Virtual TableTop

[Cryndo]

I'm hoping you guys can help me again. I'm running a face-to-face campaign, but would like to project the map for the players on a screen. I've got the projector and the screen, but I need to know what software is the most intuitive and functional for my purposes. I don't need the software to roll the dice, but I would like some degree of encounter tracking. I'm using DM Genie right now and it feels dated. It also doesn't have map functionality. Any ideas? My players are willing to pitch in to get the software.

Thanks.

 

[Raunalyn]

Maptools is a pretty good one, and it's free. If you are going to be digging into the macros and such, it can get a little complicated, but it isn't too bad. Only drawback is that it uses Java. I also suggest Roll20.net. It's web based, dragging and dropping maps onto it is very easy, and it is also free. Interface is a bit more intuitive than Maptools.

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

If you're after mapping, then maptools is the best, but it can take some time to learn. The video tutorials are your friend.

 

[dd.stevenson]

Depends how much encounter tracking you want.

Roll20 easily tracks hp, status effects, and initiative; and it's pretty slick to boot. So if that's all you need I'd say roll20.net is your best bet.

 

[Cryndo]

Thanks guys! I'll check out all 3.

 

[moon_wizard]

There are actually quite a few virtual tabletop applications, in addition to the ones mentioned.
https://www.google.com/search?q=virtual+tabletop

I currently use Fantasy Grounds for my Internet games, and use it as an at-the-table GM tool when running by annual face-to-face sessions as well.

Regards,
JPG

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

Fantasy Grounds is a great program in many ways, but it's mapping functionality is not one of them. If Fantasy Grounds could get the mapping capability of Maptool, I would jump ship. Though once Maptool finishes switching its macro language to Javascript, it will be difficult me to go anywhere else.

 

[Greylond]

We use Maptools to do exactly the same thing. Check out the table that one of the guys in my group built(his table, my blog about it);

http://ubergeekgametable.blogspot.com/

We don't get to use it for every game, but when we do it is fun!

 

[Raunalyn]

Fantasy Grounds is a great program in many ways, but it's mapping functionality is not one of them. If Fantasy Grounds could get the mapping capability of Maptool, I would jump ship. Though once Maptool finishes switching its macro language to Javascript, it will be difficult me to go anywhere else.

Oh, I know! Honestly, I absolutely love Maptools, and I built a really nice, very robust 4e framework for my Dark Sun game within it. There are just way, WAY too many java issues for my tastes, so I reluctantly dropped it for Roll20 (which, sadly, does not have as much of a robust macro tool as I'd like).

Maybe when they go to the next milestone (they are at .b90 now?), I'll look at it again.