DM Tools

[Eronian]

I have been trying to find simple DM assistance tools, be they good sheets or combat programs that are free or easy to use and do not require DDI or anything like that. I mainly just want something that I can input the stats of the players in my game in a condensed format as well as stats for the enemies that they are facing in that encounter.

Does anyone have any ideas that might help me? Thank you

 

[Nemesis Destiny]

It doesn't offer any combat tracking per se, but Power2ool is pretty good for writing and organizing monsters, items, and powers. It has the capability to interface with DDI, but doesn't have to in order to do custom material. It also has a notepad-type feature to make notes and scribbles about initiative, hit points, etc.

It's the only thing I use when running games, but it may not be as advanced as you're looking for. I use it for storyboarding and campaign tracking, as its zoomed out view lends itself well to that. It does make things look rather nice as well. Oh, and it has a dice roller.

 

[thrake]

You should check out DnD 4e Combat Manager, it's awesome for managing combat. You can enter the heroes and monsters stats in there and keep track of conditions as well. You can download it here: dragonpro.com/index.php?option=com_jdownloads&Itemid=30&view=view.download&catid=2&cid=9

 

[Eronian]

I tried that one and it wont let me enter new information. It really seemed like it was going to be a great program. I was sad that it just simply would not let me input anything new. If you know what I might be doing wrong please let me know.

 

[thrake]

I actually had the same problem. Try opening Library -> Open Statblock Library. Once you're in there press "new" in the upper left corner. There you should be able to create monsters and PCs.
After you created some creatures, highlight them and press "Add" on the right next to "Battle List:".
Hope that helps!

 

[Eronian]

Thank you, I'll try that.

 

[Eronian]

Well now with Power2ool and the cooperating DnD 4e Combat Manager I think I will be ok. However I am still watching this thread in case anyone else knows of any other cool 4e DM tools that are free and don't require a DDI subscription. Can't have enough awesome DM tools IMO

 

[LeStew]

Anyone use DM Tools for iOS (apologies if this is what this thread is about)? I found that I had a copy and tried to use it but it seems very difficult to learn.

If you have used it, what is your success story? Did you find it easy to use the iPad/iPhone at the table?

Thanks all!

 

[Siberys]

I use it regularly. I find it best to use if you are willing/able to futz around with the xml templates.

What exactly are you trying to use it for? I track initiative, hp, and power usage, but it took a little bit to familiarize myself enough to make a 'system'. I can go into more detail, if you like.

EDIT: [MENTION=6688865]LeStew[/MENTION]

 

[Obryn]

Does anyone have any ideas that might help me? Thank you

Use Masterplan. For everything. No, really - everything. It's an outstanding campaign manager. It's easy to make (or import) monsters, you can input the PCs' stats, and it's an amazing combat tracker.

-O