On-Use Effects (Advanced Effect Functions)

Last updated: 2025-01

On-Use effects are advanced automations in the DSA5 system that can be automatically executed on certain events. They enable complex game mechanics through macro-based effects.

On-Use Effect Configuration

What are On-Use Effects?

On-Use effects extend normal effects with:

Automatic triggers on certain events
Macro commands for complex actions
System effects like conditions
Damage modifications
Creature summoning

Advanced Functions

In the Effect Editor, under Advanced Functions, you’ll find various options:

Function	Description
None	Normal effect without automation
System Effect	Applies a condition
Macro	Executes a macro
Creature	Summons a creature
Damage Transformation	Modifies damage
Armor Transformation	Modifies armor protection
After Check	Executed after a check
After Comparative Check	Executed after a comparative check

Configuration

Selecting a Function

Open an Effect on an item
Switch to the Advanced Settings tab
Select the desired Advanced Function
Configure the parameters

Macro Code

For macro-based functions, you can enter JavaScript code:

// Example: Add condition
await actor.addCondition("prone", 1);

// Example: Display message
ChatMessage.create({
  content: "The spell takes effect!"
});

Macro Editor

Triggers

After Check (Post Roll)

The effect is executed after a check is rolled:

Skill checks
Spell checks
Liturgy checks

After Comparative Check (Post Opposed)

The effect is executed after a comparative check:

Combat checks
Resistance checks
Comparative skill checks

Damage Transformation

Modifies damage before it is applied:

Increase/decrease damage
Change damage type
Additional effects on damage

Armor Transformation

Modifies armor values:

Increase/decrease PRO
Special resistances
Protection against certain damage types

Recipients

You can specify who sees the effect message:

Option	Description
All Players	Everyone sees the message
Player Only	Only the affected player
Player + GM	Player and Game Master
GM Only	Only the Game Master

Success/Failure Conditions

For poisons and diseases, there are additional options:

Option	Description
On Success	Effect only on successful check
On Failure	Effect only on failed check

Application Examples

Flame Blade

A spell that causes additional fire damage:

Function: Damage Transformation
Macro: options.damage += 1d6

Stunning Blow

A maneuver that stuns the opponent on success:

Function: After Comparative Check
Macro: await actor.addCondition("stunned", 1)

Protection Rune

An artifact that reduces damage:

Function: Armor Transformation
Macro: options.damage -= 2

Permissions

Macro execution requires:

The setting Players can edit effect macros must be enabled (for players)
Or the user must have Macro Script Permission

Tips

Test: Test new On-Use effects in a test scene
Use Console: On errors, details are shown in the console (F12)
Start Simple: Start with system effects before writing complex macros
Use Templates: The internal macro compendium contains examples

Technical Notes

On-Use effects use asynchronous functions
Available variables: actor, item, args, ef, source, options
Errors are logged in the browser console

See also: