Macros with variables

From the help tutorial menu: Using a variable with a Macro If you'd like to use a variable modifier with your macro roll, simply end the macro command with the modifier, and then specify it when calling your macro Example If I want a macro for 1d20+x ( where x is my variable value ) I could create the following macro: #d20   /roll 1d20+ then, when running the macro, type  #d20 4  to get  /roll 1d20+4 I made a macro that looks like this:  /desc The fierce ogre lunges, spear in hand! /gmroll d20+14+  /gmroll d8+13 /gmroll d20+9+ /gmroll d8+13 I was hoping that the macro would perform as normal unless I added in a number at the end when starting it. Ie it would treat the open + as a zero.  Instead I find that the macro disregards all math in the line with the open + and just rolls the dice as requested.  Is there any way to make it treat the open + as a zero unless otherwise specified? I was hoping to use the variable to enter ad-hoc bonuses like flanking or short-duration buff spells without adding them to the attack macro.

First, and easiest answer: use parenthesis ( )- it counts that as a 0 space, I pretty sure, and you can put a variable in it. I'm pretty sure you can still add/subtract to that using "#d20 +4" in the chat box as well, without the open "+" in the macro (I'd have to test to be sure). A little more in depth, and I'm sure someone's got a better way to do it, but this is what I use the Attributes for to create Abilities that I can use as macros and adjust on the fly. For your ogre in question, I'd have Attributes: BAB, Str, etc. I'd use the two columns for current and normal max-- allowing me to open the journal and put a -1 on BAB if the party BANE's the ogre, for instance. Then, in Abilities, I create macros that use these attributes. Using your example, I'd set it up something like this: /gmroll d20+(@BAB)+(@Str) same for damage for now and /gmroll d20+(@BAB)+(@Str)-(5)[Second Attack] The parenthesis should work fine. The abilities macros let me set these up for my monsters in the journal and put them on the macro bar based on encounters I need them for... EDIT: I tested the "#Macro +X" in chat and it works fine-- your original strings will work without the plus-signs, but not sure how it will work with multiple rolls in a single macro.

Eivind, the problem is that when you type #Macro +X the +X is added to the very last line of the macro. - Gauss

Ah, that explains it! Thanks for your replies. I'm starting to experiment with attribute macros to solve it instead, wondering if that'll solve it. Currently I'm rolling:  /gmroll d20+14+Game Master: To Hit Bonus 1 +Game Master: To Hit Penalty 1  /gmroll d8+13+Game Master: Damage Bonus 1 +Game Master: Damage Penalty 1 /gmroll d20+9+Game Master: To Hit Bonus 1 +Game Master: To Hit Penalty 1 /gmroll d8+13+Game Master: Damage Bonus 1 +Game Master: Damage Penalty 1 A little messy, but it works. Bonus points because I don't have to manually remember each buff and penalty and since I haven't gotten around to killing the bard yet the debuff list is starting to get out of control...