Tutorial 3

Tutorial 3: The Torchbearer (Lighting & Audio)

Goal: Let's create a "Holding a Torch" effect. We are going to create an Overlay that adds a flickering light source to the token and plays a continuous crackling fire sound. This tutorial introduces the effect layers inside the Visage Editor and the powerful Sequencer integration.

Prerequisites

• Role: Player or Game Master
• Required Modules: Visage, Sequencer, and an audio library like PSFX (for the fire sound).

Concepts Covered

• Configuring the built-in Foundry Light Source via Visage
• Using the Layers list
• Adding an Audio Effect and adjusting volume
• Using Sequencer Database Keys

Step-by-Step Guide

Phase 1: Setting up the Light Source

1. Create a New Visage: Open either your Local Library or the Global Library and create a new Visage. Name it "Torch" and ensure the Mode is set to Overlay.

   Tip: We are using an Overlay as this is an effect and also to take advantage of the fact that once applied, the effect can be toggled on and off from the Selector HUD without needing to remove and re-apply the Visage.

2. Select the Light Source: In the Visage Editor, look at the Layers list on the left of the live preview stage. Under Token you will find Light Source. Click it to show its settings on the right.

3. Switch on the Light Source: Click the eye on the Light Source layer (or in the header of its settings) to switch the light on.

4. Configure the Light: In the Light section of its settings:

   • Set the Dim Radius to 40 and the Bright Radius to 10.

   • Pick a warm orange or yellow Color.

     Tip: Pick a darker shade of the colour you want as Foundry's light engine can make lighter shades look too bright. Test what works for you.

   • In the Animation section, under the Animation Type dropdown, select Torch (*).

     Tip: You will instantly see the light source appear and flicker around your token in the Live Preview stage! Note that only animation types with an asterisk (*) after their name are fully animated in the Live Preview. All animation types will still apply their effects when the Visage is applied.

Phase 2: Adding the Audio Effect

1. Add an Audio Effect: Click the + button at the top of the Layers list and choose Audio effect. A new layer appears under the Audio group, and its settings open on the right.

2. Give it a Label: In the Source section, type "Fire crackle" into the Label field so you can recognise it in the Layers list.

3. Set the Audio Path: In the File Path field, we need to provide a valid audio file. If you have the PSFX module installed, copy and paste this exact Sequencer Database Key into the box: psfx.ambient.firesources.fireplace.001

   Tip: To the side of the file path input is a Sequencer Database button. If you click this it will open Sequencer's database and you can search through any installed effects and copy the database key ready to paste into the filepath input.

   Tip: You can also enter a standard filepath for a file that is stored inside you "data" folder.

4. Adjust the Volume: In the Playback section, set the Volume slider to 0.5 (50%) so the fire crackle isn't too loud.

5. Check it Loops: In the header of the audio effect's settings, the Loop Effect button (the circular arrows) is switched on by default, so the fire crackles continuously while the Visage is active. Leave it on.

6. Save: Click the Save button in the bottom corner of the editor.

Testing It Out

1. Apply the Visage: Select your token and apply your new "Torch" Visage from the Selector HUD or the Library.
2. See and Hear: The token will immediately begin casting a flickering light across the map, and you should hear the warm crackle of a fire.
3. Remove it: Open the Selector HUD and remove the "Torch" layer. The light will vanish, and the audio will automatically stop playing.

Pro-Tips & Creative Ideas

• Randomised Audio (Partial Keys): You don't have to link to one specific sound. Visage accepts partial Sequencer keys. Instead of psfx.ambient.firesources.fireplace.001, you could just enter psfx.ambient.firesources. Every time you apply the Torch, Visage will randomly pick a different fire sound from that folder (if they exist).
• Browser Audio Policies: Browsers strictly block audio from autoplaying until a user interacts with the webpage (the canvas). If you refresh the canvas (F5), you might not hear audio effects applied to tokens until you click somewhere on the canvas.
• Persistent Effects: Visage is smart enough to handle scene transitions. If you have a looping audio or visual effect applied to your token and the GM moves you to a new Scene (or you refresh the page), Visage will automatically resume playing your effects once the new scene finishes loading.