Explaining the FoundryVTT Server
What is FoundryVTT?
Foundry Virtual Tabletop (FoundryVTT, Foundry, FVTT) is an application for hosting and playing TTRPGs remotely over the internet. All aspects of the game can be done within Foundry- creating characters, exploring maps, rolling dice, playing background music, and more. Additionally, much of the Foundry experience is automated, so very little math has to be done by the players. Kelek specifically runs on a dedicated server, so it is accessible even when the host is not online. It also has several modules to aid in automation and quality of life.
Hardware Requirements
Minimum Specifications
- Relatively modern computer running Windows 10 or 11, macOS Big Sur (or newer), or Linux operating systems, with support for 64-bit architecture.
- An integrated GPU to enable hardware acceleration.
- 8GB of RAM
- A monitor no smaller than 1366x768. At this minimum resolution many aspects of the UI will feel cramped.
- A modern web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Edge with hardware acceleration enabled. (Safari is not a supported browser at this time).
Recommended Specifications
- Relatively modern computer running Windows 10 or 11, macOS Big Sur (or newer), or Linux operating systems with support for 64-bit architecture.
- A dedicated GPU which supports WebGL 2.0.
- 16GB of RAM
- A monitor with 1920x1080 or higher resolution.
- A mouse. You can use the software with a touchpad but the current software is designed for mouse and keyboard.
- Chrome or a Chromium-based browser provides an experience closest to the FVTT desktop application.
Log in
To log into Foundry, fill out your information under 'Username' and 'Password'. Your username will be your Discord username, not display name. Your password ('Access Key') will be randomly generated along with your Foundry account, and sent to you by the Storyteller who creates your account once you have been approved through a Ticket. Make sure to save your credentials!
- Note: Your username will be what it was at the time of account generation, it will not automatically update if you change your username within Discord.
The Home Page
- Town Map: Opens the map of Onadbyr, which includes markers for the shops. To return to the home page, click the red arrow in the upper left corner.
- Character: Opens the character sheet of your selected character.
- Wiki: Opens the Kelek wiki in a new tab.
To open the sidebar and full UI, click the left-facing arrow at the top right corner of the page.
Chat Messages
The Chat Messages tab is the tab you will spend 90% of your time on. It shows everything going on in the session, from text chat to attack rolls to spell effects.
Encounters
The Encounters tab shows the turn order, as well as the status effects of each combatant.
Actors
The Actors tab shows a list of actors that you have access to/ownership of, organized into folders.
Party Sheet
The Party Sheet consolidates the character sheets of the characters attending the current session. The Party Folder contains tons of valuable information, including skill modifiers, languages, classes, and ancestries of all characters. In addition, it allows the players and GM to see how many Hero Points each character has, their current HP, and what Exploration Action they are currently taking. To access the Party Sheet, click the 'Open Sheet' icon on the 'The Party' folder.
Items
The Items tab shows any items that Storytellers have shared with you, sorted into folders by Storyteller.
Journal
The Journal contains "handouts" from the Storytellers, as well as Shops and various resources.
Rollable Tables
The Rollable Tables tab contains any randomization tables that have been provided by the Storytellers.
Card Stacks
The Card Stacks tab contains any decks or drawable items provided by the Storytellers, such as a Deck of Many Things.
Playlists
In the Playlists tab you can view any tracks you have access to, view the currently playing track, and adjust the Playlists, Ambient, and Interface volumes.
Compendium Packs
The Compendium houses all of the content, sorted into folders and books, and fully searchable.
Game Settings
This tab gives you access to all the adjustable settings in Foundry. For more information, see the Useful Keybinds and Useful Settings articles.
HUD
Tools
Players
User Configuration
In the Players tray you can see all of the players currently logged into Kelek, along with their ping.
To access your User Configuration, right click on your name and click 'User Configuration'. In the User Configuration menu you can change your associated colors, as well as change the character associated with you. This is especially important if you have multiple characters, as any items are bought by the currently selected character. To change characters, click 'Release Character', click on the character you want selected, then click 'Save Configuration'.
Trading with other Players
The Players tray is also where you can trade with other players who are online. To initiate a trade, click the 'Request Trade' button. Use the drop-down menu to select who you'd like to trade with. Note that only players who are currently online will be available to trade with. Ensure that the actor listed is the actor that you want to trade from. If not, click on the actor to unselect it, and pick a different one. Click 'Send Trade Request' and wait for your partner to accept. Drag and drop from your character sheet the item(s) you would like to offer. To add currency, click the '+Add Currency' button near the bottom of the trade window. Once everything is set, click 'Accept' and wait for your partner to do the same. The trade will then be complete, and the items will automatically transfer.
Changing your Password
To change your password, right click on your name and click 'Update Your Password'. Fill in the new password and confirm it, then click 'Apply'.
Note: Storytellers will be able to see your password, so make sure it is unique to the Foundry.