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Joseph Hopson edited this page Jun 30, 2025 · 13 revisions

Getting Started

The Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system for Foundry VTT is a generic system that is built as a framework to allow you to build out character sheets for most systems that would be considered PbtA, assuming they include playbooks, character advancement, and a 2d6 (or similar, such as 2d10 or d6+d8) core mechanic that revolves around ranges of success.

This guide will help you configure the system so that you can run campaigns in your preferred setup. Generally, you should only have to complete the steps in this guide once when creating a new world.

pbta-screenshot

How to Use This Guide

This guide is broken into the following major sections:

  1. Configuring Your System - Describes the basic structure of the sheet configuration and how to write the TOML syntax (similar to .ini files) used to configure it.
    • Rolls and Results - How to configure your dice roll formula, modifiers to the rolls based on stat toggles (e.g. "Highlight" or "Debility"), and how to create result ranges such as 6-, 7-9, and 10+.
    • Configuring Actor Sheets - How to configure the 5 groups used by character sheets: stats, top attributes, left attributes, move types, and equipment types. How to configure the 3 groups used by NPC sheets: top attributes, left attributes, and move types.
    • Making Changes to Existing Worlds - Gotchas to be aware of when changing the sheet configuration for worlds that already have characters created.
  2. Configuration Reference - Reference pages that describe all of the sheet configuration options in a reference format rather than guided tutorial.
  3. Pbta Sheet Presets - A collection of character and NPC sheet presets for popular PbtA RPGs. Message me at asacolips#1867 on Discord to submit new presets!
  4. Pbta Add-on Modules - A collection of modules for popular PbtA RPGs. Message asacolips, mclemente or ephson in the Foundry Discord powered-by-the-apocalypse channel to submit new presets!

Configuring Your System

Configuration Reference

List of TOML presets for your games.

List of FoundryVTT modules that implement the rules of some PbtA games.

Covers how to create FoundryVTT modules that integrate with the PbtA system.

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