I have a (somewhat lengthy) confession to make

[Obryn]

My wrist-watch has some circuit logic in it - should I leave that in the next room when I GM? What about a calculator? Abacus? I really missed that section of the DMG that must explain all of this.

They had calculators and wrist-watches in 1974, so those are probably okay.

-O

 

[malraux]

Obvious troll is obvious.


Anyway,

The Compendium is extremely useful as it allows me to preview the crunch of the books and determine if they are something worth my time to browse through and buy . (keep in mind I'm ahrdcore "core rules" DM-I've only bought the 1s, and just last week bought MM2 and PHB2). In some cases I've said "OK-thats something I have to have as a physical book", and others where I said " OK, I like those two monsters, and a few of the Magic Items, but I don't need to blow $30.00 on that book"

The Character Builder- I *hate* using computers for gaming- I really do and have always avoided it for FTF gaming- but I'm getting a kick out of this thing. With the math heaviness of the WOTC editions- I can see the great amount of utility here.

I think the big difference here is that the compendium/CB/fore-coming monster builder are preparation tools more than they are gaming tools. With the compendium, its easy to just grab monsters from 3-4 different sources and use them all simultaneously in an encounter rather than having to juggle different books and page numbers.

My only real issues/concerns are that

1) I get all kinds of crashes whether downloading PDFs of the magazines, or using the Compendium with Firefox (my usual browser). Inernet Explorer works much more smoothly with far fewer crashes.

2) I'd pay the bit extra for a POD feature. I miss the printed magazines!!!!!!

3) I realize not every adventure will be suitable for me personally (and I KNOW I'm a picky SOB when it comes to Adventures) but how about a couple more adventures or at the least some smallish plug n'play mini mods per issue???? 3 (one of which is an AP adventure) just doesn't cut the mustard.

4) PLEASE start using the adventure format used in Keep on the ShadowFell for the Dungeon mag adventures. The current format which is like the late 3E format is a PITA.

1> I haven't had any problems personally, but IIRC, the issue wrt firefox is that the link isn't to a pdf file, but redirects to a pdf file. IIRC, you need to turn off pdf browsing in firefox and just tell it to download the file, then open it in an external pdf viewer. (I think there's another fix, but don't ask me what it is.)

2> On the flip side, pdf based magazines take up little space, and are easily searchable. Though, if you prefer print, you prefer print.

3> "And when you ask them, how much should we give, oh, they only answer, more, more, more, yoh"

4> From what I've seen, I'll agree with that. The delve layout can either be excellent or obtuse depending.

 

[timbannock]

DDI has fallen FAR short of the mark that they themselves set.

...Yet, it's still one of the most useful things I've ever had access to for gaming.

That's gotta say something, even if it's just MHO.

 

[mudbunny]

I've found that, strangely, Google Chrome works the best for me on DDI. Otherwise, I'm a Firefox guy. I don't know if it's a browser issue or a WotC issue, but my guess is it's the former.

Some of the problems with downloading the pdfs through firefox has to do with bad interaction with .pdf handling extensions.

 

[avin]

I have zero problems using Mozilla.

On Chrome I need a trick to store my password.

- What use does a compendium have, if it's electronic? Computers don't belong at the gaming table, not for the GM, not for the players.

I use compendium and CB at table for quick reference, so, not true.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

Good timing, not just for the price but also with Traps and Hazards coming up on July 7th and all the PHB3 info coming out.

I have had no trouble with Google Chrome and DDI (if you have a Google Account their Google Documnents work wonderfully with copy-paste of Compendium stuff).

Character Builder is definitely sweet. Lets hope the Campaign Tools (Monster Builder for the first tool) is just as awesome.

I use my laptop during gaming, it essentially is my whole kit. It has my monsters on it, my campaign notes, rule stuff, etc. It helps too with wireless internet so I can check Compendium whenever I need too.

 

[ExploderWizard]

They had calculators and wrist-watches in 1974, so those are probably okay.

-O

Yeah but most people were miserable in 1974-even the ones with digital watches.

 

[kenmarable]

3) I realize not every adventure will be suitable for me personally (and I KNOW I'm a picky SOB when it comes to Adventures) but how about a couple more adventures or at the least some smallish plug n'play mini mods per issue???? 3 (one of which is an AP adventure) just doesn't cut the mustard.

They're doing 3 adventures now?!

Just being snarky since they've cut it down to only 2 adventures for the past several months and before that it was largely just side treks and delves for 3rd adventures. So far Dungeon has been the most disappointing aspect since I'm not interested in the current AP, and with only 2 adventures + columns it isn't as meaty as Dragon has been.

That being said, DDI overall is still definitely worth it to me. In fact, DDI and the Character Builder especially sold me on 4e. Without those, I'm not sure I would have been able to see the possibilities of the system quite as well (my groups have been reluctant to give it a try so I had to lead the way).

 

[Umbran]

Obvious troll is obvious.

Dude, that amounts to name-calling. Don't do it, please.

Everyone, consider the thread warned. Treat each other with respect.

 

[kenmarable]

- generates characters only beyond 3rd level if you actually pay for a feature that is mostly available as a free utility/tool with most other roleplaying games

Really?

Which RPGs have free software for developing characters that is updated on a monthly basis with the latest mechanics from all new books?

World of Darkness?
Exalted?
Pathfinder?
Mutants & Masterminds?
True 20?
Any of the Palladium stuff?
GURPS?
Savage World?
Any of Mongoose's licensed games?
Star Wars RPG?

Um... what are these "most other roleplaying games"? Is there software for most all of those listed above that I haven't heard of? (Possible since I'm pretty D&D/Pathfinder centric in my habits.)