Roll20: A new virtual tabletop focused on storytelling

[Dannager]

See, that's a different gaming experience than my own. I've never had a GM do that, and as GM I've never done that either. I trust my players to be honest, and I don't generally game with people that I can't trust like that.

It's not necessarily a matter of distrust. Maybe I want to see what magic items they have so that I can tailor the next encounter's treasure accordingly. Maybe I want to get an idea of the party's total surges without tipping them off to the fact that I'll be taking the next encounter down a notch or two to account for their level of resources. Maybe I need to double check a character's background for a detail important to an upcoming set piece. Maybe I need to make sure I'm accounting for a circumstantial bonus that the player shouldn't necessarily be aware of. Maybe I need to check the character's skills for a roll happening "behind the screen".

I have more, but you get the point, I'm sure. In my book, as a DM, having open access to the current iteration of my players' character sheets is vital.

To boot, I've had probably thirty different players at my table who have been completely, 100% new to the game of D&D, and I don't expect them to remember to keep track of all their upkeep. But reminding them to do so when they lose track helps them learn the game, and it's something I can't do unless I can see their sheet. (As if more reasons were needed for character sheet integration)

 

[Janx]

See, that's a different gaming experience than my own. I've never had a GM do that, and as GM I've never done that either. I trust my players to be honest, and I don't generally game with people that I can't trust like that.

Excellent point. I've never had to show my GM my character sheet. Ever. In 20+ years of gaming.

I may be aware of a PCs initial stats when I help them make their PC, but that's it. I don't ask to see their sheets either.

 

[Dannager]

Just watched the trailer video, was nostalgia-bombed by the drop-in import of the note from the beginning of CotCT: Edge of Anarchy. The quality of the trailer gives me high hopes for the project. Any idea when the closed beta will open up to supporters?