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Add Monster Command

Add custom monsters to your collection from raw text descriptions.

Usage

!add-monster <source>
<monster text>

Description

The add-monster command allows DMs to add custom monsters to their collection by pasting raw monster descriptions in Shadowdark format. The source is specified on the first line, and the monster description goes on the subsequent lines. The monster text is parsed and shown as a preview, then you can approve or reject it with buttons.

Format

The monster text should follow the Shadowdark monster format:

Monster Name
Flavor text description.

AC 15, HP 38, ATK 2 poisoned dagger (close/near) +6 (2d4), MV near (climb), S 2, D 4, C 2, I 2, W 3, Ch 3, AL C, LV 8

Talent 1. Description of the first talent.

Talent 2. Description of the second talent.

It's critical to separate the stat block and talents with blank lines. This allows the stat block and talent descriptions to span multiple lines and makes copy/pasting from PDFs easier.

Examples

Basic Monster

!add-monster Custom Campaign
Assassin
A black-cloaked, skulking killer.

AC 15, HP 38, ATK 2 poisoned dagger (close/near) +6 (2d4), MV near (climb), S 2, D 4, C 2, I 2, W 3, Ch 3, AL C, LV 8

Execute. Deals x3 damage against surprised targets.

Complex Monster

!add-monster Homebrew
THE TARRASQUE
A colossal, four-legged reptile with crocodilian jaws, amber scales, and a diamond-hard, spiked carapace.

AC 22, HP 140, ATK 4 thrash (near) +13 (3d10 + sever) and 1 bite (near) +13 (5d10 + sever + swallow), MV triple near (burrow, swim), S +7, D +2, C +5, I -3, W +1, Ch -3, AL N, LV 30

Legendary. Only damaged by magical sources.

Deep Dweller. Immune to harm from fire and cold. Amphibious.

Regeneration. Regains 4d10 lost HP at the beginning of its turn.

Notes

  • Source: The first argument should be the source name (e.g., "Custom Campaign", "Homebrew", "Module Name")
  • Monster Text: Should be provided on the lines after the command
  • Approval: After parsing, you'll see a preview with Approve/Reject buttons
  • Timeout: Unapproved monsters are automatically deleted after 5 minutes
  • Server-Specific: Custom monsters are only visible in the server where they were created
  • Ownership: Only the user who created a monster can approve or reject it

Parsing Features

The parser handles: - Multi-line descriptions and flavor text - Complex stat blocks with ability scores - Multiple talents and abilities - Hyphenated words across line breaks - Various attack formats

Error Handling

If the monster text can't be parsed, you'll see an error message explaining what went wrong. Common issues: - Missing required stats (AC, HP, ATK) - Invalid ability score format - Malformed stat block structure

Integration

Once approved, custom monsters: - Appear in !monster searches for your server - Can be added to initiative with !madd - Support monster attack rolls with !ma - Are stored with your server ID for organization