Electronic Aids for Gaming Table

[bloodydrake]

I'm gonna throw in my support for Kloogewerks
It simply is the best computer based tabletop i've used.

I know the Developpers uses it in the way you are looking for basically Face to Face.I've only used it to play over the internet.


Oh and about the price its 40 for master/client account but only 15 for each client licence..honestly 15 isn't all that much and the team has been exceptionally receptive to user requested changes and enhancements.

 

[Chaz]

Just wanted to add my vote for TableSmith also. Its a great little program. And if you like it, send the guy who wrote it a few bucks. Its worth it.

 

[Eternalknight]

You could also try DM Buddy, which is great if you need to find where that odd spell, feat or whatever is. It is essentially an index over nearly 100 d20 sources.

 

[Aluvial]

Has anyone used TRIS? http://www.trisrpg.com/index.htm

I'm wondering how it works and if it has a map... it doesn't seem to have that...

Also have any of you used Campaign Sage? I rewriting the XML files for that now to include a ton of data... The quick lookups are great for play....

Aluvial

 

[MJEggertson]

For on the fly data access, I love Campaign Sage exclusively. I don't want complicated UIs or complex programs, I just want quick data. Bruce's program does just this: it doesn't do stuff for me, it makes it easier for me to do stuff. Big difference. I don't like fiddling with computer programs. That's why I don't really use any of those other all-inclusive programs, and Campaign Sage is really the only one I use. Oh, and mine for record keeping, but the Profilers don't have much to do with table-top mechanics, they're all about data-storage.

Fractal Mapper's good too for the price. Campaign Cartographer I hear is a more inclusive mapping tool (and more expensive), but I've never used it.

 

[Aluvial]

For on the fly data access, I love Campaign Sage exclusively. I don't want complicated UIs or complex programs, I just want quick data. Bruce's program does just this: it doesn't do stuff for me, it makes it easier for me to do stuff. Big difference. I don't like fiddling with computer programs. That's why I don't really use any of those other all-inclusive programs, and Campaign Sage is really the only one I use.

I would like to share my Campaign Sage content... I sent you an email to this regard... Keep your eye out for it!

Aluvial

 

[Aluvial]

It was done by Buce Gulke, the same fellow who did the tablesmith program...

The site is http://www.mythosa.net/

The program allows you to look up spells, monsters, and charts from the core rules. You need internet explorer 6.0 or higher to get it to work and frankly it is a great program...

I wish it had more support from Bruce.

Aluvial

 

[MythosaAkira]

I wish it had more support from Bruce.

Aluvial

In what way?

 

[Luke]

In what way?

Agreed. I think your utility support is excellent Bruce.

I think how we support you is more to the point.

On that note, I tried again recently to send you money, but pulled out when I couldn't find out how much you wanted for a TableSmith registration. Least I could do, since your excellent TableSmith functionality is integrated into RPM.

How much? You might want to update your website.

 

[mj36s]

What are other GM's (and players!) likes and dislikes on these tools? Not so much comparing the features of the tools, but during the game, does it make the experience better or worse?


I'm thinking building maps with the many dungeon tiles out there and then using a large monitor (or projector!) to do the battlemap instead of the chessex mat could be *very* cool.

But, then, where would all the miniatures go?

SJ

One of my players has a projector, and we recently finished out his basement with a bar/media room. I plug my laptop in at the bar, and we have a 7' screen with 7.1 surround sound. I've been using Photoshop for maps and minis, musicmatch for audio, and a program that we've been working on for general game management (see below).

It requires a lot of planning time to get the maps together though, which doesn't work well with my limited freetime and impromtu style, but I like having image options (and audio, to a lesser extent) available.

I've found that mechanics-specific combat managers are more of a hastle than I expected. I had originally written a combat manager with action resolution and initiative, etc, but found that even with a 2-click rule I was focusing too much on the screen and the players didn't like it. Quick reference of rules and campaign info was the most useful part of the app, so we cut it down to those core features and put it online.

We're still working on it, but you can find a beta at the link below. Eventually we'll be adding other features via plug-in, with a layered mapper and D20 encounter manager roughed-out as proof of concept. That's still months away though, as there are a few other things to add and polish first.

Token plug:

DA: The Role Player's Digital Assistant is a game system independant toolset designed to help organize and run your campaigns and adventures. It includes dedicated NoteBooks for each game element, a Library for rules and reference, a built-in DiceRoller, image and file associations for every entry, a game system independent Character Manager, and more. You can also launch other programs from within DA, making the features of your favorite dedicated character management or mapping utility an extension of the DA interface.

http://www.mjhkstudios.com/DA/Frameset.htm

-MJ, MJHK Studios