Traps and Region Behavior

Last updated: 2025-01

The DSA5 system uses Foundry VTT's region system to place traps on maps. When tokens enter specific areas, traps can be triggered automatically.

What are Regions?

Regions are invisible areas on the map that can trigger specific behaviors when tokens enter or leave them. The DSA5 system adds the special behavior type DSA Trap.

Creating a Trap

Method 1: Drag Trap from Library

1. Open the Library (key L)
2. Search for a trap in the compendium
3. Drag the trap directly onto the map
4. A region with trap behavior is automatically created

Method 2: Create Region Manually

1. Switch to the Region Layer (icon in the left toolbar)
2. Draw a new region
3. Open the Region Settings
4. Add a new Behavior
5. Select DSA Trap as the behavior type
6. Configure the trap parameters

Trap Parameters

Basic Settings

Parameter	Description
Name	Name of the trap
Description (GM)	Details visible only to the Game Master
Description	Description visible to players (after discovery)

Complexity

Level	Name	Description
0	Primitive	Simple pit traps, loose stones
1	Simple	Trip wires, simple mechanisms
2	Complex	Elaborate mechanisms, magical traps

Trap Type

Type	Description
Trap (Default)	General trap
Stone	Falling stones
Arrow	Projectile launchers
Blade	Cutting mechanisms
Crushing	Slamming traps
Slide	Collapsing floors
Suffocation	Gas release
Magical	Spell-based traps

Trigger

Trigger	Description
Pressure Plate	When stepped on
Trip Wire	When walked through
Lock	When opened (doors, chests)
Supernatural	Magical detection

Additional Parameters

Parameter	Description
Difficulty	Modifier for Perception/Disarm checks
Concealment	How well the trap is hidden
Damage Formula	Dice formula for damage (e.g., "2d6+4")
Tools	Required tools for disarming
Charges	How many times the trap can trigger (0 = unlimited)

Trigger Events

You can choose which events trigger the trap:

• Token Enters Region (default)
• Token Leaves Region
• Round Start
• Round End
• Turn Start
• Turn End

Triggering a Trap

When a token enters the region:

1. The game is paused (optional)
2. The camera pans to the token
3. A trap message appears in the chat
4. The sound effect plays (if configured)

The Trap Message

Buttons appear in the chat for various actions:

• Perception: Notice the trap
• Dodge: Avoid the damage
• Damage: Apply trap damage
• Disarm: Deactivate the trap

Disarming a Trap

After successful disarming:

• The trap is marked as disarmed
• It will no longer trigger
• The status can be reset in the region behavior

Tips

• Preview: Test traps before the session
• Sound: Use appropriate sound effects for atmosphere
• Multiple Charges: For repeatedly triggering traps
• Magical Traps: Use the supernatural trigger for magical guardians

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See also:

• Combat
• Damage Application
• Sight and Light