JesterPoet
First Post
I'd like to run a game once a month for some friends who are all over the country. Is there decent software that would help facilitate this?
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Tools for running D&D over the internet?
- Thread starter JesterPoet
- Start date
I hear folks have used this to some success. Haven't used it myself, but looks interesting:
http://www.fantasygrounds.com/
http://www.fantasygrounds.com/
There are at least two free options for you:
- OpenRPG. It is, by some accounts, not a particularly easy program to get up and running (though some folks seem to have no problem at all). It's used extensively by folks who play the RPGA's Living Greyhawk modules online. It features a die-roller and a mapping utility. However, my understanding (I could be wrong) is that it's not being supported any longer by the folks who wrote it.
- AOL Instant Messenger. Also a free download, and undoubtedly easier to install than OpenRPG. AIM chat rooms do have a built-in die-roller feature, but lack a mapping program. I've played a variety of RPGA games using AIM, and when mapping is a big issue, the DM will make some sort of grid using Excel or something like that. There are some folks who wish to avoid anything made by AOL as if it's Kryponite; I understand that other chat utilities that interface with AIM (such as Trillian) can work, but I'm not positive on this.
- OpenRPG. It is, by some accounts, not a particularly easy program to get up and running (though some folks seem to have no problem at all). It's used extensively by folks who play the RPGA's Living Greyhawk modules online. It features a die-roller and a mapping utility. However, my understanding (I could be wrong) is that it's not being supported any longer by the folks who wrote it.
- AOL Instant Messenger. Also a free download, and undoubtedly easier to install than OpenRPG. AIM chat rooms do have a built-in die-roller feature, but lack a mapping program. I've played a variety of RPGA games using AIM, and when mapping is a big issue, the DM will make some sort of grid using Excel or something like that. There are some folks who wish to avoid anything made by AOL as if it's Kryponite; I understand that other chat utilities that interface with AIM (such as Trillian) can work, but I'm not positive on this.
JesterPoet
First Post
Benito said:
Wow... that's super cool, but it'd be REALLY expensive for us. $34.95 for the GM and $19.95 for each player... yikes!
derbacher
Explorer
I'll add a recommendation for OpenRPG. I downloaded and installed it per the site instructions, played with it for a while to learn some of its functions, and played in my first game with it last night. (8 hour session, lasted until 3AM 
)
The whole process to get semi-used to it took about three hours, not counting the download time. The best thing is, it's free!
)The whole process to get semi-used to it took about three hours, not counting the download time. The best thing is, it's free!
JesterPoet
First Post
Bobitron said:
I dunno. It doesn't really seem worth it to me. If you bought one package for $50 and it included client connections to it, that would be one thing... but to shell out $115 for a GM and 4 players seems a bit over the top to me.
TheYeti1775
Adventurer
I use Fantasy Grounds
I use Fantasy Grounds all the time and love it.
And I recommend everyone gets the DM version, just in case you ever want to dm yourself.
I use Fantasy Grounds all the time and love it.
And I recommend everyone gets the DM version, just in case you ever want to dm yourself.
DM
First Post
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