[5e Shaped] Roll20 Master Series - How to create a Monster Manual (5eSRD) D&D macro conversion. Tested 08/19/2018

Warning: "This is my approach and I've been told explicitly by the author of the sheet that this isn't how he recommends using it". If you need this use it but please consider it a temporary solution to an immediate direction need if your already set on it. Then look at Lucian's and Kryx's suggestions for other permanent options they would support going forward when you have time. Thank you. So I saw a youtube video " Roll20 Master Series - How to create a Monster Manual (5eSRD) D&amp;D " and liked the idea but the coding used was for a different sheet. I have worked on the macros getting them to working with the [5e Shaped] sheet.&nbsp; I have tested every thing but Legendary Action macros (which is why I didn't bold the header for legendary actions) and they work great for what I need. Your style or needs maybe different than mind so please feel free to edit away. This is just to save time for anyone who is doing roughly the same thing. It's not my idea I just worked on code for this sheet and a word of warning, these were tested 08/19/2018 and changes to roll20 or the Shaped 5e sheet after this date could make this post irrelevant.&nbsp; That in mind, if you it would be wise to check the macros out 1 monster before building out your monster manual. Also, currently roll20 gets more laggy the more monsters, npcs, and player characters you have so it has been suggested that IF YOU DO THIS, you try to keep the number of monster you have built at anyone one time as low as you can for your campaign setting. I currently have about 65 total with no issues. Basically follow the video link at the top and use this template with the Shaped 5e sheet and you should be good. Just make sure to hit turn the pencil yellow and&nbsp; scroll down to the bottom right corner to change the form to NPC instead of character. I don't believe the other sheets do that quite the same way. One other note of warning. If you accidentally drag a the monster manual entry into your roll20 journal it will create a player character entry in your journal that will not work correctly and for some reason creates conflicts with macros on the NPC character sheet. It has something to do with token selection and names. So if your monster looks right but your getting error on macros, you might look around and delete that entry if you did make one by accident. ## Note, if you use a macro or button then hit the up arrow in the chat it will show you the command used in the chat box. &nbsp; NPC macros - Last updated: 08/29/2018 - Basic Template Setup --After logging in to roll20, Go to your "Journal Tab" --Click the " + Add" button and select "Character" --When it opens Name it "NPCs Monster Template" and click "save changes" --When it opens the new window, go to the "Character sheet" tab --Next to "Output:" select GM (This means anything not covered by macros will post only to GM, by default) --Scroll all the way down to the very bottom right corner and click the box that says " PC &nbsp; . . . " in green --It should now say " . . . &nbsp; NPC " in red --Scroll all the way back up to the top, where you will "NPC" in blue , next to a White Gear in Gray and a Yellow Pencil --Click the Gear (it should turn the Gear blue , "NPC" gray , and the tab to a bunch of box options) --In the following boxes, check the listed items &nbsp; SKILLS &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Passive skill (allows --&gt; passive_perception) &nbsp;&nbsp; ACTIONS &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Automatically use ammo &nbsp;&nbsp; SPELLS &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Automatically higher level queries &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Automatically expend resources &nbsp;&nbsp; ROLL TEMPLATE &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Character name on all rolls &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Targets AC on attacks &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Targets name on attack --When done, click the blue gear return to the normal sheet view --Click the Yellow Pencil turning it to black and white. --Click the "Attributes &amp; Abilities" tab at the top --To the right of Abilities Click " + Add" to create a "New Ability #" options --On each one Check "Show as Token Action" --Mouse over the ability box, in the top right a small pencil , three lines , and an X will appear --Click the Pencil The bold like is a header, replacing the "New Ability #" , &nbsp; you can change it to what you want --Past the rest into the empty box --Mouse over be box now and you will see a check , clicking it will close the completed macro (Note: If you for get to close it the macro will not work until you do) --Create and fill in one for each macro you want below: ( Note: more instruction after the macro templates ) &nbsp; Action: Multi (or remove 1-3 for action 0) /emas An enemy attacks! /w GM %{selected|repeating_action_$0_roll} /w GM %{selected|repeating_action_$1_roll} /w GM %{selected|repeating_action_$2_roll} /w GM %{selected|repeating_action_$3_roll} &nbsp; Action: Attack-1 /emas An enemy attacks! /w GM %{selected|repeating_action_$1_roll} -or- Action: Attack-1 with recharging ability /emas An enemy attacks! /w GM &amp;{template:5e-shaped} %{selected|repeating_action_$1_roll} {{freetext= Successful Recharge on 6 = [[1d6]] **@{selected|token_name}**}} &nbsp; Action: Attack-2 /emas An enemy attacks! /w GM %{selected|repeating_action_$2_roll} &nbsp; Action: Attack-3 /emas An enemy attacks! /w GM %{selected|repeating_action_$3_roll} &nbsp; Trait: First trait or special ability 0 /w gm %{selected|repeating_trait_$0_roll} &nbsp; Trait: Second trait or special ability 1 /w gm %{selected|repeating_trait_$1_roll} &nbsp; Innate Spell casting /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} %{selected|shaped_spells}{{text_big=Innate Spell Casting}} {{freetext= Spell casting ability is Charisma / Intelligence / Wisdom Spell save is DC## Spell “to hit” is +# Spells have no material component requirement **@{selected|token_name}**}} &nbsp; Spellbook /w gm %{selected|shaped_spells} &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{title=@{selected|token_name}'s Spellbook}} &nbsp; Spell: Spell lvl 0 (Cantrip) /emas An enemy begins making some strange gestures! /w gm %{selected|repeating_spell0_$0_roll} &nbsp; Spell: Spell level 1 /emas An enemy begins making some strange gestures! /w gm %{selected|repeating_spell1_$0_roll} &nbsp; Reaction: Reaction-0 /w gm %{selected|repeating_reaction_$0_roll} &nbsp; Ability Recharge check /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{title=Recharge Check}} {{freetext= Successful Recharge on 4-6 = [[1d6]] **@{selected|token_name}**}} &nbsp; Legendary-Action-Amount /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{show_character_name=1}} &nbsp; {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} {{title=Legendary Actions}} {{description=The @{selected|character_name} can take @{legendaryactions_macro_var} legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The @{selected|character_name} regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.}} &nbsp; Legendary: Action-0 /w gm %{selected|repeating_legendaryaction_$0_roll} &nbsp; Legendary: Action-1 /w gm %{selected|repeating_legendaryaction_$1_roll} &nbsp; Legendary: Action-2 /w gm %{selected|repeating_legendaryaction_$2_roll} &nbsp; Lair-Action 0 /emas your surroundings are changing… /w gm %{selected|repeating_lairaction_$0_roll} &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{title= Lair Action 0}} {{show_character_name=1}} &nbsp; {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} {{subheader=1 Lair action on initiative 20 per round}} &nbsp; Lair-Action 1 /emas your surroundings are changing… /w gm %{selected|repeating_lairaction_$1_roll} &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{title= Lair Action 1}} {{show_character_name=1}} &nbsp; {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} {{subheader=1 Lair action on initiative 20 per round}} &nbsp; Regional Effects /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{title= Regional Effects}} {{show_character_name=1}} {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} /w gm &nbsp; %{selected|repeating_regionaleffect_$0_roll} &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{subheader= Regional Effect 1}} /w gm &nbsp; %{selected|repeating_regionaleffect_$1_roll} &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{subheader= Regional Effect 2}} /w gm &nbsp; %{selected|repeating_regionaleffect_$2_roll} &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{subheader= Regional Effect 3}} &nbsp; &nbsp; Character and NPC macros &nbsp; Initiative /emas An enemy readies for combat!! /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{show_character_name=1}} {{character_name=@{character_name}}} {{freetext= Initiative [[1d20@{initiative}&amp;{tracker}]]}} &nbsp; Saves /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{show_character_name=1}} {{character_name=@{character_name}}} {{text=Str.Save [[1d20@{strength_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] | &nbsp; [[1d20@{strength_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Int.Save [[1d20@{intelligence_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] | &nbsp; [[1d20@{intelligence_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] Dex.Save [[1d20@{dexterity_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] | &nbsp; [[1d20@{dexterity_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wiz.Save [[1d20@{wisdom_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] | &nbsp; [[1d20@{wisdom_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] Con.Save [[1d20@{constitution_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] | &nbsp; [[1d20@{constitution_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cha.Save [[1d20@{charisma_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] | &nbsp; [[1d20@{charisma_saving_throw_mod_with_sign}]] }} &nbsp; DR/Immunities /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{show_character_name=1}} &nbsp; {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} {{name=DR/Immunities}} {{Damage Resistance= @{selected|damage_resistances}}} {{Damage Vulnerability= @{selected|damage_vulnerabilities}}} {{Damage Immunity= @{selected|damage_immunities}}} {{Condition Immunity= @{selected|condition_immunities}}} &nbsp; Perception &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; /emas An enemy Looks around /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{show_character_name=1}} &nbsp; {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} {{freetext=Perception Test [[1d20+@{selected|perception}]] | [[1d20+@{selected|perception}]]Passive [[@{selected|passive_perception}]]}} /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{freetext=Perception Test [[1d20+@{selected|perception}]] | [[1d20+@{selected|perception}]]Passive [[@{selected|passive_perception}]]}} &nbsp; Insight /emas An enemy tries to read someones motives... /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{show_character_name=1}} &nbsp; {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} {{freetext=Insite Test [[1d20+@{selected|insight}]] | [[1d20+@{selected|insight}]]Passive [[@{selected|passive_insight}]]}} &nbsp; Investigation /emas An enemy investigates the location… /w gm &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{show_character_name=1}} &nbsp; {{character_name=@{selected|character_name}}} {{freetext=Investigation Test [[1d20+@{selected|Investigation}]] | [[1d20+@{selected|Investigation}]]Passive [[@{selected|passive_Investigation}]]}} &nbsp; Stats /w gm %{selected|shaped_statblock}  &nbsp; Call Sheet /w gm &nbsp; <a href="https://journal.roll20.net/character/@{selected|character_id}" rel="nofollow">https://journal.roll20.net/character/@{selected|character_id}</a> &nbsp; Find Character ID /w me &nbsp; @{selected|character_id} &nbsp; &nbsp; --Now that you have the macros that you want, click "Edit" in the top right --Click the "Duplicate" Button to create a template for each monster you want to use it. --Hit "Cancel" and close your template &nbsp; !!! You can then fill out each monster manually or if you have purchased the monster manual or Volo's guide you can import NPCs !!! &nbsp; Importing an NPC from The Monster manual or Volo's Guide and setting up tokens -- Open a " Copy of NPC Monster Template " -- Open the "Character Sheet" tab on the " Copy of NPC Monster Template " -- Go to the Roll20 "Compendium" indicated in the Roll20 bar using a gray circle with white "i" inside. -- Search for the monster you want. -- Drag the monster file to the open "Copy of NPC Monster Template" -- Close both the New monster and the Monster's Roll20 "Compendium" and return to your Roll20 journal tab -- If you see too monster entries in your journal delete the one with the picture and leave the one with the blue and white image this will prevent problems with macros later. -- Open the monster entry in your Roll20 Journal, and click "Edit" button in the top right corner -- Under "Avatar" click the "Choose a file . . . " Button and browse to an image you want for the monster AS A TOKEN (Most monsters have a round token image in the Roll20 "Compendium" if you scroll up, If you save that as a .png file it works well) -- Hit the "Save Changes" button, when the window reopens, select the "Bio &amp; Info" Tab and drag the image to your Roll20 desk top (you may need to wait a second for the image to load after it saves and again to show up after you drag it on to the desk top) -- Select the Token on the desktop and double click it. A window will pop up. --- Edit Token --- Under the "Basic" tab, In the Block "Name" but the name you want to show up in the Initiative tracker (it will be blank to players unless you check by "see" beside name on the advanced tab) --- Edit Token --- Under the "Basic" tab, I recommend changing Bar 1 for the green token circle to AC in the drop down. --- Edit Token --- Under the "Basic" tab, I recommend changing Bar 2 for the blue token circle to the standard speed you expect the monster to use in the drop down. (just "speed" is walking) --- Edit Token --- Under the "Basic" tab, I recommend changing Bar 3 for the red token circle to HP in the drop down, then back to "None" so that when you change the health of 1 token it does not change duplicates on your desktop. --- Edit Token --- Under the "Advanced" tab, I recommend Checking "See" by Bar 3 under "Player Permissions". This displays a health bar so player can visual representation of how damaged an NPC "looks to them" (If you don't want a specific monster like a ghost etc to show a health bar because it doesn't make since or you just don't want them to know just uncheck that last box before continuing) --- Edit Token --- Click the "Save Changes" button -- Return to your monster Journal entry, Click the "Edit" button in the top right corner, Select the token on your desk top and click the "Use Selected Token" Under Default Token -- Click the "Save Changes" button -- Click the "Attributes &amp; Abilities" tab and delete/adjust macros as needed/wanted to better fit the NPC -- Select the token on the desktop and test the buttons that pop up at the top. Adjust the macros as necessary At this point you should be done. You can close the Journal entry and delete the token on the desktop. When you want to use that monster just click then name of the journal entry and drag it the desktop to create each token you need for the &nbsp; encounter. Selecting the token and hitting the initiative button will let you add each one to the initiative tracker separately Putting your mouse over the Initiative tracker entry will put highlight square over the NPC it represents (this does not seem to work with characters) &nbsp; Happy Gaming!

Hi Daniel, While I appreciate that you've gone to some effort to produce this list, it is slightly frustrating that you've ignored numerous attempts by both Kryx, me and other Shaped users to point out that what you're doing replicates a wide variety of functionality that is already present in the sheet in ways that are fragile and unhelpful. While you are obviously free to set things up however you wish for your own games, posting this here after everything that has already been said is really quite unhelpful. In pretty much all of the cases listed above, it would be better to create a token action that simply contained the call to the roll button - e.g. %{selected|repeating_action_$0_roll} Including the extra stuff shoe-horned manually into the roll template is entirely unnecessary and, as you yourself point out, liable to break if the roll template is ever adjusted. The sheet already has: options to allow you to control whether rolls are whispered to the GM or sent publicly, an option to output target's AC for attacks a saves macro that will output what your hand-constructed one does (inaccurately, I should add, because it doesn't account for global modifiers) a spellbook macro an initiative macro&nbsp; - your version is also incorrect skill roll buttons that can be referenced - your perception version is incorrect again All of these can be set up as token actions very straightforwardly for use without the character sheet open. Furthermore, I'd like to stress to anyone who has a Pro subscription that the companion script for the sheet is capable of creating all of these token actions automatically in a configurable fashion. TL;DR: The author of the Shaped sheet, the author of the Companion Script for Shaped, and the experienced users of the sheet would all like to recommend strongly against using the macros listed above. Anyone who wants some help creating correct versions is welcome to (a) read the sheet documentation and (b) ask for help on the Shaped Sheet forum thread - but please, if you're going to do so, state what you want to achieve and take heed of the advice that you're given in return, rather than turning up with preconceived ideas about how it *should* work and then ignoring all the advice that you are given.

Lucian said: Hi Daniel, While I appreciate that you've gone to some effort to produce this list, it is slightly frustrating that you've ignored numerous attempts by both Kryx, me and other Shaped users to point out that what you're doing replicates a wide variety of functionality that is already present in the sheet in ways that are fragile and unhelpful. While you are obviously free to set things up however you wish for your own games, posting this here after everything that has already been said is really quite unhelpful. In pretty much all of the cases listed above, it would be better to create a token action that simply contained the call to the roll button - e.g. %{selected|repeating_action_$0_roll} Including the extra stuff shoe-horned manually into the roll template is entirely unnecessary and, as you yourself point out, liable to break if the roll template is ever adjusted. The sheet already has: options to allow you to control whether rolls are whispered to the GM or sent publicly, an option to output target's AC for attacks a saves macro that will output what your hand-constructed one does (inaccurately, I should add, because it doesn't account for global modifiers) a spellbook macro an initiative macro&nbsp; - your version is also incorrect skill roll buttons that can be referenced - your perception version is incorrect again All of these can be set up as token actions very straightforwardly for use without the character sheet open. Furthermore, I'd like to stress to anyone who has a Pro subscription that the companion script for the sheet is capable of creating all of these token actions automatically in a configurable fashion. TL;DR: The author of the Shaped sheet, the author of the Companion Script for Shaped, and the experienced users of the sheet would all like to recommend strongly against using the macros listed above. Anyone who wants some help creating correct versions is welcome to (a) read the sheet documentation and (b) ask for help on the Shaped Sheet forum thread - but please, if you're going to do so, state what you want to achieve and take heed of the advice that you're given in return, rather than turning up with preconceived ideas about how it *should* work and then ignoring all the advice that you are given. I under stand what your saying I really do. However, I am in a state of contradiction because of this: " I'd like to stress to anyone who has a Pro subscription that the companion script for the sheet is capable of creating all of these token actions automatically in a configurable fashion." At the same time you pointed out that I am not familiar enough with roll20 do use the companion script. So what do I do in the mean time and how do I get familiar with roll20 without trying to use its features? - I will try and use %{selected|repeating_action_$0_roll} and see how it works. But I had not hear of it until now. (unless I missed something) options to allow you to control whether rolls are whispered to the GM or sent publicly, -- on the character sheet so I have to access it to switch back and forth, which is part of my points. I still need to pull out every NPC setup a character sheet with that option, correct? an option to output target's AC for attacks -- sure, that was just for fun, is there a way to include the attackers name so I can look at history and know who did what? a saves macro that will output what your hand-constructed one does (inaccurately, I should add, because it doesn't account for global modifiers) --- I need proficiency bonuses and it will be good for NPCs, that is a good note I will work on it. . a spellbook macro - I have actually added a spell book macro on my local copy but I have not used it game so I didn't want to add it without testing. If it works well I was going to replace the individual spells. an initiative macro&nbsp; - your version is also incorrect - By D&amp;D rule initiative is a dex ability check 1d20 + dex modifier, Their are other cases but for the broad majority it works fine. I fix one offs on a case by case basis. Its rare and once its fixed I don't have to worry about it again . skill roll buttons that can be referenced - your perception version is incorrect again - Just like initiative, its right 99% of the time. Not only that but there is not option for 2 rolls and a passive on the 5e Shaped sheet so to do it the way I want I have no choice maybe I am misunderstanding you but it looked like it was using the appropriate proficiency / skill bonus when I was testing it. I will double check and make sure though since your a guru and I'm a crazy noob.&nbsp; Let me be clear. I am not criticizing the work you two have done on the this sheet. You taking on an enormous task.&nbsp; I understand some one making macros to do something you spent a lot of time automating would frustrate you . …. At the same time, when I asked of help you told me I am not ready to use your automation. I need to use a digital platform and Roll20 is the only system we could all access for one reason or another. I am setup to run as smooth a game as I can with what I know how to do. So I took advice from several people (that worked) and used your sheet (because I think its the best) to do it. Your exaggeration the inability of my macros that I play tested and worked 100% for what I needed because your playing up the use of your automation to get others to use your much more flexible macros that will update with your sheet. I get that and understanding that I put a warning label at the top to tell people why this method might be a problem. But just like me others might be trying to play a game without the skill to use your automation. We still need to setup and play or why are we here? This is an in between solution. I have adjusted macros and improved macros base on your comments and comments from&nbsp; Kryx. I am listening to you. If it sounds like I am arguing please understand I am not trying to say your wrong I am trying to understand why so I can move forward. An ultimate goal would be to get to the point where I can use your campaign scrip and automation. &nbsp; Their are also a couple of play style consideration to consider that are not a statement on your design but on how I want to do things. The way my perception role layout compared to yours. The way I programed all the multi attacks to trigger the attacks with one click including the goblin boss's second attack at disadvantage. The way I include the Attackers name in the role so I can look back up and keep track of who did what (its has come in hand). The saves button rolling all the saves at once, so I can say "roll for save" and without telling player if they have advantage, disadvantage, or what they are saving against I can narrate what happens. When I use a multi-attack macro I automatically attack with all the options (hidden) read the muli-attack block, decide what I am going to do and read the results from the appropriate attack blocks. I add recharge rolls to attacks and abilities that recharge so I know right away if I will have it next round or not and another button to recharge each turn if it fails. None of this is in question to your character sheet design or automation. Its just style choices of what makes the game flow better for me. To my knowledge there is not a "roll two dice for all attacks and check" option and if their was I would need to make the NPC card for each monster and set it to have it on stand by. I don't think its your goal to do this so I am working on it myself.&nbsp; So I understand your irritation. I apricate that you get I am putting a lot of work in this. Just know its not due to having issue with your work but its just me trying to make things as smooth for me as I can in order to give player the best experience that I can. Despite how clumsy it (rightfully) appears to you I am doing the best I can and they seem to think its working out...so far. Always room for improvement though. Macros, Story telling, organization, tactics, and flow.

Hey Daniel, I'm not sure that there's much additional value to be gained from flogging this discussion to death, but there are a few important clarifications I'd like to make for you and others reading: What you are doing is already way more involved and complicated than using the script. I'm seriously thinking of removing that notice from the script help, to be honest. It was aimed at people who turn up to Roll20 for the first time and install Shaped and the Companion as the first thing they do, and then launch straight into stuff without reading any docs/viewing any tutorials at all. They don't even understand the basics about how Roll20 works. The fact that you've taken that message the way you have suggests to me that we should probably look at rephrasing/removing that. To be 100% clear: you should definitely consider using the script if you're thinking about getting a pro subscription, it will not be too advanced for you. Please be clear that I'm not annoyed in any way about you choosing to use the sheet however you like - that's entirely your right. But you should understand that what you are doing isn't how it is intended to be used. The thing that is causing frustration is that you are then presenting your approach in a "how to set up Shaped" post. You put a disclaimer to say "these may break if things change", but really the disclaimer needed to be: "this is my approach and I've been told explicitly by the author of the sheet that this isn't how he recommends using it". Other new users may see your post and believe that this is a recommended approach; they will most likely end up with questions; and Kryx, I and other experienced users will be stuck trying to support people who are using the tool in ways it wasn't intended for. If they only find that out after putting in hours of work setting stuff up they are liable to be frustrated and annoyed, which is no good for anyone. Individual points: &nbsp;&nbsp; My comment about the output_option was based on the fact that, as far as I could see, all your&nbsp; macros output everything other than the /emas to the GM. The same can be achieved by setting the sheet output option to "Whispered to GM"&nbsp; - a setting that persists. You wouldn't have to open the sheet during play. Obviously if you want the /emas output publicly you could add that to your token action so it would look like: /emas 'A monster attacks' %{selected|repeating_action_$0_roll} Yes, the sheet can output that target's name and AC. There are two options right there in the middle of the options page that do exactly&nbsp; these two things. Seriously dude, check out the options, actually play with the sheet and see what it can do before you start reprogramming everything yourself by hand. You're making your life way harder than it needs to be! You've written a spellbook macro? Not sure what you mean by this but you know there's %{selected|shaped_spells} that does this already? You are right that your initiative macro will be correct most of the time, but I really don't understand what value your version provides over the correct version: /emas An enemy readies for combat!! %{selected|shaped_initiative} which includes all the modifiers that may apply. And yes, before you ask, there is an option to send to tracker. The perception macro is more challenging. The sheet no longer supports "Roll 2" for advantage/disadvantage - there were a variety of downsides to doing this that I don't fully recall and in the end Kryx removed it. If you ever use the script I'd encourage you try using the advantage/disadvantage handling mechanism that it provides which I find a lot cleaner than the "Roll 2" approach, but otherwise you're stuck making your own macro for this. It's worth noting that if you enable the passive skills option on the sheet then there's an attribute&nbsp;&nbsp; "passive_perception" that you can reference rather than creating it manually. This will include the bonus/penalty for advantage/disadvantage if you've configured the monster to have automatic advantage/disadvantage on this skill roll. There is certainly also a "play style" difference going on here. You say:&nbsp; " The saves button rolling all the saves at once, so I can say "roll for save" and without telling player if they have advantage, disadvantage, or what they are saving against I can narrate what happens."&nbsp; Yeah, the sheet isn't set up for that kind of play at all; it assumes a greater degree of player involvement in the game mechanics. I think it's useful for people to recognise that your macros are designed to support this approach rather than the more usual one in which the players know what save they are making and whether they have advantage or not. I don't want you to feel like I'm having a go at you for doing things your own way, and I'm sure there are misunderstandings involved - it's clear now that your play style is different from the one the sheet was primarily aimed at, for example.&nbsp; But what I'd ask, as a courtesy to the people who write and support these tools, is that you wait until you've got a little more experience with them - how they work, what the various options and approaches are, etc, etc - before you start publishing "how to guides" for them on the forum. Once you've run a few more live games with the sheet in actual play, once you've spent some time following the forum threads, once you've toyed around with all the options the sheet (and hopefully the script) provide - in short, once you've acquired a certain degree of mastery over the tools - then it maybe it would be good to have a contribution that's clear and says: "Hey guys, I play like this, and I've found that the standard sheet stuff needs a little tweaking to support this play style, here's what I do to deal with that: ..." Without this broader background understanding, your posts are likely to cause more confusion for new users than they resolve.

Lucian said: Hey Daniel, I'm not sure that there's much additional value to be gained from flogging this discussion to death, but there are a few important clarifications I'd like to make for you and others reading: What you are doing is already way more involved and complicated than using the script. I'm seriously thinking of removing that notice from the script help, to be honest. It was aimed at people who turn up to Roll20 for the first time and install Shaped and the Companion as the first thing they do, and then launch straight into stuff without reading any docs/viewing any tutorials at all. They don't even understand the basics about how Roll20 works. The fact that you've taken that message the way you have suggests to me that we should probably look at rephrasing/removing that. To be 100% clear: you should definitely consider using the script if you're thinking about getting a pro subscription, it will not be too advanced for you. Please be clear that I'm not annoyed in any way about you choosing to use the sheet however you like - that's entirely your right. But you should understand that what you are doing isn't how it is intended to be used. The thing that is causing frustration is that you are then presenting your approach in a "how to set up Shaped" post. You put a disclaimer to say "these may break if things change", but really the disclaimer needed to be: "this is my approach and I've been told explicitly by the author of the sheet that this isn't how he recommends using it". Other new users may see your post and believe that this is a recommended approach; they will most likely end up with questions; and Kryx, I and other experienced users will be stuck trying to support people who are using the tool in ways it wasn't intended for. If they only find that out after putting in hours of work setting stuff up they are liable to be frustrated and annoyed, which is no good for anyone. Individual points: &nbsp;&nbsp; My comment about the output_option was based on the fact that, as far as I could see, all your&nbsp; macros output everything other than the /emas to the GM. The same can be achieved by setting the sheet output option to "Whispered to GM"&nbsp; - a setting that persists. You wouldn't have to open the sheet during play. Obviously if you want the /emas output publicly you could add that to your token action so it would look like: /emas 'A monster attacks' %{selected|repeating_action_$0_roll} Yes, the sheet can output that target's name and AC. There are two options right there in the middle of the options page that do exactly&nbsp; these two things. Seriously dude, check out the options, actually play with the sheet and see what it can do before you start reprogramming everything yourself by hand. You're making your life way harder than it needs to be! You've written a spellbook macro? Not sure what you mean by this but you know there's %{selected|shaped_spells} that does this already? You are right that your initiative macro will be correct most of the time, but I really don't understand what value your version provides over the correct version: /emas An enemy readies for combat!! %{selected|shaped_initiative} which includes all the modifiers that may apply. And yes, before you ask, there is an option to send to tracker. The perception macro is more challenging. The sheet no longer supports "Roll 2" for advantage/disadvantage - there were a variety of downsides to doing this that I don't fully recall and in the end Kryx removed it. If you ever use the script I'd encourage you try using the advantage/disadvantage handling mechanism that it provides which I find a lot cleaner than the "Roll 2" approach, but otherwise you're stuck making your own macro for this. It's worth noting that if you enable the passive skills option on the sheet then there's an attribute&nbsp;&nbsp; "passive_perception" that you can reference rather than creating it manually. This will include the bonus/penalty for advantage/disadvantage if you've configured the monster to have automatic advantage/disadvantage on this skill roll. There is certainly also a "play style" difference going on here. You say:&nbsp; " The saves button rolling all the saves at once, so I can say "roll for save" and without telling player if they have advantage, disadvantage, or what they are saving against I can narrate what happens."&nbsp; Yeah, the sheet isn't set up for that kind of play at all; it assumes a greater degree of player involvement in the game mechanics. I think it's useful for people to recognise that your macros are designed to support this approach rather than the more usual one in which the players know what save they are making and whether they have advantage or not. I don't want you to feel like I'm having a go at you for doing things your own way, and I'm sure there are misunderstandings involved - it's clear now that your play style is different from the one the sheet was primarily aimed at, for example.&nbsp; But what I'd ask, as a courtesy to the people who write and support these tools, is that you wait until you've got a little more experience with them - how they work, what the various options and approaches are, etc, etc - before you start publishing "how to guides" for them on the forum. Once you've run a few more live games with the sheet in actual play, once you've spent some time following the forum threads, once you've toyed around with all the options the sheet (and hopefully the script) provide - in short, once you've acquired a certain degree of mastery over the tools - then it maybe it would be good to have a contribution that's clear and says: "Hey guys, I play like this, and I've found that the standard sheet stuff needs a little tweaking to support this play style, here's what I do to deal with that: ..." Without this broader background understanding, your posts are likely to cause more confusion for new users than they resolve. #1 Well, this is a surprise... Almost exactly two weeks ago you told me: Lucian said: -- Omitted-- 5. You've said you're a new DM and it seems that you are also new to Roll20. You need to be realistic about what you are undertaking here. You're starting out running one of the most complicated games in the world, and you're trying to be a perfectionist about automating it using a sheet that is very powerful but has a steep learning curve, on a platform that you've only just come to, without enough time to really get to grips with it. -- Omitted-- I kind of thought that and the IT story about users failing to do well using a new system that was good but they were unfamiliar with being beat by an old system followed that meaning and was a pretty strong.."Your not ready yet. Stick to pin and paper" at the same time my players basically said "what you had worked great for session 1. Don't delete your current work for now just work on getting to the point you can implement they way they said." Kind of a don't give up on it push through but take the time you need. Its like we said before though its hard to read tone... and I am weird so I may have grabbed the wrong message there. Ether way my next game is in two weeks and I have some Japanese holidays to deal with so I wont be able to really look at the companion script until after that. We are rotating GMs after that game so I have 2 months to get into the weed and look re-organizing into those. #2. I understand what your saying which is why I put the original warning but I edited the original post with your warning up front. Hopefully this will make it clear to new users looking at it. The other side to that is people seeing the same youtube video I saw might find it looking to follow the same path. I don't want to take it down because just starting into things sometimes you need a quick answer before you have time to look up the right answer. My hope is this post helps someone who needs it RIGHT NOW, but then encourages them to look at your better options. #3.1 Ok, I went to look at that and when I REALLY looked at that I realized what you meant and felt silly. I am curious why putting "/w gm " is bad in the macro? Doesn't it mean I can make a macro for just the gm and another for everyone? I do realize of course I don't currently have NPC macros that go to everyone, lol,. Soo... I see your point its just not any harder and I have a hypothetical option in my head. For example, player macros show attacks/spells to everyone so I don't have to explain all combat but send save/stats/skill tests only to the GM to reduce chat spam. Also, found the show player name on rolls option so I can see how to remove that now. Thanks for pointing me the right direction their. #3.2 I see the show target names and AC... I actually though that page was a "don't touch" work import page I didn't realize it is the options tag until going through this post of yours... So ... that I might be too green thing...comes back to mind... but I will still try to look forward. #3.3 My spellbook macro: %{&lt;Character_ID&gt;|shaped_spells} &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{title=@{&lt;Character_ID&gt;|token_name}'s Spellbook}} In my defense, I didn't know about "Options--&gt; ROLL TEMPLATE --&gt; Character name on all rolls" which I have not tested but I am guessing will work. I was using character IDs instead of selected because I was trying to make it work with "target" but then realized I don't want to have spells tell players what monster they are fighting. #3.4 I was using my initiative macro because I didn't find yours when I looked. I did look. I just found a macro that is the basis of mine instead of yours. When you believe you found what your looking for generally speaking you don't keep looking. " I found my keys!! Where else could I have hidden them? " #3.5 Good to know. on passive perception and two rolls. If I am honest I wanted two rolls on everything but I couldn't figure out how to override the combat rolls to add the second, then it gets more confusing if roll a critical on one but don't know if your using Adv./Dis. or the first roll. I abandoned that for more pressing matters like transferring my 12 separate word documents on different parts of my campaign into and organized one note document and implementing some more NPCs (I don't have lag yet and I know 65+ NPCs maybe pushing my luck but its going to make play a lot easier... and updating macros with your improvements a lot of work and testing I KNOW!! lol) I understand the save macro is a bit extreme but that is actually not my idea. I was just copying it from the original video recreating it for your sheet. That said I do like the point of making players less aware of whats going on from the story tension building stand point and if they ask whats going on I can give them a free perception check and whisper the success. I think this is interesting because its not something you can do easily in a pen a paper game and it encourages player immersion and roll play out information instead of "ya what the GM said". I did have GM try to simulate it in a pen and paper game by text one players phone but we immediately picked up something was up because we could see the GM copy pasting text on his laptop and the player receiving texts. Where on ROLL20 sending texts to players is just who it goes. I understand about me causing confusion, these posts are also about me sorting out my own. I have updated the disclaimer and maid notes on what you said. I will try to test and update the macros WITH a combinations of explaining some of the settings you pointed out. As we discussed before, a tutorial video (that I am not qualified to make, lol) would be a huge help and might have avoided a lot of my problems. I would point out that, " as a courtesy to the people who write and support these tools, is that you wait until you've got a little more experience with them - how they work, what the various options and approaches are, etc, etc - before you start publishing "how to guides" for them on the forum." is also why I have hesitated to charge into the campaign script. It seems to me I am walking the line of curious and being annoying enough in my attempts you want me to move to the script but at the same time I am still learning basic things. So we are in this weird push pull state. But while there maybe some issues with this post and I am happy to put up the warning signs for others... without it I would not have gotten the feed back or known what to ask to get the feed back you gave me in these last few posts... I am not quite sure you understand how much they are helping be understand this system and improve my processes already. Though, I will need time to fix my saves macro, initiative macros, change NPC and player options, and test it all to make sure I didn't break more than I fixed in the process. I will not be able start it tonight or for a few days due to it being already late here and having two Japanese holidays, a D&amp;D session as a player, and a 12 year anniversary to celebrate all in the next 3 days. Hopefully I can get it hammered out sunday because my next game as GM is the following Saturday, lol. Anyway Thank you Lucian Sensai !! Have a great day.

Hey Daniel, I think this is probably my final response now, I think we're pretty much on the same page. There's nothing inherently wrong with putting "/w gm" at the front. But in a lot of your macros you are referencing the Roll Template directly - that's all the &amp;{template:5e-shaped} {{title=@{&lt;Character_ID&gt;|token_name}'s Spellbook}} stuff. If the only reason you're doing that is to control where the output is being sent, then my point is that you don't need to do that because you can control this with the sheet options. The Roll Template is part of the internal implementation of the sheet and is another thing that is subject to change without warning. Unless there's no other option you're better off not building macros that make use of it. For example, if you enable "Character name on all roll templates" then your spellbook macro can just be %{&lt;Character_ID&gt;|shaped_spells} which means you have no dependencies on anything internal with no loss of functionality. I'm sorry for the mixed messages about the script. My original message was trying to persuade you away from spending time on all the custom macros entirely at this stage and just focus on running the game in the simplest way possible on Roll20. But since you're clearly committed to setting things up in a more elaborate way, you'll find that the script is an easier way to achieve that - especially when you get into setting up lots of NPCs as well. Good luck! I hope your first game goes well.

- Some updates have been made at the request of the Developers of the sheet and for quality of life for anyone using this as a temporary solution. - Directions have been added. As this is most likely something someone new to Roll20 and the Shaped 5e sheet would want, I thought it appropriate to put some very step by step instructions to make it as easy as possible to use. The recommendation of the Developers that you upgrade to the companion script when you have time to study it remains and will allow for more options, automaton, and some quality of life improvements . (to clarify Developers do not recommend this method at all)