online game content + RPGA [Archive] - Wizards Community

online game content + RPGA [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
DarkGoldfish
09-07-07, 02:11 PM Ok, here is what I want to see:

Ok, say it's 2009 and I've signed up for 4th edition online content, the new dragon/dungeon magazines, all that. (I know, it sounds dumb paying to play RPGA, but here me out for a second)

I'd like to see a task bar, where you could order an RPGA adventure to your door in about three seconds flat--just be able to click a button and say "hey guys, we're playing RPGA next Sunday" (and I expect that when I log into D&D online, it would know/remember my RPGA number and not harass me to enter it in again)

For me, just being able to receive something tangible and physically real in the mail would make paying for the online content completely worth its while (even if it’s held together with a few staples and a cheep little black and white cover)

I'd like the full page ARs to be replaced with smaller card certificates showing adventure completion--god those would look cool. (They could put the space where you write what crap you are buying on the back of the card) Anything to stop the ARs from looking like an algebra equation would be awesome.

Then after the adventure is done, I'd like to be able to log back onto the website, click on the order adventure tab (which would list my open adventures) again and have an option for confirming the adventure (without once having to use/check my e-mail)

If I enter one of my players RPGA numbers in wrong, I’d like it to be clear and let me get a chance to re-enter it. I’d also like to be able to save a list of all the players I regularly played with (whether or not they were signed up for the online content) so that I could just click their names to add them.

Personally, if I can get my RPGA adventure ordered in under a minuet, have it delivered to my door in the mail, and then be able to log back in and confirm it from my account (again in a minuet or less)...I would be sold on the 4th edition online game content in less time than it takes to kill a kobold (one without evasion) with a fireball.
WolfStar76
09-10-07, 08:24 AM I think it's worth noting, however, that the "paid for" online stuff ine 4e (The D&D Insider) is separate from the RPGA stuff which will still be free.

There's been a few mentioned tie-ins (I *think* I recall something being bandied around involving a conjunction of the Character Builder and the RPGA listing of your character, but that could have been rumor or my imagination).

The point is, while your suggestions are pretty spiffy (I myself could forego the physical copy of the modules - my life is cluttered enough as-is), you're not going to be "paying" for RPGA online stuff. If you opt to buy-in to D&D Insider, you're paying for 4E's online tools - which *might* impact/enhance RPGA items.

You won't be required to have D&D Insider for RPGA play (unless/until someone changes their minds on this ;) ). I'd love to see your suggestion of "frequent players" on the reporting info implemented, however. Just gimmie a "buddy list" or a feature similar to the "friends" list in forums. One-click adding of my local group would be terrific. :)
The_Jester
09-10-07, 07:55 PM You won't be required to have D&D Insider for RPGA play (unless/until someone changes their minds on this ;) )

Oh lord I hope not.
I can see it though. To access a new open PrC or item or spell you need to own the book and have entered the code on D&DI or it won't print off on your AR.
catsclaw
09-10-07, 08:52 PM I can see it though. To access a new open PrC or item or spell you need to own the book and have entered the code on D&DI or it won't print off on your AR.Actually, according to current RPGA rules, you can't take any PrCs or spells unless you own the book. So all this would do is enforce an already existing rule.

In fact, according to current rules, if you have access to an existing feat or spell, and they reprint it in a more recent book, you are required to buy the new book or remove the feat from your character.
The_Jester
09-10-07, 09:48 PM Which is fair.

But what happens if you buy a used book and the code is already used?
Or you have a roommate/spouse who already has a book, will you have to buy a second copy just to get a working code?
And since 90% of gamebooks aren't plastic sealed in gaming shops what's to prevent someone taking a cell camera to the covers and getting some free online copies?
Ryngard
09-11-07, 07:52 AM I THINK that the codes in the books will be sealed some how (like scratch off, or a perferated pocket, etc). You'd know. If not, WotC will have ISSUES! :)

You can't, at this time, expect RPGA to be able to do some of your wonderful ideas purely to lack of budget and manpower issues. They aren't WotC (afaik) and can't just do that. Even if they were, there is a lot of budget stuff to consider, it ain't cheap. :)

Good ideas though!
MichaelAhlf
09-11-07, 10:06 AM Actually, according to current RPGA rules, you can't take any PrCs or spells unless you own the book. So all this would do is enforce an already existing rule.

In fact, according to current rules, if you have access to an existing feat or spell, and they reprint it in a more recent book, you are required to buy the new book or remove the feat from your character.

Which was tons of fun when the "$30 for the errata" Spell Compendium came out.

The goal is to somehow 'force' more book sales. Family with kids, who collectively own a library of books? I can just see it now - new WotC rules saying that each individual RPGA member must have an individual copy in order to do the now-mandatory online character tracking. So overnight, the family's costs to play with anything other than raw PHB just quadrupled.

And sadly, with the way they've behaved lately, that's the least of what I can see WotC trying to pull.

I wish WotC would get it together and realize that when they produce solid content it sells, and start making more solid content, rather than trying to come up with methods to force sales on a captive audience.
Ryngard
09-11-07, 11:03 AM I found the Spell Compendium to be one of the most useful products for 3.5e. Just shows you that people like different products. :)

I REALLY don't think that is how it'll work... I think (and hope) that as long as a physical copy is owned by the household (i.e. one per address) it SHOULD count. I think they just wouldn't want you to use something without the ability to back it up with the printed book during an event.

In the past (Living City) you just had to have the sourcebook handy for DM review during the event so it wasn't a problem for you and your six friends playing a game to have the owner of the... Fighter's Handbook or whatever pull it out and say "here you go, this is what his Kit does".

WotC and the RPGA are not out to cause you stress or harm or burden you with financial difficulties. They are just trying to do a good job and be fair to everyone.
MichaelAhlf
09-11-07, 12:33 PM WotC and the RPGA are not out to cause you stress or harm or burden you with financial difficulties. They are just trying to do a good job and be fair to everyone.

I'll believe that of the RPGA people.

WotC, on the other hand... no. Someone there thinks that they can shoehorn people into buying more as a captive audience.
WolfStar76
09-11-07, 05:19 PM Which is fair.

But what happens if you buy a used book and the code is already used?
Or you have a roommate/spouse who already has a book, will you have to buy a second copy just to get a working code?

I remember reading somewhere (I'll try to find it, but I don't recall if it was a chat, or in the 4E forums. . . ) that the current plans are to include all the current PrCs, Feats, Spells, etc in the Character Builder. However, by "default" while you can choose those items, they'll have no explanatory text.

If you've unlocked the source for the <whatever> via the code in the book, you'll get a text blurb explaining what it does, how it works, and other relevant information on your character sheet.

It's the difference between "Toughness" appearing and "Toughness grants a character 3 additional hit points (PHB)" appearing on the sheet.
MichaelAhlf
09-11-07, 05:37 PM I remember reading somewhere (I'll try to find it, but I don't recall if it was a chat, or in the 4E forums. . . ) that the current plans are to include all the current PrCs, Feats, Spells, etc in the Character Builder. However, by "default" while you can choose those items, they'll have no explanatory text.

If you've unlocked the source for the <whatever> via the code in the book, you'll get a text blurb explaining what it does, how it works, and other relevant information on your character sheet.

It's the difference between "Toughness" appearing and "Toughness grants a character 3 additional hit points (PHB)" appearing on the sheet.

Countdown until they try to kill all free products like Heroforge, then...
KarmaInferno
09-11-07, 06:05 PM Heroforge, while a great product, has always been in a legal grey area in any case.

It uses a number of non-OGL trademarks in it's construction, such as the Dungeons & Dragons, Living Greyhawk, Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms, Ebberon, and Dragonlance logos. Additionally, both the Book of Exalted Deeds and Book of Vile Darkness titles are trademarked and specifically called out in the OGL as Not Open Content. Heck, the Initiative card has a note "Card design based on the form created by Wizards of the Coast, and used without their permission."

-karma
MichaelAhlf
09-11-07, 08:46 PM Heroforge, while a great product, has always been in a legal grey area in any case.

It uses a number of non-OGL trademarks in it's construction.

-karma

Care to point out a few? Perhaps let the designers know so they can fix it?

Or are you just blowing smoke?
catsclaw
09-12-07, 12:14 AM Or are you just blowing smoke?Clearly, he's not just blowing smoke. Will you apologize for the accusation?
MichaelAhlf
09-12-07, 09:41 AM Clearly, he's not just blowing smoke. Will you apologize for the accusation?

He hasn't responded, EDIT. I'll wait for him to back up his statement before saying anything more.

Till then, he's blowing smoke.
RedKnightofKet
09-12-07, 10:08 AM He hasn't responded, EDIT. I'll wait for him to back up his statement before saying anything more.

Till then, he's blowing smoke.

Did you even bother to look at the original post? He's edited it to support his point. And, oddly enough, he did it without insulting anyone.
WizO_Kayn
09-12-07, 10:33 AM The mark of a good poster is the ability to disagree or question a post with respect and civility. Try it.
KarmaInferno
09-12-07, 10:56 AM Did you even bother to look at the original post? He's edited it to support his point. And, oddly enough, he did it without insulting anyone.

Aheh, I edited it because I just knew someone would say, "Prove it!"

I don't see his posts because I have him on ignore, as he's not worth responding to anymore.

-karma
mark1978
09-12-07, 04:23 PM I found the Spell Compendium to be one of the most useful products for 3.5e. Just shows you that people like different products. :)

I REALLY don't think that is how it'll work... I think (and hope) that as long as a physical copy is owned by the household (i.e. one per address) it SHOULD count. I think they just wouldn't want you to use something without the ability to back it up with the printed book during an event.

In the past (Living City) you just had to have the sourcebook handy for DM review during the event so it wasn't a problem for you and your six friends playing a game to have the owner of the... Fighter's Handbook or whatever pull it out and say "here you go, this is what his Kit does".

WotC and the RPGA are not out to cause you stress or harm or burden you with financial difficulties. They are just trying to do a good job and be fair to everyone.

The Spell Compendium rocks! Moreover, I really like the Magic Item Compendium, but I'll be damned if I'd buy a Rules Compendium, that is just straight up retarded. WotC is off their rocker for coming out with one, that is what errata is for.

It is true that the RPGA is designed to be open-ended for gamers to stimulate purchases of their materials, but if a player took it too far, they could spark a law suit. Fairness and legal responsibility are not necessarily synonymous. Mostly, though, unless it is a blatant violation, WotC will do what they can to handle things in a civil and quiet fashion, they do have to save face at every turn.

Mark
delroland
09-13-07, 12:22 AM Back on topic: the rumor I heard is that only the GM needs to own the books and have an Insider membership. Since the RPGA will be acting as the "campaign GM", and assuming this rumor is true, it should be no problem whatsoever for us the members to use the online character tracker.
KoboldChieftain
09-13-07, 11:46 PM Back on topic: the rumor I heard is that only the GM needs to own the books and have an Insider membership. Since the RPGA will be acting as the "campaign GM", and assuming this rumor is true, it should be no problem whatsoever for us the members to use the online character tracker.

Well, since the RPGA isn't a person, it can't own books per se. :)

I really don't think the RPGA and the D&D Insider are going to mix. As I see it there are two problems here. The first is that each is going to want access to the data and the other is not likely going to grant that access. The second is that the D&D Insider is a subscription service and the RPGA is free.

Just my thoughts.
delroland
09-14-07, 12:49 AM I don't believe D&D Insider will be required, but it sure as heck will be supported by the RPGA.
Skerrit
09-14-07, 09:46 AM I'm pretty sure that no Insider subscription will be needed by anyone to play or run an RPGA game. It's more likely that extras like a character generator or the like will be available on the Insider.
WolfStar76
09-14-07, 10:14 AM I'm pretty sure that no Insider subscription will be needed by anyone to play or run an RPGA game. It's more likely that extras like a character generator or the like will be available on the Insider.

You're right.

This was asked at the Member's Meeting at GenCon and has been asked int he forums a couple times. Chris's reply boiled down to:
1) You WILL NOT need D&D Insider to play in the RPGA - even if you opt to play online. If you have 3rd party software you'd like to use (OpenRPG, FantasyGrounds, IRC chat, or whatever) you can use them.
2) "We think you'll really WANT to use D&D Insider and the Game Table, but you won't HAVE to"
dinelendarkstar
12-22-07, 06:00 PM Heroforge, while a great product, has always been in a legal grey area in any case.

It uses a number of non-OGL trademarks in it's construction, such as the Dungeons & Dragons, Living Greyhawk, Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms, Ebberon, and Dragonlance logos. Additionally, both the Book of Exalted Deeds and Book of Vile Darkness titles are trademarked and specifically called out in the OGL as Not Open Content. Heck, the Initiative card has a note "Card design based on the form created by Wizards of the Coast, and used without their permission."

-karma

Well they must not be too concerned because they are using HF generated characters for their Xen'dik Expiditions fast play characters. So they must like what we have done.

Robert Daneri
HeroForge Development Team Leader
aljergensen
12-23-07, 11:23 AM You're right.

This was asked at the Member's Meeting at GenCon and has been asked int he forums a couple times. Chris's reply boiled down to:
1) You WILL NOT need D&D Insider to play in the RPGA - even if you opt to play online. If you have 3rd party software you'd like to use (OpenRPG, FantasyGrounds, IRC chat, or whatever) you can use them.
2) "We think you'll really WANT to use D&D Insider and the Game Table, but you won't HAVE to"

I was assuming that if you have D&D Insider and the Game Table you will be able to play LFR mods online. Which would be nice, especially for people in remote areas and for slot 0s for judges.

Allen
WolfStar76
12-26-07, 05:21 PM I was assuming that if you have D&D Insider and the Game Table you will be able to play LFR mods online. Which would be nice, especially for people in remote areas and for slot 0s for judges.

Allen

DDI or not, Chris made it sound like the RPGA's intention is to be online-friendly for 4E.

There may be exceptions (specials and the like) but it sounds like the RPGA intends to embrace online play - whatever source you choose to use for it.

If the Insider team delivers on their statement that making their tools work with RPGA campaigns is a high priority, all the better. :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DarkGoldfish 09-07-07, 02:11 PM	Ok, here is what I want to see: Ok, say it's 2009 and I've signed up for 4th edition online content, the new dragon/dungeon magazines, all that. (I know, it sounds dumb paying to play RPGA, but here me out for a second) I'd like to see a task bar, where you could order an RPGA adventure to your door in about three seconds flat--just be able to click a button and say "hey guys, we're playing RPGA next Sunday" (and I expect that when I log into D&D online, it would know/remember my RPGA number and not harass me to enter it in again) For me, just being able to receive something tangible and physically real in the mail would make paying for the online content completely worth its while (even if it’s held together with a few staples and a cheep little black and white cover) I'd like the full page ARs to be replaced with smaller card certificates showing adventure completion--god those would look cool. (They could put the space where you write what crap you are buying on the back of the card) Anything to stop the ARs from looking like an algebra equation would be awesome. Then after the adventure is done, I'd like to be able to log back onto the website, click on the order adventure tab (which would list my open adventures) again and have an option for confirming the adventure (without once having to use/check my e-mail) If I enter one of my players RPGA numbers in wrong, I’d like it to be clear and let me get a chance to re-enter it. I’d also like to be able to save a list of all the players I regularly played with (whether or not they were signed up for the online content) so that I could just click their names to add them. Personally, if I can get my RPGA adventure ordered in under a minuet, have it delivered to my door in the mail, and then be able to log back in and confirm it from my account (again in a minuet or less)...I would be sold on the 4th edition online game content in less time than it takes to kill a kobold (one without evasion) with a fireball.
WolfStar76 09-10-07, 08:24 AM	I think it's worth noting, however, that the "paid for" online stuff ine 4e (The D&D Insider) is separate from the RPGA stuff which will still be free. There's been a few mentioned tie-ins (I think I recall something being bandied around involving a conjunction of the Character Builder and the RPGA listing of your character, but that could have been rumor or my imagination). The point is, while your suggestions are pretty spiffy (I myself could forego the physical copy of the modules - my life is cluttered enough as-is), you're not going to be "paying" for RPGA online stuff. If you opt to buy-in to D&D Insider, you're paying for 4E's online tools - which might impact/enhance RPGA items. You won't be required to have D&D Insider for RPGA play (unless/until someone changes their minds on this ;) ). I'd love to see your suggestion of "frequent players" on the reporting info implemented, however. Just gimmie a "buddy list" or a feature similar to the "friends" list in forums. One-click adding of my local group would be terrific. :)
The_Jester 09-10-07, 07:55 PM	You won't be required to have D&D Insider for RPGA play (unless/until someone changes their minds on this ;) ) Oh lord I hope not. I can see it though. To access a new open PrC or item or spell you need to own the book and have entered the code on D&DI or it won't print off on your AR.
catsclaw 09-10-07, 08:52 PM	I can see it though. To access a new open PrC or item or spell you need to own the book and have entered the code on D&DI or it won't print off on your AR.Actually, according to current RPGA rules, you can't take any PrCs or spells unless you own the book. So all this would do is enforce an already existing rule. In fact, according to current rules, if you have access to an existing feat or spell, and they reprint it in a more recent book, you are required to buy the new book or remove the feat from your character.
The_Jester 09-10-07, 09:48 PM	Which is fair. But what happens if you buy a used book and the code is already used? Or you have a roommate/spouse who already has a book, will you have to buy a second copy just to get a working code? And since 90% of gamebooks aren't plastic sealed in gaming shops what's to prevent someone taking a cell camera to the covers and getting some free online copies?
Ryngard 09-11-07, 07:52 AM	I THINK that the codes in the books will be sealed some how (like scratch off, or a perferated pocket, etc). You'd know. If not, WotC will have ISSUES! :) You can't, at this time, expect RPGA to be able to do some of your wonderful ideas purely to lack of budget and manpower issues. They aren't WotC (afaik) and can't just do that. Even if they were, there is a lot of budget stuff to consider, it ain't cheap. :) Good ideas though!
MichaelAhlf 09-11-07, 10:06 AM	Actually, according to current RPGA rules, you can't take any PrCs or spells unless you own the book. So all this would do is enforce an already existing rule. In fact, according to current rules, if you have access to an existing feat or spell, and they reprint it in a more recent book, you are required to buy the new book or remove the feat from your character. Which was tons of fun when the "$30 for the errata" Spell Compendium came out. The goal is to somehow 'force' more book sales. Family with kids, who collectively own a library of books? I can just see it now - new WotC rules saying that each individual RPGA member must have an individual copy in order to do the now-mandatory online character tracking. So overnight, the family's costs to play with anything other than raw PHB just quadrupled. And sadly, with the way they've behaved lately, that's the least of what I can see WotC trying to pull. I wish WotC would get it together and realize that when they produce solid content it sells, and start making more solid content, rather than trying to come up with methods to force sales on a captive audience.
Ryngard 09-11-07, 11:03 AM	I found the Spell Compendium to be one of the most useful products for 3.5e. Just shows you that people like different products. :) I REALLY don't think that is how it'll work... I think (and hope) that as long as a physical copy is owned by the household (i.e. one per address) it SHOULD count. I think they just wouldn't want you to use something without the ability to back it up with the printed book during an event. In the past (Living City) you just had to have the sourcebook handy for DM review during the event so it wasn't a problem for you and your six friends playing a game to have the owner of the... Fighter's Handbook or whatever pull it out and say "here you go, this is what his Kit does". WotC and the RPGA are not out to cause you stress or harm or burden you with financial difficulties. They are just trying to do a good job and be fair to everyone.
MichaelAhlf 09-11-07, 12:33 PM	WotC and the RPGA are not out to cause you stress or harm or burden you with financial difficulties. They are just trying to do a good job and be fair to everyone. I'll believe that of the RPGA people. WotC, on the other hand... no. Someone there thinks that they can shoehorn people into buying more as a captive audience.
WolfStar76 09-11-07, 05:19 PM	Which is fair. But what happens if you buy a used book and the code is already used? Or you have a roommate/spouse who already has a book, will you have to buy a second copy just to get a working code? I remember reading somewhere (I'll try to find it, but I don't recall if it was a chat, or in the 4E forums. . . ) that the current plans are to include all the current PrCs, Feats, Spells, etc in the Character Builder. However, by "default" while you can choose those items, they'll have no explanatory text. If you've unlocked the source for the <whatever> via the code in the book, you'll get a text blurb explaining what it does, how it works, and other relevant information on your character sheet. It's the difference between "Toughness" appearing and "Toughness grants a character 3 additional hit points (PHB)" appearing on the sheet.
MichaelAhlf 09-11-07, 05:37 PM	I remember reading somewhere (I'll try to find it, but I don't recall if it was a chat, or in the 4E forums. . . ) that the current plans are to include all the current PrCs, Feats, Spells, etc in the Character Builder. However, by "default" while you can choose those items, they'll have no explanatory text. If you've unlocked the source for the <whatever> via the code in the book, you'll get a text blurb explaining what it does, how it works, and other relevant information on your character sheet. It's the difference between "Toughness" appearing and "Toughness grants a character 3 additional hit points (PHB)" appearing on the sheet. Countdown until they try to kill all free products like Heroforge, then...
KarmaInferno 09-11-07, 06:05 PM	Heroforge, while a great product, has always been in a legal grey area in any case. It uses a number of non-OGL trademarks in it's construction, such as the Dungeons & Dragons, Living Greyhawk, Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms, Ebberon, and Dragonlance logos. Additionally, both the Book of Exalted Deeds and Book of Vile Darkness titles are trademarked and specifically called out in the OGL as Not Open Content. Heck, the Initiative card has a note "Card design based on the form created by Wizards of the Coast, and used without their permission." -karma
MichaelAhlf 09-11-07, 08:46 PM	Heroforge, while a great product, has always been in a legal grey area in any case. It uses a number of non-OGL trademarks in it's construction. -karma Care to point out a few? Perhaps let the designers know so they can fix it? Or are you just blowing smoke?
catsclaw 09-12-07, 12:14 AM	Or are you just blowing smoke?Clearly, he's not just blowing smoke. Will you apologize for the accusation?
MichaelAhlf 09-12-07, 09:41 AM	Clearly, he's not just blowing smoke. Will you apologize for the accusation? He hasn't responded, EDIT. I'll wait for him to back up his statement before saying anything more. Till then, he's blowing smoke.
RedKnightofKet 09-12-07, 10:08 AM	He hasn't responded, EDIT. I'll wait for him to back up his statement before saying anything more. Till then, he's blowing smoke. Did you even bother to look at the original post? He's edited it to support his point. And, oddly enough, he did it without insulting anyone.
WizO_Kayn 09-12-07, 10:33 AM	The mark of a good poster is the ability to disagree or question a post with respect and civility. Try it.
KarmaInferno 09-12-07, 10:56 AM	Did you even bother to look at the original post? He's edited it to support his point. And, oddly enough, he did it without insulting anyone. Aheh, I edited it because I just knew someone would say, "Prove it!" I don't see his posts because I have him on ignore, as he's not worth responding to anymore. -karma
mark1978 09-12-07, 04:23 PM	I found the Spell Compendium to be one of the most useful products for 3.5e. Just shows you that people like different products. :) I REALLY don't think that is how it'll work... I think (and hope) that as long as a physical copy is owned by the household (i.e. one per address) it SHOULD count. I think they just wouldn't want you to use something without the ability to back it up with the printed book during an event. In the past (Living City) you just had to have the sourcebook handy for DM review during the event so it wasn't a problem for you and your six friends playing a game to have the owner of the... Fighter's Handbook or whatever pull it out and say "here you go, this is what his Kit does". WotC and the RPGA are not out to cause you stress or harm or burden you with financial difficulties. They are just trying to do a good job and be fair to everyone. The Spell Compendium rocks! Moreover, I really like the Magic Item Compendium, but I'll be damned if I'd buy a Rules Compendium, that is just straight up retarded. WotC is off their rocker for coming out with one, that is what errata is for. It is true that the RPGA is designed to be open-ended for gamers to stimulate purchases of their materials, but if a player took it too far, they could spark a law suit. Fairness and legal responsibility are not necessarily synonymous. Mostly, though, unless it is a blatant violation, WotC will do what they can to handle things in a civil and quiet fashion, they do have to save face at every turn. Mark
delroland 09-13-07, 12:22 AM	Back on topic: the rumor I heard is that only the GM needs to own the books and have an Insider membership. Since the RPGA will be acting as the "campaign GM", and assuming this rumor is true, it should be no problem whatsoever for us the members to use the online character tracker.
KoboldChieftain 09-13-07, 11:46 PM	Back on topic: the rumor I heard is that only the GM needs to own the books and have an Insider membership. Since the RPGA will be acting as the "campaign GM", and assuming this rumor is true, it should be no problem whatsoever for us the members to use the online character tracker. Well, since the RPGA isn't a person, it can't own books per se. :) I really don't think the RPGA and the D&D Insider are going to mix. As I see it there are two problems here. The first is that each is going to want access to the data and the other is not likely going to grant that access. The second is that the D&D Insider is a subscription service and the RPGA is free. Just my thoughts.
delroland 09-14-07, 12:49 AM	I don't believe D&D Insider will be required, but it sure as heck will be supported by the RPGA.
Skerrit 09-14-07, 09:46 AM	I'm pretty sure that no Insider subscription will be needed by anyone to play or run an RPGA game. It's more likely that extras like a character generator or the like will be available on the Insider.
WolfStar76 09-14-07, 10:14 AM	I'm pretty sure that no Insider subscription will be needed by anyone to play or run an RPGA game. It's more likely that extras like a character generator or the like will be available on the Insider. You're right. This was asked at the Member's Meeting at GenCon and has been asked int he forums a couple times. Chris's reply boiled down to: 1) You WILL NOT need D&D Insider to play in the RPGA - even if you opt to play online. If you have 3rd party software you'd like to use (OpenRPG, FantasyGrounds, IRC chat, or whatever) you can use them. 2) "We think you'll really WANT to use D&D Insider and the Game Table, but you won't HAVE to"
dinelendarkstar 12-22-07, 06:00 PM	Heroforge, while a great product, has always been in a legal grey area in any case. It uses a number of non-OGL trademarks in it's construction, such as the Dungeons & Dragons, Living Greyhawk, Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms, Ebberon, and Dragonlance logos. Additionally, both the Book of Exalted Deeds and Book of Vile Darkness titles are trademarked and specifically called out in the OGL as Not Open Content. Heck, the Initiative card has a note "Card design based on the form created by Wizards of the Coast, and used without their permission." -karma Well they must not be too concerned because they are using HF generated characters for their Xen'dik Expiditions fast play characters. So they must like what we have done. Robert Daneri HeroForge Development Team Leader
aljergensen 12-23-07, 11:23 AM	You're right. This was asked at the Member's Meeting at GenCon and has been asked int he forums a couple times. Chris's reply boiled down to: 1) You WILL NOT need D&D Insider to play in the RPGA - even if you opt to play online. If you have 3rd party software you'd like to use (OpenRPG, FantasyGrounds, IRC chat, or whatever) you can use them. 2) "We think you'll really WANT to use D&D Insider and the Game Table, but you won't HAVE to" I was assuming that if you have D&D Insider and the Game Table you will be able to play LFR mods online. Which would be nice, especially for people in remote areas and for slot 0s for judges. Allen
WolfStar76 12-26-07, 05:21 PM	I was assuming that if you have D&D Insider and the Game Table you will be able to play LFR mods online. Which would be nice, especially for people in remote areas and for slot 0s for judges. Allen DDI or not, Chris made it sound like the RPGA's intention is to be online-friendly for 4E. There may be exceptions (specials and the like) but it sounds like the RPGA intends to embrace online play - whatever source you choose to use for it. If the Insider team delivers on their statement that making their tools work with RPGA campaigns is a high priority, all the better. :)