# Foundry VTT: Virtual Tabletop for TTRPGs

**Foundry Virtual Tabletop (VTT)** is a subscription-free virtual tabletop for playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and more. Hosted directly on **The Nest**, Foundry provides interactive maps, dynamic lighting, integrated character sheets, soundscapes, and real-time multiplayer collaboration.

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## 1. Web Access & Initial Setup

1. Open **[foundry.mynest.love](https://foundry.mynest.love)** in your Web browser.
2. Click **Sign In** and log in using your standard Nest passkey.
3. Select your assigned **User Profile** from the campaign dropdown menu and enter your player passcode (if set by your GM).

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## 2. Core Concepts: Worlds, Systems, and Modules

To get the most out of Foundry VTT, it helps to understand its three primary layers:

* **Game Systems:** The underlying rules engine (e.g., *D&D 5e*, *Pathfinder 2e*, *Alien RPG*). Systems define character sheet statistics, automated combat rolls, and rules calculations.
* **Worlds:** The individual campaign instance containing scenes (maps), actors (player characters and NPCs), roll tables, and journal entries.
* **Modules:** Community-created add-ons that enhance functionality (such as 3D dice animations, automation macros, UI tweaks, or map effects).

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## 3. Running Your Own Game on The Nest

Want to run a campaign or one-shot for your gaming group on The Nest?

> [!IMPORTANT]
> **Single-Instance Server & Admin Access**
> Foundry VTT runs as a single service on The Nest, which means **only one World (campaign) can be actively hosted at any given time**.
> 
> * **Admin Password:** Switching active campaign Worlds or installing new Game Systems and Modules requires the server's admin password.
> * **Requesting GM Access:** Reach out to an administrator on Matrix to get the administrative password and receive a quick setup overview.
> * **Session Scheduling:** Be sure to schedule game times with other GMs on Matrix to avoid schedule overlaps or accidental world switching during live sessions!

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## 4. Tips for Players & GMs

* **Hardware Acceleration:** Foundry uses WebGL to render dynamic lighting, fog of war, and canvas effects. Ensure **Hardware Acceleration** is turned **ON** in your browser settings (`chrome://settings` or Firefox settings) for smooth performance.
* **Recommended Devices:** While mobile devices can technically access the web interface, a desktop, laptop, or tablet with a dedicated mouse/trackpad is strongly recommended for managing map vision and token navigation.
* **Performance Tuning:** If you experience lagging or high fan noise, lower the **Maximum Frame Rate** or disable soft shadows under **Settings → Configure Settings → Core Settings**.
* **Audio & Video Setup:** Foundry includes native browser WebRTC for audio and video calls. Be sure to grant camera and microphone permissions when prompted by your browser, or hop in a room in Matrix!

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## 5. Service Summary & Related Links

| Component | Endpoint / URL | Access Method | Purpose |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Foundry Web UI** | [foundry.mynest.love](https://foundry.mynest.love) | Web Browser | Connect to active tabletop campaign worlds |
| **Official Documentation** | [foundryvtt.com/kb](https://foundryvtt.com/kb/) | External Link | Official Foundry VTT Knowledge Base and user guides |

### Related Nest Documentation:
* **[Matrix Chat](../communication-and-security/matrix.md):** Coordinate game night schedules with other GMs or request admin credentials.