Roll20 DM Beginner Crash Course

Introduction

This tutorial serves as a beginner's crash course for using Roll20, a popular online platform for tabletop role-playing games. Here, you will learn how to set up maps, create and add tokens, develop character sheets, utilize layers, and roll dice, providing a solid foundation for your games.

Step 1: Setting Up Maps

• Navigate to your Roll20 game and click on the "Page" icon.
• Create a new page by clicking the “Add Page” button.
• Customize your page settings:
  • Name your page for easy identification.
  • Select grid options (if needed) to assist with movement.
• Upload a map:
  • Click on the "Upload" button to add your own images or select from Roll20’s built-in assets.
  • Drag and drop the uploaded map onto your page.

Step 2: Making and Adding Tokens

• Visit RollAdvantage Token Stamp to create custom tokens.
  • Choose a character image and customize the token's appearance (size, border color, etc.).
  • Download the token image once completed.
• To add the token to your game:
  • Click on the "Art Library" tab.
  • Upload the token image by clicking the "Upload" button.
  • Drag the token from your library onto the map.

Step 3: Creating Character Sheets

• Navigate to the "Journal" tab in your Roll20 game.
• Click “Add” to create a new character.
• Fill in the character sheet with relevant details:
  • Name: Enter the character's name.
  • Attributes: Include stats such as Strength, Dexterity, etc.
  • Abilities and Skills: List special abilities and relevant skills.
• Save your character sheet for future reference during gameplay.

Step 4: Using Layers

• Understand the different layers in Roll20:
  • Map Layer: For the background and maps.
  • Token Layer: For tokens and characters.
  • GM Layer: For elements only visible to the Game Master.
• Switch between layers using the layer icons on the left side of the screen.
• Use the GM layer to place hidden elements, like traps or secret doors, that players cannot see.

Step 5: Rolling Dice

• To roll dice, locate the dice roller on the left sidebar.
• Click and drag your desired dice to the chat area, or use the command:
  • /roll [number of dice]d[sides]
  • Example: /roll 2d6 rolls two six-sided dice.
• Review results in the chat log for quick reference.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to set up your Roll20 game environment, create maps, add tokens, develop character sheets, utilize layers, and roll dice. Experiment with these features to become familiar with the platform and enhance your gameplay experience. For further customization, consider exploring Roll20's advanced features as you grow more comfortable. Happy gaming!