wanted to add the casting spell's level in damage you could write @summoner.item.level.

Item damage configuration with the formula `1d8 + 4 + @summoner.item.level`

Note: This summoner information is locked the moment the summoning occurs. Any subsequent changes to the summoner will not be reflected in the summoned actor.

Step 2: Configure Actor

Next, click the "Summons Configuration" button that appears on the bottom of the default NPC sheet or within the "Special Traits" menu on other sheets to being customizing the configuration.

The Summon Configuration window with the formula `5 + @classes.druid.levels * 5` entered into the HP Formula input

Actor Changes portion of the Summon Configuration window with an change key of `system.attributes.movement.fly` and a value of `@details.level * 5`

Once this configuration is complete, it is time to perform any necessary duplication to your actor to create variants.

Step 3: Configure Summoning Features

Next, it is time to modify your feature or spell to handle the summoning. Open up the details page on your item and change the "Action Type" to the new "Summoning" type. This will display a new section near the bottom with a drop area. Drop the actor or actors you prepared above into this area to indicate they can be summoned.

The details page for a feature with the Summoning action type selected and a Wildfire Spirit configured in the summons section

The count field can be used to summon more than one actor at a time. This is useful for a spell like "Dancing Lights" which allows the caster to summon 4 smaller globes with a single casting.

The name field next to the item will change the name as displayed in the summoning window, but will not change the name of the summoned actor.

Step 4: Get Summoning

Now you just need to use the feature or spell from your character sheet and you will be able to summon the creature:

The ability use dialog with a dropdown for selecting type to summon & a Place Summons checkbox

The item usage window will allow you to decide whether you want something summoned at all, and if so, which of the variants you configured should be created. Once you are done with your summoned actor, simply use the "Dismiss" button on the sheet header to send them away.

Supported Game Systems

  1. Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition

    Latest Version: Version 4.1.2 Last Updated 3 weeks, 1 day ago

Categories

Available Versions

  1. Version 1.1.7

    6 months, 1 week ago
    Foundry Version 10.274 - 11 (Verified 11) Manifest URL Read Notes