TableForge User Guide

Your tabletop RPG command center

This guide is for new Game Masters and players. It covers setup, hosting, and how to use each major tool well—without needing every tool every session.

In the GM desktop app, open Help on the home page for a short interactive version of these topics.

Table of contents

1. What TableForge is
2. Starting the app
3. Roles at a glance
4. For Game Masters — getting started
5. How tools and tabs work
6. Core library tools
7. Campaign prep tools
8. During-play tools
9. Campaign Maps in depth
10. Hosting players
11. Table Chat
12. For players (desktop)
13. For players (mobile)
14. A recommended first-session path
15. Tips for a smooth session
16. Import and export
17. Troubleshooting
18. Related documents

1. What TableForge is

TableForge is a local-first toolkit for running tabletop sessions:

• The GM runs the desktop app, keeps campaign data on their machine, and optionally hosts a session.
• Players join from another PC (player mode in the same app) or a phone browser on the same Wi‑Fi while the GM runs the LAN host.

TableForge commercial builds are LAN-only (no built-in internet relay).

Content: Built-in rules text and monsters come from the SRD (5.1 / 5.2). You can add homebrew entries; those are your content. Legal notices are on this site’s Legal page, and under Legal on the GM home page.

You do not need every tool every night. Open what the scene requires; leave the rest closed.

Most content is scoped to an active campaign. Switch campaigns on the GM home page before creating sheets, maps, notes, or other library content for a different game.

2. Starting the app

Install

Download TableForge from this site, run the installer, and open it from the Start menu.

If you have a key, enter it when the app asks. The key unlocks the full tools on that PC.

3. Roles at a glance

Players never see the full GM home columns—only player-safe tools.

4. For Game Masters — getting started

First launch checklist

1. Sign in as GM (PIN).
2. Create or select an Active Campaign.
3. Create player profiles with PINs for each player.
4. Build library content as needed (sheets, maps, notes, World Forge entries).
5. When players should connect, start the LAN host from the bottom bar and share the QR code or address.

Campaigns

• Use one campaign per long-running game so sheets, notes, maps, and sessions stay separate.
• Always check Active Campaign before creating or editing content.
• Switching campaigns changes what you see in most tools; it does not merge libraries.
• Campaign search: on GM home, press Ctrl+Shift+F to search Codex notes, Session Planner sessions, and house rules in one palette.
• Content packs: Campaign menu → Export / Import content pack… for Codex + homebrew monsters without a full campaign bundle.

Rules & Settings

Each campaign has a rules profile: 2014, 2024, or Custom.

• Open Rules from the GM home header (or when creating a campaign) to tune optional rules—death saves, exhaustion, rests, inspiration vs heroic inspiration, feat sources, and more.
• When a player finishes the character builder, TableForge stores a rules snapshot on that character. Later campaign rule changes do not retroactively rewrite existing sheets—create a new PC if you need a different profile.
• 2024-style profiles use Species (not Race), collect background and languages on the Species step, then Origin Feat, then a class-only step. Sheet labels use 2024 terminology where applicable (e.g. Heroic Inspiration).
• 2014-style profiles follow classic creation: race and background on separate steps, Class & Background together, and variant human only when your profile allows it.

Backup: Active Campaign menu → Export campaign… / Import campaign… (includes rules profile). Details: .

Multiclassing: When Multiclassing allowed is on in Rules, the level-up wizard adds a Class step so you can raise an existing class or start a new one at 1st level. Combined spell slots follow the standard multiclass table when you have multiple casting classes.

Player profiles

• Each player gets a profile and a PIN.
• After joining, the player chooses an active character. That choice drives sheet sync, map ownership, and “viewing” status on your tools.
• Keep players on a selected character during play so map Owners and presence stay accurate.

Typical session flow

1. Before play — Review Codex or Session Planner; optionally cue Sound Forge.
2. Host — Start the LAN host. Confirm players signed in and selected a character.
3. At the table — Session Table for calendar, weather, quests, and live notes.
4. Characters — Player Sheets for HP, inventory, and conditions.
5. Combat — Battle Table; import PCs and monsters as needed.
6. Exploration — Share a Live map, or assign Owned maps to online characters.
7. Rewards — Loot Chest or Party Chest to generate and grant treasure.

5. How tools and tabs work

• Open tools from the home page columns: Core, Campaign prep, and During play.
• Tools open as tabs along the bottom.
• Use Home in the tab bar to return to the launcher without closing your work.
• You can keep several tools open and switch between them as the scene changes.

Practical habit: keep Session Table + Player Sheets open for most nights; open Battle Table, Maps, or Loot only when those moments arrive.

6. Core library tools

These hold lasting campaign pieces: characters, party stash, travel, and rules reference.

Player Sheets

Use it for: full PC and NPC sheets—roster, character builder, combat action board, inventory, spells, rests, and sync with Battle Table and vehicles.

Create your first character

1. Open Player Sheets.
2. Click + New Character and walk the Character Builder (Identity → Ancestry → Class & Background → Starting Equipment → Ability Scores → Name & Review).
3. Open the finished sheet and, if needed, assign the campaign in Settings.
4. Or use Import on the roster for a JSON character or pack.

Main areas

• Roster: search, sort, campaign tabs, and filters (View All, per-player tabs, GM PCs, NPCs).
• Sheet tabs: Dashboard, Inventory, Bio & Lore.
• Dashboard: abilities, skills, saves, conditions, resources, plus the Action Board (Combat / Spells / Class).
• Inventory: Equipped, Carried, Magic Items, Potions.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• GM PCs vs client sheets: player-owned sheets stay locked to the GM until Unlock Editing. You can still browse them read-only.
• When Battle Table is live, a combat banner appears; player attacks and casts route through Battle Table.
• World Forge can spawn an NPC into a sheet via Create player sheet.
• Use Import / Export for backups and sharing packs between machines.

Key terms: Roster, GM PC, Client sheet, Builder, Dashboard, Action Board, Attunement, Unlock Editing

Party Chest

Use it for: a shared party stash—coins and gear the whole table can see. The GM adds loot here; players claim items onto their sheets when connected.

Get started

1. Open Party Chest (Core section).
2. Confirm the campaign label matches your active game.
3. Use Edit coins to set the party purse (pp/gp/ep/sp/cp).
4. + Add item to pull from the Compendium catalog or add custom gear.
5. During play, assign items or coin splits to connected characters.

Main areas

• Coin grid and running total.
• Items list with weight summary.
• Claim notifications toggle (GM) when players take items.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Works alongside Loot Chest: generate treasure there, then grant—or dump bulk loot into Party Chest for the table to split.
• Players open Party Chest in player mode to view and claim; only what they claim lands on their sheet.
• GM sees live updates when the host is running.

Key terms: Claim, Party purse, Assign, Weight summary

Vehicles & Mounts

Use it for: wagons, ships, and other vehicles, plus rideable mounts—crew or draft teams, cargo zones, travel speed, malfunctions, and who is aboard.

Create your first sheet

1. Open Vehicles & Mounts.
2. Click + Vehicle and pick a type, or + Mount for a blank mount.
3. Or use From compendium to import an SRD/homebrew vehicle or mount template.
4. Or Import a JSON vehicle/mount pack.

Main areas

• Roster: search, sort, campaign tabs, filters (All / Vehicles / Mounts / Favorites).
• Sheet tabs: Cargo, Crew (or Rider on mounts), Overview, Notes.
• Cargo: zone sub-tabs, coin purse, Load from character, and per-zone Pin locker.
• Header: Access, favorite, Import/Export, delete.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Access controls who sees and edits the sheet (full vs cargo). Players only see vehicles/mounts they have access to.
• Roster shows an On board badge when the active character is aboard.
• Cargo zones can be pinned/locked as a personal locker for a player.
• Mounts track Rider and Owner separately from vehicle Draft / Driver / Passengers.
• Travel speed follows the slowest puller; load includes vehicle + cargo + occupants.

Key terms: Draft team, Pull capacity, Cargo zone, Pin locker, Access, On board, Malfunction

Compendium

Use it for: searchable SRD 5e content plus your homebrew—races, classes, items, spells, feats, vehicles, and more. Other tools pull from it (builder, loot, sheets).

Get started

1. Open Compendium — SRD content loads automatically.
2. Browse Home or pick a category chip (Races, Classes, Items, Spells, and so on).
3. Use + New to create a homebrew entry.

Main areas

• Category chips and Home tiles for browsing.
• List layout: source filter (All / SRD / Homebrew), entry list, detail pane.
• Spells use a dedicated three-panel search/filter UI.
• Items can show visual item cards with art.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Prefer Duplicate as Custom on SRD entries so originals stay intact.
• Editing an SRD entry converts it into homebrew.
• Spells support rich filters (level, school, class, concentration, ritual, damage).
• Source pills show HB vs SRD throughout.

Key terms: Homebrew (HB), SRD, Duplicate as Custom, Source filter, Entry kind

7. Campaign prep tools

Use these between sessions or while planning tonight’s adventure.

Campaign Codex

Use it for: a per-campaign vault of Markdown notes—lore, session logs, NPC write-ups, and shared handouts. Supports folders, multi-pane editing, optional vault sync, and player sharing.

Create your first note

1. Open Campaign Codex.
2. Select the Campaign in the Codex header (Codex has its own campaign selector—keep it aligned with your active game).
3. Use + New → New file, New folder, or New subfolder.
4. Or Import Markdown / Import Vault Folder for bulk import.

Optional: Link Vault… to sync with an external Obsidian-style folder (auto-sync about every 15 seconds).

Main areas

• Sidebar: file tree, Graph view (wikilinks + shared tags), search, vault link status, and a Player session notes dropdown (read player private notes).
• Vault → Suggest links while typing toggles fuzzy [[wikilink]] suggestions as you write.
• Editor panes: title, tags, Share…, Add to timeline / View on timeline (Chronicle), Write (default editable preview), Handout (read-only render), Code Markdown, formatting toolbar, image tools, Monster insert.
• Split panes via context menu (Open to left/right).
• Linked from panel at the bottom of an open note—lists other notes, Chronicle entries, sessions, and maps that reference this title.
• Story so far block in preview (when shared Chronicle entries exist)—collapsible list of recent shared timeline events.

Cross-links in notes

• Type [[Note Title]] anywhere in Markdown to link to another Codex note, Session Planner session, map, or Chronicle entry by title.
• In Write, type directly in the styled note surface; links render as chips. In Code, wikilink suggestions appear after [[ (when Suggest links while typing is on). Handout matches export/player view. Exported Markdown keeps [[Title]] syntax.
• Use [[Target Title|Display text]] for a custom label.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Share… per file or folder: Don’t share, All players, All connected, or Selected players.
• Formatting toolbar: headings, bold/italic, lists, quotes, Link (picker), callouts, and tasks—works in Write or Code. Notes still save as Markdown.
• Autosave: Codex saves unsaved edits automatically after a short pause (~2.5s). The Save button shows Saving… / Saved; you can still save manually anytime.
• Link to page: toolbar Link, ⋯ → Link to note…, or Ctrl+K — search notes, sessions, maps, and chronicle entries; inserts [[Exact Title]] (optional display text). While typing in Code, suggestions appear only inside unfinished [[… wikilinks.
• Write | Handout | Code: default Write for editing; Handout for read-only handout check; Code for raw Markdown. Ctrl+Shift+. toggles Write ↔ Code; Esc from Code returns to Write. ⋯ → Edit Markdown (Code) opens Code view.
• Insert Monster searches the Bestiary and can dock the block beside the note.
• Add to timeline creates a Chronicle entry linked to the open note (one entry per note).
• Export a single note or the whole vault as Markdown.

Key terms: Vault, Pane, Share audience, Link Vault, Player session notes, Tags, Wikilink, Linked from, Story so far

Campaign Chronicle

Use it for: a zoomable canvas timeline plus page-turn history reader — the story-so-far in short entries. Codex holds long write-ups; Chronicle is the dated sequence of what happened.

Create your first entry

1. Open Campaign Chronicle (Prep section, next to Codex).
2. Select the Campaign in the header.
3. Click + Entry, or open World Updates to accept a suggestion from a completed session, ended combat, quest progress on the Session Table, or a Codex append proposal.

Main areas

• Canvas timeline (top): pan by dragging; scroll to zoom; Fit all resets the view. Events sit on a world-date axis with optional era bands in the sidebar legend.
• Toolbar: Event list toggle, zoom controls, Lanes filter (default, by kind, era, tag, or visibility).
• Event list rail (left): searchable list (/ focuses search); filter by kind, era, or “Has Codex link”; click a row to jump.
• Minimap (below timeline): dots for every event; drag the viewport thumb or click to scrub.
• Page reader (bottom): one full “history page” per event; Previous event / Next event (or keyboard ← / →).
• World Updates dropdown: grouped inbox suggestions with Accept, Split…, Summarize, Edit, or Dismiss.
• Campaign Journal panel: active quests, plot threads, last session, recent combats, pinned Codex notes.
• Eras & periods and Campaign links (graph of cross-references) in the toolbar.

Writing entries

• World date (year / month / day) positions the event on the timeline; uses Session Table calendar month names when configured.
• Table date records when you played at the real-world table (shown on the GM page only).
• Summary supports [[Codex Note Title]] wikilinks that render as clickable chips.
• GM margin note is GM-only; wikilinks there also render as chips on the page reader but never reach players.
• Summarize draft compresses the summary locally (extractive — keeps wikilinks and short bullets; no cloud API).
• Split into entries (from World Updates): turn one session draft into multiple Chronicle events (session frame + individual beats).
• Span entries cover date ranges (battles, blights, travel montages).
• Linked from panel on the selected event lists incoming references.

Sharing with players

• Mark an entry Share with players and choose an audience (all, connected, or selected).
• GM-only entries and margin notes stay hidden from the player Chronicle (desktop Campaign Chronicle player tool and mobile Chronicle tab).
• Players see wikilinks only to shared Codex notes; other link targets appear as plain text.

Prep vs play

Key terms: Canvas timeline, Event list, Minimap, World Updates, Page turn, Era, Codex link, World date, Table date, Wikilink, Campaign links, Summarize, Split

Session Planner

Use it for: laying out tonight’s session on a board—scenes, NPCs, encounters, clues—and optionally building a combat roster that starts on Battle Table.

Create your first session

1. Open Session Planner.
2. Click + Create Session (title, campaign, folder, Prep style).
3. The board opens with columns based on your prep style (Kanban default: Intro → Exploration → Roleplay → Combat → Finale).

Main areas

• Home: campaign library folders and the session list. List is the card list. Spine lines the same sessions up by chapter, with the beat walk-through beside them. This view stays on the GM screen.
• Open session: status (Planned / Active / Completed / Archived), tabs Board / Overview / Combat, + New, overflow menu.
• Asset Explorer (left): Notes, NPCs, Encounters, Rumors from Codex and World Forge.
• Board (center): columns and draggable cards.
• Inspector (right): card detail (pin with the pin control); Links preview for wikilinks in card body; Linked from panel for incoming references.
• Combat tab: Heroes/Enemies roster and saved encounter templates.

Arcs

• Open Spine on the Session Planner home screen, then + Arc, to add a chapter.
• Assign to arc… on a session’s menu puts that session in a chapter. Players do not get this view.

Prep styles: Prep Sheet (story-arc slots), Kanban, Beat sheet, Agenda + annex, Flowchart (branching nodes).

Card types: Scene, NPC, Location, Encounter, Clue, Music, Loot, Note.

Cross-links

• Type [[Title]] in card bodies or the session summary. Links render as chips in the inspector preview.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Pull live content from Codex and World Forge instead of retyping names.
• Combat roster can add From Sheets, From Monsters, or From World Forge.
• Export board JSON from the overflow menu for a backup of that session’s board.
• Right-click sessions, cards, and columns for status, move, rename, and delete.

Key terms: Prep style, Board, Column, Card, Inspector, Asset Explorer, Encounter template, In play, Arc, Wikilink

World Forge

Use it for: quick, editable generators for NPCs, Locations, Shops, Taverns, Travel encounters, and Rumors/quests. Everything saves into a mode-specific campaign library.

Create your first entry

1. Open World Forge.
2. Pick a mode tab (NPCs, Locations, Shops, Taverns, Travel, Rumors).
3. Confirm Campaign, set generator options in the left dock.
4. Click Generate (or Start fresh), edit freely, then Save.

Main areas

• Left dock: mode tabs, campaign, generator knobs, Generate / Start fresh.
• Center: editable section panels for the active entry.
• Right library: search, sort, filters (All / Generated / Favorites).
• Header: Roll all, Create player sheet (NPCs only), Save.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Only NPCs mode has Create player sheet (bridges into Player Sheets with auto-equip where applicable).
• Travel encounters often include atmosphere, creatures, and loot suggestions.
• Rumors include stakes, twists, and leads (Rumor & Quest Mill).
• Each mode has its own library and generator options (biome, danger, shop type, and so on).
• Save is manual—edit until you like it, then save.
• There is no file import/export in this tool; content lives in the campaign database.

Key terms: Generator, Library, Generated, Travel encounters, Rumor kind, Create player sheet

Random Tables

Use it for: simple campaign tables you can roll at the table—encounters, weather flavor, rumors, whimsy.

Create your first table

1. Open Random Tables.
2. Click + Table, or Load samples for starter tables.
3. Name the table, pick a die (d6–d100), enter one entry per line, Save.

Main areas: left table list; right editor with name, die, Roll, entries, Save/Delete.

Highlights for new users

• Entries map across the die faces proportionally (align line count to die size if you want a strict 1:1).
• Load samples adds sample tables; it does not wipe yours.
• Pin the same table on Session Table as a Random Table widget for one-click rolls during play.

Key terms: Die, Entries, Roll result

Cross-campaign links

TableForge connects prep tools with wikilinks and a shared link index.

Syntax

• [[Note Title]] — link by title to a Codex note, Session Planner session, Campaign Map, or Chronicle entry.
• [[Target Title|Label]] — custom display text.
• Works in Codex Markdown, Chronicle summaries and GM margin notes, Session Planner card bodies and session summary, and map pin notes.

Where links appear

Campaign links graph

• Open Campaign links from Chronicle (or the equivalent graph where available).
• Force-directed graph of Codex notes, sessions, maps, pathways, and Chronicle entries.
• Filter by type; click a node to open that tool.
• Large campaigns may truncate at ~300 nodes.

Backlinks

• Linked from panels in Codex (open note), Chronicle (selected event), and Session Planner (selected card or session overview) list incoming references.
• Use ↻ to refresh after editing linked text elsewhere.

Key terms: Wikilink, Chip, Campaign links, Backlinks, Linked from

Campaign Maps (summary)

Use it for: uploading or creating maps; pinning routes, areas, and notes; sharing a Live table map; assigning Owned maps to characters.

Full detail is in §9 Campaign Maps in depth.

8. During-play tools

Reach for these while the table is live.

Session Table

Use it for: a live GM dashboard—an infinite canvas of widgets for calendar/clock, weather, notes, checklists, quests, random tables, and a pinned Session Planner session. Also drives scene cues and optional Sound Forge auto-match.

Get started

1. Open Session Table (campaign context appears in the header).
2. Use + Widget to add Calendar & Clock, Weather, Note, Checklist, Quest Progress, Plot board, Sticky Note, Random Table, Session Planner, or House rules.
3. Use + beside the canvas selector to create extra canvases (for example one per major location).

Main areas

• Header: Scene controls (mode, audience, Targets, Ideas, Auto sound), canvas selector, + Widget, quick links.
• Canvas: drag, pan, and zoom widgets.
• Presence / live combat strips when relevant.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• The world clock ties into long rest timing on character sheets and advances with combat rounds (~6 seconds per round from Battle Table).
• Weather rolls are season-aware from the calendar month.
• Name Sound Forge boards similarly to scene names so Auto sound can find them.
• Right-click widgets to configure, duplicate, or remove them.

Key terms: Canvas, Widget, Scene mode, World clock, Auto sound, Presence strip

Battle Table (Command Desk)

Use it for: live combat—initiative order, the active combatant inspector, combat log, player turn sync, and world-clock advance.

Start a fight

1. Open Battle Table, or use Session Planner Start on Battle Table.
2. Import combatants: From Player Sheets, NPC Sheets, Bestiary, or Session Planner.
3. Collect initiative (manual or from sheet bonuses).
4. Run turns with Pass Turn; use the inspector for HP, conditions, and actions.
5. End Combat for review, or New Combat to clear the field.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Linked player characters roll and take turns on the player Battle Table; you see status and reactions on the Command Desk.
• Unlinked PCs/NPCs prompt rolls on the GM desk.
• World +Xs (6s/round) keeps Session Table time moving during fights.
• Import only—no combat-roster file export in the header.

Key terms: Command Desk, Initiative rail, Pass Turn, Collect, Combatant, Battle Log, End Combat

Bestiary

Use it for: searchable creature stat blocks (SRD + homebrew) for prep and for importing into Battle Table, Session Planner, or Codex.

Get started

1. Open Bestiary — SRD creatures load automatically.
2. Browse/filter, or click + New Monster for homebrew.
3. Use Duplicate as Custom on an SRD creature when you want a variant without editing the original.

Highlights for new users

• Search reaches traits and action text, not only names.
• Editing an SRD entry converts it to homebrew.
• Stat blocks include traits, actions, bonus actions, reactions, and legendary actions.
• Feeds Combat Encounter import with CR and HP.
• Insert into Codex notes via the Codex Monster button.

Key terms: Creature, CR, Stat block, Homebrew, Duplicate as Custom

Loot Chest

Use it for: generating treasure—quick tiers or DMG-style hoard/individual tables by CR—with coins, gems, art, gear, and magic items from the compendium catalog.

Roll treasure

1. Open Loot Chest.
2. Choose Quick or DMG mode.
3. Set tier (Quick) or hoard/individual + CR (DMG), optionally No dupes, then Roll.
4. Review the results vault; Copy to clipboard or Roll again as needed.
5. During play, right-click an item → Send to player for connected sheets—or add bulk loot to Party Chest for the table to split.

Highlights for new users

• Quick tiers suit fast side-caches; DMG mode follows hoard vs individual by CR.
• Results respect a hard budget cap (about 125% of the DMG budget).
• Recent rolls lets you restore an earlier hoard.
• Grant deliberately so player inventories stay the source of truth.

Key terms: Quick tier, DMG Hoard, Individual, CR, No dupes, Budget cap, Grant loot

Sound Forge

Use it for: campaign audio—upload music and SFX, organize folders, and build session boards with a playlist plus an SFX trigger grid.

Build a board

1. Open Sound Forge.
2. + Board to create a session board; select it in the header dropdown.
3. + Upload into the Music or SFX libraries; drag tracks onto Playlist or SFX Board.
4. Use the transport bar (play/pause/next/loop/volume) during scenes.

Prep vs play

Highlights for new users

• Multi-select in the library (Ctrl/Cmd or Shift-click), then add to playlist/board.
• Drag-reorder playlist items; right-click library items to rename, move, or delete.
• Multiple boards per campaign—switch from the header dropdown.
• Audio stays local to the campaign; there is no pack export.

Key terms: Board, Playlist, SFX Board, Transport, Library, Now Playing

Quick Reference

Use it for: a searchable rules cheatsheet—built-in 5e summaries (actions, conditions, movement, and more) plus your own house-rule topics in folders.

Get started

1. Open Quick Reference — default topics load automatically.
2. Search mid-session, or + New → New reference / New folder for table conventions.
3. Use Edit to change title, folder, tags, and body.

Highlights for new users

• Built-ins cover common combat and adventuring lookups.
• Connected players may see this tool read-only.
• Also available from Battle Table for combat action reference.

Key terms: Topic, Folder, Reference, Tags, Read-only mode

9. Campaign Maps in depth

Maps are campaign-scoped. Players see two modes:

Create and mark a map

1. Set the correct Active Campaign on the home page.
2. Open Campaign Maps.
3. + Upload (PNG/JPEG/WebP/GIF) or + Blank for an empty exploration map.
4. Select the map in the library; use the toolbar: Pan, Pin, Pathway, Area, Label, Measure.
5. Double-click a pin, path, label, or the party token to select it. Drag a selected item to move it; use the toolbar to swap a pin’s icon or a path’s line style. Details stay in the inspector.
6. Set Scale (miles across map width) in map settings when you want travel-time estimates.
7. Organize with folders if useful.

Useful shortcuts: H pan, P pin, L path, A area, G fog reveal, T label, M measure.

Fog of war (live map)

1. In Map settings, enable Hide map from players until revealed.
2. Select the Fog reveal tool (G); click corners of a polygon, double-click to finish. Repeat for each visible area.
3. On a Shared / live map, players on LAN mobile maps only see revealed polygons; the GM sees dimmed unrevealed areas.

Pathways and Codex

• Draw pathways with the pen (drag) or polygon (click corners) tools; pick line style from the toolbar.
• Assign Terrain on paths and areas: wilderness, road, mountain, swamp, or sea.
• Name a path, add blurb/description, then Create / sync codex entry to link a Campaign Codex note (Pathway folder). Re-sync updates the summary without overwriting extra lore you add in Codex.
• Pathways can appear as nodes in Campaign links.

Measure and travel time

1. Select the Measure tool (M).
2. Choose a mode:

- Straight — drag A→B. - Draw route — drag freehand like the path pen, or click an existing path to measure it.

1. When scale is set, the HUD shows miles plus estimated walk / ride / wagon days (or sail when ending on a sea pin).
2. Terrain along the route adjusts day estimates (roads faster, mountains slower).

Pins, nested maps, and party position

• Pin Linked maps to drill into child map layers. Add multiple links with labels; mark one as Primary drill-down. Double-click a pin to select it, then double-click again (or use the inspector) to open the primary link. Right-click or use the picker when several links exist.
• Layer entry point — where the party marker lands when drilling down.
• Sync party on navigate — copies party position to the entry pin (or matching coordinates) on the child map; returning up restores the parent position.
• Allow player drill-down — lets connected players follow linked layers on a shared Live map (read-only).
• Pin terrain land vs sea affects wagon vs sail estimates in measure mode.
• Pin Notes support [[wikilinks]] with a live preview in the inspector.

Share live and lock edits

1. Enable Share live so the map appears under players’ Live tab.
2. Optionally Lock edits so players can view but not move marks.
3. Player marks are tracked as player-owned overlays—use the GM layer filter (All / GM / character) to focus.
4. Breadcrumb navigation appears when you drill into linked child maps.

Owned maps

1. Open Owners on a map.
2. Assign online characters in that campaign (player connected + character selected).
3. Already-assigned characters stay listed when offline so you can uncheck them.
4. Two characters on the same player profile do not share Owned maps.

Players may organize Owned maps into private folders on their client. Those folders are per character and are not shared with other characters.

Key terms: Share live, Lock edits, Owners, Overlay, Pathway, Layer filter, Player-owned mark, Scale, Measure, Linked map, Layer entry, Party sync, Breadcrumb, Terrain

10. Hosting players

Same network (LAN)

1. Start the LAN host from the status / bottom bar.
2. Share the QR code or URL with players on the same Wi‑Fi.
3. Players sign in with their profile PIN.
4. Players choose an active character.

Network tips

• Prefer the same private Wi‑Fi for GM and players.
• Avoid guest / client-isolated networks; phones on those often cannot reach the host PC.
• Allow TableForge through the Windows firewall when prompted.

Remote players

This TableForge build does not include cloud internet relay. Everyone who joins live must reach the GM PC on the same LAN (typical home Wi‑Fi). Options if players are not in the room:

• Use a VPN so all devices behave like one private network, then join via the LAN URL as usual.
• Run a hybrid session: remote players on voice/video; one player at the table carries the shared map on a tablet connected to the GM Wi‑Fi.

Quick reference: .

11. Table Chat

While the LAN host is running:

• Players send private messages to the GM.
• GM replies to an individual player or reaches connected players from the chat UI.

Use chat for table logistics and private notes—not as a replacement for voice at the table.

12. For players (desktop)

1. Open TableForge and sign in as a player with your profile PIN (or connect to the GM host when prompted).
2. Select your active character.
3. Use the player tools available in player mode:

1. Keep an active character selected during play so the GM can assign maps and see you as viewing.

Changing the active character changes your Owned map list and how you appear to the GM.

13. For players (mobile)

1. Join the GM’s session (scan QR or enter the LAN address).
2. Sign in with your profile PIN.
3. Choose an active character on Home / Sheets.
4. Use the bottom navigation:

The bar scrolls sideways when every tab does not fit. Party Chest and Chronicle are also on the Home grid.

Mobile tips

• Stay on the same Wi‑Fi as the host for LAN play (not a guest/isolated network).
• If the GM cannot assign you a map, open Sheets or Map with a character selected so presence refreshes.
• Table Chat is available from the shell actions on session screens.

14. A recommended first-session path

If you are brand new, this order builds confidence without opening everything at once:

1. Home: create Active Campaign + player profiles; start LAN host when players arrive.
2. Compendium: skim once so you know SRD content is there.
3. Player Sheets: build or import the party; assign ownership.
4. Campaign Codex: one folder for tonight’s lore or handouts.
5. Session Planner: one session board for the evening’s beats. Use Spine on the planner home screen to see chapters and the beat list.
6. World Forge (optional): generate a shop, tavern, or NPC you expect to need.
7. At the table: Session Table + Sound Forge for atmosphere.
8. When combat starts: Battle Table (import PCs + monsters).
9. After the fight: Loot Chest → grant to sheets or Party Chest for shared loot.
10. Exploration: Campaign Maps Share live, or Owned handouts as needed.
11. After the session: accept World Updates in Campaign Chronicle (or write an entry manually).

Add Vehicles & Mounts, Random Tables, Party Chest, and deeper Codex/Chronicle vaults once the basic loop feels comfortable.

15. Tips for a smooth session

• One campaign, one night. Confirm Active Campaign before anyone creates content.
• Host early. Start LAN a few minutes before players arrive so PINs and presence settle.
• Character selected. Ask every player to pick their PC and leave it selected.
• Open light. Session Table + Sheets for most of the night; Battle / Maps / Loot on demand.
• Maps with intent. Share one Live map for the table; use Owned maps for personal handouts or travel journals.
• World Forge → Planner → Combat. Generate an NPC or encounter, pin it on the board, then start Battle Table from the Combat tab when ready.
• Grant loot deliberately. Generate in Loot Chest, reveal when ready, then grant to sheets or Party Chest so inventories stay authoritative.
• Sound under dialogue. Cue ambience in Sound Forge before a scene; keep volume comfortable for table talk.
• Codex for lasting lore; Planner for tonight. Don’t bury session beats only in a vault note you won’t open at the table.
• Link as you write. [[Titles]] in Codex, Chronicle, and session cards pay off later in backlinks and the Campaign links graph.
• Chronicle after play. World Updates from finished sessions beat trying to reconstruct the arc from memory next week.

16. Import and export

After import, confirm the active campaign still matches where you intended the content to land.

17. Troubleshooting

18. If you need a hand

Write to tableforgeapp@gmail.com.

The in-app Help panel on the GM home page covers the same topics in a shorter form.