Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Luke" data-source="post: 2184854" data-attributes="member: 602">What features does the ultimate RPG tool have for networking at the tabletop? I want to build it, and could well already be a long way down the track. Whilst things stay pretty much invisible here in the software forum and it'll be hard to get feedback, the general forum had a massive thread about using a projector and a computer to show maps on the tabletop. It just goes to show that very many players get great results when the right tools are available. Its a very open-ended question, but rather than prejudice any early responses, I'll just mention very briefly the sorts of general things I'm talking about: 1) A tool that the DM can use, which, by itself, has very strong D&D/D20 capabilities - when used at the table-top. This would include stuff such as generating characters/NPCs/monsters, adventure notes, maps, locations and encounters. It would have a great mapping tool, but also let you use maps from apps like CC2 or Fractal mapper. 2) the mapper would be interactive, letting you easily move PCs and creatures around on the map. You would also be able to do things like quickly generate encounters on the map. 3) Even without networking, the DM's app should have a "Player Window", which could show a player's version of the map (revealing only appropriate sections), and also show any other pics or info that the DM has available.This would be especially great if the DM's PC has a 2nd monitor, as the players could be continually updated with the current map, and other info. 4) The DM's app should be able to network with 1 or more players using their own PC. This could be another computer at the table, or even across the internet. This should give the players a great interactive map, allowing them to move their own PCs and creatures around the map. Stuff like chat would also be needed.Preferably, they could also perform actions (like attacks and saves), which would interact with the DM's PC, and you would get a lot of game mechanics automatically calculated for you.A great option would be to have players able to move their creatures, select actions, and then enter dice rolls (or push a button to roll dice), and have the DM oversee and manage the game mechanics that result. 5) It would also be nice to have the DM's app be a web server, where players without a special player app could even use a browser. You can't expect too much from a browser, but you could at least get a latest picture of the map, and perhaps even a chat facility.  Quality and ease-of-use would be very important. I realize that a smooth-paced quality internet app would have very, very demanding features, but I'm not too concerned about that.  So, what are the killer features? Things could obviously be a lot better than simply using a projector to show maps on the table. It seems obvious that there's a lot to be gained if we have the ultimate RPG networked at - even for just using at the table. I'll look to complete a detailed list of features that I'll post later.</blockquote>

Verification