I need GM software for using flatscreen TV as a maptable

[solamon77]

Hey guys, I recently came into possession of a spare flatscreen TV and want to lay it flat to use it as a table that can display custom maps. So basically, I'm looking for software that caters to a game masters specific needs. All I really need is something that lets me display my maps, add/remove fog-of-war at will, and make notes/write on the map as needed.

I've been looking around and while there's a good amount of software available, everything I've seen seems to focus mostly on being able to play RPGs online with friends. I need something that's made for use around the table specifically.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

[BuckyKatt]

I don't know what software you already looked at but I would suggest MapTool from http://www.rptools.net/.
You can use it to play online with your friends but you can also use it locally. Either just one instance on the TV or even better one instance running on a GM display (laptop?) and another one as a client running on the TV screen so you can manage tokens, FOW and such things without the players seeing it.

 

[AndromedaRPG]

So, the solution I used was to write my own program. It may work for you; if it does, I'll gladly PM you a link to download the zip file (of course, no warranty, it is as is).

Below is a description of the program, to see if you are interested; I (obviously) made it for my exact needs/desires, so it may not work for your intended playstyle.

Before using the program, I use GIMP/Photoshop to build each segment of the fog of war. Each of these segments are saved as PNGs (to preserve transparency). I then put on text as one group for my DM labels (e.g. room names, information I want to know but don't want the players to see). I also have a PNG for map labels (information I want the players to see on the map). Along with a separate image for the base map, and optionally a separate image for the grid, I construct, in a folder, all of the map elements.

Running the program on a laptop in extended mode, I have two different screens: the DM screen on the laptop and the Player's screen on the second monitor (in my case). The resolutions don't have to match, as I have scrollbars to adjust for the monitor differences. As I scroll the image on the laptop, it will scroll the image on the player's screen. The player's screen can be blacked out as needed.

I import these items into controls interface using the "Select Directory..." button (shown in the image below):


Everything gets placed into the Fog of War Images. I then select the base map, map labels, DM labels, and grid (as needed, all of them are optional), leaving the rest of the images as the fog of war. Select All will take care of showing all of the fog of war elements. The program builds the display image in layers, starting with the base map.

The Map Zoom Factor is used to adjust the image; I've been using this program to run Iron Gods recently. I have this zoom factor so that I don't have to do adjust it in the image editing software; I can just do it on the fly. It also works nice when I want to give an overview of what they saw.

The save/load layout saves all of the options to a XML file, and saves the position of the image, and which elements were on/off. That way, if the party is in the middle of exploring a dungeon, I don't have to remember which elements have to be on/off for the fog of war.

The rotate button helps fit certain elements on the screen better.

I also have the capability of showing individual images (e.g. monster images, persons from the adventure path, etc.). I also have the option to send this to a FTP site (by IP address), so that I could display it from a tablet.

Anyway, if you are interested, let me know, and I can send you the zipped up file accordingly.

 

[solamon77]

AndromedaRPG, that would be great. I would love to check out the program! Thanks! I'll PM my email to you.

BuckyKatt, thanks for that recommendation. I'll give maptool a look.

 

[AndromedaRPG]

I sent you an email a few minutes ago with the attachment. I hope it works! (sorry, couldn't respond to the PM, I don't have enough posts, apparently).

 

[LordEntrails]

The VTT's will work just fine for what you want to do. They also do lots of other stuff too. But I know many people who use Fantasy Grounds and Roll 20 for what you want to do. You can also use Maptools (as already suggested). Just because they can be used for online play, doesn't mean they can't easily be used for in-person play too.

There are several others as well, BattleRPG? and D20 Pro? Don't remember their proper names.

 

[MNblockhead]

I've seen folks use Fantasy Grounds for live play. If you can stomach the cost, it is a great option if you are running WoTC APs. You can buy all the maps and stats etc. and not only display the map but also, automate a lot of the combat math and conditions.

If you just want to display a map and use physical minis, then the other VTTs might be a more affordable solution.

 

[LordEntrails]

I've seen folks use Fantasy Grounds for live play. If you can stomach the cost, it is a great option if you are running WoTC APs. You can buy all the maps and stats etc. and not only display the map but also, automate a lot of the combat math and conditions.

Not sure what your thoughts on the cost of FG are. It's $4/month for a subscription or $39 for a one-time license. (Sale just ended yesterday.)

If you just want to display a map and use physical minis, then the other VTTs might be a more affordable solution.

Agreed.

 

[colinhcampbell24]

I use Realmworks which handles Fog of War pretty well. The GM functions are cool and it's very easy to add maps to display. I use a flatscreen TV laid flat as you suggest. The Dev team are pretty active and are still adding new features, such as a GM layer to maps so that you can see what you need on the PC Monitor and display a players map on the TV

 

[MNblockhead]

I use Realmworks which handles Fog of War pretty well. The GM functions are cool and it's very easy to add maps to display. I use a flatscreen TV laid flat as you suggest. The Dev team are pretty active and are still adding new features, such as a GM layer to maps so that you can see what you need on the PC Monitor and display a players map on the TV

I also use RW, but not as a battlemap. I display maps and images, etc., on a large plasma display set up behind me.

Getting RW maps to size right to be a battlemap on a horizontal display seems to be non-trivial from what I've read on the Lone Wolf Development boards.

I met up with a number of different users of Realm Works in the Twin Cities area to see how they used RW in their games. None used it as a battlemap. One guys was big into physical terrain. Another was usinig it for non-DnD games like Paranoia and from my experience playing with him at a local Con, he is probably doing most things theater of the mind. The one guy who was using a digital battlemap and RW was using Fantasy Grounds in conjunction with Realm Works and Hero Labs. He was not using any of the bells and whistles of FG in terms of digital minis, auto calculations, etc. He just like how easy it was to import a battlemap image and quickly add a gird and size it appropriately (1"=10 feet) AND use if off line. I also would not rely on an on-line only VTT if I were running games at games stores and conventions. Not even at home for that matter. Murphy's Law dictates that the rare Century Link Internet outage will occur on game day.

I found Map Tools to be too fiddly but if I were to use a digital battlemap, I would take another look at it.

But I much enjoy throwing down a felt battlemap or a plotter printed map than having to play IT for another device at the table.