Quick Start Guide

Welcome to CritForge! This guide will help you generate your first piece of D&D content in just a few minutes.

What is CritForge?

CritForge is an AI-assisted content generator for Dungeon Masters running D&D 5e campaigns. Generate:

• NPCs with personalities, stat blocks, and plot hooks
• Encounters with balanced CR calculations and tactics
• Plots with structured story beats and twists
• Maps with narrative integration and keyed locations
• Establishments with atmosphere and inventory

All content is SRD 5.2 compliant - no trademarked Wizards of the Coast material.

Your First Generation

Let's create an NPC to practice the workflow:

Step 1: Navigate to Generator

1. Click Generate in the top navigation
2. Select NPC Generator

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Required fields:

• Name: Theron Ashwood
• Race: Human
• Class: Wizard
• Level: 5

Optional (leave blank for now):

• Personality traits
• Background
• Alignment
• Notes

Step 3: Generate

Click Generate NPC or press Cmd+Enter (Mac) / Ctrl+Enter (Windows).

What happens:

• AI generates personality, appearance, backstory
• Creates stat block (AC, HP, Speed, saves, skills)
• Provides plot hooks for campaign integration
• Adds secrets only the GM knows

Generation time: 5-15 seconds

Step 4: Review Content

You'll see multiple sections:

• Appearance - Physical description
• Personality - Traits, ideals, bonds, flaws
• Background - Origin story and motivations
• Plot Hooks - Adventure seeds involving this NPC
• Secrets - Hidden information (GM-only, dark theme)
• Stat Block - Combat stats and abilities

Step 5: Save to Library

Click Save to Library or press Cmd+S / Ctrl+S.

Your NPC is now saved and accessible from:

• Library → NPCs
• Dashboard → Recent Content

Display Modes

CritForge has two display modes:

Simple Mode (Default for New Users)

Best for:

• New Dungeon Masters
• Quick generation during sessions
• Players under 13 (age-appropriate content)

Features:

• Kid-friendly terminology
• Essential information only
• Hidden complexity (XP, CR warnings)

Expert Mode

Best for:

• Experienced Dungeon Masters
• Campaign planning
• Learning game mechanics

Features:

• Full D&D terminology
• Complete stat calculations
• Advanced options (legendary actions, difficulty scaling)
• Detailed tactical suggestions

Switch modes: Click your avatar → Settings → Display Mode

Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow:

Subscription Tiers

Free Tier

Included:

• 10 NPC generations per month
• 5 encounter generations per month
• 3 plot generations per month
• Save up to 5 pieces of content
• All generators (NPC, plot, encounter, map, tavern)

Resets: 1st of each month

Solo Tier ($15/month)

Included:

• 200 NPC generations per month
• 100 encounter generations per month
• 50 plot generations per month
• Unlimited saved content
• PDF export for all content types
• Bulk generation (5-10 at once)
• Priority generation (no rate limiting)

Upgrade: Click avatar → Subscription → Upgrade to Premium

Next Steps

Now that you've generated your first NPC, try:

1. Create an encounter - Generate a balanced combat for your party
2. Build a plot - Generate a multi-session adventure with acts and beats
3. Organize a campaign - Create a campaign to organize your content
4. Explore generators - Try taverns, random tables, traps, and more

Need Help?

• In-App Help: Click the ? icon in any generator
• Documentation: You're here! Explore other guides in the sidebar
• Support: Contact us via the feedback form (Dashboard → Send Feedback)

Tips for Success

1. Start simple - Use required fields only, let AI fill in details
2. Iterate - Regenerate content if you're not satisfied
3. Customize - Edit generated content to fit your campaign
4. Save favorites - Build a library of go-to NPCs and encounters
5. Use campaigns - Organize content by campaign for easy access

Welcome to the CritForge community! Happy world-building! 🎲