DragoNightly The Nightly Dragon
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User guide

DragoNightly Documentation

The DragoNightly user guide covers downloading, installation and everyday use. Explore the GM panel, player app and website with section descriptions, step-by-step instructions and practical tips.

DragoNightly Game Master Panel during a game session
Game Master Panel. A demo session with active combat and prepared materials.

Step 1

How to download DragoNightly

Current builds are available in the Download section after signing in to your account.

  1. Create an account or sign in to the website.
  2. Open Downloads and select Windows, macOS, Linux or Android. To use the app in a browser, open the web version.
  3. Download the appropriate build. The website highlights the recommended option for your system.
  4. Save the installer or archive in a folder of your choice.
Step 2

Installation

Windows uses an MSI installer, macOS a DMG image and Linux a tar.gz archive. Android is installed from an APK; the web version runs in a browser.

Windows MSI

The Windows installer creates shortcuts and adds the application to the installed apps list.

  1. Run the DragoNightly-windows-x64.msi file.
  2. If SmartScreen reports an unknown publisher, select “More info” → “Run anyway”. The build is not yet code-signed.
  3. Follow the installation wizard and wait for installation to complete.
  4. Open DragoNightly from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

macOS DMG

The universal DMG build supports Apple Silicon and Intel.

  1. Open DragoNightly-macos-universal.dmg and move the app to the Applications folder.
  2. If macOS reports an unidentified developer, open the app using the context menu → “Open”. On macOS 15 (Sequoia) and newer, use System Settings → “Privacy & Security” → “Open Anyway”.
  3. For subsequent launches, use Launchpad or the Dock.

Linux tar.gz

Extract the archive to a folder of your choice. GTK3 and libmpv are required. Most distributions include GTK3; libmpv installation commands are listed below.

  1. Download the DragoNightly-linux-x64.tar.gz archive.
  2. Extract the archive to a permanent application folder, for example inside your home directory.
  3. Run bash DragoNightly.sh from the extracted folder. Run bash install-desktop.sh to add an application menu shortcut. Keep the folder in place after creating the shortcut.

Installing libmpv by distribution:

# Debian / Ubuntu / Mint
sudo apt install libmpv2      # or libmpv1 on older releases
# Fedora
sudo dnf install mpv-libs
# Arch / Manjaro
sudo pacman -S mpv
# openSUSE
sudo zypper install libmpv2

Android APK

Android build for arm64 devices. A tablet is recommended for the GM panel.

  1. Download the APK to your device and open it.
  2. If prompted, allow installation from this source and complete the installation.

Web WEB · BETA

No installation is required. Open the GM panel web version in your browser.

  1. Sign in to your DragoNightly account to use online features.
  2. The library is stored in this browser. Use export in storage settings to back it up or transfer it.
Step 3

First run

Before your first session, configure storage, sign in to your account and review the application settings.

1

Storage location

In the installed app, choose a data folder or use the default location. The web version stores the library in your browser.

2

Account sign-in

Sign in with your email address or login to link the app to your website profile and access network features.

3

Appearance settings

Select an interface theme in the application settings according to lighting conditions and your preferences.

4

Device management

Active sessions and devices are listed in your website profile. Revoke a session to terminate its access.

Files and resources

Organising files and resources

Files are stored in the library, while resources link them to games, mechanics and scenes. This structure allows a material to be used in different game contexts.

Files in storage

Add maps, PDFs, notes, portraits and tables to DragoNightly storage for session preparation and play.

Resources and linked files

The Resources section contains game materials such as scenes, rules, locations, characters and hints. A file from storage can be linked to a resource.

Games and mechanics

Group resources by campaign, standalone session, rule system and custom mechanic.

Moving and renaming

Moving or renaming a file through the Files section preserves its resource links.

1. Add a file

Add a map, image, document or rules table to storage.

2. Create a resource

Link the file to a resource and specify its purpose, for example “Dungeon map”, “Fatigue rule” or “Ally portrait”.

3. Assign the resource

Attach the resource to a game, mechanic or scene to use the material in the corresponding panel section.

Preserving resource links

Use the application’s Files section to rename or move linked files. DragoNightly updates resource links during these operations.

At the table

Managing a game session

The Game Master Panel combines session history, combat, references, puzzles and ambience materials. Panel positions and sizes can be configured.

Game groups and campaigns

Create separate groups, campaigns and sessions to organise materials for different games.

Scene and game flow

Use session history for events and notes. Prepared story materials and current goals remain available during play.

Combat and initiative

Add combatants and set initiative and health. Manage turns, roll dice and consult creature entries in the reference panel.

Atmosphere and puzzles

Use ambience panels to play music and sound effects, and the puzzles section for images, riddles and supplementary materials.

Data

Materials storage

Storage contains campaigns, references, files, resources and settings. The installed app uses your selected data folder; the web version uses browser storage.

  • Local materials are available offline. Network features require an internet connection.
  • Use the Files section to rename, move and organise files.
  • Moving files through the application preserves their resource links.
  • Back up your data before major changes. Close the installed app and copy its data folder. In the web version, use export in storage settings; clearing site data removes the local browser library.
  • Expanded library synchronisation and material sharing are included in development plans.
Account

Network features

Your account is used for downloads, device management, characters and the virtual tabletop. Additional synchronisation features are planned.

Account

Use the same account to sign in to the website, the Game Master Panel and the player app.

Devices

Your website profile lists active devices and allows you to revoke access for a selected session.

Characters and virtual tabletop

Players can create characters and share them with a GM. The virtual tabletop displays maps and objects on participant devices. Shared management of campaign characters is being developed.

For players

Player app

Create characters, fill out their sheets and share them with your GM. Sign in with your DragoNightly account.

  1. Open the player app and sign in. Select “New character”, choose a ruleset and enter a name.
  2. Open the sheet, fill out the stats and other fields, then save your changes. This is your personal character template.
  3. To give your GM access, select “Share”, enter their login or email and choose permissions. The character will appear in the GM’s app.
Your character in a campaign

Your personal template and in-game character sheet are stored separately. Once the character is added to a campaign, shared changes and inventory appear in that game’s sheet. Your personal template is preserved. After linking your account to Telegram, use /characters to view your characters and download PDF sheets.

Catalog

Finding games and participants

The catalog helps GMs recruit players and players find adventures. Browsing does not require an account; sign in to apply for a game.

For players

  1. Open “Catalog” → “Games”. Choose a listing and check the ruleset, format, schedule and participation requirements.
  2. If recruitment is open, select “Apply to join”. Provide your experience and contact details, add any preferences, then review and confirm your application. A public profile is optional.
  3. The GM’s decision appears in “My game applications”. Acceptance reserves your place. Arrange the game details with the GM; if you cannot attend, cancel your application in the same section.

For game masters

  1. Open “My catalog” → “Create listing”. Enter the name, ruleset, format, number of places, participation requirements and schedule.
  2. Save the draft, review the page and select “Open recruitment”. Public listings appear in the game catalog; link-only listings can be shared with a chosen group.
  3. Open “Player applications” for your listing. Review applications, accept players and contact them. Send any group chat link or virtual tabletop invitation separately.
Getting in touch

The GM can see a player’s contact details in their application. To contact a GM or player before applying, open their public profile: contact details are visible after signing in if provided. Continue the conversation on Telegram, by email or through the other listed contact method.

Adding yourself to the catalog

In “My catalog”, select “Edit profile”. Choose your role, introduce yourself, add a contact method and save. Review the page and select “Publish profile”. Others can then find you under “Game masters” or “Players”.

Applications and reminders in Telegram

Open Telegram in your website profile, get a code and select “Open the bot and link”. Use /games to choose a game and /my_games to check applications. The bot sends the GM’s decisions. If a session date is set, it also sends reminders one day and one hour before the game to the GM and accepted players with linked Telegram accounts.

Access to DragoNightly

Create an account to access downloads, your profile and the application’s network features.