/
PFRPG2 Effects

PFRPG2 Effects

PFRPG2 Effects

See Tracking Conditions and Effects for basic effects information.

What is an Effect?

One of the most powerful features of the built in PFRPG2 ruleset is effects. It is also, judging by the number of forum posts, the area where most users find the learning curve steepest. In Fantasy Grounds an effect is anything which gives the character either a bonus or penalty of some kind to a dice roll they are about to make. In order for the effect to be properly executed the character must be on the Combat Tracker (CT) and either they or another actor must make an action (usually a dice roll) which involves the character. In other words effects are checked when a character attacks, does damage, makes a saving throw, ability or skill check. Effects are also checked when that same character is attacked, or damaged or has a saving throw, ability check or skill check forced on them (such as from a spell).

Note that effects do not change the base statistic, they are applied when they would act on an action (dice roll) and the action descriptive text in the chat window will show a summary of the total “EFFECTS” applied to a roll.

Using Effect Features in Your Game

Effects in the PFRPG2 ruleset can be very complex, once you decide to take advantage of all of the functionality available. Many features provided in this section can be handled manually by calculations done by the players and GM, similar to sitting around the gaming table. It’s recommended that you slowly add effect capabilities to your game until the comfort level of you and your players has been reached.

While effects can be entered manually, the effects system was also designed to pull the effect information directly from the ability or spell description text by parsing the words. The effectiveness of this auto parsing is restricted as the spell descriptions within Pathfinder Second Edition don’t adhere to a specific wording standard.

The effect system was built to handle 80-90% of the rules available in the game system (excluding automatic parsing of effects from spell description text). PFRPG2 can be a very complex game, as it is built using exception-based game design principles. The primary focus of the effects system is to support the abilities and spells in the core rulebooks. There will be some powers and effects that will not be able to be represented in the current version of the ruleset.

Campaign Effects

In addition to the effect text field and visibility fields, the PFRPG2 ruleset adds an effect expenditure toggle button and duration fields. The effect text field can contain one or more modifiers or conditions that adjust rolls made by that CT actor.

  • Expenditure: By default, an effect is applied to all future rolls until the duration expires. The expenditure button can be toggled to Action, Roll or Singles as well. If set to Action, the effect will be applied to the next relevant action (set of rolls)(i.e. area of effect attack rolls as a set). If set to Roll, the effect will be applied to the next relevant single roll. If set to Singles, each component of the effect will be applied once when relevant, then removed. (See below for effect label components.)

  • Duration: The duration consists of two fields indicating a numerical value and a unit period (round, minute, hour, day). If the numerical duration is zero (or empty), then the effect does not expire.  Durations of Hours and Days are informational only, the duration will not be reduced when in the combat tracker.

Combat Tracker

When an effect is applied to an actor in the combat tracker, in addition to the fields added in Campaign Effects, a few additional fields have been added.

  • Active State: By default, an effect is set to always be active (i.e. On). The active state can be toggled to Skip or Off. If set to Skip, the next application of the effect will be skipped, and then the effect will be set to On again. If set to Off, the effect will no longer be applied to rolls, but will remain in the CT.

  • Duration: When the main duration field is set to Start/End Turn values, an additional field will be shown to track the initiative number when the duration should start/end.

  • Applied By: The active actor will be used as the source actor of an effect, and shown in the lower right of the effect entry. If no actor is active, then this field is hidden. To set the source actor of an effect, drag the name field of a CT actor onto the label field of a CT effect entry. The source is usually just informational, but may occasionally be used to support advanced effects (such as Marked). Click on the Applied By field to clear the source actor.

  • Targets: By default, effects are applied to relevant rolls for all targets. However, some effect components can be targeted (such as attack and damage modifiers). A targeting button is shown next to each effect entry, and can be dragged onto a CT entry or CT-linked token to specify that the effect is targeted to a specific actor or set of actors. Additional options to target all allies or enemies are available by right-clicking on the targeting button. The Targets field is hidden unless targets are defined. Click on the Targets field to clear the targets.

Effect Text Field Features

In the PFRPG2 ruleset, conditions and modifiers can be embedded into the effect text field in order to modify rolls made by the actor.

Each description, condition or modifier needs to be separated by a semi-colon within the effect text field, and these are called effect components. Effect components that do not start with a modifier tag or a condition tag are treated as descriptive text only.

Conditions

  • Not case-sensitive.

  • Do not stack

  •  

Condition

Value

FG Modifiers Applied (pseudo effects)

Notes

Actions

ProneTakenCover

(-)

AC: 4 circumstance, ranged

You are prone and have used the "Take Cover" action. Only applied if you also have the Prone condition.

Basic Conditions

Blinded

(-)

PERC: -4 status (if vision is only precise sense) Manually remove if not appropriate

Target and attackers undetected - DC 11 flat check to hit target if you're attacking or attacker is undetected if you're being attacked (you're flat-footed).

Overrides dazzled.

Handle manually: Treat all terrain as difficult terrain. Can’t detect anything using vision. Critically fail Perception checks that require you to be able to see. Immune to visual effects (handle this manually for now).

Note: Attacks against a blinded target currently apply a -2 circumstance penalty to the target’s AC, but don’t consider them flat footed for IFT effects.  If the target has other senses, or has changed the degree of detection between itself and its attacker, then the flat-footed portion of the Blinded condition may not apply and targeted effects used to replicate desired functionality (flat-footed, etc.).

Broken

(-)

 

Affects objects. No current FG functionality. Future implementation within object/item effects.

Clumsy

(N)

 

-N to Dex based checks and DCs.

Concealed

(-)

See CONC modifier below.

(T), Concealed.

(Attacks must pass DC 5 flat check to affect the target.)

Confused

(-)

Flat-footed;

Information only. Handle manually: attack most recent creature to attack you since your last turn, or manually roll 1d4 to determine activity for this round. DC 11 flat check if take damage to recover from the confusion and end the condition

Controlled

(-)

 

Information only, not automated: attack most recent creature to attack you since your last turn, or manually roll 1d4 to determine activity for this round. DC 11 flat check if take damage to recover from the confusion and end the condition

Dazzled

(-)

 

All creatures and objects are concealed from you

Dead

(-)

 

FG state. No current specific functionality.

Deafened

(-)

PERC: -2 status

(For Perception based Initiative checks and checks that involve sounds with other senses) Manually remove if not appropriate.

-2 status penalty for Perception based Initiative checks. Automatically fail/critically fail perception checks that require hearing. -2 status penalty to perception checks that involve sounds with other senses. If performing an action with the auditory trait, must succeed at a DC 5 flat check or the action is lost. Immune to auditory effects

Doomed

(N)

 

Handle manually: The dying value at which you die is reduced by your doomed value. If your maximum dying value is reduced to 0, you instantly die. When you die, you’re no longer doomed. Your doomed value decreases by 1 each time you get a full night’s rest.

Drained

(N)

ABIL: -(N) constitution, status; SKILL: -(N) constitution, status; SAVE: -(N) fortitude, status

Manually apply (N)*level HP loss and reduction in max HP. Reduce Drained level by 1 when gaining the benefits of proper rest (once per 24 hour period).

Dying

(N)

 

You are unconscious. Handle Manually: Dying: 4 = dead. Lose the dying condition when return to 1 or more Hit Points.

Encumbered

(-)

Clumsy: 1

Handle Manually: Speed -10 feet (speed minimum = 5 feet).

Enfeebled

(N)

 

Take a status penalty equal to the enfeebled value on strength based rolls: strength based attack rolls, strength based damage rolls, and Strength-based checks.

NPC damage application is applied to melee damage and ranged damage with the thrown trait.

Fascinated

(-)

SKILL:-2 status;

PERC: -2 status

Can’t use actions with the concentrate trait unless they or their intended consequences are related to the subject of the fascination.

Fatigued

(-)

AC: -1 status; SAVE: -1 status;

You take a –1 status penalty to AC and saving throws. While exploring, you can’t choose an exploration activity. Recover with a full night's rest.

Flat-footed

(-)

AC: -2 circumstance

 

Fleeing

(-)

 

Informational only.

Friendly

(-)

 

Informational only.

Frightened

(N)

SKILL: -(N) status; PERC: -(N) status; ABIL: -(N) status; AC: -(N) status; SAVE: -(N) status; DC: -(N) status

Will reduce level at the end of turn.  When level is 0 the whole effect line will be removed.

The level won’t be reduced at the end of the turn if an effect duration is set.

Handle manually: Any conditions/afflictions that set a minimum value.

Grabbed

(-)

Immobilized; Flat-footed

Handle manually: If you attempt a manipulate action while grabbed, you must succeed at a DC 5 flat check or it is lost.

Helpful

(-)

 

Informational only.

Hidden

(-)

See HIDDEN modifier below.

(T), Hidden - Target is barely perceptible

(Attacks must pass DC 11 flat check to affect the target.)

Note: Attacks by a hidden creature currently apply a -2 circumstance penalty to their target’s AC, but don’t consider them flat footed for IFT effects.  If the target has other senses, or has changed the degree of detection between itself and its attacker, then the Hidden condition may not apply and targeted effects may be used to replicate desired functionality (flat-footed, etc.).

Hostile

(-)

 

Informational only.

Immobilized

(-)

 

Can’t use any action that has the move trait. Handle DC checks for external force moving immobile creature manually.

Indifferent

(-)

 

Informational only. Assume creature is Indifferent unless specified otherwise.

Invisible

(-)

Undetected;

Note: Attacks by an invisible creature currently apply a -2 circumstance penalty to their target’s AC, but don’t consider them flat footed for IFT effects.  If the target has other senses, or has changed the degree of detection between itself and its attacker, then the Invisible condition may not apply and targeted effects may be used to replicate desired functionality (flat-footed, etc.).

Observed

(-)

 

Informational only. Anything in plain view is observed by you.

Paralyzed

(-)

Flat-footed

Can’t act except to Recall Knowledge and act in other ways that require only the use of your mind.

Persistent Damage

 

Use PERS modifier effect - see below.

 

Petrified

(-)

 

Can't act nor can you sense anything. Manually handle any attacks (vs. AC 9) and damage (dents) done to creature while petrified.

Prone

(-)

Flat-footed; ATK:-2 circumstance;

You are flat-footed and take a –2 circumstance penalty to attack rolls. Handle Manually: You can Take Cover while prone and gain cover against ranged attacks, even if you don’t have an object to get behind, gaining a +4 circumstance bonus to AC against ranged attacks (but you remain flat-footed) - apply the action ProneTakenCover condition if appropriate.

Quickened

(-)

 

Handle manually: Gain one additional action.

Restrained

(-)

Immobilized; Flat-footed

Handle manually: Can’t use any actions with the attack or manipulate traits except to attempt to Escape or Force Open your bonds.

Sickened

(N)

SKILL: -(N) status; PERC: -(N) status; ABIL: -(N) status; AC: -(N) status; SAVE: -(N) status; DC: -(N) status

 

Slowed

(N)

 

Handle manually: Regain (N) less actions at the start of turn.

Stunned

(N)

 

Handle manually: Stunned usually includes a value, which indicates how many total actions you lose, possibly over multiple turns, from being stunned. Each time you regain actions (such as at the start of your turn), reduce the number you regain by your stunned value, then reduce your stunned value by the number of actions you lost. Overrides slowed.

Stupefied

(N)

SPELLROLL: -(N) status; DC: -(N) status; INT: -2*(N) status; WIS: -2*(N) status; CHA: -2*(N) status

Handle manually: Spells disrupted if attempting to cast while stupefied - unless succeed at a flat check with a DC equal to 5 + your stupefied value.

Unconscious

(-)

Blinded; Flat-footed; AC:-4 status; PERC: -4 status; SAVE:-4 status, reflex

Handle ManuallyProne effect should be applied separately. Recovery check at the start of the creature's turn.

Undetected

(-)

 

When you are undetected by a creature, that creature cannot see you at all. DC 11 flat check to be able to target you.

Note: Attacks by an undetected creature currently apply a -2 circumstance penalty to their target’s AC, but don’t consider them flat footed for IFT effects.  If the target has other senses, or has changed the degree of detection between itself and its attacker, then the Undetected condition may not apply and targeted effects may be used to replicate desired functionality (flat-footed, etc.).

Unfriendly

(-)

 

Informational only.

Unnoticed

(-)

 

Informational only. If you are unnoticed by a creature, that creature has no idea you are present at all.

Wounded

(N)

 

Handle Manually If Wounded and gain Dying (or increase Dying level) add Wounded value. The wounded condition ends if someone successfully restores Hit Points to you with Treat Wounds, or if you are restored to full Hit Points and rest for 10 minutes.

Special

SHIELDBLOCK

**

(-)

 

Applies only to PCs

The condition indicates that the actor will use their shield to block the next damage action.  The hardness of the first equipped unbroken shield in their inventory will be used and any excess will be applied as damage to this shield.  If this results in the shield being broken or destroyed, then shield will be changed from “equipped” to “carried and no longer apply its effects to AC when raised or when shieldblock is used in future.

SHIELDBLOCKALLY

**

(-)

 

Applies to the actor who is being attacked and use effect targeting to the PC with the shield.

The condition indicates that the PC who the effect is targeted to will use their shield to block the next damage action against the actor with this condition.  The hardness of the first equipped unbroken shield in blocking PC’s inventory will be used and any excess will be applied as damage to this shield.  If this results in the shield being broken or destroyed, then shield will be changed from “equipped” to “carried and no longer apply its effects to AC when raised or when shieldblock is used in future.

(T) = Effects can be targeted to only apply to conditions against certain opponents.

(N) = Condition has a numerical value - format <condition name>:<value> e.g. "Enervated: 1" Note: Cannot be used with Conditional (IF/IFT) effects.

Modifiers

  • Format: [tag]: [dice/number] [descriptors]

  • Case-sensitive

  • If colon missing, assume no dice, numerical modifier or descriptors.

  • Modifiers stack as long as their bonus type is blank or unique. If two modifiers have the same bonus type, only the larger value will be used.

  • Use only a single entry for each descriptor type, unless that descriptor is indicated as allowing multiple entries by an asterisk (*) after the descriptor.

  • When applying effects from PC sheet powers, bracketed ability tags ([STR],[DEX],...) can be added to the modifier dice and numerical portion to adjust by current PC attribute modifiers. The ability tags can be set to negative ([-INT]), half ([HWIS]) or double ([2CHA]).HA]).

  •  

Modifier
(Case sensitive)

Value

Descriptors

Notes

Combat

INIT

(N) 

[bonus]

Initiative checks

ATK

(N) 

[bonus], [range], [distance], opportunity, [trait]

(T), Attack rolls  Note: this includes spell attack rolls too.

ATKR2KH

-

-

When making an attack check, roll 2d20 and keep the highest.

(R2KH abbreviation = Roll 2 dice and Keep the Highest)

Note: ATKR2KH and ATKR2KL cancel each other.

ATKR2KL

-

-

When making an attack check, roll 2d20 and keep the lowest.

(R2KH abbreviation = Roll 2 dice and Keep the Lowest)

Note: ATKR2KH and ATKR2KL cancel each other.

AC

(N)

[bonus], [range], opportunity

(T), Armor class defense

ACDEXCAP

(N)

[range]

(T), Set AC dexterity modifier cap. PC Only. The lowest AC dex cap across all effects and currently equipped armor will be used.

DMG

(D)

[bonus], [range], [damage type]*, [proflevel], [trait]

(T), Damage actions

DMGS 

(D)

[bonus], [range], [damage type]*, [proflevel], [trait]

(T), Spell Damage rolls (where damage action set as "Spell Dmg?" = "Yes").

DMGDICE

(N)

-

Adds N base damage dice to the damage roll.  N must be 1 or more.

DMGDIESTEP

(N)

-

Changes the damage base damage die by N steps, where the steps are d4, d6, d8, d12. The die cannot go above d12 nor can it go below d4.

DMGCOMBINE

-

-

The next damage roll will be stored for combination with a subsequent damage roll.  See ‘Combining Damage” in the “How to Use” Wiki page.

HEAL

(D)

-

(T), Applied to healing actions, doesn’t trigger healing in itself.

DC 

(N)

[bonus]

Modifies base DC for a cast/save action.

SPELLROLL 

(N)

[bonus], [range], opportunity, [trait]

(T), Modifies spell attack roll action.

MAP

(N)

[bonus], [range], opportunity, [trait]

(T), Usually a negative value.  Changes the Multiple Attack Penalty.  MAP is used for attack #2, MAP * 2 is used for attack #3+.

Note: Only applied to PC weapon attack action #1.  Rolls made using a weapon attack action from the #2 or #3 fields override any MAP effect

MAP2

(N)

[bonus], [range], opportunity, [trait]

(T), Usually a negative value.  Changes the Multiple Attack Penalty for attack #2.

Overrides MAP for attack #2.

Plus see note in MAP above.

MAP3

(N)

[bonus], [range], opportunity, [trait]

(T), Usually a negative value.  Changes the Multiple Attack Penalty for attacks #3+.

Overrides MAP for attacks #3+.

Plus see note in MAP above.

RANGEINC1MOD

(N)

[bonus], [range], opportunity, [trait]

(T), applies the modifier if the ranged attack is within the first range increment.

Note: relies on range calculations, which requires the source and the target tokens to be present on the same map with the grid enabled (the grid can be visible or invisible).

RANGEINC2MOD

(N)

[bonus], [range], opportunity, [trait]

(T), applies the modifier if the ranged attack is within the second range increment.

Note: relies on range calculations, which requires the source and the target tokens to be present on the same map with the grid enabled (the grid can be visible or invisible).

IGNOREVOLLEYPEN

(-)