# Obsidian Install Custom Statblock Layout CoC ![[images/Obsidian-Install-Custom-Statblock-Layout-CoC.webp]] [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUCPEEy7G9w) · 16:58 · Josh Plunkett · 2024-07-15 ## Outline ### 00:00 Intro - A request from the Obsidian TTRPG Community Discord: show how to install the Call of Cthulhu layout for the Fantasy Statblocks plugin. - Searching "obsidian fantasy statblocks" brings up the plugin's GitHub page, whose **Discussions** tab is where the community shares layouts they've built over time. - The Discord has a game-systems section with per-game chat channels; in the Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition channel, a member (Byar, per the description) released the layout used tonight. ### 01:48 CoC Statblock Download - The links lead to a shared Google Drive folder (Mythos Monsters) holding a CoC NPC JSON and a CoC generic JSON. The JSON files are the layouts. - There are also example `.md` notes. A custom layout needs two things: the layout imported into the plugin, and notes whose data matches the structure that layout expects. ### 02:58 Install the Custom Layout - In a brand-new vault: Settings, Community plugins, turn them on, Browse, install **Fantasy Statblocks** by Jeremy Valentine (Javalent). He also installs **Initiative Tracker**, since the two are designed to work together, though it's optional. - In Fantasy Statblocks settings, the **Import from JSON** section takes the downloaded files; he imports the generic layout first, then the NPC one. ![[images/Obsidian-Install-Custom-Statblock-Layout-CoC-t0410.webp]] - Each layout can be edited in the drag-and-drop layout editor and previewed (the preview needs a creature to show anything). - The new layouts don't appear as a default-layout option until Obsidian is reloaded (command palette, "reload"). Josh restarts Obsidian after any big Fantasy Statblocks change. - He sets the CoC layout as default, disables the bundled 5e SRD monsters, and turns on **automatically parse frontmatter for creatures** so statblocks stored in notes are added to the plugin. - Tip: the bestiary folder defaults to `/`, which scans the whole vault on every launch. Point it at a dedicated monsters folder instead and it's much faster. ### 07:07 Add the Example NPC Statblock - He copies the example NPC note into a new note with `Ctrl+Shift+V` to paste cleanly, giving Robert Blaine, a 24-year-old expedition leader. ![[images/Obsidian-Install-Custom-Statblock-Layout-CoC-t0800.webp]] - The statblock is cut off on the right. Turning off **readable line length** (Settings, Editor) widens the page but isn't the cause. - The fix is in the layout's **Advanced** settings: the creator had hard-coded a two-column split, a pixel width and a force option. Switching force off and putting the width back to the default of 400 makes it fit. ![[images/Obsidian-Install-Custom-Statblock-Layout-CoC-t1000.webp]] - The original author may have a bigger screen, which is why those values were set. Advanced also has colour options. Josh likes the layout's drop-down section, though he admits he doesn't know Call of Cthulhu. ### 11:13 Add the Example Generic Template - The second example (a Dark Young note) uses the generic layout and has the same cut-off problem. He turns off force columns and restores the default width. - Now it flows to one column when space is tight. He recommends not hard-coding widths so statblocks adapt when you split notes into several panes. - Key takeaway: each example note shows the data layout, so you can change the name, title, spells and powers, descriptions and HP. ### 12:50 Create a Template - He makes a `Z Templates` folder with a "CoC Statblock NPC Template" note. - In a fresh vault he has to enable the core **Templates** plugin, set its folder, and bind **Insert template** to `Alt+T` under Hotkeys. ![[images/Obsidian-Install-Custom-Statblock-Layout-CoC-t1400.webp]] - You can make the template generic (placeholder name and description) or keep the worked example as a reference. Demo: Robert Blaine becomes "Bob," a beer drinker. ### 15:24 Find Custom Layouts - The Fantasy Statblocks GitHub discussions have many layouts, usually with a screenshot, example data (your template) and the JSON file; you need all three. Some come as zip files. - Examples include a Stormtrooper layout with working icons and a 5e character sheet layout. ![[images/Obsidian-Install-Custom-Statblock-Layout-CoC-t1600.webp]] - Fantasy Statblocks isn't just for 5e or Pathfinder. If your game isn't covered, you can build a layout and share it with the community. ## Things Mentioned ### Obsidian plugins and features - **Fantasy Statblocks** (Javalent): community plugin, free. Renders statblocks from layouts; supports JSON import, a layout editor, Advanced column/width settings and frontmatter parsing. - **Initiative Tracker** (Javalent): community plugin, free; works alongside Fantasy Statblocks. - **Templates**: core plugin, free; used with an `Alt+T` insert-template hotkey. - Command palette **Reload app without saving**, the **readable line length** editor setting, and `Ctrl+Shift+V` paste-as-plain-text. ### Websites and resources - [Fantasy Statblocks GitHub discussions](https://github.com/javalent/fantasy-statblocks/discussions): community-shared layouts, free. - [CoC layout Google Drive folder](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18rtEetyQs0qHHajLTDkRtj8lj_XnQcNZ): CoC NPC and generic JSON layouts plus example notes, free. - Obsidian TTRPG Community Discord: game-system channels, including Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition. - [Obsidian TTRPG Tutorials](https://obsidianttrpgtutorials.com/): Josh's free tutorial site. - [Josh Plunkett on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/JPlunkett): paid support. ### TTRPG systems and products - **Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition** (Chaosium): the target system for this layout; example creatures from the Mythos (a Dark Young) and an NPC. - **D&D 5e SRD** monsters bundled with Fantasy Statblocks (disabled here), plus Pathfinder support. - Community layouts shown: a Stormtrooper (Star Wars) layout and a 5e character sheet layout. ## Bios - **Josh Plunkett**: Australian GM and YouTuber behind Obsidian TTRPG Tutorials, who teaches running tabletop campaigns in Obsidian and helps run the Obsidian TTRPG Community Discord. - **Jeremy Valentine (Javalent)**: developer of Fantasy Statblocks, Initiative Tracker and other Obsidian TTRPG plugins; thanked in the description. - **Byar**: community member credited in the description with sharing the Call of Cthulhu statblock layout. In the video Josh credits the example notes to a community member whose name the auto-captions garble, so that name isn't given here. - **Robert Blaine**: the example NPC in the layout's sample note, a 24-year-old expedition leader.