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Initial Setup: PCs and NPCs

This guide shows how to prepare PCs and NPCs before a live game.

Why This Matters​

Setting up PCs and NPCs first is critical because:

  • initiative tracking depends on complete combatant data
  • VTT tokens need linked characters to show the right stats and names
  • encounter flow is faster when core entries already exist

If this setup is skipped, the first combat usually slows down with manual edits and token fixes.

Goal​

By the end of this guide, you can:

  • create usable PC and NPC entries
  • verify each entry has initiative-ready fields
  • connect entries to tokens for smooth VTT play

Estimated Time​

10 to 20 minutes

1. Set Up PCs First​

Create or review your player characters before the session starts.

For each PC, confirm:

  • display name is correct
  • HP and AC are filled in
  • initiative modifier is set
  • any key notes are present

This ensures initiative order and token labels are correct as soon as combat starts.

2. Set Up NPCs and Monsters​

Add the NPCs and monsters you expect to run in your first encounter.

For each NPC, confirm:

  • name is clear and unique
  • HP, AC, and initiative modifier are entered
  • role or short notes are present when useful

Tip: Keep names distinct (for example, Goblin A, Goblin B) to avoid confusion in initiative and on the map.

3. Validate Initiative Readiness​

Open the Initiative tab and verify that all needed PCs and NPCs are available.

Check for:

  • missing HP or AC values
  • missing initiative modifiers
  • duplicate names that can cause mistakes during turn flow

Fix these now so the first round does not stall.

Open your map and place tokens for the prepared PCs and NPCs.

Confirm each token is linked correctly by checking:

  • token name matches the intended character
  • health and status updates affect the right entry
  • visibility settings are correct for player view

This is the key step that connects prep work to live gameplay.

5. Run a Quick Dry Pass​

Before inviting players, test one mini turn cycle:

  • advance initiative once
  • select one PC and one NPC token
  • apply a small update (such as HP change)

If all values and tokens stay in sync, your setup is ready.

Initial Setup Checklist​

  • PCs created with HP, AC, and initiative modifier
  • NPCs created with HP, AC, and initiative modifier
  • initiative list reviewed for missing or duplicate data
  • tokens placed and linked to the correct entries
  • one dry pass completed without sync issues