Advice: Returning DM looking to go High Tech - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Advice: Returning DM looking to go High Tech

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
mike_mann
Jan 26, 2009 19:36:52 Hi folks,

And when I say returning, I mean from a 20+ year hiatus.:D

Anyway, after a bunch of lengthy discussions with some very old friends I'm putting the band back together. Since we are a bit stretched out over the local map, we decided to try the "tech" route to play our games.

It looks like WoTC is on its way to making that type of gaming experience possible. However, while we're waiting for their project to be completed I have been looking at our current options.

Right now, my plan is as follows:

1- Pick up the GM guide (and probably the Monster Manual) so I can familiarize myself with all the changes that have occurred in the game. I'm sure there are one or two things different from when I last played.
2- Read and prep our first module (I'm guessing H1 Keep on the Shadowfell).
3- Use a program like Fantasy Grounds to play out the actual games.
4- Use an Access database or Excel spreadsheet to keep track of each of the players progress.

First, is there anything in this gameplan that needs to be added or changed?

Second, I told my friends I should be able to have a working scenario for them in about 1 months time. Now with a decent amount of time on my hands (ie 2 hours a day) is this reasonable?

Third, is H1 the best choice for a first module? I read a few threads that seem to think that.

Fourth, do any GM's (or players) have some suggestions which would make everyone's gaming experience more enjoyable?

Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
#2
Mock
Jan 27, 2009 16:21:51
1- Pick up the GM guide (and probably the Monster Manual) so I can familiarize myself with all the changes that have occurred in the game. I'm sure there are one or two things different from when I last played.
2- Read and prep our first module (I'm guessing H1 Keep on the Shadowfell).
3- Use a program like Fantasy Grounds to play out the actual games.
4- Use an Access database or Excel spreadsheet to keep track of each of the players progress.

First, is there anything in this gameplan that needs to be added or changed?

Second, I told my friends I should be able to have a working scenario for them in about 1 months time. Now with a decent amount of time on my hands (ie 2 hours a day) is this reasonable?

Third, is H1 the best choice for a first module? I read a few threads that seem to think that.

Fourth, do any GM's (or players) have some suggestions which would make everyone's gaming experience more enjoyable?

Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

1. You probably want all three books. D&D 4th Edition is a completely different game from any of the prior editions, and you're going to want to read all three of the books. It's what I did to get into it.

2. No idea what KotS is like. My first "module" was the mini-scenario in the back of the 4th Edition DMG; it was a good way to get my feet wet with the game.

3. Fantasy Grounds, MapTool, Battlegrounds...all of them are good tools for this. Fantasy Grounds may not have 4th Edition rules built into it yet (I don't know, though - I use MapTool).

4. I use Excel (well, I may start using the Character Builder app that's part of the D&D Insider subscription) and various other tools.

Once you have the game under your belt, you can probably create a module in a week or two; DMing 4th Edition is dead easy. There is also a tool (again, part of the subscription service) that does most of Encounter generation.

As for suggestions - if you play face to face at all, I see regular advice to use Power Cards.
#3
etarnon
Jan 28, 2009 5:01:22 I use OpenRPG, and 3.0, 3.5, Star Wars, d6, LUG Trek, whatever.

Maptool is good. I just like the simplicity of open. Decent community,
TangledWeb
http://thetangledweb.net/forums/index.php

and
penandpaper
http://www.penandpapergames.com/forums/index.php
are good sites to find players or here in the online gamers wanted formus.

I've run games online since 2005.

Biggest problem: people taking too much time for turns. connection problems. If it's people you hardly know, no shows, getting people to commit.

Stuff typed or online being misinterpreted without voice inflection.

Some people get really bent out of shape since there's no face to face interaction to defuse it, it builds, and the bail.

I screen people before I allow them to join, to avoid 90% of that.

And don't run anything too big, nor with too many players. 4 to 5 is about right.

I know about a dozen guys that do this regularly with no problems, using open.

The after game log is nice. And you got a record of who said what when.

Plus private messaging capability is nice.

Good luck with it.
#4
mike_mann
Jan 30, 2009 17:49:57 Thank you both for helpful replies.

I have picked up all three books (DM, Players and Monster manuals). About half way through the Players Handbook. I really like the changes they have made. I can see how they could help the players further immerse themselves into the stories.

Tried the demo for Fantasy Grounds II. It's a nice looking system, even with the occasional quirk (two clicks to close a box?). I especially liked the fact that the character sheets are incorporated into the program. I did find a site which provides access to the 4e rules, but you can't use them in demo.

Went through the Maptool's video tutorials and was very impressed. I've downloaded the program and grabbed a player created module for levels 1-3. Will be running the program through it's paces this weekend to get a feel for the interface. Since the character sheets tool is not set up for 4e yet, I'll be using some character sheets I created using the DDI character creator.

I spent some time yesterday familiarizing myself with the power cards. Good call.

Etarnon, thanks for the dm advice. Our group is pretty much set. Based on your post, I am going to send them a list of expectations regarding many of your points. While I don't expect two many of the issues you mentioned to come up, it does make sense to be prepared for them.

Alright back to reading. Thanks again.

-Mike
#5
dorpond
Feb 05, 2009 14:06:51 I am DMing a Diablo remake campaign I made for D&D4. I am having a lot of fun with it. The players just got done meeting The Butcher. I use Maptool as my Digital Battle Mat and play face to face with 5 additional players.

I made a quick walkthrough video showing the path the party took to get to The Butcher. Check it out below - should give you an idea how Maptool works. Note: I use most of Maptools high tech features but don't let that scare you - it can be as easy as a dry erase marker and rubber battle mat.

I have a link here in the monster section of the boards. What a great community we have here - people really go out of their way to help. I have the stats I ended up using for the butcher too in case you wanted to take a peek:

http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1126250&page=2
#6
mike_mann
Feb 06, 2009 8:01:06 Thanks for the info Dorpond. The video is excellent. Loved the details add to your map. You certainly set the right mood for a Diablo game. Very creepy. And I certainly like how the DM can control what the players see.

After taking Fantasy Grounds and Maptools for a spin, I came to the decision to go with Maptools. They have so many more community created resources for a 4e game. And with everyone using DDI's character sheet program, we should be able to have a game up and running soon.

I do like FG II a lot (especially with the 4e_jpg ruleset). But I really can't justify doing all the extra work needed (from scratch) to DM a FG II game...And have everyone pay for the privilege.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 mike_mann Jan 26, 2009 19:36:52	Hi folks, And when I say returning, I mean from a 20+ year hiatus.:D Anyway, after a bunch of lengthy discussions with some very old friends I'm putting the band back together. Since we are a bit stretched out over the local map, we decided to try the "tech" route to play our games. It looks like WoTC is on its way to making that type of gaming experience possible. However, while we're waiting for their project to be completed I have been looking at our current options. Right now, my plan is as follows: 1- Pick up the GM guide (and probably the Monster Manual) so I can familiarize myself with all the changes that have occurred in the game. I'm sure there are one or two things different from when I last played. 2- Read and prep our first module (I'm guessing H1 Keep on the Shadowfell). 3- Use a program like Fantasy Grounds to play out the actual games. 4- Use an Access database or Excel spreadsheet to keep track of each of the players progress. First, is there anything in this gameplan that needs to be added or changed? Second, I told my friends I should be able to have a working scenario for them in about 1 months time. Now with a decent amount of time on my hands (ie 2 hours a day) is this reasonable? Third, is H1 the best choice for a first module? I read a few threads that seem to think that. Fourth, do any GM's (or players) have some suggestions which would make everyone's gaming experience more enjoyable? Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
#2 Mock Jan 27, 2009 16:21:51	1- Pick up the GM guide (and probably the Monster Manual) so I can familiarize myself with all the changes that have occurred in the game. I'm sure there are one or two things different from when I last played. 2- Read and prep our first module (I'm guessing H1 Keep on the Shadowfell). 3- Use a program like Fantasy Grounds to play out the actual games. 4- Use an Access database or Excel spreadsheet to keep track of each of the players progress. First, is there anything in this gameplan that needs to be added or changed? Second, I told my friends I should be able to have a working scenario for them in about 1 months time. Now with a decent amount of time on my hands (ie 2 hours a day) is this reasonable? Third, is H1 the best choice for a first module? I read a few threads that seem to think that. Fourth, do any GM's (or players) have some suggestions which would make everyone's gaming experience more enjoyable? Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 1. You probably want all three books. D&D 4th Edition is a completely different game from any of the prior editions, and you're going to want to read all three of the books. It's what I did to get into it. 2. No idea what KotS is like. My first "module" was the mini-scenario in the back of the 4th Edition DMG; it was a good way to get my feet wet with the game. 3. Fantasy Grounds, MapTool, Battlegrounds...all of them are good tools for this. Fantasy Grounds may not have 4th Edition rules built into it yet (I don't know, though - I use MapTool). 4. I use Excel (well, I may start using the Character Builder app that's part of the D&D Insider subscription) and various other tools. Once you have the game under your belt, you can probably create a module in a week or two; DMing 4th Edition is dead easy. There is also a tool (again, part of the subscription service) that does most of Encounter generation. As for suggestions - if you play face to face at all, I see regular advice to use Power Cards.
#3 etarnon Jan 28, 2009 5:01:22	I use OpenRPG, and 3.0, 3.5, Star Wars, d6, LUG Trek, whatever. Maptool is good. I just like the simplicity of open. Decent community, TangledWeb http://thetangledweb.net/forums/index.php and penandpaper http://www.penandpapergames.com/forums/index.php are good sites to find players or here in the online gamers wanted formus. I've run games online since 2005. Biggest problem: people taking too much time for turns. connection problems. If it's people you hardly know, no shows, getting people to commit. Stuff typed or online being misinterpreted without voice inflection. Some people get really bent out of shape since there's no face to face interaction to defuse it, it builds, and the bail. I screen people before I allow them to join, to avoid 90% of that. And don't run anything too big, nor with too many players. 4 to 5 is about right. I know about a dozen guys that do this regularly with no problems, using open. The after game log is nice. And you got a record of who said what when. Plus private messaging capability is nice. Good luck with it.
#4 mike_mann Jan 30, 2009 17:49:57	Thank you both for helpful replies. I have picked up all three books (DM, Players and Monster manuals). About half way through the Players Handbook. I really like the changes they have made. I can see how they could help the players further immerse themselves into the stories. Tried the demo for Fantasy Grounds II. It's a nice looking system, even with the occasional quirk (two clicks to close a box?). I especially liked the fact that the character sheets are incorporated into the program. I did find a site which provides access to the 4e rules, but you can't use them in demo. Went through the Maptool's video tutorials and was very impressed. I've downloaded the program and grabbed a player created module for levels 1-3. Will be running the program through it's paces this weekend to get a feel for the interface. Since the character sheets tool is not set up for 4e yet, I'll be using some character sheets I created using the DDI character creator. I spent some time yesterday familiarizing myself with the power cards. Good call. Etarnon, thanks for the dm advice. Our group is pretty much set. Based on your post, I am going to send them a list of expectations regarding many of your points. While I don't expect two many of the issues you mentioned to come up, it does make sense to be prepared for them. Alright back to reading. Thanks again. -Mike
#5 dorpond Feb 05, 2009 14:06:51	I am DMing a Diablo remake campaign I made for D&D4. I am having a lot of fun with it. The players just got done meeting The Butcher. I use Maptool as my Digital Battle Mat and play face to face with 5 additional players. I made a quick walkthrough video showing the path the party took to get to The Butcher. Check it out below - should give you an idea how Maptool works. Note: I use most of Maptools high tech features but don't let that scare you - it can be as easy as a dry erase marker and rubber battle mat. I have a link here in the monster section of the boards. What a great community we have here - people really go out of their way to help. I have the stats I ended up using for the butcher too in case you wanted to take a peek: http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1126250&page=2
#6 mike_mann Feb 06, 2009 8:01:06	Thanks for the info Dorpond. The video is excellent. Loved the details add to your map. You certainly set the right mood for a Diablo game. Very creepy. And I certainly like how the DM can control what the players see. After taking Fantasy Grounds and Maptools for a spin, I came to the decision to go with Maptools. They have so many more community created resources for a 4e game. And with everyone using DDI's character sheet program, we should be able to have a game up and running soon. I do like FG II a lot (especially with the 4e_jpg ruleset). But I really can't justify doing all the extra work needed (from scratch) to DM a FG II game...And have everyone pay for the privilege.