suggestions needed! - minimize "stuff" that i have to bring for dm'ing each session
- Thread starter thegrumpyyoungman
- Start date
thegrumpyyoungman
First Post
i posted on the WoTC forums but haven't gotten a response yet, but i was wondering if any of you had recommendations for apps or even websites that would help me manage combat? what i'm looking for is a way to have my monsters involved in the combat show up with their stats and powers on the screen...and then when they have status or condition changes, or hp changes...i can change that on the card itself from my android tablet.
of course my plan for the time being is just to print the stat cards out (gasp! paper!!) and then use a pencil to notate changes on the cards. i want to use tech in my game, but i dont it to slow me down. i've looked at iPlay4e's website and they have some for combat tracking for players, but nothing for dm's. suggestions?
of course my plan for the time being is just to print the stat cards out (gasp! paper!!) and then use a pencil to notate changes on the cards. i want to use tech in my game, but i dont it to slow me down. i've looked at iPlay4e's website and they have some for combat tracking for players, but nothing for dm's. suggestions?
masshysteria
Explorer
It sounds like you like the digital stuff, but just don't like lugging it around. Do you play at the same location all the time? Can you leave/store some of the items at that location?
Assuming the answer is no:
Is there a TV near by? You may be able to use the TV in place of an external monitor (Does your laptop have HDMI or VGA out? TV in?). You may also be able to double up and use the TV speakers or surround system for speakers. This gets rids of the largest items you are lugging around and instead you just need to throw a couple cables in your laptop bag.
Assuming the answer is no:
Is there a TV near by? You may be able to use the TV in place of an external monitor (Does your laptop have HDMI or VGA out? TV in?). You may also be able to double up and use the TV speakers or surround system for speakers. This gets rids of the largest items you are lugging around and instead you just need to throw a couple cables in your laptop bag.
delericho
Legend
Switch to a "one book" game, and drop down to: rulebook, character sheets, notepad, dice, pencils? Better still, drop down to a game where all the rulebooks exist in electronic format, load them onto an iPad or similar, and consolidate with the notes. And then if you're willing to go with an electonic dice roller...
However, assuming you're sticking with D&D, I think your options are actually fairly limited. You should be able to safely get rid of the external monitor, and maybe the speakers. Also, you should be able to downsize the laptop itself. Oh, and that electronic dice roller removes the need for physical dice at the table.
Beyond that, I don't see many possible savings. Your biggest remaining overhead would seem to be the minis, but 4e really loses something without at least some way to track exact positions, so...
However, assuming you're sticking with D&D, I think your options are actually fairly limited. You should be able to safely get rid of the external monitor, and maybe the speakers. Also, you should be able to downsize the laptop itself. Oh, and that electronic dice roller removes the need for physical dice at the table.
Beyond that, I don't see many possible savings. Your biggest remaining overhead would seem to be the minis, but 4e really loses something without at least some way to track exact positions, so...
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