The Complete Noob Guide To Obsidian.md for Dungeon Masters (Patreon)

This post was a starting point for many people.. but it's time has come and gone. The new and improved tutorials can be found at: www.obsidianttrpgtutorials.com 

Obsidian.md is a fantastic tool that can turn into one of the most powerful TTRPG Campaign Managers available today (It's free).  It does however suffer in a similar way to Foundry VTT in that it has a lot of plugins and settings that need to be configured to really get the most from it. Click here for a basic introduction to the tool or here for a more detailed showcase of why I use it (lots of screenshots)

This post is to help new users on their way.

• Step1 - Download and install Obsidian.md
• Step 2 - Installation and First Notes
• Step 2.1 - Lets Learn Obsidian 2
• Step 2.2 - Front Matter, Tags and Aliases
• Step 2.3 - Working with Tables
• Step 3 - Configure the tool. Check the Settings and Plugin list for recommended settings. Don't go over-board in here. Check the settings and come back here.
• Step 4 - Learn about Templates. Templates will make the learning curve easier as you will not need to remember how code works. Just make templates for any code and insert them into new notes!
• Step 5 - Learn how automatic linking works Backlinks, Unlinked Mentions, Automatic Link Recommendations (Various Complements).
• Step 6 - Learn how to improve Text Formatting when copying in data.
• Step 7 - Learn about CANVAS
• Step 9 - Optional - Learn how to backup and sync your Vault with Github

You will most likely want to change the way your Obsidian looks. I highly recommend you start with the ITS Alternative Theme. I use this in most of my videos and it's designed for TTRPG users. It has an alternative version that adds a lot of desired functionality such as:

• Resize images and align images left, right, centre and grid.
• Add Wiki Style Tables to the right side of a note.

Add TTRPG Functionality. By this point you should have basic functionality. There is a lot more than can be done. Here are the things I would learn to do as a priority.

• P1 - Learn how to create Folder Notes.
• P2 - Add a Banner to your notes.
• P3 - Learn how to embed a website (for DnDBeyond or anything where login fails use Custom Frames).
• P4 - Learn how to use pinnable maps.
• - Encounter/Dungeon Maps
• - Regional/World Maps
• P5 - Install the Dice Roller plugin. It adds functionality to other plugins also.
• P6 - Learn how to bring in a TTRPG Monster Statblock.
• P7 - Learn how to manage combat with the Initiative Tracker (also manage parties).
• P8 - Do you need a Fantasy Calendar?
• P9 Do you want to use flow charts? Check out Excalidraw.
• P10 - If you have a player facing screen, check out Second Window which allows you to easily show images to your players.
• P11 - If you are coming from Realm Works - Learn how to Import Data From Realm Works.
• Optional - This is a paid feature but it lets you publish your notes to a website. Handy if you would like to share content with your players (note most plugins don't work when published).

Advanced Content. There is much more than can be done, some of which will increase in difficulty level. Learn how the stuff above works before you more onto these.

• Really cool random Weather Generator.
• Ability to customise fonts.
• Automatically move new notes to specified folder.
• Supercharged Links are cool. It adds little icons in front of links throughout your notes.
• Learn how to create a Sound Board.

Really Advanced content. You should be comfortable with working with data and coding before you step into these. If you know what RegEx is, you might find some interesting stuff.

• Learn about Dataview. This is a pre-requisite for other advanced uses.
• Import bulk notes with the CSV/JSON Importer and Handlebar Templates.
• Use external text editor to make bulk changes to notes with RegEx.
• Create repeatable and powerful workflows to automatically modify and create new notes with Knime or Alteryx.

Pathfinder 2e Players

• Install the community Pathfinder Packs