lava-vtt

A virtual table-top, that is first and foremost designed to be:

used for non-virtual or in-person play, to enhance the playing experience of your favourite TTRPG.
integrated closely with obsidian.md, since that is what we are using for DMing.

Self-Hosting

At the moment, self-hosting is not yet fully automated. The following instructions can be used to run it in dev-mode locally. Self-hosting should be possible, although you need to figure out yourself how to do that.

Of course, we will provide more detailed instructions in the future. Ideally, we would like to provide a docker image as well, so that you can easily run it on your own server.

Running the App

Installing dependencies

npm install

Running the apps

docker compose up -d mongo

nx serve client
nx serve server

Afterward, the app is reachable at http://localhost:3000.

Obsidian Plugin

Compiling the plugin

nx run obsidian-lava-vtt-adapter:dev

Raspberry Pi Setup

This section outlines the steps required to transform a Raspberry Pi into a smart, QR-code-reading client for lava-vtt.

The Raspberry Pi must be equipped with a camera module. Upon starting, the Pi will prompt the user, through the camera, to scan two QR codes: one for connecting to a Wi-Fi network (if it does not have a network connection) and another for a lava-vtt server URL. Once both QR codes have been successfully scanned, the Raspberry Pi will launch a web browser to display the website specified by the URL. This method is perfect for those looking to use a Raspberry Pi as a portable lava-vtt client.

The URL presented in QR code form as the lava-vtt server must be in the format lava=SERVER_HOSTNAME. You will also find the lava-vtt server QR code in the lava-vtt admin interface.

Raspberry Pi Imager

Download Raspberry Pi Imager
Insert SD Card
Start Raspberry Pi Imager
- Select the fitting Raspberry device
- OS: Raspberry Pi OS (Legacy, 32-bit)
- Select SD storage
Setup Raspberry Pi:
- Make sure to call the user "admin"
  - Configuring Wi-Fi is optional but recommended

Raspberry Pi Imager Setup

Wait for the installation to finish

Raspberry Pi

Insert SD card into Raspberry
Connect the camera module
Connect a screen + mouse + keyboard (mouse + keyboard only needed for first time setup)
Boot the Raspberry
Run the setup script:

curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/lavaforge/lava-vtt/main/scripts/setup.sh | sudo bash

After the script is finished the Raspberry Pi will reboot
The start script is then located in /lava
The start script now also starts automatically on boot

When the Raspberry Pi is started in a new location where it does not have a Wi-Fi connection you will be prompted to show a Wi-Fi QR code. This way you won't have to carry a keyboard when taking the Raspberry Pi client somewhere else.

lavaforge / lava-vtt

readme