NPCs and Creatures

Last updated: 01.2025

In Foundry VTT, the DSA5 system distinguishes between different types of actors, each with their own character sheets and functions.

Actor Types

1. Character (Hero)

The standard sheet for player characters.

• Offers full detail depth (attributes, talents, special abilities, equipment, magic/divine works)
• Designed for long-term development (advancement)

2. Non-Player Character (NPC)

For important GM characters that are elaborated similarly to heroes.

• Technically often uses the same base as the character sheet
• Can offer simplified views depending on configuration

3. Creature (Monsters & Animals)

A specialized sheet for opponents and animals.

• Compact layout: Focus on combat-relevant values (AT/PA, LP, RS)
• Simplified skills: Instead of a long talent list, only relevant values are shown
• Loot: A special tab for loot that players can find

Creature Types & Automation

The system offers powerful automation for different creature classes (e.g., Demons, Elementals, Undead).

How It Works

When you enter the Type (e.g., “Demon (Lesser)”) in the creature sheet, the system recognizes this automatically.

Effects

• Immunities: The system automatically sets flags for immunities against poisons, diseases, or certain spell traits
• Resistances: Demons automatically receive their resistance against profane weapons (half damage)
• Weaknesses: Vulnerabilities (e.g., against consecrated weapons) are considered

Tip: Pay attention to the correct spelling of the type (or use drag & drop from the compendium) so that automation takes effect.

Loot

Creatures have their own inventory area for loot.

• You can store items here that the creature carries
• When the creature is defeated, players (or the GM) can easily loot these items (often via context menu or module support)

Creating NPCs & Creatures

From Scratch

1. Click Create Actor in the actor directory
2. Select the type (Character, NPC, or Creature)
3. Fill in the required values

From Compendium

1. Open the Library
2. Search for the creature
3. Drag it to the actor directory or directly onto the scene

Modifying Creatures

Use the Breeding Pit (Zuchtgrube) feature to modify existing creatures:

• Adjust size (Tiny to Giant)
• Add special abilities
• Modify stats

See Breeding Pit for more details.

Tips

• Token Settings: Configure token settings for each actor type (disposition, vision, etc.)
• Prototype Token: Set up default token configurations in the actor sheet
• Creature Sheets: You can switch between different sheet layouts in settings

See also:

• Character Sheet
• Combat
• Library