Hello, tabletop enthusiasts and devoted game masters! Today, we are diving into the latest Fantasy Grounds update and exploring some high-flying features that are sure to elevate your gaming sessions—literally. With the new build, currently in the test channel, Fantasy Grounds is introducing floating and flying tokens, paving the way for more dynamic combat and environmental interaction in your virtual tabletop adventures.
The Magic of Flight
In the fantastical world of TTRPGs, creatures that defy gravity are not just common; they're essential to the lore and excitement of the game. From the ominous beholder to the mystical sprite, having them hovering above the battlefield adds an immersive layer to gameplay. Let’s take a look at how Fantasy Grounds is capturing this essence with its new feature.
A Peek at the Floating Feature
During the latest test channel preview, Doug Davison, CEO of SmiteWorks, demonstrates how tokens, like beholder zombies, can now appear to float on-screen. This little trick is a game-changer for visualizing the position of these creatures during a session. Utilizing the altitude feature is a breeze; by holding down the alt key and scrolling your mouse wheel, you can adjust a creature's height, giving the illusion that it's floating in the game space.
"Elevate your game by simply using the alt key and mouse wheel to raise your creatures to new heights—visually and strategically!"
Here's a quick rundown on how this works:
1. Select a flying creature's token.
2. Hold down alt.
3. Scroll the mouse wheel to adjust the creature’s altitude.
Strategic Gameplay with Height Adjustments
Distance calculation plays a pivotal role in any role-playing game, especially when it comes to targeting and spellcasting. Thankfully, with Fantasy Grounds’ new build, as you increase a creature's altitude, it will automatically recalibrate the distance—so you do not have to do the hard math. The system employs the Pythagorean theorem, adjusting the direct line based on how high the token’s position is.
This means that your aerial and subterranean strategies can become more complex and nuanced. Imagine having an encounter where your players are fending off a beholder zombie while it's fifteen feet in the air—gone are the days of abstract descriptions for altitude!
More Than Just Monsters: Players Take Flight Too
Not only can you elevate the monsters of your campaign, but you also have the power to send your players' characters soaring. The same mechanics apply:
1. Select a player token.
2. Hold alt and scroll.
3. Watch as the token rises to the new altitude.
By applying this to players, everyone can maneuver around in a three-dimensional playground, which is particularly useful if you have characters with flying abilities or spells at their disposal.
Beyond Just Airborne Acrobatics
Another nifty addition to the system is the ability to change background colors to suit your game's environment. You may start with a default black background, but you can tweak this to match the ambiance of your scene. Whether it's a moonlit night or a dusky blue dawn, the background customization enhances the mood during your campaign sessions.
Delving into Depth: Subterranean Shenanigans
One particular example I showcased was a bulette tunneling beneath the ground. Now, you can not only represent creatures that fly but also those that burrow, adding even more layers to your battle tactics.
A Visual Feast
Fantasy Grounds has been hard at work converting various books. Every creature has been carefully scaled and placed to look great in 3D space. It's almost like having a virtual miniatures collection at your fingertips!
Wrapping Up the Flight Demonstration
As our journey through the new flying features of Fantasy Grounds concludes, it’s clear that this new addition is ready to take tabletop RPGs to new heights, both figuratively and literally. Whether it's a fierce dragon sweeping down from the skies or a cunning rogue taking a high-flying leap, the possibilities are as boundless as your imagination.
Stay tuned for more feature-filled updates, and do not hesitate to explore all the creatures in mesmerizing 3D. Your feedback is invaluable as Fantasy Grounds continues to refine and perfect these tools, so share your thoughts and experiences!
Have fun and roll the dice.