Virtual Tabletop help

[27outs]

I've been waiting for the virtual tabletop, but it seems like I'll be waiting a long while. When it come out, I'm sure i'll switch over.

however, in the meantime I need something to hold me over. Does anyone have any programs or websites they use?

 

[Byronic]

Some people use maptools (although I'm not sure how well it supports 4th edition), some people use Fantasy Grounds.

 

[Nightchilde-2]

Some people use maptools (although I'm not sure how well it supports 4th edition), some people use Fantasy Grounds.

MapTools works fine with 4th edition. It's system agnostic, and has a pretty robust macro system. There's also OpenRPG, but I've found it to be less feature-rich than MapTools, and nowhere nearly as stable.

Both of those are free, BTW.

 

[Hussar]

Maptools and OpenRPG seem to be the standard really. I use OpenRPG. It's very stripped down, but, pretty simple to use once you get the hang of it. Try to get the newest version (1.7.6 IIRC) and it should work fine.

 

[jgerman]

It's actually MapTool not MapTools if you go to look for it, but you won't have to because here's a link to the site: RPTools - Home

I'm using MapTool and InitiativeTool at the game table (and both with TokenTool during prep) and I'm very happy with it. There are some issues but they can be tolerated.

MapTool I will probably continue to use, I'll write my own encounter handler to replace InitiativeTool eventually.

 

[Hawke]

I've used MapTool for about 2 years now through 3.5, Savage Worlds, star wars mini battles, and now 4th edition.

The best part about it is the very friendly community. Go check out the videos on the site and RPTools Screencast Tutorials to get an idea of what you're looking at. Feel free to post asking how to do X and let people know you're a newbie and we'll be glad to help (feel free to PM me as well both there or here - my handle is the same)

 

[Nightchilde-2]

It's actually MapTool not MapTools if you go to look for it, but you won't have to because here's a link to the site: RPTools - Home

Huh. I never noticed that. Crazy.

I'm using MapTool and InitiativeTool at the game table (and both with TokenTool during prep) and I'm very happy with it. There are some issues but they can be tolerated.

MapTool I will probably continue to use, I'll write my own encounter handler to replace InitiativeTool eventually.

The later builds of MapTool (I think around b45, but I know for sure b48, 49 and 50 have it) have an initiative tool built in to the program. I believe it's based off of the InitiativeTool (I don't see why it wouldn't be).

 

[Hawke]

Just to chime in... the line of sight, vision, and lighting settings are one thing that can change your gameplay just a bit. While you can ignore them all (pretty much any feature in MT is setup to be turned off), it's really fun to have your players exploring a dungeon by torchlight and have the line of sight and light system work automatically. Rounding a corner and then having a bunch of zombies revealed w/o you as a DM messing with it or have them see the light at the end of the hallway and wonder what is beyond it can be pretty fun.

Yeah, you can narrate everything and create the same feel, but initially it'll be enough of a shift that it'll be enjoyable!

 

[jgerman]

Huh. I never noticed that. Crazy.



The later builds of MapTool (I think around b45, but I know for sure b48, 49 and 50 have it) have an initiative tool built in to the program. I believe it's based off of the InitiativeTool (I don't see why it wouldn't be).

Really? Cool, I'll have to update my version. I'd love it to be a little more holistic as opposed to switching apps.

 

[Hawke]

Really? Cool, I'll have to update my version. I'd love it to be a little more holistic as opposed to switching apps.

The one inside MapTool isn't nearly as fully featured as the standalone version... but it does let you roll init, order, cycle through, delay/ready... pretty much everything else is easily handled by MT anyway. It works well for our group!