V13.8.4 Improved Templates

5e Item Importer v13.8.4

Foundry VTT Compatibility: v13+
D&D 5e System: 5.2.x+

This release is a documentation and template pass — no code changes. All seven strict YAML templates have been improved for LLM generation accuracy, and the README has been synced to match.

Improvements

• Stronger LLM instructions across all templates: Added an explicit rule that conditional sections (ATTUNEMENT, MATERIALS, AREA, ARMOR, etc.) must be omitted entirely when their condition isn't met — not filled with n/a. Also clarified that n/a applies only to scalar field values, and added effects: to the list of sections to omit unless explicitly requested.
• SPELL added to supported batch keys in all non-spell templates: You can now batch a SPELL together with a WEAPON, LOOT, EQUIPMENT, etc., in a single YAML block without switching templates. The batch key documentation in all six non-spell templates now lists all seven types.
• effects: section added to all templates: Each template now has an explicit effects: section (distinct from Activities:) with comments describing its purpose — passive Active Effects that are always-on mechanical modifications. Makes the SPELL/LOOT/WEAPON etc. templates compatible with the 5e-activity-importer effects: workflow without ambiguity.
• RECOVERY format standardized (Weapon, Equipment, Consumable, Tool): The RECOVERY block now uses RECOVERY:[] with commented-out entries in all templates, matching the Spell template's established format. The previous dash-list format implied there was always a recovery entry; [] clearly signals the default empty state to LLMs.
• README synced: The README's embedded template copies now match all of the above changes, plus previously missed additions from the prior release — the Loot template's trade loot type and the Spell template's spellcasting Ability override field and advanced AREA fields (Count, Width, Height, Contiguous).

Bug Fixes

• Fixed the README embedding for the Loot template missing the trade type from the Loot Type field options.
• Fixed the README embedding for the Spell template missing the Ability override field in the ITEM section, and the Count/Width/Height/Contiguous fields in the AREA section.
• Fixed USAGE fields in Weapon/Equipment/Consumable/Tool README embeds showing [integer] instead of the correct [integer|n/a] with explanatory comments.