system game webapp

Project Goals

Create a local-first TTRPG web app for DMs to:

1. Host real-time game sessions on their machine via localhost.
2. Manage character sheets (DM view + player views).
3. Roll dice (including Fate, exploding mechanics).
4. Share a dynamic world knowledge bank synced with Obsidian.md.
5. Operate entirely offline with file-based storage (no cloud dependencies).

Core Features

1. User Roles & Authentication

• DM/Host:
  • Creates session with master passphrase.
  • Generates/assigns character passphrases.
  • Exports/imports character data (JSON/YAML).
• Players:
  • Access character sheets via passphrase + DM’s local IP.
  • No backend access; UI-only interaction.

2. Character Management

• DM Interface: - Create/delete characters. - Edit all character stats in real time. - View all sheets simultaneously.
• Player Interface: - View/edit assigned character sheet. - Track spendable resources (e.g., health, gold).

3. Dice Roller

• Supported dice: Fate, d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, d100.
• Exploding dice: Auto-reroll on max value.
• Roll history (last 10 rolls).

4. World Knowledge Bank

• Obsidian.md Integration:
  • DM copies Obsidian vault to server/knowledge folder.
  • Renders .md files with links/wiki-style navigation.
• Visibility Control:
  • DM toggles articles as "player-visible" in real time.
  • Players see only unlocked content.

5. Networking & Security

• Local WiFi access via DM’s IP (e.g., http://192.168.x.x:3001).
• Passphrase-only auth (no persistent user accounts).
• Data wiped on server shutdown (optional JSON backups).

Technical Stack

Project Structure

bash
dnd-app/  
├── server/                  # Backend  
│   ├── data/               # JSON/YAML files (characters, session)  
│   ├── knowledge/          # Obsidian vault copy (markdown files)  
│   └── index.js            # Express server + Socket.io  
├── src/                    # React frontend  
│   ├── components/         # Dice, KnowledgeBank, CharacterSheet  
│   ├── DMScreen.js         # DM control panel  
│   └── PlayerScreen.js     # Player view  
└── package.json

Setup & Workflow

1. DM Prep:
   • Copy Obsidian vault to server/knowledge.
   • Run npm start to launch React + Express.
2. In-Game:
   • Players connect via DM’s IP + character passphrase.
   • DM edits sheets/toggles knowledge visibility in real time.
3. Post-Session:
   • DM exports character data (JSON/YAML).
   • Server shuts down, wiping session data (optional).

Roadmap

1. Phase 1: Core DM/player sheets + dice roller.
2. Phase 2: Knowledge bank + Obsidian sync.
3. Phase 3: Export/import workflows + UI polish.

Key Constraints

• Local Use Only: No production hosting; runs only during sessions.
• No Database: All data stored in flat files.
• Minimal Auth: Passphrases for simplicity. This plan prioritizes lightweight, DM-centric tools for tabletop sessions while maintaining compatibility with existing Obsidian workflows.
  🎲 Example character sheet in .md: Character Sheet

• Name: Cleo Shephard
• Origin: Caretaker
  • Unique Starting Benefit: "Guardian's Care": Gain a +1 bonus when assisting allies or protecting someone from harm.
• Class: ---
• Level: N/A (Initially)
  Balance Action
• Stats: (Record base stat value and any bonuses)
  • Vit: 19 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)+
  • End: 7 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Str: 8 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Agi: 7 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Per: 11 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Rea: 10 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)+
  • Res: 7 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Will: 9 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Int: 14 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)+
  • Wis: 6 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Con: 7 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)
  • Focus: 8 (+Bonus from Items/Skills)

• Derived Stats: (Calculated values, update dynamically. always expressed as [base+bonuses]=[totalCurrent/totalMax])

  • Health (HP): [80+16]=[96/96]
  • Mana (MP): [77+8]=[85/85]
  • Stamina (SP): [37+8]=[45/45]
  • Health Regen/Hour: [64]
  • Mana Regen/Hour: [20]
  • Stamina Regen/Minute: [33]
  • Physical Defense: [x]
  • Mental Defense: [x]

• Paths: (List Paths taken and current level)

  • [Newbie Path] Lvl [4/7]
  • [Pathless l Path] Lvl [1/100]
  • [Blessing Path] Lvl [x/x]
  • [Healing Palm Path] Lvl [x/x]
  • [Willpower Path] Lvl [x/x]
  • [Crafter l Path] Lvl [x/x]
  • [Trainee Path] Lvl [x/x]

• Skills: (List all Skills, categorized and leveled)

  • Soulskill: [Skill Name] Lvl [Number]
  • General Skills:
    • [System Interference] Lvl [1]
  • Stamina Skills:
    • [Skill Name] Lvl [Number]
  • Mana Skills:
    • [Skill Name] Lvl [Number]
  • Crafting Skills:
    • [Woodworking] Lvl [3]
  • Boost Skills: (List passive skills and their effects)
    • [Skill Name] Lvl [Number]

• Perks: (List Perks taken and rarity)

  • [Supply Kit]Lesser Perk]
  • [+2 Wand of Multi-Affinity (Water & Plants)]Greater Perk]
  • [Perk Name]Rarity]

• Achievements: (List Achievements)

  • [Crazy Bastard] Gained from Entering a Dungeon without a Class or Level.
    • Gain one Greater Perk.
  • [Wild Abandon] Gained from Entering a Dungeon 10 or more Levels above your own.
    • Gain one Perk.
  • [Without a Care] Gained from Entering a Dungeon without any equipment or supplies.
    • Gain one Lesser Perk.
  • [Crafty l] Gained from crafting your first item in The System.
    • Gain one Stat Point. Unlock Crafter l Path.

• Equipment:

  • Weapons: [Crude Wooden Spear x3] 1d4 /1d6 Piercing DMG, Thrown 20/40.
  • Armor: [List armor pieces and their stats/bonuses]
  • Inventory: [List other carried items, potions, crafting materials, etc.]

• Soul Points: [0]

• Path Points: [0]

• Stat Points: [1]

• Skill Upgrade Points: [0]

• Notes: [Space for character backstory, goals, contacts, etc.]