A few sessions ago in my current campaign, there was a discussion about how we could bring real-time gambling to Fantasy Grounds. After some quick research in the Dungeons and Dragons 5e core books, I concluded that the reference materials did not offer much to work with.
The Player’s Handbook makes only a single mention as part of the “Deception” ability check. The Dungeon Master Guide only discusses it as part of the “Carousing” downtime activity. Not much to work with there.
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything was the best source for some useable game mechanics. Unfortunately, it is only referenced as part of downtime activities to determine the outcome only. That is kind of boring.
I figured there had to be a way that we could bring gambling game mechanics into our Fantasy Grounds sessions, and it turns out that there is.
The Gambling / Tarot Pack: Den of Iniquity
After conducting a little Google research, I came across a great little Fantasy Grounds module called the Gambling / Tarot Pack: Den of Iniquity. The purpose of this module is three-fold:
First, it can be used to conduct some real-time playing card gambling through the use of a full 52 card deck. It has some nice fantasy pips in the form of a Snake, Lion, Unicorn, and Gryphon. In addition, the module provides instruction on nine different card games, but realistically, you can play any card game you wish.
If you don’t want to play out every hand, there is the ability to simulate the outcome of a hand or an entire gambling night. Having both of these options available is very nice.
Knife Throwing Anyone?
Second, it can be used to play a dart or throwing knife game called Dyn using the provided Dyn Cartwheel Dartboard. This game has some wacky rules and could lead to some very interesting nights in the tavern.
I won’t get into full details. I will say that there is a part of this game where you switch to throwing your darts or knives at targets in the room. This is required to save yourself. There is also a situation where you must pick a fight with a patron in the bar to continue. This game sounds like it would be a great addition to a seedy tavern.
How About A Little Tarot Card Reading?
Third, it can be used to conduct a tarot card reading session using the 32 card tarot deck. This was a bonus for me as I was originally only looking to add some real-time gambling. I am sure that this feature will make a nice addition at some point in my campaign.
So, there you have it. A nice little module to add to your Fantasy Grounds session to help better roleplay those nights out gambling in the local tavern. Plus, the ability to add a tarot card reading by a mysterious gypsy lady before they enter. It sounds like the makings of a fine evening of adventure.
How do you handle gambling on your virtual tabletop? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
