5E trap automation question

[FateStCloud]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering, is there a way to automate traps that are placed on the map?

IE:
I add NPC "pitfall Trap" to tracker and place token on map, player walks over token and the trap triggers the effect causing falling damage.

Any information on this would be super helpful, thanks!

[LordEntrails]

No. Because the map does not trigger anything.

What I do is instead create an NPC for the trap, give it actions/reactions/etc. Then if I want I can place a token on the map, but not show it to the players. Then when a character triggers the trap I can roll the attack/spell/etc as needed and if it hits/the PC fails the save/etc can then 'roll' the damage or apply the effect.

Their are various trap modules on the forums here as well as on the DMsGuild that gives you lots of examples of different approaches. Their is no one best way to do traps, because WotC has published at least 3 different trap formats I'm aware of.

[Trenloe]

Welcome to the FG forums FateStCloud!