VTT Suggestions

[ko6ux]

Anyone have any suggestions on a Virtual Table Top program that is:

1. Lightweight
2. Easy to use
3. Preferably free

Basically all I need it a grid with the ability to draw lines, circles, etc for mapping, some sort of pogs to drop onto the map and a dice roller. If the program also has some method of tracking initiative, that would be cool, but not essential.

 

[Dannager]

This is the hottest project out there right now. It's still in closed beta, but it's thoroughly awesome.

 

[moon_wizard]

I am biased towards the one I use because it is full featured with 3D dice. (Fantasy Grounds)

However, there is a new lightweight one built on Google Hangouts called Tabletop Forge that has video chat, dice roller, maps/tokens and tracker.

 

[Jan van Leyden]

You can find a great list of VTTs with short characterizations and links at the Battlegrounds site.

Personally, I'd like to push EpicTable as commercial program in open beta. It features only little in the way of automation, but actually implements the paradigm of a tabletop in a great way.

 

[IronWolf]

However, there is a new lightweight one built on Google Hangouts called Tabletop Forge that has video chat, dice roller, maps/tokens and tracker.

Yeah - I would take a look at this one first. Pretty lightweight and low barrier to entry.

I would also consider MapTool. It will be slightly more complex to setup because someone needs to host the server which can be trouble if you aren't used to forwarding ports. It is capable of a whole lot, but it can also be quite simple to use if you don't want all the bells and whistles. It is free and runs on multiple OS's.

 

[Greatwyrm]

We used MapTool for our 4e game with none of the bells and whistles and did just fine.

Tabletop Forge looks very appealing, I just can't figure out how to make it work.

 

[IronWolf]

Tabletop Forge looks very appealing, I just can't figure out how to make it work.

I have yet to use Tabletop Forge in practice, but I have been following along on Google+ as the guy develops it. They did have someone write some documentation for it, maybe it will help:

Documentation | Tabletop Forge

 

[Aeolius]

This is the hottest project out there right now. It's still in closed beta, but it's thoroughly awesome.

When I can get a VTT to work on my iPad (no flash), then we're talking.

 

[OnlineDM]

I'm a huge fan of MapTool. I now use the bells and whistles of it because I enjoy them, but when I started my use of MapTool was very bare bones.

This might help you get started: MapTool Education Central | Online Dungeon Master

 

[Dannager]

When I can get a VTT to work on my iPad (no flash), then we're talking.

If I recall correctly, Flash is only required to support video chat. I've also heard that they're working on a Google+ Hangouts client. I'm not sure what platforms that will require.