It looks like the D&D Insider Beta group was blacked out with the VT. Does anyone know if this group is gone for good? There was a nice little community forming there. It would be a shame if it went up in smoke. Post here if you know something.
just hope its Temporary, but it might be carried over to the D&D Board and stop be a Private Group if we enter the OPEN BETA Phase....
it will be back up next monday, they are doing some forum stuff so its off for now as well
Frothsof, have you got any information on what forum stuff they might be doing? Is it just clean up or are they adding anything that was talked about, i.e. chat, calendar links?
It would have been nice to keep access to the group and forums, but a week is not such a long time. The lack of distraction will help me focus on the regular face to face game.
For those who still have access, if you get any tidbits of info keep us posted.
I don't even see it in my Groups anymore...Do you guys still see it in yours ?
@Kenage you still can access the BETA Forum ? Humm.. that's weird. I thought everyone was blocked access.
I don't even see it in my Groups anymore...Do you guys still see it in yours ?
I am in the same boat as you, the group does not show.
We all do Dane. Especially Save Tokens & Automations. Damn' Auto-Bloodied !
Hey if they dont get that fixed before Monday, and a batch of 9,500 DDi are Invited, the number of Post reporting Bugs will increase dramatically.
The reason why i think there will be no IMPORT ever is that they will intend to sell some adventures and Maps. If they do, and you can mail the 26kb .DDADV file or 12kb .DDMAP to your friends, they won't make enought money out of it. If you can get a PC from your Friend's CB and IMPORT it they won't sell you DDi etc...Same for Monsters. I see no other good reasons why removing such Features really.
Going with a In-Cloud System put you & them in a two way deal. No one to Interfere with their business...
Yes it would require subscribing to DDi. But it would assure them this steady income. I just wonder with such system what Outsiders will have to do to play. The Credit Card Transaction system seemed viable. But was it for them ? For us to purchase more stuff ? Who knows....
Glad i am not the only one !
We all do Dane. Especially Save Tokens & Automations. Damn' Auto-Bloodied !
Hey if they dont get that fixed before Monday, and a batch of 9,500 DDi are Invited, the number of Post reporting Bugs will increase dramatically.
The reason why i think there will be no IMPORT ever is that they will intend to sell some adventures and Maps. If they do, and you can mail the 26kb .DDADV file or 12kb .DDMAP to your friends, they won't make enought money out of it. If you can get a PC from your Friend's CB and IMPORT it they won't sell you DDi etc...Same for Monsters. I see no other good reasons why removing such Features really.
Going with a In-Cloud System put you & them in a two way deal. No one to Interfere with their business...
Yes it would require subscribing to DDi. But it would assure them this steady income. I just wonder with such system what Outsiders will have to do to play. The Credit Card Transaction system seemed viable. But was it for them ? For us to purchase more stuff ? Who knows....
...honestly, if they try this, I would bet money it backfires. there are just too many people who would say, screw this$, and either buy a program with a one time fee, or use one of the free VTs that everyone is caliming are superior.
I hope they get their act together and produce something people will want to pay for--I really do. but treating all of their paying customers like theives won't help them in the long run.
Meaning those of us that mainly play the game face to face are going to get screwed.
Take for example maps. You currently make them in the VT. Ok fine. But they won't say if they will let you export them as an image. Ok, but does that mean we will get a map making tool? It's certainly something they have talked about. But if map making happens inside the VT, would there be a reason to make a second tool that just makes maps? Probably not, no really need to duplicate work.
And since they won't answer if they intend to allow us to export the maps as images, I'm left feeling the answer is going to be no. (Not even a, it's something we are reviewing).
So, right now, it's very frustrating. It feels like the direction they are going to take DDi, is all the tools work with the VT, but do little to export out for face to face gaming. The CB and the Monster Builder will probably be it, and only because they already had tools designed to do that.
Anything else we get, might end up being VT usable only.
If that happens I won't really need to subscribe to DDi anymore. And my respect for WoTC will go way down, because it's one thing to change plans, it's another to be silent about that change, while taking someone's money. Up to now they have been open about the change of directions DDi has taken from 2.5 years ago. They are suddenly being more closed about that.
If they plan on all the tools being usable for both the VT, and face to face, with the ability to export and use as you need, they can just say so. And if they do say so, don't be cagey about the answer. Don't be like you were with the online move, saying the online CB will support the offline CB.
d20pro does all these things now the problem with it is there is not enough users to start and keep games going.
To me, this is the real advantage the VT has - there's a "captive audience" willing to use it who are not willing to use alternative tools, and there's apparently a large contingent of people who are into pickup gaming, which the VT simplifies greatly (I am not into pickup games; there's no appeal there for me).
Feature wise, it's way behind. But there's a lot to be said for a built-in user base.
d20pro does all these things now the problem with it is there is not enough users to start and keep games going.
To me, this is the real advantage the VT has - there's a "captive audience" willing to use it who are not willing to use alternative tools, and there's apparently a large contingent of people who are into pickup gaming, which the VT simplifies greatly (I am not into pickup games; there's no appeal there for me).
Feature wise, it's way behind. But there's a lot to be said for a built-in user base.
True IMO thats the biggest advantage. The downside is we have to wait for WOTC to play catch up
d20pro does all these things now the problem with it is there is not enough users to start and keep games going.
To me, this is the real advantage the VT has - there's a "captive audience" willing to use it who are not willing to use alternative tools, and there's apparently a large contingent of people who are into pickup gaming, which the VT simplifies greatly (I am not into pickup games; there's no appeal there for me).
Feature wise, it's way behind. But there's a lot to be said for a built-in user base.
But in time, I think that built in user base will not be satisfied with the VT if it remains so feature less. My gut instinct is that they will come to it assuming it is DnD, and find out that in fact, it's barely DnD. Meaning that you can use it pla DnD, but it doesn't help you play DnD.
Theywill want the automation many of us have been asking for. They will want many of the features we have suggested.
Sent a e-mail to Josh, this was his reply
RE: Beta Forum
being able to save pcs is not debatable, it MUST happen
The import was nice. It still left a lot of work to run or play in a game. With out a save option it feels like a bit of a wasted effort. You might never use that adventure or character again, but you could.
The number of games going on seemed to drop off the last while. Maybe it was the approach of this black out, but maybe not. Maybe there was some cut and paste fatigue.
Yes. The beta group will be up again on Monday when the VT goes back up.
I'm doing some forums cleanup, and we're testing out some new functionality (XXXXXXXXX), so we wanted it to come down during this week as well.
So I poked WotC_Josh, our benevolant overlord, and here is what he told me:Yes. The beta group will be up again on Monday when the VT goes back up.
I'm doing some forums cleanup, and we're testing out some new functionality (XXXXXXXXX), so we wanted it to come down during this week as well.
Curse them and their secrets!
Is incessant poking considered a form of torture under the convention?
So I poked WotC_Josh, our benevolant overlord, and here is what he told me:Yes. The beta group will be up again on Monday when the VT goes back up.
I'm doing some forums cleanup, and we're testing out some new functionality (XXXXXXXXX), so we wanted it to come down during this week as well.Curse them and their secrets!
Is incessant poking considered a form of torture under the convention?
Only if done on Facebook.
i personally hope pc saving is ready by then but i doubt it. i am guessing adventure saving to the cloud will be done
If that happens I won't really need to subscribe to DDi anymore. And my respect for WoTC will go way down, because it's one thing to change plans, it's another to be silent about that change, while taking someone's money. Up to now they have been open about the change of directions DDi has taken from 2.5 years ago. They are suddenly being more closed about that.
Why does this even matter. Either you like the service as it is right now and you have a sub or you don't. If next month they make a change that you don't like, cancel your sub and get your refund for remaining time. All this angst about not knowing "the plan" seems like a lot of wasted energy.
If that happens I won't really need to subscribe to DDi anymore. And my respect for WoTC will go way down, because it's one thing to change plans, it's another to be silent about that change, while taking someone's money. Up to now they have been open about the change of directions DDi has taken from 2.5 years ago. They are suddenly being more closed about that.
Why does this even matter. Either you like the service as it is right now and you have a sub or you don't. If next month they make a change that you don't like, cancel your sub and get your refund for remaining time. All this angst about not knowing "the plan" seems like a lot of wasted energy.
Kenjoon, please stop pulling out this arguement everytime someone has a negative attitude towards DDi. It's old and half the time it doesn't hold water.
I've always made it clear that I have a DDi subscription because I like what it currently provides.
If you would actually take the time to read and comprehend, you would notice that what I said is exactly what you are describing in the part of your quote I bolded. Because if you notice, I said:
If that happens I won't really need to subscribe to DDi anymore.
OMG! If DDi becomes something I won't find useful, or needed, I'll quit! If they take it in a direction that doesn't nothing for me anymore, I will quit!
I now return you to your regular blind soapboxing.
I'm seriously considering renewing if it is the first.
Nice melt down Dane well said!!
it just gets old the rampent answering peoples posts with canned answers that clearly show someone is more interested in what they have to say rather then actually having a conversation. (Not kenjoon specifically, I mean many people).
So, noone knows the answer to my question? Is the new beta going to be for all DDi members? Or is it going to be random invites to DDi members only? Or is it going to be people who were in the beta before, but only the ones that were DDi members at the time?
I'm seriously considering renewing if it is the first.
After the black out you have to be a DDI to get access to the VT beta. They are going to start inviting insiders in stages with the goal of getting all insiders access to the VT beta. I do not think there has been any time line given about reaching that goal.
So, noone knows the answer to my question? Is the new beta going to be for all DDi members? Or is it going to be random invites to DDi members only? Or is it going to be people who were in the beta before, but only the ones that were DDi members at the time?
I'm seriously considering renewing if it is the first.
I signed back up hoping Id get an invite pretty quickly, that and I have started running an encounters session at a local store and need the gaming practice.
someone run something paragon when we get back, i want to ruin it with my critvenger
I have a dungeon for level 11, different paths, several encounters, loaded. I have a bunch of monsters already in the adventure. Of course, I had only had a chance to edit about 20% of them from the "vs Null" to their proper attacks. Once I get them fully edited - or, re-imported if that particular issue is fixed, then I will be ready. Will just need to place them, type up a synopsis, and ready to go.
Will have room for 6 people. Not sure of a date/time I will be able to do it just yet, but it doesn't seem like something I will be able to do on a random night for 2-3 hours.. will probably take more time, and maybe more than a single day, so want to try to set a date for it. Until I know what functionality of the table we are going to be getting back to, I don't want to set that date just yet.
Anyway, Frothsof, I know you have been looking for a higher level, Crusifx has been looking for something higher too.
If you want to play in a level 11, send me a private message, so I can get you an email addy. I'd like to see the CB file, or a PDF of the character, so I can make sure my stuff isn't going to be totally ineffectual or overpowered.
And if more than 6 show interest, I can probably make allowances for a few extras, depending.
So I poked WotC_Josh, our benevolant overlord, and here is what he told me:Yes. The beta group will be up again on Monday when the VT goes back up.
I'm doing some forums cleanup, and we're testing out some new functionality (XXXXXXXXX), so we wanted it to come down during this week as well.
Thanks mudbonny. Hey you're not on vacation¸BTW ?
good boy good boy y'a keep workin ha...
WAIT, new funct...NEW FUNCTIONALITY ? Now you're talkin baby !!!
mudbunnny YOU DA MAN !!!
someone run something paragon when we get back, i want to ruin it with my critvenger
I have a dungeon for level 11, different paths, several encounters, loaded. I have a bunch of monsters already in the adventure. Of course, I had only had a chance to edit about 20% of them from the "vs Null" to their proper attacks. Once I get them fully edited - or, re-imported if that particular issue is fixed, then I will be ready. Will just need to place them, type up a synopsis, and ready to go.
Will have room for 6 people. Not sure of a date/time I will be able to do it just yet, but it doesn't seem like something I will be able to do on a random night for 2-3 hours.. will probably take more time, and maybe more than a single day, so want to try to set a date for it. Until I know what functionality of the table we are going to be getting back to, I don't want to set that date just yet.
Anyway, Frothsof, I know you have been looking for a higher level, Crusifx has been looking for something higher too.
If you want to play in a level 11, send me a private message, so I can get you an email addy. I'd like to see the CB file, or a PDF of the character, so I can make sure my stuff isn't going to be totally ineffectual or overpowered.
And if more than 6 show interest, I can probably make allowances for a few extras, depending.
oh its not that bad a thing especially level 11, its just gimmicky
ill get you my address soon
someone run something paragon when we get back, i want to ruin it with my critvenger
I have a dungeon for level 11, different paths, several encounters, loaded. I have a bunch of monsters already in the adventure. Of course, I had only had a chance to edit about 20% of them from the "vs Null" to their proper attacks. Once I get them fully edited - or, re-imported if that particular issue is fixed, then I will be ready. Will just need to place them, type up a synopsis, and ready to go.
Will have room for 6 people. Not sure of a date/time I will be able to do it just yet, but it doesn't seem like something I will be able to do on a random night for 2-3 hours.. will probably take more time, and maybe more than a single day, so want to try to set a date for it. Until I know what functionality of the table we are going to be getting back to, I don't want to set that date just yet.
Anyway, Frothsof, I know you have been looking for a higher level, Crusifx has been looking for something higher too.
If you want to play in a level 11, send me a private message, so I can get you an email addy. I'd like to see the CB file, or a PDF of the character, so I can make sure my stuff isn't going to be totally ineffectual or overpowered.
And if more than 6 show interest, I can probably make allowances for a few extras, depending.
I will play count me in
Dammit, let me load a table! lol
So I poked WotC_Josh, our benevolant overlord, and here is what he told me:Yes. The beta group will be up again on Monday when the VT goes back up.
I'm doing some forums cleanup, and we're testing out some new functionality (XXXXXXXXX), so we wanted it to come down during this week as well.
Thanks mudbonny. Hey you're not on vacation¸BTW ?
Yup. Currently on Anna Maria Island, in Florida.
good boy good boy y'a keep workin ha...
WAIT, new funct...NEW FUNCTIONALITY ? Now you're talkin baby !!!
mudbunnny YOU DA MAN !!!
I begged and pleaded, but he wouldn't tell me if I could say what it is or not. Probably because he knows just how well the community deals with plans that don't work out.
So I poked WotC_Josh, our benevolant overlord, and here is what he told me:Yes. The beta group will be up again on Monday when the VT goes back up.
I'm doing some forums cleanup, and we're testing out some new functionality (XXXXXXXXX), so we wanted it to come down during this week as well.
Thanks mudbonny. Hey you're not on vacation¸BTW ?
Yup. Currently on Anna Maria Island, in Florida.good boy good boy y'a keep workin ha...
WAIT, new funct...NEW FUNCTIONALITY ? Now you're talkin baby !!!
mudbunnny YOU DA MAN !!!
I begged and pleaded, but he wouldn't tell me if I could say what it is or not. Probably because he knows just how well the community deals with plans that don't work out.
I e-mailed Josh too!!! He is very tight lipped!!
Also, Josh just told me that the invites will be going out Tuesday, not monday, as was originally advertised.
That’s it, time to riot!
it will be working for us on monday though right?
Better yet.. it'll be working for us tomorrow.. right? huh? huh? lol
I begged and pleaded, but he wouldn't tell me if I could say what it is or not.
You're really killing me man !
Also, Josh just told me that the invites will be going out Tuesday, not monday, as was originally advertised.
Oh okay. Its sad for the Refugees massed here expelled from their homeland. One more day away from our true home...
Yup. Currently on Anna Maria Island, in Florida.
Have some good time bro you've earned it.
Bonne vacances !
If that happens I won't really need to subscribe to DDi anymore. And my respect for WoTC will go way down, because it's one thing to change plans, it's another to be silent about that change, while taking someone's money. Up to now they have been open about the change of directions DDi has taken from 2.5 years ago. They are suddenly being more closed about that.
Why does this even matter. Either you like the service as it is right now and you have a sub or you don't. If next month they make a change that you don't like, cancel your sub and get your refund for remaining time. All this angst about not knowing "the plan" seems like a lot of wasted energy.
Kenjoon, please stop pulling out this arguement everytime someone has a negative attitude towards DDi. It's old and half the time it doesn't hold water.
I've always made it clear that I have a DDi subscription because I like what it currently provides.
If you would actually take the time to read and comprehend, you would notice that what I said is exactly what you are describing in the part of your quote I bolded. Because if you notice, I said:If that happens I won't really need to subscribe to DDi anymore.
OMG! If DDi becomes something I won't find useful, or needed, I'll quit! If they take it in a direction that doesn't nothing for me anymore, I will quit!
I now return you to your regular blind soapboxing.
Dane, you have been making this same complaint for months. I can recite it in my sleep. Generically:
The sky is falling!
I went back and reread your original post (#17) several times and the whole thing just reaks of Chicken Little. Dire prophesies. Most of your complaints take the following form:
"The sky is falling!" (Dire predictions, ominous warnings)
followed by:
"How dare they not tell us their plans."
In this specific case your complaint boils down to this:
it's one thing to change plans, it's another to be silent about that change, while taking someone's money.
In other words, how dare they take my money today (for a service that you claim you like) and not tell me about changes that haven't happened yet.
WotC will be forced to make an announcement when/if they change the services that DDI provides. Dwelling on what those changes may or may not be is a complete and total waste of time. If the lack of knowing really bothers you so much, then stop giving them your money. WotC is making enough stupid decisions without your wild and unfounded speculation added on top.
It needs to come back up before they errata rending axes…
Your account does not have Virtual Table access activated yet. If you have received an invitation but are seeing this message, please contact Wizards of the Coast customer service
I hope there's more Tile. More Automations.
Auto-Bloodied at least.. :P.
I hope there's more Tile. More Automations.
Auto-Bloodied at least.. :P.
I hope there is no longer +10 vs Null. . .
I hope that Monster importing includes SPEED and XP, and PERCEPTION!! hehe
erdana">
Here for you, dear friends:
erdana">
It needs to come back up before they errata rending axes…
*puts fingers in ears and goes lalalalalalala*
I'm glad I was part of the VT beta! It was a nice mini-community centered around constructive criticism and making actual gameplay happen. It was really refreshing.
We should probably moderate our expectations for what fixes will happen between now and the re-opening. It seemed that they were just going to do moderate fixed to get things ready for the larger audience, rather than anything more major. (I'm mostly in agreement about which features would be Really Useful to have next.)
I'm glad I was part of the VT beta! It was a nice mini-community centered around constructive criticism and making actual gameplay happen. It was nice.
Fixing “Attack vs. Nil” as a minimum and being hopeful for more is where I am placing my expectations.
We should probably moderate our expectations for what fixes will happen between now and the re-opening. It seemed that they were just going to do moderate fixed to get things ready for the larger audience, rather than anything more major. (I'm mostly in agreement about which features would be Really Useful to have next.)
I'm glad I was part of the VT beta! It was a nice mini-community centered around constructive criticism and making actual gameplay happen. It was really refreshing.
You sir is right on all count !
I did wrote something similar on the General before it got locked down. I guess the Forum will change a lot shortly.
*trying hard to get through*
*hands shaking and trembling*
*trying hard to get through*
My wallet is suffering. I have been picking up books in the meantime to make up for the lack of VT. . . oh noes.
frothsof is building an army of mass destruction and prepares to invade and conquer the VT
ALERT ALERT ALERT
its totally fair game for dms to coup, considering im putting together builds to devastate all of the dms work like it was nothing.
*hands shaking and trembling*
*trying hard to get through*
My wallet is suffering. I have been picking up books in the meantime to make up for the lack of VT. . . oh noes.
I myself have been drawing maps out on *gasp!* graph paper and looking up monsters in books!
*hands shaking and trembling*
*trying hard to get through*
My wallet is suffering. I have been picking up books in the meantime to make up for the lack of VT. . . oh noes.
I myself have been drawing maps out on *gasp!* graph paper and looking up monsters in books!
Me too! The horror! Where I work, there are times when I have a lot of downtime, and I use that time to draw on *shudder* graph paper, and plan encounters in notebooks. Hard to believe there was a time when we had to do it this way
I myself have been drawing maps out on *gasp!* graph paper and looking up monsters in books!
Me too. I'm even cutting them out and gluing them to my pc monitor.
At least I'm not hitting the maximimum memory limit
Are we there yet ?
Are we there yet ? How many hours left ?
Are we there yet ?
Tell me when we can start counting in minutes and then seconds down to 3..2..1....
pfff tick tick
...
Are we there yet ?
pfff
knock knock.
whhhheeeeeeeeee
*makes hybrids that dont even work*
WHEEEEEEEEEEE
)In fact the VT should get a WARNING ADVISORY:
CAUTION: This product may cause strong addiction and uncontrollable envy to play D&D incessently. User's discretion is advised.
...
...Might be better worded, but y'all get the joke i am sure!
hehe
Ok. Are we there yet ? (Like kids in car ride repeatedly asking if you're arrived...)
*makes hybrids that dont even work*
WHEEEEEEEEEEE
Don't do it man!
Next Charlie Sheen in the making!
*squeals and cuts self*
I can't look in the thread because, when I try, it tells me that it is a private group.
From the snippet of text I can read on my profile page, I can tell that it's from someone who doesn't subscribe to insider and he's asking me if I'm hosting my game "tomorrow".
Are we there yet ?
Are we there yet ? How many hours left ?
Are we there yet ?
Tell me when we can start counting in minutes and then seconds down to 3..2..1....
pfff tick tick
...
Are we there yet ?
pfff
knock knock.
Don't make me pull this car over and beat you!
Are we there yet ?
Are we there yet ? How many hours left ?
Are we there yet ?
Tell me when we can start counting in minutes and then seconds down to 3..2..1....
pfff tick tick
...
Are we there yet ?
pfff
knock knock.
Don't make me pull this car over and beat you!
If'n we ain't thayr yit, thn where'n is we?
Are we there yet ?
Are we there yet ? How many hours left ?
Are we there yet ?
Tell me when we can start counting in minutes and then seconds down to 3..2..1....
pfff tick tick
...
Are we there yet ?
pfff
knock knock.
Don't make me pull this car over and beat you!
If'n we ain't thayr yit, thn where'n is we?
We are where we are, and we'll get there when we get there!
Where you guys been???
*wild look in his eyes*
Didn't we have a game today??
I keep trying to load up the tables and then.....
What was I saying?
Knever?? Froth??? Plague??? *twitch* *twitch*
*thump*
Seriously, wth is Crusifix? Haven't seen him post for a good 2 weeks, and to go from posting mulitple times daily to nothing is a bit weird.
IIRC, Crusifix will no longer be with us as he is not a subscriber.
Seriously, wth is Crusifix? Haven't seen him post for a good 2 weeks, and to go from posting mulitple times daily to nothing is a bit weird.
IIRC, Crusifix will no longer be with us as he is not a subscriber.
How bizarre... he's a VT Sage and seemed to REALLY like to play. Odd that he would not drop $10 a month. I wonder if there is a bit more to it.
IIRC Crusifix is a DDi (tswat he told me) but he must have it with another Account, for the current one doesn't show the red dragon logo.
I PMed him a few days ago and he didn't reply yet. Hope nothing happened to him...
The VT need all her sages.
Meanwhile the dark wolf shall watch over the pack with the others...lol
on the floor so loud i forgot to ask you
I can't stand anymore and i am going crazy
Somebody, pllleaaazze get the VT back online. Not even chocolate is assuaging my anguish.
Its two days not one. Want a glass of water ?
Also, Josh just told me that the invites will be going out Tuesday, not monday, as was originally advertised.
(unless this applies to new DDi invitees and not established Participants...)
Your account does not have Virtual Table access activated yet. If you have received an invitation but are seeing this message, please contact Wizards of the Coast customer service.
It's broken, I haven't received an invite yet.. someone tell it to invite me so I can get back in!
And on the VT page, it keeps telling meYour account does not have Virtual Table access activated yet. If you have received an invitation but are seeing this message, please contact Wizards of the Coast customer service.
It's broken, I haven't received an invite yet.. someone tell it to invite me so I can get back in!
see community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758... for info. It's coming.
And on the VT page, it keeps telling meYour account does not have Virtual Table access activated yet. If you have received an invitation but are seeing this message, please contact Wizards of the Coast customer service.
It's broken, I haven't received an invite yet.. someone tell it to invite me so I can get back in!
see community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758... for info. It's coming.
Thanks, Kimli, we know. We were only being sarcastic.
If VT didn't come back until yesterday, it wouldn't be soon enough.
omg, in this past week I've bought Psionic Power, Arcane Power, Dungeon Delve, Adventurer's Vault, Player's Stratgey Guide. . . I can't take much more of this. Gimme back my VT so I ain't tempted to buy more books I can't quite afford. . granted, I did get a few of those at Border's for a nice discount since my store is closing
Control yourself, man! If sales spike every time they black out the VT we may be in for some very spotty service.
Every time I come out to the computer, I refresh http://community.wizards.com/dndbeta. Just in case.
Me too. I keep banging my nose on the door. I can hear the maintenance guy cleaning on the other side. He is whistling while mopping the floor. I can smell the ****-n-span.
Every time I come out to the computer, I refresh http://community.wizards.com/dndbeta. Just in case.
Me too. I keep banging my nose on the door. I can hear the maintenance guy cleaning on the other side. He is whistling while mopping the floor. I can smell the ****-n-span.
Better look out. He's about to get it!
Lightangel1, are you seated ? I have to announce you a terrible news. Are you sit ? Take a deep breath...pfff okay...
Its two days not one. Want a glass of water ?Also, Josh just told me that the invites will be going out Tuesday, not monday, as was originally advertised.
(unless this applies to new DDi invitees and not established Participants...)
Doh!!! bah!!! I thought it was invites for newbies on Monday!!! More drool now coming from both sides of my mouth
One of the last things we mentioned to the D&D Beta participants was that we were giong to hve the beta back up on Monday. That's changed a tiny bit. We're really really close, but Monday is just not going to be the day. I'll be back in the next couple days to give you a heads up, and hopefully a one day countdown so those of you who like to click can refresh constantly
We're all excited to get the beta ramped up and going again, and I wanted toshare a little info so we can let that poor maintenance guy on the other side of the door rest a bit.
One of the last things we mentioned to the D&D Beta participants was that we were giong to hve the beta back up on Monday. That's changed a tiny bit. We're really really close, but Monday is just not going to be the day. I'll be back in the next couple days to give you a heads up, and hopefully a one day countdown so those of you who like to click can refresh constantly
I'm just kidding, today anyway!
We're all excited to get the beta ramped up and going again, and I wanted toshare a little info so we can let that poor maintenance guy on the other side of the door rest a bit.
One of the last things we mentioned to the D&D Beta participants was that we were giong to hve the beta back up on Monday. That's changed a tiny bit. We're really really close, but Monday is just not going to be the day. I'll be back in the next couple days to give you a heads up, and hopefully a one day countdown so those of you who like to click can refresh constantly
As Trevor deals the death strike!!! Medic I'm in need of a healing surge!!!!
*pumps dump stats to 20*
*everything slowly goes dark*
Thanks for the update, Trevor, much appreciated that you dropped in (on a Sunday) to let us know that WotC are working really hard on the VT.
I'm stoked. I can't wait to see the end result.
I might just make a gnome 2h talent fighter...
We're all excited to get the beta ramped up and going again, and I wanted toshare a little info so we can let that poor maintenance guy on the other side of the door rest a bit.
One of the last things we mentioned to the D&D Beta participants was that we were giong to hve the beta back up on Monday. That's changed a tiny bit. We're really really close, but Monday is just not going to be the day. I'll be back in the next couple days to give you a heads up, and hopefully a one day countdown so those of you who like to click can refresh constantly
*WHAP!!* Thank you sir, Can I have another?
I click the link to the forums every once in awhile just in case and it says this is a private group. Is this what everyone else sees?
That's what I see, too.
*gets delirious*
*pumps dump stats to 20*
Oh god, don't do that frothsof, Dark Sun is bad enough when we run with a 6 PC party which contains 2 leaders. If we loose the optimized striker we're done for.
I feel lucky I've been busy all week helping a friend with his senior film project, but I'm starting to get withdrawals right now. Looks like I'll have to occupy myself with the adventure re-caps and wiki updates for my campaigns.
We're all excited to get the beta ramped up and going again, and I wanted toshare a little info so we can let that poor maintenance guy on the other side of the door rest a bit.
One of the last things we mentioned to the D&D Beta participants was that we were giong to hve the beta back up on Monday. That's changed a tiny bit. We're really really close, but Monday is just not going to be the day. I'll be back in the next couple days to give you a heads up, and hopefully a one day countdown so those of you who like to click can refresh constantly
(Oh oh the maintenance guy's boss just walked in...I feel like we're bad boys at school acting smartass the other side of the classroom's door and all of a sudden the Teacher My. Kidd walked out and caught us.)
Thanks Trevor for the update. This means Tuesday might not be the day we get back up and running with the BETA VT ? I hope everything goes well with the new functions implementation. What werethey again ?
Thanks for the update, Trevor, much appreciated that you dropped in (on a Sunday) to let us know that WotC are working really hard on the VT.
I'm stoked. I can't wait to see the end result.
They're not working hard.. they are out at the local Bar, getting roaring drunk.. and delaying the opening by another day, because they'll be hungover!
I'm on to their evil plans!
who is running a game wed, assuming its up
who is running a game wed, assuming its up
Alas, I won't be available for Wednesday. Twin nephew's birthday, and I don't have enough VT access to load up a table on their computers and run them through a game. . .
We should ask for Passes. Chances are most of ours will be expired by then
(For those wanting to order new Passes here is a link to CS wizards.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wizards.cfg...)
As soon as the VT is back up and running, i'll crank up a one-shot during day time possibly for the day after to let people time to sign up. Its gonna be in the Underdark and PC will be a Drow Patrol escorting a slave caravan back to Ched Nasad. FR Setting options, Drow-only. Background +2 Skills. Magic as usual - no Rares.
I've worked caverns layout and set threats to endanger any trespassers. Watch out.
A SKill or a +2 to a Skill is fair and resume most Background. Putting other mechanics in them rapidly becomes a quest for fishing benefits, which IMO isn't the premise of Backgrounds in the first place. It serve to flesh out a character.
I am all for diversity :P
Well if you don't everyone is just Asuspiciously Born Under a Bad Sign
A SKill or a +2 to a Skill is fair and resume most Background. Putting other mechanics in them rapidly becomes a quest for fishing benefits, which IMO isn't the premise of Backgrounds in the first place. It serve to flesh out a character.
I am all for diversity :P
Yeah, I have been noticing a few backgrouns popping up when I let it choose that are giving me some weird things, not just skill training or a +2 to a skill. no sure why they started doing that.
who is running a game wed, assuming its up
Is this optimism, or do you know something?
I hope everything goes well with the new functions implementation. What werethey again ?
Whatever it is, I hope it's orgasmic. Honestly, when I get back on VT it'll be like an explosion in a glue factory.
Man this is the funniest place around that has been in a while. People crack jokes faster than girls flashes to Rodney Carrington.
I was asking Trevor to remember us the new functions updated in the VT again or if he could SHOW THEM TO ME !
Just show me one and i'll imagine the other...
)Hi Yan,
The current phase of testing is completed. If you participated in the last beta and you are a current DNDInsider subscriber you should be included in the next phase as well.
Please contact us again after March 8th if you still need your request processed at that time.
Good gaming!
We would appreciate your feedback on the service we are providing you. Please click here to fill out a short questionnaire.
To login to your account, or update your question please click here.
Uzumaki
Online Response Crew
Wizards of the Coast
Man this is the funniest place around that has been in a while. People crack jokes faster than girls flashes to Rodney Carrington.
I was asking Trevor to remember us the new functions updated in the VT again or if he could SHOW THEM TO ME !
Just show me one and i'll imagine the other...
Man, I love Country n Western.
Which reminds me, will the VT ever be set up for Boot Hill?
CS replied to my Request for more Passes: (Looks good for the 8th guys !! )
Hi Yan,
The current phase of testing is completed. If you participated in the last beta and you are a current DNDInsider subscriber you should be included in the next phase as well.
Please contact us again after March 8th if you still need your request processed at that time.
Good gaming!We would appreciate your feedback on the service we are providing you. Please click here to fill out a short questionnaire.
To login to your account, or update your question please click here.
Uzumaki
Online Response Crew
Wizards of the Coast
Plaguescarred, did they issue you any passes, or was this the entire response? It almost sounds like passes may not be needed.
CS replied to my Request for more Passes: (Looks good for the 8th guys !! )
Hi Yan,
The current phase of testing is completed. If you participated in the last beta and you are a current DNDInsider subscriber you should be included in the next phase as well.
Please contact us again after March 8th if you still need your request processed at that time.
Good gaming!We would appreciate your feedback on the service we are providing you. Please click here to fill out a short questionnaire.
To login to your account, or update your question please click here.
Uzumaki
Online Response Crew
Wizards of the Coast
emphasis mine, but they said after.. they didn't say if it was a day after, or a week after, or a month after. . just "after" the 8th.
The....the...9th ? THE NINE ??? WHOOOAAA
Well if you don't everyone is just Asuspiciously Born Under a Bad Sign
A SKill or a +2 to a Skill is fair and resume most Background. Putting other mechanics in them rapidly becomes a quest for fishing benefits, which IMO isn't the premise of Backgrounds in the first place. It serve to flesh out a character.
I am all for diversity :P
Gritty sergeant is always a fun one... a sorc with a greatsword is loads of fun when done right
I personally don't see a whole lot more the VT needs except for more tiles, tokens, and some nifty enhanced drawing tools.
Alright... got my red box back. Not gonna blink until I get the invite in email.
OYE OYE
We salute your venue, Samrin as a Knight of the Red Wyrm
Arm and ready yourself for war
Welcome aboard bro. Looking forward to play with you !
You guys are more optimistic than I am. The first message from on high was for a one day delay, even before we got close to that date another came down that I read as “Don’t hold your breath, I’ll let you know when we are close.” I hope it is sooner than later, but I will not be holding my breath or ceasing to blink at this point.
* takes a breath, and blinks*
auspicious birth ftw
Born Under a Bad Sign. It's Auspicious Birth's emo cousin.
ps who is running thurs games
wednesday ftw
ps who is running thurs games
We should start a pool, Frothsof has Wednesday.
I take Friday.
wednesday ftw
ps who is running thurs games
We should start a pool, Frothsof has Wednesday.
I take Friday.
I'll take every other last thursday.
They just pushed tomorrows DDi update back to next week. *gulp* I am not sure how much of a blow our collective sanity can take at this point…
They just pushed tomorrows DDi update back to next week. *gulp* I am not sure how much of a blow our collective sanity can take at this point…
*Watches the grass grow*
Where are the announcements for the delays?
Look at Trevor's announcement at the very top of the forum. The one with "March update delayed to 3/15" as the title.
AAahhhh, oh no!!
I just directly linked to this thread instead of the forum.
christ i cant make it another week...please please pleaseeeee
Agreed. We will happily help them work out any bugs!
On the other hand, after two years living in Denmark I have at last found some flesh and blood "rundt om bordet" DnD enthusiasts living nearby who have accepted my offer to DM for them. Yay!
It's going to be real fun playing face to face after so long (I had countless offers to join another group nearby, but they're into Live Action and that's just not my bag).Our first session is going to be on 3/21. Who wants to take bets that VT won't be online before then?
ps. pardon my pessimism, it's not meant to be a dig at WotC. After all, I'd rather have a product that worked at the end of the day.
*builds fighter w 8 strength and 20 int*
*eats own arm*
helpppp
*dying*
*builds fighter w 8 strength and 20 int*
*eats own arm*
helpppp
Froth, you really need to get out in the sunshine man
Too many dungeon crawls will start to mess with your mind.*adds frostcheese to pcs*
*adds frostcheese to pcs*
I'm looking forward to your PC using his encounter, at-will power *frostcheese* in my game, Froth.
"I move here, then charge Xivort Slasher number two, then Frostcheese his ass!"
*openly weeps*
You guys are more optimistic than I am. The first message from on high was for a one day delay, even before we got close to that date another came down that I read as “Don’t hold your breath, I’ll let you know when we are close.” I hope it is sooner than later, but I will not be holding my breath or ceasing to blink at this point.
* takes a breath, and blinks*
As well as holding my breath, I'm also going to refrain from sleeping, eating, drinking, washing, going for a pee and sitting down for bowel movements. I might even stop pestering the wife for my conjugal rights. In other words, I'm going to die.
was it all just a dream?
If so, then it's a nightmare and it's not over yet.
It's just like the scene in American Werewolf in London where David has a nightmare that some *Black Spiral Dancers* (for want of a better way of describing them) murder his family. He then wakes up in his hospital room and a BSD jumps out from behind the curtain and murders the nurse (mmmm....Jenny Agutter). He then wakes up and the nurse is serving him breakfast.
It's just like that except I haven't woken up the first time yet-
ET TU VTT?
www.pelinore.org/the-trade-of-kings.html
*The word "soon" is a registered trademark of WotC
It whould be great to atleast have the beta forum up and running again.
it uses schwalbs arena fighting design. one on one fights
its gonna be cool
*dying*
*builds fighter w 8 strength and 20 int*
*eats own arm*
helpppp
After Trevor's last Death strike I don't think I can take another.
*eats frothsof other arm*
It is too late.
Even if the VT comes up now I fear sanity will never return to this group. *weeps for the minds that have been lost*
*cries pitifully*
I just got this e-mail:
The thread New Here - Saying Hello and a question about game times has been moved from forum General Discussion to Introductions.
This is the thread's URL (old URLs still work): community.wizards.com/dndbeta/go/thread/...
So whats the new deadline, next week or next month?
So whats the new deadline, next week or next month?
Both of those are still available in the pool.
So whats the new deadline, next week or next month?
Both of those are still available in the pool.
Yeah, any of them could work. . I mean, frankly, according to the CS quote
The current phase of testing is completed. If you participated in the last beta and you are a current DNDInsider subscriber you should be included in the next phase as well.
Please contact us again after March 8th if you still need your request processed at that time.
It could technically be open in June. . or Next January. it's all after March 8th.
Someone roll up a rogue with crazy high dex so we can try to get that lock picked.
If you are interested, PM me so I can get you on the list.
I want my Vt fix now, I warlocks curse the VT crew!
before the blackout i saved all of the working adventures from the wiki...
So did I!!
alas....
There is maintenance activity going on in the Beta forum. The janitor is hard at work.
I just got this e-mail:
The thread New Here - Saying Hello and a question about game times has been moved from forum General Discussion to Introductions.This is the thread's URL (old URLs still work): community.wizards.com/dndbeta/go/thread/...
I received notices that several threads had been deleted.
My bet for the pool is Dec. 21, 2012.
iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxhe...
Think she'll be able to pick the beta lock for us?
iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxhe...
It says I am not authorized to see it.
Think she'll be able to pick the beta lock for us?
iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxhe...
It says I am not authorized to see it.
same here
I miss you Josh, i really miss you... 
This reminds me of rooting for my old home team.
You love the game and some of the guys are talented, but they can’t get a win for the life of them. They rack up loss after loss and management keeps making blunder after blunder that makes it worse and worse. Loss after loss, never a win in sight. It goes from frustrating, to funny, to sad. But you have to suffer through it, because you love the game, and they are the home team.
Go Team Go! You can do it… please…
If you are interested in playing, join too.
It's going to lean more on narrative and role-playing than hack and slash.
thanks, i am guessing its going to be horrible news
I don't. I have some wild guesses as to why they haven't sent any invites out yet, but most of them involve NDA-related stuff that I am not even allowed to hint at.
what does nda stand for
Basically, anything he knows from his interactions with WotC, he is not, legally, at liberty to discuss, unless otherwise permitted to.
Some news would be nice. I should have more concrete info as we move through this week and into the next, so as soon as I have something I'll be back here to let you know.
The left hook is followed by a devastating uppercut. I am not sure Kid Optimism will be able to get back up after this one. It looks like a KO.
Its a critical blow, gotta start making death saving throws!
But, all they gave me to make my death saves is a d8.. I'm destined to fail!!
Til then I'll go look for some mental
So I've made my trips around the office, poked, prodded and dug to find the most recent info. We're still waiting on a couple key approvals before we flip the switch and start inviting people into the next round of the beta. I don't want people bloodying their refresh key fingers or putting off plans for their week, so I feel confident saying it's very unlikely we'll see the beta invites go out later this week or this weekend.
I should have more concrete info as we move through this week and into the next, so as soon as I have something I'll be back here to let you know.
Thank you Trevor for bringing us some news about this issue.
Though I appreciate this effort, I have to say that I am quite disappointed about the news itself. Before the shutdown this Beta-Test was something we could participate in for free and therefor I whould not mind having to wait an additional week in order to see it return, however this changed once we were told, that in order to stay a betatester we had to subscribe before the shutdown or otherwise we whould be removed from the beta tester group.
Which brings us exactly to the point: I decided to stay part of this project for now, because I really like the "sub"-community that was build there, but since WotC expected me to start paying them for this previlege, I on the other hand expect them to give me in return what I was promised. If the tool itself is delayed yet another week that is sad, but I can somewhat accept that for the reason it is still in beta mode, having the group-forum down for yet another weak on the other hand is something that I can't understand nor excuse. I know the forums went down in order to do some cleaning and restructuring, but I can't see a reason for this independant work to also be delayed, for it requires no interaction with the tool itself, it is a simple forum group.
To finish my post I can only recommend that WotC might want to watch one of the old StarTrek episodes before their next time-shedule-meeting. There is this nice and competent guy called "Scotty" and he allways manages to deliver on time, mainly because he knows what he is doing and how long it will aproximatly take and therefor allways calculates in some extra time to meet the expectations other people have of him.
if i was a betting man id bet it wont be up next week either. maybe not even til april
I live in vegas.. I think the local Casino had May 12th as the over/under for the VT opening back up
And for this, well looks like the estimate of a weeks down time was really way off the mark, and chances are it's going to be more like 2.5 to 3 weeks. It's just a beta.
I can see being off a few days in an estimate. But heck, doubling or tripling the actual time? That really makes me wonder if the person who's job it is really has a grasp of the amount time people need to do their job.
I've encountered so many project managers and department heads that really don't have a clue, because they didn't rise through the ranks of actually doing, to management. It's always sucky when the person in charge of managing a group of people, have never actually done the job. Is it a 100% given fact? Nope, but it happens enough to be expected when you encounter managers who got to their position that way.
And given the fact that so much lately has slipped it's date, not just a little, but a lot, helps reinforce that view that WoTC is understaffed and that of weak management skills.
Do yourself a favor. Over estimate the time. It's the easiest, smartest way to NOT look like you are incompetent. You might have corporate deadlines for things, but we don't know that. If you have to have something up in a week, and tell us 2 weeks, and get it up in a week, hurray we think you are the bee's knees.
As it stands now...not so much.
I say take all the time you need! I've been very happy with the VTT and I think other people have been too - hense why everyone's so excited to get it back.
It's a complicated machine and a little understanding and patience goes a long way.
maybe its taking longer bc they are fixing it to let us save pcs again
what I expect from them before next week is an open beta group. Giving us back the subforum is easy enough to accomplish and it whould prevent us from using this more than anoying way to communicate.
im naive
It's good that you let us know what is going on. For example, the March update being pushed back to next week. it's good to know that if you dont hit your Tuesday window, your set up is such that you won't have another shot till next week. Makes me think that it's a skeleton staff over there, but I have no facts to back that up.
And for this, well looks like the estimate of a weeks down time was really way off the mark, and chances are it's going to be more like 2.5 to 3 weeks. It's just a beta.
I can see being off a few days in an estimate. But heck, doubling or tripling the actual time? That really makes me wonder if the person who's job it is really has a grasp of the amount time people need to do their job.
I've encountered so many project managers and department heads that really don't have a clue, because they didn't rise through the ranks of actually doing, to management. It's always sucky when the person in charge of managing a group of people, have never actually done the job. Is it a 100% given fact? Nope, but it happens enough to be expected when you encounter managers who got to their position that way.
And given the fact that so much lately has slipped it's date, not just a little, but a lot, helps reinforce that view that WoTC is understaffed and that of weak management skills.
Do yourself a favor. Over estimate the time. It's the easiest, smartest way to NOT look like you are incompetent. You might have corporate deadlines for things, but we don't know that. If you have to have something up in a week, and tell us 2 weeks, and get it up in a week, hurray we think you are the bee's knees.
As it stands now...not so much.
Take it easy.
WoTC want more than us getting the VT into Open BETA this ASAP so it can be marketed soon enought. Trevor, the Developpers and the Upper Management.
Accusations of understaffing, weak management or incompetency will lead to nowhere.
Its unfortunate, it take more time than expected. But its a Project that serve to test a Program before its Release and its a Previledge to be part of that, not a granted right. If they experienced some problems in configuration or whatsnot, its something enought critical to actually delay the whole process of entering into the 2nd phase by at least an additional week.
We joke we laught we want it back so bad. Lets just not fall into name calling directed toward the company hosting us and giving us such Previledge or yet the Community Manager for coming out, this to express our displeasure.
Just sayin...
It's good that you let us know what is going on. For example, the March update being pushed back to next week. it's good to know that if you dont hit your Tuesday window, your set up is such that you won't have another shot till next week. Makes me think that it's a skeleton staff over there, but I have no facts to back that up.
And for this, well looks like the estimate of a weeks down time was really way off the mark, and chances are it's going to be more like 2.5 to 3 weeks. It's just a beta.
I can see being off a few days in an estimate. But heck, doubling or tripling the actual time? That really makes me wonder if the person who's job it is really has a grasp of the amount time people need to do their job.
I've encountered so many project managers and department heads that really don't have a clue, because they didn't rise through the ranks of actually doing, to management. It's always sucky when the person in charge of managing a group of people, have never actually done the job. Is it a 100% given fact? Nope, but it happens enough to be expected when you encounter managers who got to their position that way.
And given the fact that so much lately has slipped it's date, not just a little, but a lot, helps reinforce that view that WoTC is understaffed and that of weak management skills.
Do yourself a favor. Over estimate the time. It's the easiest, smartest way to NOT look like you are incompetent. You might have corporate deadlines for things, but we don't know that. If you have to have something up in a week, and tell us 2 weeks, and get it up in a week, hurray we think you are the bee's knees.
As it stands now...not so much.
Take it easy.
WoTC want more than us getting the VT into Open BETA this ASAP so it can be marketed soon enought. Trevor, the Developpers and the Upper Management.Accusations of understaffing, weak management or incompetency will lead to nowhere.
Its unfortunate, it take more time than expected. But its a Project that serve to test a Program before its Release and its a Previledge to be part of that, not a granted right. If they experienced some problems in configuration or whatsnot, its something enought critical to actually delay the whole process of entering into the 2nd phase by at least an additional week.
We joke we laught we want it back so bad. Lets just not fall into name calling directed toward the company hosting us and giving us such Previledge or yet the Community Manager for coming out, this to express our displeasure.
Just sayin...
Maybe you are the one that needs to take it easy, an accept people have different views?
As for accusations, if that's how you see, fine. I fully admit I dont have any facts. The only fact I do have, is Trevor's own words about how tight their resources are. What resources do you think they are talking about? Pencils? No, its people. There is only so many hours in a day, and you only have so much staff. I would not be surprised to learn that right now, WoTC has part time staff, who only work a few days a week.
Why do I say that? Because companies like WoTC (The kind of companies I often work for myself), staff up and down based on the amount of work they have. (In fact, I know WoTC does this).
Right now, I have about a months worth of my own time, because the company I do production art work for just closed 3 projects and new projects won't really start up for another month or so. Even then I only work 3 days a week (which is my choice, they certainly would love me to work 5 days a week during their peek times, but comics don't draw themselves).
That fact provided by WoTC about limited resources, coupled with so many missed dates, estimates that are way off, yeah, it's not that hard to see that it's a combination of several possible reasons.
My point is, if they don't want to appear like they are incompentent to their customers (Which I am NOT accusing them of actually being), they should take some easy steps to prevent that.
just saying...
Trevor came here with update because we asked for a heads-up. No need to throw rotten tomatoes at the Studios for the March Update push backs and what else.
There's a saying - don't shoot the messenger.
I live in vegas.. I think the local Casino had May 12th as the over/under for the VT opening back up
The Mayans forseen December 30 2012. Nostradamus as well.
We will be bead by now
Which is generally what people say when they are upset with WoTC. Yes, I'm upset with WoTC right now. The reason most people say those things is because they want to hurt WoTC, because they feel hurt. It doens't work, because lets be honest, they didnt lie, they didn't promise, and clearly they know how to run a company and make games and all that.
That feedback doens't do anything. Telling them that they are giving a bad impression, because they keep missing so many dates? That's something they can work with. Heck I didn't even say you have to meet the date, I just suggested offering a date that's farther out then they think, as a simple way to keep face with it's customer base.
Here's what I think is going on with DnD and WoTC.
4E products have run their course in the natural course of things. WoTC's publishing schedule was very aggressive. But they have probably platued. Sales are either leveling off or dropping some.
They cant do a new edition, because what new innovations could they really do? Pathfinder starting to sell more then DnD probablly isn't a sign that people are leaving DnD, more that sales in products for DnD are dropping because people don't want/need more material. A new players handbook wouldn't be bought by me. I didnt even buy the third one.
However, where DnD can go is digital. But DnD is a small niche product, and as such, their budget for each year is only as good as the profit they made the year before.
In comes the VT. Where WoTC has the resources to go that other gaming companies do not is digital and online. I would not be surprised if the reason products got cancled is to channel the budgets for those products into developing the VT. It might also be why we get less Dragon and Dungeon articles now, because their budgets got cut some.
It might be also why they are so quite about all these other DDi tools we have been waiting over a year and half for. Any money for them has been diverted to the VT.
It's really the most logical choice for WoTC to go, if they want to increase their revenue and keep 4E and DnD going. A new edition, not really advisable, it would cost millions to develope, and fracture thier niche customer base to the point where they probably couldn't recover thier development cost in the first year and see a profit.
Naturally they aren't going to tell us this. I can still be frustrated.
I accept different views. I know you are frustrated, you've been for a moment now. Disguised sarcasms or whatever doesn't do good though.
Trevor came here with update because we asked for a heads-up. No need to throw rotten tomatoes at the Studios for the March Update push backs and what else.
There's a saying - don't shoot the messenger.
I didnt throw rotten tomatos though. You may see it that way, but I see your response as not fully reading and thinking about what I wrote. That your response is somewhat kneejerk.
Perhaps i sounded like a kneejerk to you, sorry for that if you think i was, i was just trying to say easy bro...
Its true that people use more direct ways to bash WoTC. You sounded snarky and sarcastic to me. May be you weren't and i misunderstood.
I thought for a second you were asking Trevor that he do himself a favor and over estimate the time he provides us so he does't look like he is incompetent when the schedule is not met. As if he was to blame ....
Anyway. I was just saying easy man.
You get everything off your chest about 4E History and other Tool in response to an announcement about a delay for the VT. Even making allusion to a new Edition ?
Perhaps i sounded like a kneejerk to you, sorry for that if you think i was, i was just trying to say easy bro...
Its true that people use more direct ways to bash WoTC. You sounded snarky and sarcastic to me. May be you weren't and i misunderstood.
I thought for a second you were asking Trevor that he do himself a favor and over estimate the time he provides us so he does't look like he is incompetent when the schedule is not met. As if he was to blame ....
Anyway. I was just saying easy man.
Or you just decided it was snarky and sarcastic, because that was the tone you added as you read it. Because that's what happens. Someone reads something and adds all sorts of things that aren't in a post, such as tone, sarcasm and more. Everyone does it. Hence I saw your response as kneejerk, because it seemed you added something that wasn't there.
Sure some people make sure those tones are in their posts. But really, my first post didn't have any of that in there. No bold, no italics, no drama, nothing like that.
If I wanted to be a jerk, I could have easily said something along the lines of: "Thanks for waiting to the very last minute to tell us not only will be not be today, but it could be well into next week before they have the VT back up. We already figured it out ourselves. The fact that it won't be up till next week to me says it wasn't even close to being ready yesterday, and you should have known and said something then."
But why be like that? What good is that going to do? Even if its true that they probably knew Monday that it wasn't going to happen Tuesday or Wednesday? Nothing. Which is why I didn't go there.
You made it personal. Which is why you start of with, easy man. I'm guessing this is because some of my posts of late have been very critical of WoTC, and how they are doing things. But my posts have a point, and my concerns are valid ones.
I'm a paying customer. I've expressed my concerns over the trends I see happening, and what it will take for WoTC to keep me as a paying customer.
Which is the best kind of feedback they can get. Me telling them what I need to stay a customer. Rather then having an emotional, revenge, I'm going to hurt you reaction.
Trevor isn't just a messenger either.
Ok, where's the party. Where are the ladies ?
I just put my headphone. With the helmet on, i get a little feeling
And, in my attempt to bring it back to the playful banter I am used to, I present the following meme lol:
Really ? c'mon....You could have asked some help. Your daughter would have drawn Josh's head better than that i am sure
im going after plague's adventures....hardcore....hes gonna nerf me halfway thru....
Is that it ? frothy, tell us, how many VT do you have just yourself ?
hehe
well over 20
WHAT 9,000?!
two words
"frost cheese"
yeah the vt community is great bc its all about playing. there will be some people who complain when the beta opens, but those people need to be ignored or phrase it as suggestions. ive been guilty of this myself but its just bc im shamelessly addicted to it. i think its the future. i got to play basically every day! people fly to conventions or drive to the other side of town just to get to play, while you can sit at home and play til your hearts content. played with people all over the world, germany, sweden. that would never happen otherwise
ive got two words for plagues next adventure
two words
"frost cheese"
yeah the vt community is great bc its all about playing. there will be some people who complain when the beta opens, but those people need to be ignored or phrase it as suggestions. ive been guilty of this myself but its just bc im shamelessly addicted to it. i think its the future. i got to play basically every day! people fly to conventions or drive to the other side of town just to get to play, while you can sit at home and play til your hearts content. played with people all over the world, germany, sweden. that would never happen otherwise
I agree 100% well said!! don't forget about Houston Ya'll
Its true that we really lived something special in this Closed Boards and it was a great experience to meet and play with you real chaps. If things start to get ugly (whining) once back on the other side, somewhere in the BETA Forums someone could make another DDi BETA Refugees of the First Exodus Thread inside it....where we could regroup togheter once again to feast & laught with a band of bards playing.
OYE OYE First Knight of the Virtual Table, its a rendez-vous
PS Special Announcement: Frost Cheese is officially in under review for all my games until further notice.
- Results: 16
AND ITS GOOD!!!!!!
1
urggh natty 1
haha at that link...im gonna click it all day tomorrow
I'm alive!!! Alive!!!
Maybe we should remember all the fun of vt.
Like Tom making an Endurance roll to romance the Dwarven woman.
Me think a player was a woman for 2 session before finding out the water genie was a man. Looking at the token the dude did look like a lady!
DIE ROLL FOR All VT REFUGEES
Rolled on: 2011-03-10 19:41:37.473722
1d20 → [10] = (10)
the 'thunderdome' is going to be ridiculous
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dq4plrh7FE
Gets NSFW later on just so you know.
Well, I am still hanging in there, but not up yet. 18
ive got two words for plagues next adventure
two words
"frost cheese"
yeah the vt community is great bc its all about playing. there will be some people who complain when the beta opens, but those people need to be ignored or phrase it as suggestions. ive been guilty of this myself but its just bc im shamelessly addicted to it. i think its the future. i got to play basically every day! people fly to conventions or drive to the other side of town just to get to play, while you can sit at home and play til your hearts content. played with people all over the world, germany, sweden. that would never happen otherwise
and Denmark
the 'thunderdome' is going to be ridiculous
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dq4plrh7FE
Gets NSFW later on just so you know.
OMG I almost had a seisure watching that.
the 'thunderdome' is going to be ridiculous
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dq4plrh7FE
Gets NSFW later on just so you know.
OMG I almost had a seisure watching that.
Old school techno will do that. ;)
After we get the invites out on Monday I'll stop back in to let you know how things are going. Remember, if you're a DDI subscriber and you want to participate in this part of the beta, make sure you have followed these instructions so we can invite you.
We have everything lined up to go and our first batch of invites will be out by that afternoon. This first batch will include those people from the friends and family beta who are eagerly waiting to get back in and back to running adventures.
This means us right? Anyone who participated in the previous beta gets the invites on Monday?
Just want to be sure I don't need to do something else.
Thanks for the good news, Trevor.
So I'm back with some good news. I've just confirmed that we will be launching the next part of the beta this coming Monday, March 14th. We have everything lined up to go and our first batch of invites will be out by that afternoon. This first batch will include those people from the friends and family beta who are eagerly waiting to get back in and back to running adventures.
After we get the invites out on Monday I'll stop back in to let you know how things are going. Remember, if you're a DDI subscriber and you want to participate in this part of the beta, make sure you have followed these instructions so we can invite you.
I am hoping by that statement the invites will include those that had not previously participated. Well I am really hoping I am one of those that gets an ivite that had not previously participated...hint...hint
So I'm back with some good news. I've just confirmed that we will be launching the next part of the beta this coming Monday, March 14th. We have everything lined up to go and our first batch of invites will be out by that afternoon. This first batch will include those people from the friends and family beta who are eagerly waiting to get back in and back to running adventures.
After we get the invites out on Monday I'll stop back in to let you know how things are going. Remember, if you're a DDI subscriber and you want to participate in this part of the beta, make sure you have followed these instructions so we can invite you.
I am hoping by that statement the invites will include those that had not previously participated. Well I am really hoping I am one of those that gets an ivite that had not previously participated...hint...hint
Yes. the firs batch will include the people that were involved in the F&F beta, but will have more than just those people. All DDI members who opt in for communication will be invited in one of the batches, it just might not be the first one - so you will get it, just maybe not in this first batch.
We have everything lined up to go and our first batch of invites will be out by that afternoon. This first batch will include those people from the friends and family beta who are eagerly waiting to get back in and back to running adventures.
This means us right? Anyone who participated in the previous beta gets the invites on Monday?
Just want to be sure I don't need to do something else.
Thanks for the good news, Trevor.
Yep - if you were in the friends and family beta you will be in this first batch. Just make sure you are currently opted in to recieve communications from us, or things could get wonky.
So I'm back with some good news. I've just confirmed that we will be launching the next part of the beta this coming Monday, March 14th. We have everything lined up to go and our first batch of invites will be out by that afternoon. This first batch will include those people from the friends and family beta who are eagerly waiting to get back in and back to running adventures.
After we get the invites out on Monday I'll stop back in to let you know how things are going. Remember, if you're a DDI subscriber and you want to participate in this part of the beta, make sure you have followed these instructions so we can invite you.
I am hoping by that statement the invites will include those that had not previously participated. Well I am really hoping I am one of those that gets an ivite that had not previously participated...hint...hint
Yes. the firs batch will include the people that were involved in the F&F beta, but will have more than just those people. All DDI members who opt in for communication will be invited in one of the batches, it just might not be the first one - so you will get it, just maybe not in this first batch.
Any idea when subsequent batches might be?
So I'm back with some good news. I've just confirmed that we will be launching the next part of the beta this coming Monday, March 14th. We have everything lined up to go and our first batch of invites will be out by that afternoon. This first batch will include those people from the friends and family beta who are eagerly waiting to get back in and back to running adventures.
After we get the invites out on Monday I'll stop back in to let you know how things are going. Remember, if you're a DDI subscriber and you want to participate in this part of the beta, make sure you have followed these instructions so we can invite you.
I am hoping by that statement the invites will include those that had not previously participated. Well I am really hoping I am one of those that gets an ivite that had not previously participated...hint...hint
Yes. the firs batch will include the people that were involved in the F&F beta, but will have more than just those people. All DDI members who opt in for communication will be invited in one of the batches, it just might not be the first one - so you will get it, just maybe not in this first batch.
Any idea when subsequent batches might be?
I should have more dates for you on Monday.
Thanks for the update Trevor, looking forward to getting back to business.
x2, thanks Trevor! I'm so looking forward to trying out the VT!
frostcheese for all!
party in the strrreeeeets!
frostcheese for all!
Wat is this frostcheese you speak of?
Wait, what?
I don't want people bloodying their refresh key fingers or putting off plans for their week
Its a tad too late
Even the foot
I don't want people bloodying their refresh key fingers or putting off plans for their week
Its a tad too late
Even the foot
Cleric!
I don't want people bloodying their refresh key fingers or putting off plans for their week
Its a tad too late
Even the foot
Cleric!
I think it's too late for the cleric.. call a Necromancer!!
Do we ? We only have a critvenger maxloaded with frostcheese ...
JUst hope I will be in the first batch cant wait to try out the VT.
I don't want people bloodying their refresh key fingers or putting off plans for their week
Its a tad too late
Even the foot
Cleric!
I think it's too late for the cleric.. call a Necromancer!!
Raven Queen!
I miss playing and DMing in the Beta. Hope they open it up so all DDi get a chance to play soon - I will probably get a sub then *gasp*
Eagerly looking forward to reports on what kind of functionality they add.
P.S. I was given a very nice demo of a framework that Blakey has written for map tool. It had a lot of nice features but one that I liked very much was this - you could draw a box around a number of tokens, like a burst or a blast, select a power, use the power by clicking on it... Map Tool then rolled and the attacks, compared against the correct defense, told you if you hit or missed all the targets and rolled damage.
I was just !!! wow, if they could implement this in the VT!
@ The rest of the veteran testers in this thread: Nice to see that a solid community of players has carved out a space allready in this usually flaming place that is the WotC community.
A bit akin to what I'm used from the maptools community. Perhaps until soon gaming with you in the VT with the odd table of LFR running there...
Nice to see you guys are going to finally get your fix on monday. I have been monitoring your withdrawal syndromes with some concern ;)
I miss playing and DMing in the Beta. Hope they open it up so all DDi get a chance to play soon - I will probably get a sub then *gasp*
Eagerly looking forward to reports on what kind of functionality they add.
P.S. I was given a very nice demo of a framework that Blakey has written for map tool. It had a lot of nice features but one that I liked very much was this - you could draw a box around a number of tokens, like a burst or a blast, select a power, use the power by clicking on it... Map Tool then rolled and the attacks, compared against the correct defense, told you if you hit or missed all the targets and rolled damage.
I was just !!! wow, if they could implement this in the VT!
Hey Svempa!
Nice to see you still around. Actually they ARE opening it up for all DDI subscribers in this next phase.
"Hello Beta Participants,
In March, we will be reaching the next major milestone of the VT beta and making the shift from the “Friends & Family” phase into the “D&DI Subscriber” phase. Current participants who are D&DI subscribers will retain access to the beta and we look forward to utilizing the feedback we receive to develop a great foundation for the final version.
To kickoff this next phase, we will gradually introduce blocks of D&DI subscribers into the beta group. In time, the number of participants that are able to run sessions on the VT will increase dramatically. During this time, we expect the number of acting tables to rise which will make it easier to find a session to participate in.
Before we begin the D&DI subscriber phase, we will be implementing a week-long “blackout period” in which we will be making some changes to the Virtual Table. This period will begin on February 28th and run through March 6th.
Some examples of the changes we will be making include removing the ability to import and export adventure files. We know adventure sharing is something many DMs enjoy doing and we already have a few ideas on how we might reintroduce sharing in the future. We are also working hard on developing a feature that will allow you to save your adventures to the cloud. You can expect an update on that in the next few weeks.
During the blackout period, any adventures you have loaded into the campaign tables will be retained. We highly recommend you make sure to load up all adventures you would like to retain prior to the blackout so that you can continue to use all of the content you’ve created and entered into the VT.
We sincerely appreciate all of the testing and feedback we’ve received through the Friends & Family phase and hope you’ve all enjoyed participating in the beta. It’s an exciting time for the Virtual Table and with each step we take, we are that much closer to a public release. Thanks for all your support!!
WotC_Josh"
"Friday, March 11, 2011
On Monday, March 14th we will be starting the next stage of the beta for the D&D Virtual Table. We will be inviting all current DDI subscribers who have opted in to recieve communications from us, so if you're interested make sure you've followed the steps in this link here: wizards.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2130
We will be doing the invites in batches, so if you don't get in on the 14th please be patient. Over the next few weeks we will get all DDI subscibers who have opted in into the D&D Virtual Table beta."
I followed the link and found out that my notifications were NOT actually turned on. So everyone may want to double check.
Just a heads up to all those beta participants who, like me, assumed that their notifications were turned on.
"Friday, March 11, 2011
On Monday, March 14th we will be starting the next stage of the beta for the D&D Virtual Table. We will be inviting all current DDI subscribers who have opted in to recieve communications from us, so if you're interested make sure you've followed the steps in this link here: wizards.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2130
We will be doing the invites in batches, so if you don't get in on the 14th please be patient. Over the next few weeks we will get all DDI subscibers who have opted in into the D&D Virtual Table beta."
I followed the link and found out that my notifications were NOT actually turned on. So everyone may want to double check.
Just a heads up to all those beta participants who, like me, assumed that their notifications were turned on.
"Friday, March 11, 2011
On Monday, March 14th we will be starting the next stage of the beta for the D&D Virtual Table. We will be inviting all current DDI subscribers who have opted in to recieve communications from us, so if you're interested make sure you've followed the steps in this link here: wizards.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2130
We will be doing the invites in batches, so if you don't get in on the 14th please be patient. Over the next few weeks we will get all DDI subscibers who have opted in into the D&D Virtual Table beta."
I followed the link and found out that my notifications were NOT actually turned on. So everyone may want to double check.
can i come outta vt rehab yet going to need a strong vt fix monday
Not if you look like Lindsay Lohan or Amy Winehouse.
Be careful not to over do it. Two weeks off will have lowered resistances. VT responsibly, and lay off the frost cheese.
community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
Monday is tomorrow right ?
---
What i'd like to know, my dear VT is....
My girl, my girl don't lie to me, tell me where did you sleep last night ?
My girl, my girl, where will you go ?
This picture scares me.
Thank God for daylight savings got move the clock ahead an hour last night.
it's 9:25pm here in Pacific time, which means it's March 14th Eastern Time.. give us the VT!!!
Let us not forget though, WotC always bases their stuff off of PST, so it doesn't matter that it's been the day now for 34 minutes, or however long it has been on GMT since DST began.
it's 9:25pm here in Pacific time, which means it's March 14th Eastern Time.. give us the VT!!!
Let us not forget though, WotC always bases their stuff off of PST, so it doesn't matter that it's been the day now for 34 minutes, or however long it has been on GMT since DST began.
So, I now have to wait about an hour and 15 more minutes, and I will have my VT?.. but.. I need sleep!.. lol
5th level optimized pcs
our first batch of invites will be out by that afternoon. This first batch will include
Frostcheese
By afternoon PST ;)
im thinking about 5 or 6 eastern
Today marks the end of our banishment! So it is time another thread contest.
First one to log on to the new VT and post a screen shot back in this thread wins. They win the entire thread!
Let the refresh clicking begin!
*click*
refresh
*click*
refresh
*click*
refresh
*click*
refresh
*click*
refresh
ad infinitum
You guys are doing uit all wrong. The forums are not the place to be looking to see if the invites have gone out. Right website, wrong location.
I can't help myself. It's an obsessive compulsive behaviour.
*click*
refresh
*click*
refresh
*click*
refresh
*click*
refresh
Today marks the end of our banishment! So it is time another thread contest.
First one to log on to the new VT and post a screen shot back in this thread wins. They win the entire thread!
Let the refresh clicking begin!
That's it? Not a new car? Or a trip to Gencon.. or.. at least a new Mini? Man, I'd bid $1 on the showcase showdown for this thread.
Be happy if you roughly have the same timezone as WotC, there are some people out there for whom monday will be allmost over, before they get that invitation.
I'm loading up on Red Bulls and caffeine tablets ...
i reccomend 2 healers and 2 strikers, its gonn be brutal
MWhahahahahhahaha!
Today marks the end of our banishment! So it is time another thread contest.
First one to log on to the new VT and post a screen shot back in this thread wins. They win the entire thread!
Let the refresh clicking begin!
That's it? Not a new car? Or a trip to Gencon.. or.. at least a new Mini? Man, I'd bid $1 on the showcase showdown for this thread.
* queue theme music * Bwap bwap, bwa bwa…
I can’t mess with it until tomorrow and can’t play until the week end, but I am still on pins and needles. Who will calm our nerves by posting that screen shot? I can't believe its here until I see a screen shot.
I can’t mess with it until tomorrow and can’t play until the week end, but I am still on pins and needles. Who will calm our nerves by posting that screen shot? I can't believe its here until I see a screen shot.
I'm in the same boat, but I probably won't get Castanamir running again until the first week in April. All the same, I'm itching to have a look at what changes (if any) have been made.
you have to work later plague?
im thinking about 5 or 6 eastern
Yes, i work night shift now so i'll post something up probably for Wednesday night, my next day off.
Its too bad my vacation week is over. It was spring break in Montreal. Now kids go back to school. Daddy to work. And VT to you. Enjoy it while i am gone, and easy with my toy hey guys.
My Smartphone is alerting me everytime I get an email from *@wizards.com. Thus far, it's just been you guys.
lol I use the X-notifier extension in Chrome, and same thing.
Racial ability bonus article is up... 2 Int/Con races!
VT!!
When do we want it?!
What do we want?!
VT!!
When do we want it?!
Some time today
What do we want?!
VT!!
When do we want it?!
Sooner than Later?
Sooner than Later?
+1
Bueller? Bueller? Anybody? Bueller?
Orcus has invaded your internets and stolen your VT invites!
It's 4pm Pacific.. where are those invites?
surely its still coming today
are you sure??? i cant say that now....
I'll try my best not to trip over my bottom lip as I climb the stair.
Hey all. At the end of last week I stated that we would be moving forward with the Virtual Table beta today. However, on Sunday we found a memory leak issue with the current build of the D&D Virtual Table. This is definitely something we need to fix before we start inviting people back into the beta, so we’ll be pushing the invite date back. Right now we’re still assessing how long we need for the fix and for testing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ll be back as soon as I have some solid information on the first wave of beta invites.
Hey all. At the end of last week I stated that we would be moving forward with the Virtual Table beta today. However, on Sunday we found a memory leak issue with the current build of the D&D Virtual Table. This is definitely something we need to fix before we start inviting people back into the beta, so we’ll be pushing the invite date back. Right now we’re still assessing how long we need for the fix and for testing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ll be back as soon as I have some solid information on the first wave of beta invites.
Bad news Trevor, but thanks for letting us know. I can wait for quality.
Do you know whether the CB update is still scheduled for tomorrow?
Hey all. At the end of last week I stated that we would be moving forward with the Virtual Table beta today. However, on Sunday we found a memory leak issue with the current build of the D&D Virtual Table. This is definitely something we need to fix before we start inviting people back into the beta, so we’ll be pushing the invite date back. Right now we’re still assessing how long we need for the fix and for testing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ll be back as soon as I have some solid information on the first wave of beta invites.
Guess I have an excuse to clean my house now.
Hey all. At the end of last week I stated that we would be moving forward with the Virtual Table beta today. However, on Sunday we found a memory leak issue with the current build of the D&D Virtual Table. This is definitely something we need to fix before we start inviting people back into the beta, so we’ll be pushing the invite date back. Right now we’re still assessing how long we need for the fix and for testing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ll be back as soon as I have some solid information on the first wave of beta invites.
ok, ok....it happens....but what is the new beta date?
Hey all. At the end of last week I stated that we would be moving forward with the Virtual Table beta today. However, on Sunday we found a memory leak issue with the current build of the D&D Virtual Table. This is definitely something we need to fix before we start inviting people back into the beta, so we’ll be pushing the invite date back. Right now we’re still assessing how long we need for the fix and for testing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ll be back as soon as I have some solid information on the first wave of beta invites.
Bad news Trevor, but thanks for letting us know. I can wait for quality.
Do you know whether the CB update is still scheduled for tomorrow?
We will have a CB/Compendium update tomorrow - I'm actually working on tomorrow's post right now.
Also, I want to say that you guys have been awesome while we work through this blackout period and towards the next stage of the Virtual Table beta. I know it's frustrating to to be excited about something and then wait through delays to get the fun bits, but everyone here has been incredibly understanding while we work through these issues - I just wanted to say thanks for that!
We all know that dates are not set in stone. It would have courteous to have been told this morning, that there is a good chance it won't happen today, we found a problem, and need to fix it.
Instead, people got to sit around all day hoping, planning and finally having to give up even before the news. I'm sorry, that's just unprofessional in my book. And it keeps happening.
Feh. Off to play with the evil maze of MapTool
Or, also they could let us back into the Beta forums, even if we don't have access to the VT just yet. I miss those forums
+100
I'm not surprised. Nor by the last minute change of plans. Doesn't make my rant last week seem so unrational. If they new Sunday, they could have said something today.
We all know that dates are not set in stone. It would have courteous to have been told this morning, that there is a good chance it won't happen today, we found a problem, and need to fix it.
Instead, people got to sit around all day hoping, planning and finally having to give up even before the news. I'm sorry, that's just unprofessional in my book. And it keeps happening.
EDIT: Interesting, I went back and edited some mistakes, and added to my post.
The corrections are there, but the part I added is not.
I added that maybe they could make up this second delay by letting us know some things that were changed in the VT since the blackout, or if we are getting the same VT as before the blackout.
Not sure why that would be needed to deleted. After all, there is no NDA about the VT, so what the VT is going to be like isn't really a secret.
Hey all. At the end of last week I stated that we would be moving forward with the Virtual Table beta today. However, on Sunday we found a memory leak issue with the current build of the D&D Virtual Table. This is definitely something we need to fix before we start inviting people back into the beta, so we’ll be pushing the invite date back. Right now we’re still assessing how long we need for the fix and for testing. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ll be back as soon as I have some solid information on the first wave of beta invites.
Trevor,
I want to thank you for the update, it's nice to hear some news one way or the other and it's not a ton of companies that are willing to directly communicate with customers about their products and to listen to feedback as you guys do.
In that veign, I wonder why we weren't told this earlier. I would assume you guys had a decent handle on your window well before 4:45pm pacific so I'm not clear on why you guys waited so long to announce it.
I'd also love to get more information on your S.O.P. over there. I've not been a D&D player for long, so I've not followed WOTC with any terrible fervor. However, over the last year I have spent a much more significant time period on these forums, being a member of the community, and the color of the comments made seems to lean heavily to one direction.
Primarily it comes across that many members of this community are constantly disappointed with the service provided by your company. I have no doubt there are a number of factors involved, many different departments that all need to coordinate efforts in order for your product to make it to the public on time and in a condition that befits the general quality of your company.
In an effort to better connect with your public, your community and your customer base, I would highly encourage you to either be more open about the process going on over there, or be more consistent in meeting the deadlines you set for yourself.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Customer
Tl;dr - Please stop jerking us around and get it together, your business model and loyalty to your customer base is just shy of offensive.
I cross my fingers this will be fixed very soon. Get the whip Trevor, distribute Red Bulls freely i don't know but get her back on track fast. I feel lonely
PS Should ask Chris Perkins to work us out another adventure for the pain we went through and to run it in an large Organized Play Event for the grand launching
Or, also they could let us back into the Beta forums, even if we don't have access to the VT just yet. I miss those forums
+1000
This tiny Thread feels like a Refugee camp for us away from home. Open the gate please.
Plus i didn't say anything yet, but someone's feet smell like DORITOS in here man, don't know who of frothsof or Dunk, may be Dentlaak, KneverwinterKnight, Agonar or Samursus could be Dane i am not sure who... but Its too small here
Plus i didn't say anything yet, but someone's feet smell like DORITOS in here man, don't know who of frothsof or Dunk, may be Dentlaak, KneverwinterKnight, Agonar or Sammarsus could be Dane i am not sure who... but Its too small here
Sorry that was me, nervous sweats. I’ll go change my socks, and my crying towel.
Do you get that you have customers looking forward to these dates? That you lose the power of that anticipation every time you disappoint us like this?
Feh. Off to play with the evil maze of MapTool
Does anyone feel that there is a difference between being a customer and being a beta tester?
For the sake of helping create a good product, please let's all wear our beta tester caps and view this as a computer product that is being developed and we are helping with the process. Customers don't get word out of developer circles saying "we hope to have the code functioning again by Monday." They hear from the marketing department.
Quite frankly, that they found the mistake on Sunday is impressive. Really, you guys were working this weekend to try to get everything done by Monday? Thanks.
Working my way through college pulling the midnight shift at a manufacturing facility, one of my fellow workers complained that when all the equipment works right, and we set a record, we get nice comments from management, though it represented an easy day. When the equipment was failing, everything imaginable was going wrong, and we worked 8 or 12 hours of misery for low production counts we got chewed out. In fact, the time we worked the hardest and showed our dedication was during the bad days. That's when the compliments were deserved.
As for opening the beta forum - good idea. When we need to blow off steam, that would be the appropriate place to do it.
I do agree with the sentiment of being disappointed. To spend a week checking every day, hearing nothing, then on Friday to hear "OK, Monday . . . " But even through the disappointment, creating new software doesn't fit neatly into a Franklin planner. Isn't there something more worthy of our ire we can beat about? Anyone tried using those cards some WotC mind felt should be shoehorned into D&D?
- Hang loose
its dane
the guilty always point the first finger.
- We found an issue Sunday.
- We start digging into the problem and getting info to the people who need to know about it.
- Everybody (basically) is in the office on Monday.
- We still have all sorts of regularly scheduled meetings and workload that we're dealing with, and now we have to determine exactly what the problem is (we had a pretty good idea, but with more eyes and people we double and triple check).
- Problem is defined, fixes applied and checked.
- New round of testing begins for the fix.
- We have a meeting with all the important peeps about the timelines involved, how this affects the invites and shifting schedules of individuals to make sure all the moving pieces can happen in order when we need to launch the beta again.
- Talk about communications - Do we have a firm date yet? What information do we have? We strive for a level of transparency and useful information, so I dig until I find what we're most certain about.
- I put the info together and it gets reviewed and I pop in here to put it up
I'm missing all sorts of details along the way, but that's the basics. This doesn't happen every time I have some information to share, but when it's an important and timely/reactionary thing like this, something similar to this likely happens. It's not as simple as have all these people drop everything else they're doing and work on this and only this until we get everything worked out.
As to opening back up the beta group, it's good to hear you guys enjoyed that environment. This time around we'll be inviting a lot more people into the beta, and the day we send out those invites, we want them to have access to the group and the table with no waiting - it's just a better experience for all those people new to the beta. That means front-loading all the waiting unfortunately, which we're dealing with now (points to the afore posted mention of how awesomely patient people have been).
I know we're excited, and I know we all want this, and because we're human, we want it yesterday (well that and we said we were going to have it before yesterday). This is a beta. We are tinkering around with features, UI, etc. There will be problems like this. We will deal with those problems while dealing with everything else that we need to on a day-to-day basis. Balance that with the fact that you guys are
, and the longer you wait, that will likely turn into . And this is what I'm balancing - in the face of delays that have to happen, getting useful information to you in as timely a way as I can in order to combat as much of that 
as possible.And with that said, I'll get back to finishing up drafting tomorrow's DDI update post so I can go home and grab some food. Hope that was helpful and not too rambling/stream of consciousness - I blame writing too many things at once
Tell Josh we miss him when passing next to his office booth on your way down. Josh you miss you !!
Plus i didn't say anything yet, but someone's feet smell like DORITOS in here man, don't know who of frothsof or Dunk, may be Dentlaak, KneverwinterKnight, Agonar or Sammarsus could be Dane i am not sure who... but Its too small hereSorry that was me, nervous sweats. I’ll go change my socks, and my crying towel.
You Dunk, Dane and frothsof huh ? I knew it was you.
Wait a minute, Trevor just walked in when i could smell that foul odor...may be it was Trevor
At any rate, while I understand people's frustration, anger about the beta test not being opened when you thought it would be is a bit like being invited to a party and being angered that there isn't enough free booze.
But, I could be wrong. It happened once in the late 90s.
Once.
As far as I am concerned, I have gotten to play with the VT table for the last 2 months or so while many have not, so its all good.
AND I have been able to be one of the voices influencing the direction of things.
Thats pretty cool!
I also want to give you some thanks for that extremely detailed response. I wish you guys luck working out the bugs and I really look forward to getting my hands onto the VT as soon as it is a viable product!
Will DM for cash!... lol
While a beta needs a certain amount of stability, the fact that this took until sunday to be noticed means it must have run for at least a couple of hours before it started showing up - otherwise normal developer testing would have noticed it.
As such, why was it considered a show stopper? There was no practical reason to suspend the VT while the new version was prepped and ready. Given the structured environment hinted at with meetings etc, I'm reasonably certain that a solid staging and testing environment is available, so there's no good reason to disable an exisiting and in use product to begin with. And gee, if you hadn't, these poor junkies wouldn't be jonesing for a fix right now...
I'm not seeing how you'd be delayed by more than a day. The fact that your updates have to go through another layer of testing before you hit the beta group doesn't make sense. The beta group should be joining your internal testing group in the time line, not a whole new step. I'd suggest getting your programming as well as management to look over the postmortems and many different programs to get an idea of how to avoid these kinds of things in the future. While the VTT, OCB, and OMB are not exactly games, you can check out www.gamasutra.com for a number of articles about programming, games, problems, how to avoid them, etc...etc... There are many utilities and outside companies that can be used for testing. It is also important to insert new testers in at all stages of the development process, this is because testers get used to the app and adapt themselves to it, while new testers have no experience and mirror actual new users in finding bugs. This is most likely what happened with the OCB. If you want I can make a list of articles and development apps that will probably help out if not speed up your development.
Now could you just get someone do something equally candid about what the hell is going on with Dragon and Dungeon?
We who have already been in the friends and family VT are a very small percentage compared to the DDI Subscriber user base. It doesn't make sense to bring in what is likely to be your prime customer base only to have them disappointed.
That's my perception of events anyway.
I think this has more to do with not turning off the host of new players/DMs than anything else. WoTC (understandably) doesn't want all these new people to come in and find that the product breaks down two hours later. Beta or not, it's a product and people do take impressions about the final version and the company from said product, as this thread evidences.
We who have already been in the friends and family VT are a very small percentage compared to the DDI Subscriber user base. It doesn't make sense to bring in what is likely to be your prime customer base only to have them disappointed.
That's my perception of events anyway.
I would say your perception is right.
I didn't expect the beta to be back up in the first week, and was sceptical of it being up yesterday, to be honest. But they came and gave a date of Monday the 14th.
The whole "we knew Sunday it wasn't going to happen Monday", but didn't say anything till after the end of the work day is what bugs me. They know people plan around the dates they provided. They know what their fans are like. And their company depends on those fans, and have used that fact to make money. So they have some responsibility to those fans as well.
If you need permission to tell us that early on, clearly things are to tightly controlled at WoTC in terms of communication with the public, and that things really haven't changed, and they are just pretending they are being more open. I really haven't seen anything improve, they just have changed the way they say things.
And they won't even tell us what to expect. At this point, if they didn't want to tell us, so we can be pleasently surprised by any imporvements in the VT, now's a perfect chance to make it up to us, by giving us some tidbits. It's not like there is a NDA about the VT, so if you've added some features that we have been asking for (like a "I'm Done" button, or bloodied condition being autmated when you are at half hitpoints), tell us!
Or is it because the only difference between the VT then and now is all in the background?
i just really hope its up before the weekend, i have a couple of campaigns that will really suffer from a month off. i just hope they dont delay it any longer than they need to, and hopefully these issues arent things they can only work on one day of the week. fix it, invite this week, lets go. thats what i hope
May I suggest a second hobby, not DnD related?
cross stitch?
cross stitch?
If that's your thing, I fully support it.
community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
This thread has a tidbit of interest.
community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
Ok, I'm going to offer this.
If the table crashed at Pax, maybe because they have added to what we knew as the VT. Which I would take as good.
Just tell us. We put in a lot of free effort towards your table. If you think the reward is getting to see the table and play with it, I tend to disagree, since I think the way you did the beta was to try and make people happy. You let people use the VT to help yourself, not as a reward. Good manners would say you should show your thanks for that favor.
What's it going to hurt? You told us all about the VT beta to excite people, why would telling us what changes there have been any different?
...and hopefully these issues arent things they can only work on one day of the week. fix it, invite this week, lets go. thats what i hope
If they can only devote one day a week to fixing bugs on the VT, they need to hire more programmers. You can't get by with programmers for a "game" doubling as, say, programmers for the character builder, the adventure tools or webmasters. I'd be willing to bet they didn't get the funding to hire many new staffers though.
Ok, I'm going to offer this.
If the table crashed at Pax, maybe because they have added to what we knew as the VT. Which I would take as good.
Just tell us. We put in a lot of free effort towards your table. If you think the reward is getting to see the table and play with it, I tend to disagree, since I think the way you did the beta was to try and make people happy. You let people use the VT to help yourself, not as a reward. Good manners would say you should show your thanks for that favor.
What's it going to hurt? You told us all about the VT beta to excite people, why would telling us what changes there have been any different?
I whould apreciate having that news, but to be honest I whould prefere if they save the effort needed to make that statement and rather invest the time into fixing whatever is still not working perfectly.
Keep in mind, that the number of people with actual knowledge of the old/current version of the VT is rather small. I see little need for an announcement that less than 5% of the customers could even use.
Trevor made it clear, that they want the VT to be running smoothly before they (re-) invite people, so the first impression is a good one. Unless they are at that point, saving resources is fine in my oppinion.
Ok, I'm going to offer this.
If the table crashed at Pax, maybe because they have added to what we knew as the VT. Which I would take as good.
Just tell us. We put in a lot of free effort towards your table. If you think the reward is getting to see the table and play with it, I tend to disagree, since I think the way you did the beta was to try and make people happy. You let people use the VT to help yourself, not as a reward. Good manners would say you should show your thanks for that favor.
What's it going to hurt? You told us all about the VT beta to excite people, why would telling us what changes there have been any different?
I whould apreciate having that news, but to be honest I whould prefere if they save the effort needed to make that statement and rather invest the time into fixing whatever is still not working perfectly.
Keep in mind, that the number of people with actual knowledge of the old/current version of the VT is rather small. I see little need for an announcement that less than 5% of the customers could even use.
Trevor made it clear, that they want the VT to be running smoothly before they (re-) invite people, so the first impression is a good one. Unless they are at that point, saving resources is fine in my oppinion.
Communication doesn't take as long as people make it out that it does, unless they make it so. In this case, anything official Trevor has to say being approved by higher ups. If that's the case, then the only change they have made in communications is rather then none is to have everything approved by a handful of people, which of course causes a bottle neck, and is what takes forever, getting through that bottle neck.
I want the VT be running smoothly too. I don't think it's smart to put out broken software. However that's not what i'm asking for. I'm asking for information.
You can't expect me to believe that Trevor doesn't have good first hand information. He might not have all the tiny details, but the wider information, he should. That's all I'm asking for. I mean how simple is this:
When the VT comes up, will there be new features available that weren't before the black out? If yes, can we get a general idea of what that might be?
You know what, I don't even care why the delay was, I would have been fine with a general there too. We found a big bug that effects the performance of the VT, and we really need to fix it first, and we are sorry about the second delay in returning the VT beta to you.
But for me, it should have come in the morning, not after it was clear that it wasn't going to happen.
We are customers. We pay their salaries, and while that doesn't make us even close to anything like a boss, or have the right to tell them how to do their job, it does mean we deserve a professional level of respect and courtesy, namely, not letting people sit around all day waiting for this, based on the date WoTC provided.
I'm not being unreasonable in what I'm asking for, nor am I being unreasonable about what I expect from WoTC.
We are customers. We pay their salaries, and while that doesn't make us even close to anything like a boss, or have the right to tell them how to do their job, it does mean we deserve a professional level of respect and courtesy, namely, not letting people sit around all day waiting for this, based on the date WoTC provided.
I'm not being unreasonable in what I'm asking for, nor am I being unreasonable about what I expect from WoTC.
I probably come across as a wild supporter of WotC by defending them with my few forum posts, and that is not necessarily the intent, but rather to introduce a different perspective to the mix. They have done things I disagree with, and I agree with many of Dane's feelings. I'm just not sure systematically, much can be done about many of those reactions.
WotC is fundamentally a closed box that we cannot see into. We can read anything into the posts and interpret them many ways, such as knowing of a bug on Sunday being read as "We knew we weren't going to have it up by Monday" vs. "We found a bug and lived under the belief that at any moment we were going to find the code error and would have the system up soon, therefore until Monday afternoon, we really thought invites were going out Monday."
What things might they be doing wrong? They are aware that they have a community of users that are avid fans of the product. I'm not sure they comprehend it in a way to bridle the enthusiasm to their greatest benefit. This VT update is an example.
IT creation is complicated. There are technical, platform, industry and product issues that make for a complex process. In many cases, there is a social component that too often is absolutely missed by those looking at products from the business side, and especially those seeing it from the IT development side. I say this as someone who served as a CIO in the book/publishing industry for 17 years of my 30 year IT profession. We, IT'ers, have some real weaknesses in our processes. Those weaknesses exist throughout all industries. Right here on this forum, we as users/customers/testers are dealing with the frustrations of being on the customer side of the equation.
But likely, it isn't intentional (or at least isn't recognized), merely the consequence of operating in traditional development methods, and as I believe, not understanding the social component of "the new world order" when it comes to developing product for customers.
One thing I would preferred they had done was keeping the beta forums open, so this next rollout was only visible to the F&F initial group, because if they screw up the rollout with DDI accounts, that will hurt their business. Once it was re-rolled out successfully to F&F, then they could have told the DDI folks - "Hey, we're inviting you in slowly for a full capacity beta test . . . " In that situation, all these little SNAFU's would only be visible to a small group of folks.
Secondly, I wish they would have stuck the February version of the VT on a test server with a frozen copy of the code so that we could have continued using it as users. That would have shown that they grasped the fluidity of the role playing community. Even though we tested the product, in doing so, we've evolved into on-line table top game players. Many of us are now so adamantly of that bent, it convincingly demonstrates the need of the VT and the demand for it to evolve into a quality product. By booting us off the VT during the update phase, it shows an ignorace or callousness to the dynamics of the marketplace. That I believe is a strategic failure.
In Trevor's defense, it is not unusual for IT people to communicate poorly outside their small band, and for them to make grossly obvious mistakes (updating servers when PAX East is going on) because of the insular nature of the profession. That is not to say being aloof or idiotic is OK. But admitting there is a lot of that behavior in the IT profession is a link in resolving it. So maybe Trevor is as frustrated as us wondering when the heck VT will again be online.
Is this a bad move? Well from my perspective it is atleast not even close to optimal, but to be honest I think the problem lies else where.
The reason I as a customer am not happy with the way WotC communicates with me is, that they make huge mistakes when it comes to raise expectaitons and later on delivering what was promised. This is the main reason for communication in the first place. If they managed to deliver before their deadlines, and the quality of their product was allways above the customers expectations, I whould not even mind to have no communication at all.
But as a matter of fact, reality is far from that level of service.
@ Zikali: It is a good thing, that you are satisfied with your subscribtion, but that might be a sideeffect of not beeing a subscriber for as long as Dane and myself are. We have seen WotC fail in many different situations and after some time you start to see a pattern in the way they manage those failures. We also were customers of this company long enough to know that they can do much better than what they are doing right now, and there was a time when the qualitylevel was very constant and many of the longterm customers expect the company to once again recover to that level, which is only reasonable.
WotC has a very good fanbase when it comes to D&D and those fans do anything from giving feedback to even accepting management decissions, that actually worsen the product for them, but the company often fails to find the right words to make up for the mistakes they made and therefor reducing the level of acceptance among their customers.
Trevor recently did alot to improve on the sector, but if the company doesn't find a way to avoid those mistakes in the first place, they keep on displeasing that fanbase to the point that it gets a habit.
hopefully by friday
No offense, but is this speculation or have you actually heard something?
no 'sages' have any more info than you do, except maybe mudbunny
there hasnt been any info on the sage forums
If the whole reason they cut back on communications is that they didn't like upsetting their customer base, aren't we basically still there? Doesn't seem like much has really changed, when it comes to digital products.
Dane, you are missing one very inportant bit of data. WotC is a corporation and as a corporation they have to follow strict rules when releasing any and all information. The information they give us, no matter how in segnificant you may think it is, has to be approved the the appropriate personel (ie. management). No employee can or should release any information of their own accord. This is the way the corporate world works and honestly this the way any company should work. These practicies are part of very basic Information Security procedures.
We are customers. We pay their salaries, and while that doesn't make us even close to anything like a boss, or have the right to tell them how to do their job, it does mean we deserve a professional level of respect and courtesy, namely, not letting people sit around all day waiting for this, based on the date WoTC provided.
I'm not being unreasonable in what I'm asking for, nor am I being unreasonable about what I expect from WoTC.
We are customers, yes. But, I don't think we are going to be the target audience for what WoTC wants to do with the VT. My suspicion is that WoTC is trying to get on the wagon with the rise in online gaming. The demographic already enamored by online gaming does not necessarily cross over with those enthused by pen-and-paer games. I obviously haven't done any proper marketing research into D&D gamers on this, but I have noted that many older gamers prefer the face-to-face style.
Further, the people WoTC will eventually need to recruit as a customers are those who have grown up not on D&D pen-and-paer, but those who have grown up on video game rpgs. There are, surely, newcomers to the hobby all the time, but they seem to be fewer than they used to. When I see younger gamers at my local store, they are usually playing a miniatures game like 40K.
Granted, it does WoTC no good to alienate any customer, but their priorities likely lie with the larger demographics right now. That isn't those of us who go in on the beta early, and, if I'm right, it isn't the D&D Insider subscriber either. This is not to say these customers are not valued, only that staying profitable in a business that has partially gone online when your company is not online in the same way is a dicey proposition at best.
WoTC doesn't have the small indie luxury of small profits, but it isn't big enough to have the war chests of a company like Blizzard. They are, perhaps, the last great monolithic pen-and-paer company left out there, and they are trying to maintain. They need new customers, or, at the very least, they need their current customers to keep doling out money. THat means all the people who aren't buying most of the supplements released. That means getting the casual player to subscribe to the new VT.
Said causal player is not going to be happy with a company whose online offers is wonky. They are used to WoW and such. The fact is, WoTC likely has prioritized what needs getting done and Trevor is the man in the middle between us complaining, and WoTC trying to bring something to market.
Personally, I can wait.
Quieter guys, i want to hear Trevor when he'll come in. (looking at the window....)
Come on in Trevor (looking at the clock...)
While waiting for Trevor, how about some of that frostcheese people are talking about? I here it's premium stuff.
With pleasure,
Frost Cheese is the combination of the Feats Wintertouched + Lasting Frost and some Cold Powers = Quasi-Permanent Combat Advantage and extra damage
Wintertouched let you you gain Combat Advantage when you attack creature that is Vulnerable to Cold with a Power that has the Cold Keyword
And Lasting Frost gives creature you hit while using a Power that has the Cold Keyword Vulnerable 5 Cold after the attack this once per turn, lasting until the end of your next turn.
This altogheter create an ongoing Combat Advatange and some additional damage upon hitting.
It got a bad name or vile repute Frost Cheese i think, because its a clever use of an assortment of Feats and some typed damage to be better in fact.
If you look at The Unofficial Dungeons & Dragons Forum Glossary, its not necessarly cheap but rather an optimization really.
Cheese (verb): (considered derogatory) To make use of a cheap (cheesy) game element or tactic.
-cheese (suffix): A name of a commonly used series of features used together to optimize a character. (Link)
And lastly no to be confounded with, there is Feet Cheese, this is Dane and frothsof socks stinking up in the whole place, yeahs thats the little DORITOS odor
its completely legal and actually costs quite a bit (2 feats and your main item). its pretty common and not really overpowered when you consider the cost imo
Yeah, you can buy a pair of socks for $2,99 these days
its completely legal and actually costs quite a bit (2 feats and your main item). its pretty common and not really overpowered when you consider the cost imo
Man, I thought it had to do with your screen name.
I remember when they called it minmaxing.
dane already admitted that they were his feet
Uh, no I did not. I said the guilty always point the first finger, meaning it was your feet.
We are customers. We pay their salaries, and while that doesn't make us even close to anything like a boss, or have the right to tell them how to do their job, it does mean we deserve a professional level of respect and courtesy, namely, not letting people sit around all day waiting for this, based on the date WoTC provided.
I'm not being unreasonable in what I'm asking for, nor am I being unreasonable about what I expect from WoTC.
We are customers, yes. But, I don't think we are going to be the target audience for what WoTC wants to do with the VT. My suspicion is that WoTC is trying to get on the wagon with the rise in online gaming. The demographic already enamored by online gaming does not necessarily cross over with those enthused by pen-and-paer games. I obviously haven't done any proper marketing research into D&D gamers on this, but I have noted that many older gamers prefer the face-to-face style.
Further, the people WoTC will eventually need to recruit as a customers are those who have grown up not on D&D pen-and-paer, but those who have grown up on video game rpgs. There are, surely, newcomers to the hobby all the time, but they seem to be fewer than they used to. When I see younger gamers at my local store, they are usually playing a miniatures game like 40K.
Granted, it does WoTC no good to alienate any customer, but their priorities likely lie with the larger demographics right now. That isn't those of us who go in on the beta early, and, if I'm right, it isn't the D&D Insider subscriber either. This is not to say these customers are not valued, only that staying profitable in a business that has partially gone online when your company is not online in the same way is a dicey proposition at best.
WoTC doesn't have the small indie luxury of small profits, but it isn't big enough to have the war chests of a company like Blizzard. They are, perhaps, the last great monolithic pen-and-paer company left out there, and they are trying to maintain. They need new customers, or, at the very least, they need their current customers to keep doling out money. THat means all the people who aren't buying most of the supplements released. That means getting the casual player to subscribe to the new VT.
Said causal player is not going to be happy with a company whose online offers is wonky. They are used to WoW and such. The fact is, WoTC likely has prioritized what needs getting done and Trevor is the man in the middle between us complaining, and WoTC trying to bring something to market.
Personally, I can wait.
What you are suggesting is their target audience, and what they are doing with the Vt don't really go together. There isn't any way someone who loves WoW is going to see the VT as similar.
That's the downside of living in Europe. My company has an office in Portland, I wonder if I can get a transfer so that I can be in sync with the Wizards?I wonder if I can get a transfer so that I can be in sync with the Wizards?
You are going to start coming in to work late and miss deadlines? * Ba-dum, bum ching *
(I know, its a low blow. I just couldn't help myself, apologies.)
What you are suggesting is their target audience, and what they are doing with the Vt don't really go together. There isn't any way someone who loves WoW is going to see the VT as similar.
I don't think the VT will be the end of this branch of WoTCs's efforts. They simply have to get a broader audience to stay competitive in the current climate. Being owned by Hasbro, I should think Hasbro thinks the company that started role playing (and therefore is responsible for the existence of things like WoW) can approach a broader audience again. They'd be kind of crazy not to think that.
Bottom line for me is, the F&F Beta testers are a very small portion of what they hope their base is going to be.
What you are suggesting is their target audience, and what they are doing with the Vt don't really go together. There isn't any way someone who loves WoW is going to see the VT as similar.
I don't think the VT will be the end of this branch of WoTCs's efforts. They simply have to get a broader audience to stay competitive in the current climate. Being owned by Hasbro, I should think Hasbro thinks the company that started role playing (and therefore is responsible for the existence of things like WoW) can approach a broader audience again. They'd be kind of crazy not to think that.
Bottom line for me is, the F&F Beta testers are a very small portion of what they hope their base is going to be.
What does TSR have to do with this?
What you are suggesting is their target audience, and what they are doing with the Vt don't really go together. There isn't any way someone who loves WoW is going to see the VT as similar.
I don't think the VT will be the end of this branch of WoTCs's efforts. They simply have to get a broader audience to stay competitive in the current climate. Being owned by Hasbro, I should think Hasbro thinks the company that started role playing (and therefore is responsible for the existence of things like WoW) can approach a broader audience again. They'd be kind of crazy not to think that.
Bottom line for me is, the F&F Beta testers are a very small portion of what they hope their base is going to be.
What does TSR have to do with this?
If you were the owner of the property that launched all role playing games, inspired video game design and was currently being used in basically the same fashion as the original to generate hundreds of millions on the net, wouldn't you think that property could perform at least as well as that which it gave birth to?
What you are suggesting is their target audience, and what they are doing with the Vt don't really go together. There isn't any way someone who loves WoW is going to see the VT as similar.
I don't think the VT will be the end of this branch of WoTCs's efforts. They simply have to get a broader audience to stay competitive in the current climate. Being owned by Hasbro, I should think Hasbro thinks the company that started role playing (and therefore is responsible for the existence of things like WoW) can approach a broader audience again. They'd be kind of crazy not to think that.
Bottom line for me is, the F&F Beta testers are a very small portion of what they hope their base is going to be.
What does TSR have to do with this?
If you were the owner of the property that launched all role playing games, inspired video game design and was currently being used in basically the same fashion as the original to generate hundreds of millions on the net, wouldn't you think that property could perform at least as well as that which it gave birth to?
Sure.
Either way, D&D as an IP is worth more than books these days.
In good news, I just read the latest broadcast about DDI. My Mac and I can finally use the Monster Builder on the 22.
Hopefully.
Basically, Atari acts as a middle man, awarding contracts to companies that want to make a DnD video game.
The VT could be said to NOT be a video game, but an online gaming table, and the fact that WoTC is basicly making it themselves is a factor too.
As for the Monster Builder online, lets hope they made it more robust then what we've seen in the beta. Which is a monster slider, and that's it.
I will give an opinion not based on numbers, past records or competing products. I"ll give gut feeling:
I think the whole Community is about to change in a way no one ever expected. I think the VT will change the face of the DDi Boards forever. Once it enter Open BETA and releases, it will bring D&D gaming to each users in a much easier way, right at the tip of your Mic and Keyboard as do Plug & Play. Games will take off weekly. One Shots will start up daily, even hourly in high traffic. It will also unite people that have been holding discussions on these very Boards for month and years and finally get to talk and play togheter. It will reinforce the Community it as always been, redefine it. People will subscribe to DDi just for this Gaming Vibe it procure. Its unique Campaign Manager, its Community and large Player base, all interconencted, using all their wares, the CB, MB and whatever"s coming up next. D&D will pick-up more speed via the VT, know a Boom in the industry. DDi will become, an Online Gaming membership allwoing access to Programs for Building Characters, Monsters and a Plateform to load everything up and Play with people also having such membership. All this happening in WoTC's backyard, the company owning the D&D IP, so it will exploit it in a way it was never before.
Call me a dreamer, but that's what i see will happen after just a brief foray into the BETA. These are calculations based on this experience i was given to live in a smaller scale and these are result from extrapolating these results to a much larger scale the size of 40,000+ DDi members.
Plague, I do not think this opinion differs too much from many who had the chance to play with the VT. The potential is large, really large.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D&D Insider Announcement
Get Ready for the New D&D Monster Builder Coming Next Week
Dear D&D Insider™ Subscriber,
On March 22, Wizards of the Coast will begin rolling out the new web-based Adventure Tools for D&D Insider, starting with the launch of the brand new D&D Monster Builder. Creating new monsters, customizing existing ones and building your adventures will be easier than ever before. On launch day, just log in to your D&D Insider account, click on the Adventure Tools button and give the new Monster Builder a try.
Here are some additional highlights:
- New Design: Completely redesigned, the new Monster Builder will debut with 3,700 monsters - including Dark Sun Creature Catalog and Monster Vault entries.
- No Download: The Monster Builder is served from the D&D site
- PC and Mac Compatible: Requires an Internet connection and Silverlight plug-in
- Import Function: You can easily import your content created in the previous version to the new version
- Save Functionality: All content you create is saved to our database and is accessible through your D&D Insider account
If you have any questions about the new Character Builder or your subscription, see the FAQ or contact a Game Support Representative.
Talk about this Announcement in the Discussion Thread.
psions are cool i like them a lot, if the cb had cut and paste id show you my build, hes a young boy (like 11 or 12) named Arthur. hes...a bad, bad boy
I want someone to houserule me in a lightsaber.
ps you can have a lightsaber in my games
psions are cool i like them a lot, if the cb had cut and paste id show you my build, hes a young boy (like 11 or 12) named Arthur. hes...a bad, bad boy
Export the file and go to Iplay4e.com, it will give you a link you can paste into a thread for other people to see.
what race psion, dentlaak?
ps you can have a lightsaber in my games
I went with shardmind in this case.
here is arthur from the now defunct wed night campaign, basically a critfisher
iplay4e.appspot.com/characters/agdpcGxhe...
Don’t stop believing… hold on to that feeling…
It looks like the D&D Insider Beta group was blacked out with the VT. Does anyone know if this group is gone for good? There was a nice little community forming there. It would be a shame if it went up in smoke. Post here if you know something.
Light comes on. Now I know I'm not the only one. :-)
Just from a realistic standpoint, if we don't get it tomorrow, we're not getting it on Friday. Reasoning behind this is that if it goes teets up over the weekend, no one will be there to fix it in a timely manner, and there would be lots of complaints for them to see come Monday.
I think there will be more complaints if people have to wait till Monday.
My video card crapped out last night, no computer. I thought it was a sure sign the VT had arrived.
dude its been like three weeks i cant take any more. its got to be up tomorrow, it just has to
The evil inside me wants it to NOT be up till Monday.
dude its been like three weeks i cant take any more. its got to be up tomorrow, it just has to
The evil inside me wants it to NOT be up till Monday.
And the jerk in me wants to B-slap you for even jinxing us like that.
But of late, my views of them being able to do that are on the less then possible side right now.
dang it dane
It's your fault!
good lord trevor have some good news
Oh sorry, Trevor's all tied up right now!
MWhahahahaha!
are we allowed to say bastard
no, you bastard.
come on trevor, i know its fixed...i just know it
Nothing tastes sweeter then hope gone sour...
It's a brand new day, and the sun is high.
All the birds are singing that you're gonna die.
How I hesitated, now I wonder why
It's a brand new day
"They had hope, dear, and hope is a very bad thing indeed."
Who else is having with drawls?
Is that like being a slurring drunk in the south?
yeah my confusion is turning to anger. ive basically lost my 'fun' mood with it, i want to play my campaigns again, im forgetting my pcs names at this point. it will be up when its up i guess, i shouldnt get excited about a date given to us ever. thats my bad.
/nudges frothsof out of the light a little more.
Seriously, this is why you shouldn't get so worked up. It's a beta.
Also why everyone needs other hobbies.
i believed the dates they gave
Even though they tell, don't plan around the dates, they aren't set in stone?
anyways it doesnt even matter i found a hobby
*whittles driftwood and openly weeps*
they never said that when the blackout started
anyways it doesnt even matter i found a hobby
*whittles driftwood and openly weeps*
They said, if all things go well, it should be back up come monday, and that got pushed back to Tuesday, then the end of the week.
It's a standard and given, said by them, No Dates Are Set in Stone.
I prefer not to be given a date, just a rough estimate, myself, because of this.
Does this mean I have to get real friends?
Woah, woah, woah! Lets not get hasty or over react there!
Does this mean I have to get real friends?
Woah, woah, woah! Lets not get hasty or over react there!
OK, good. I was worried there for a moment I was gonna have to put on pants.
OK, good. I was worried there for a moment I was gonna have to put on pants.
If you did that, how would you make friends? Everybody likes a good ol' fashioned pantsless pal.
Whenever a date is given it is with the assumption that no bugs will be found. If one is found at the last minute, it sets the whole process back to the beginning. On top af that there is the bureaucratic system that Trevor described earlier to wade through. I think it might be best for your sanity to manage your expectations based on that.
oh ive lowered my expectations considerably
It's for the best, really...
ONE OF US! ONE OF US!
-Blitz
Hey, look on the bright side of things. At least most of you posting in here know you are going to be able to use the VT when it comes back up. Some of us have to wait and see if we get an invite even when it comes back up.
-Blitz
Don’t you mean “when you will get an invite if it comes back up”?
I hate to say it but I think we'll have to wait until tuesday to play frost cheese, but it is sure looking like it. I get the feeling that the VT will be turn on at the same time monster builder is released. Hang in there Froth!!!! Going fishing again its become the best way to pass the time.I don't think there is anything wrong with the VT, WotC are having too much fun and don't want to give it back
And wearing black.
'reel around the fountain' with it being me singing to the vt
'15 mintues with you...i wouldnt say no'
'slap me on the patio, ill take it now'
'i dreamt about you last night, and i fell out of bed twice'
and the obvious, 'please please please let me get what i want'
VITTIE VITTIE !!!
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If only there was some way to get a group of people to play around with the VT and report problems quickly. If they could only find a group of people like that they might avoid show stopping failures at the last moment. Silly I guess, who would want to do that kind of thing for free and where would they find them?
If only there was some way to get a group of people to play around with the VT and report problems quickly. If they could only find a group of people like that they might avoid show stopping failures at the last moment. Silly I guess, who would want to do that kind of thing for free and where would they find them?
I think you forgot the tag. Someone might actually think you are serious.
other smiths songs include
'reel around the fountain' with it being me singing to the vt
'15 mintues with you...i wouldnt say no'
'slap me on the patio, ill take it now'
'i dreamt about you last night, and i fell out of bed twice'
and the obvious, 'please please please let me get what i want'
I approve of this message.
If only there was some way to get a group of people to play around with the VT and report problems quickly. If they could only find a group of people like that they might avoid show stopping failures at the last moment. Silly I guess, who would want to do that kind of thing for free and where would they find them?
People don't do anything for free. Read Wealth of Nations you commie. Next, you'll be wanting health care for children. This little Utopia you've outlined above is a fantasy. Go look for it at the unicorn store.
If only there was some way to get a group of people to play around with the VT and report problems quickly. If they could only find a group of people like that they might avoid show stopping failures at the last moment. Silly I guess, who would want to do that kind of thing for free and where would they find them?
People don't do anything for free. Read Wealth of Nations you commie. Next, you'll be wanting health care for children. This little Utopia you've outlined above is a fantasy. Go look for it at the unicorn store.
Yeah, not only do people not do this sort of thing for free, but they actually pay $72 a year in order to do this... lol
If only there was some way to get a group of people to play around with the VT and report problems quickly. If they could only find a group of people like that they might avoid show stopping failures at the last moment. Silly I guess, who would want to do that kind of thing for free and where would they find them?
People don't do anything for free. Read Wealth of Nations you commie. Next, you'll be wanting health care for children. This little Utopia you've outlined above is a fantasy. Go look for it at the unicorn store.
Yeah, not only do people not do this sort of thing for free, but they actually pay $72 a year in order to do this... lol
Hurray for capitalism! Down with socialist agendas that provide subsidized food and shelter for lazy, do-nothing halflings!
happy one year anniversary without the vt. its been a full year now
That year has not been kind to you.
Will MOnday bring the VT back? I'm taking bets. Place you wagers.
I am certain Monday will be the day.. the date however. . . My magic 8-ball says sometime in June. .?
Will MOnday bring the VT back? I'm taking bets. Place you wagers.
I suppose it depends. If they're just waiting to get hype up a little higher, I can see a monday release - but if they're really working on hammering out bugs, I'd expect later in the workweek, wednesday or thursday.
Either way, hopefully soon.
That the reason the VT beta was delayed, was so that the Monster Builder could be linked to it, and since it seems they couldn't get the Monster Builder out till tomorrow, I bet the beta will go back up tomorrow, or more likely Wednesday.
And I can understand that. If you are opening it up to more people, you need to have your tools working better, and might as well try and make sure the VT handles custom monsters better.
However, all monsters in the MB are now going to be goblin minions. (right click to view larger)
vt now
Hmmmm..
No.
whats the over/under on the vt being up tomorrow?
Froth, you do know that you are under a curse, and that for every post you make mentioning the VT, and hour is added to the time till the VT comes back. Double that when you refer to the VT as a girl, triple when you imply she's a dirty girl.
whats the over/under on the vt being up tomorrow?
Froth, you do know that you are under a curse, and that for every post you make mentioning the VT, and hour is added to the time till the VT comes back. Double that when you refer to the VT as a girl, triple when you imply she's a dirty girl.
Based on that, I did a little math, it will be roughly 1,307 hours until the VT is back on line. For those of you not wanting to do that math, it's about 54 days. Thanks Fro! ;0P
whats the over/under on the vt being up tomorrow?
I think you'd have better chances winning on a lottery ticket, than the VT being up tomorrow
whats the over/under on the vt being up tomorrow?
I think you'd have better chances winning on a lottery ticket, than the VT being up tomorrow
Doh! Thanks a lot! Now I don’t know whether to rush out and buy a lottery ticket or push refresh until my fingers are nubs.
'I've been in the forums the past few weeks giving information out when I have it. At this point, I still don't have a date for you, and I'm not going to make a prediction. As soon as I have some solid information I'll be back in to let you know.'
community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
Yep, that does not sound very encouraging. In fact it appears to be written with the intention of discouraging any enthusiasm about an imminent release. We best bunker down for a long wait.
I am not sure why they don’t want beta testers for this stage and why they booted us. If it was soon I could understand, but with this much work needed and this many delays you would think a beta test group would be of assistance.
Your hero CritVenger the Deadly turns the corner and is confronted with the infamous Bag-o-Hit Points Monster. What do you do?
Your hero CritVenger the Deadly turns the corner and is confronted with the infamous Bag-o-Hit Points Monster. What do you do?
My hero Angrathar the Wrathful draws his trusty greatsword. With a loud yell, he runs forward and uses his Unstoppable utility power, and then his Spinning Sweep encounter power to knock the Bag-o-Hit Points prone.
Err... mayhap we're in the wrong forum...
Your hero CritVenger the Deadly turns the corner and is confronted with the infamous Bag-o-Hit Points Monster. What do you do?
I use the command minion psychic spell that I just made up and turn all his lackeys against him. That should hold us for about three rounds.
Sadly Froth is right. It is not the same. However, the hot nun with the great sword image will kill a few moments of my time.
if anything needs testing let us know
Just got out of a couple of meetings where I confirmed that the beta won't be back up today or tomorrow for sure, so no more breath holding or subsequent brain damage (is that even possible?). I'll make sure to continue to drop in here and let you all know what I know, when I know it.
Thanks for the update Trevor.
...so no more breath holding or subsequent brain damage (is that even possible?).
David Carradine says yes.
...so no more breath holding or subsequent brain damage (is that even possible?).
David Carradine says yes.
Too soon, man! Too soon! What, are you going to make a joke about the Egyptians who drowned in the Red Sea next?
Ugh, heartless!
Wed night: Introducing my family to D&D 4E
At this rate, my house is going to be Danny Tanner approved.
And you think I'm dirty? You brought Bob Saget into this.
Things I'll be doing instead of trying out the VT
Wed night: Introducing my family to D&D 4E
Can you make sure there's a camera there I think pictures of you trying to explain it all would be priceless
I can see the next visa commercial now:
Books: $35, Minis $25, Maps $20; Trying to explain D&D to the family: Priceless
yeah i have a home game friday. it will prob start right when the vt invites go out
minor action oath, then hurricane of blades. every crit generates an mba from the rending weapon, as well as one free action mba from two weapon opening. also if i crit i get the power back from epic resurgance as well as an action point from my solitaire. when i spend an action point i also get another action next turn. rinse, repeat
Yeah, except Epic Resurgence requires it be the first hit that crits in order to trigger and give you the power back.. not sure what is giving you the other action next turn, but the Solitaire only works once, not counting any Milestone bonuses that may have been axquired. . .
do a little fishing, dream of better days, grow a beard like a famous fairy tale char, you know the usual. Things I'll be doing instead of trying out the VT
Wed night: Introducing my family to D&D 4E
Can you make sure there's a camera there I think pictures of you trying to explain it all would be priceless
I can see the next visa commercial now:
Books: $35, Minis $25, Maps $20; Trying to explain D&D to the family: Priceless
It shouldnt be too bad, I'm going to keep it a very simple game.
Post your ridiculous reason why here!
minor action oath, then hurricane of blades. every crit generates an mba from the rending weapon, as well as one free action mba from two weapon opening. also if i crit i get the power back from epic resurgance as well as an action point from my solitaire. when i spend an action point i also get another action next turn. rinse, repeat
Yeah, except Epic Resurgence requires it be the first hit that crits in order to trigger and give you the power back.. not sure what is giving you the other action next turn, but the Solitaire only works once, not counting any Milestone bonuses that may have been axquired. . .
i know all this, what the hell has gotten into you. oh yeah i said rinse repeat. i was just saying that
when u cast a spell the vt going to show the spell with aoe
They are adding force feedback. When someone casts a fireball your computer explodes.
That is why we have delays. During in-house testing it took out a large chunk of the development team.
sigh
The Enterprise is planning to fire an inverted tachyon wave through the main deflector array, but it will be a few hundred years before they exist.
please.....please......=9YA(8sf=ffa=9afjfajffamafl............pfasf
'
please.....please......=9YA(8sf=ffa=9afjfajffamafl............pfasf
'
Time for the meds?
minor action oath, then hurricane of blades. every crit generates an mba from the rending weapon, as well as one free action mba from two weapon opening. also if i crit i get the power back from epic resurgance as well as an action point from my solitaire. when i spend an action point i also get another action next turn. rinse, repeat
Yeah, except Epic Resurgence requires it be the first hit that crits in order to trigger and give you the power back.. not sure what is giving you the other action next turn, but the Solitaire only works once, not counting any Milestone bonuses that may have been axquired. . .
i know all this, what the hell has gotten into you. oh yeah i said rinse repeat. i was just saying that
Here I thought there was something in that formula I missed.. so no rinsing. . . no repeating. Just a dirty, unwashed, Avenging barbarian? Now I can see why he needs to get so many attacks so fast, his party can't stand the smell of his un-rinsed body, and wants to get the encounter over quick.
shes coming, i can feel it...shes turned around and is coming back
LOL.
shes coming, i can feel it...shes turned around and is coming back
this ain't pretty women, this is more like burning bed.
GET READY
VT in 5....4....3...2...
GET READY
For what? Another frothsof ramble about the missing VT? /burn.
i predict we will have it by friday
I predict tears.
i predict we will have it by friday
I predict tears.
hot tears
i predict we will have it by friday
If Friday baby Vittie is back, I Ready an Action and I'll be Whoopin' The Blues around with some Sunny Terry
YAY WOO WOO YAY WOO HAA Mama, Mama Mama Mama
crank this sucker up, no sense waiting any longer, lets go
give it
Campaign ID: 34673
Next Start Time: Thursday, March 24, 2011 6:30:00 AM
Duration: 1:00
Campaign System: D&D 4th Edition
Campaign World: D&D Core World
Campaign Format: Campaign
DM: crusifix
But then it begs the question: why the hell hasn't he uttered a peep in this thread?
anybody get an invite yet?
Campaign ID: 34673
Next Start Time: Thursday, March 24, 2011 6:30:00 AM
Duration: 1:00
Campaign System: D&D 4th Edition
Campaign World: D&D Core World
Campaign Format: Campaign
DM: crusifix
I see it too - but no invite
Anyone else hear that voice telling you to "run towards the light"?
Nå, men helt alvorligt, jeg er faktisk skotter.
ikke som tit som jeg har havde med din
Nå, men helt alvorligt, jeg er faktisk skotter.
Hmmm ja man glömmer lätt. Vi har ju träffats på förut! Hoppas vi ses snart i VT igen. Fred!
ikke som tit som jeg har havde med din
Nå, men helt alvorligt, jeg er faktisk skotter.
Hmmm ja man glömmer lätt. Vi har ju träffats på förut! Hoppas vi ses snart i VT igen. Fred!
Ha' det godt.
What makes any of you think they are going to tell us anything?
More then likely, they don't have anything good to tell us. The beta will be the same as when they shut the beta down. No bug fixes, no additional features.
If there was changes they would tell us. When there aren't changes, or improvements, or anything, they keep their mouths shut, and speak up after the fact.
That's the pattern that we've seen for about 8 months now.
Shush you. Let us wallow in denial for a bit.
Baddam crash! (airdrums)
+5 Airdrums of Apocalypse?
ikke som tit som jeg har havde med din
Nå, men helt alvorligt, jeg er faktisk skotter.
Hmmm ja man glömmer lätt. Vi har ju träffats på förut! Hoppas vi ses snart i VT igen. Fred!
Commies.
Yes. This is how communism works. Would you like to join us?
...yes.
ikke som tit som jeg har havde med din
Nå, men helt alvorligt, jeg er faktisk skotter.
Hmmm ja man glömmer lätt. Vi har ju träffats på förut! Hoppas vi ses snart i VT igen. Fred!
Commies.
Better red than dead
ikke som tit som jeg har havde med din
Nå, men helt alvorligt, jeg er faktisk skotter.
Hmmm ja man glömmer lätt. Vi har ju träffats på förut! Hoppas vi ses snart i VT igen. Fred!
Commies.
Better red than dead
knever are you really going to wait til may to start your adventure again? whats the dilly. i like how its modeled after the old ones. i like the idea of doing that, the dungeons had like 50 rooms
Commies.
Better red than dead
Klever.
knever are you really going to wait til may to start your adventure again? whats the dilly. i like how its modeled after the old ones. i like the idea of doing that, the dungeons had like 50 rooms
Lost Island of Castanamir will take off again next weekend. Time to be determined.
Once that's finished I will move on to Trade of Kings, a campaign arc set in the world of Pelinore.
For more info, see: Trade of Kings
knever are you really going to wait til may to start your adventure again? whats the dilly. i like how its modeled after the old ones. i like the idea of doing that, the dungeons had like 50 rooms
I'm actually working on a seven-level dungeon now that has a bunch of rooms, albeit many without any creatures or encounters, but it's loaded with stuff to do and lots to explore. It would be on the table if I could, but now it's just an Excel/Masterplan/Word document hack.
7 levels, Dent ? Woa You guys are in Mega-Dungeons !
Will be hard to make it up all in the VT no ? It has 3 or 4 maps to interchange with.
How do you plan to do that bro ? (PS Put many stairs to change levels. This is cool)
Interesting...
I was considering doing this plot-free neverending dungeon that starts out at 1 granting XP and everything, and eventually takes you to level 30, but not sure how I feel about it.
Sounds awesome to me! Like Fate/Torchlight but actually worth playing!
knever are you really going to wait til may to start your adventure again? whats the dilly. i like how its modeled after the old ones. i like the idea of doing that, the dungeons had like 50 rooms
I'm actually working on a seven-level dungeon now that has a bunch of rooms, albeit many without any creatures or encounters, but it's loaded with stuff to do and lots to explore. It would be on the table if I could, but now it's just an Excel/Masterplan/Word document hack.
YOu should look into this program called Pymapper. It's designed to map D&D Dungeon Tiles like the WoTC mapper did except Pymapper is current and has all the tile. You could map your dungeons out on that and print them out, then just select the tiles you need as you go. Keep it simple enough and it shouldn't take up too much time.
Or... you can make the players drink heavily and when they say, "Hey, we've been to this room twice already," you say, "No you haven't, that's the liquor talking."
its back up tues
serious or is that your wishful thinking
its back up tues
serious or is that your wishful thinking
Straight from Josh's mouth.
its back up tues
serious or is that your wishful thinking
YOu should look into this program called Pymapper. It's designed to map D&D Dungeon Tiles like the WoTC mapper did except Pymapper is current and has all the tile. You could map your dungeons out on that and print them out, then just select the tiles you need as you go. Keep it simple enough and it shouldn't take up too much time.
Masterplan already does this.
(Ok maybe not a 100% fair comment those guys are probably doing their best!)
Wish you many hours of fun D&D when it all comes to pass. Peace!
Not yet, Ore. As of right now, we are about 30 hours from another delay announcement offered to us 15 minutes before they walk out the door for the night.
LOL
when are u coming back svemp
I will come back when they open this up to all DDi subscribers. Yes - when all of Gondolin marches out with seven thousand spears and we are poised to strike at Morgoth with all of our might. Then I will come back.
Or perhaps when Crusifix comes back. Where did he go, anyway?
He was looking to get in with WoTC as a pro-DM.
Yes I heard him say on one occasion that but that was a rather unrealistic hope I think. Is this the reason he is giving people the cold shoulder. Is he that disappointed!?
What complaints? Which professional distance? I very highly doubt he has been hired as a "pro DM". His handle is even spelled wrong. If he is trying to convince people of this role of his he is an utter fraud. And you know it.
I'm not saying he got the job created on his behalf. I'm saying if he wants to work for WoTC he is likely staying out of VT game debate.
As for complaints, there are many on this thread who are unhappy with WoTC.
But I am just speculating, maybe he got tired of waiting.
Whats a pro Dm?
There is no such thing. Crusifix was wanting to create a job of pro-DM for the VT. This job would entail running "official" games under the VT banner.
EDIT: Or maybe... Just maybe... He is/was a certified mythomaniac.
when are u coming back svemp
I will come back when they open this up to all DDi subscribers. Yes - when all of Gondolin marches out with seven thousand spears and we are poised to strike at Morgoth with all of our might. Then I will come back.
Or perhaps when Crusifix comes back. Where did he go, anyway?
he told me he was having cpu issues but they should be fixed
when are u coming back svemp
I will come back when they open this up to all DDi subscribers. Yes - when all of Gondolin marches out with seven thousand spears and we are poised to strike at Morgoth with all of our might. Then I will come back.
Or perhaps when Crusifix comes back. Where did he go, anyway?
he told me he was having cpu issues but they should be fixed
I don't believe in him. I think he was a mythomaniac. He gave us some nice experiences but in the end he turned out to be a fraud. If not else - where is he? I think a lot of other people will have to rise up to overtumph what he did. Not so hard, however.
To keep me from beeing disapointed, I won't expect any major changed to the tool either, but in order to brace myself from the small posibility of a perfect launch, I'll hide all my fried hats to prevent Svempa from storming my house, trieing to still his hunger ^^.
Ouff ! Glad to hear Chat will be installed and Saving Adventure in the Cloud will be possible.
It appears they don't want us to share Adventures File (.DDADV) and Map Files (.DDMAP). The CB has IMPORT & EXPORT allowing you to share Char File (.DDCHAR). The VT doesn't have this and i really hope the final version will have this back at release.
I am also happy to see another Organized Play Event launching soon and that there will be more of those Events.
No, finishes working nights this Wednesday AM. Thursday is the first day i can make love with Vittie. Treat her well 'til then
What no DND and baby talk until Thursday now I'm really bummed
Is it up yet?
Is it up yet?
Is it up yet?
Is it up yet?
Is it up yet?
*Looks in pants*
Oh, you meant the Virtual Table. My bad.
Then they'll send them out.Good news or bad, it's coming at 4:45 PM PST, just in time for them to walk out the door for the night.
yeah, that would be my guess too. That or they'll have discovered another bug that will delay it another 2 weeks.
slowly sipping a coke through a straw to where it makes that noise when its empty
More like, slowly sipping their coke through a straw with a slit in the side, and instead of getting a new straw, they just suck harder, causing lack of oxygen and strain to their brain. . .
We're up!!
Edit: There is a link to the beta forums, but it still comes up as private for me.
Just got my invite in the emails!
Edit: There is a link to the beta forums, but it still comes up as private for me.
No invite for me
Just got my invite in the emails!
Edit: There is a link to the beta forums, but it still comes up as private for me.
Don't see any changes in a quick look through my Character table.
I forgot what I win, but I know the first to post a screenshot wins!
I forgot what I win, but I know the first to post a screenshot wins!
Hey Dent, did you do anything extra to get access to the Beta forum? I followed the link but I wonder if you have to agree to the Code of Conduct etc. Unfortunately follwing those links just showed a copy of them, with no "I agree" button or anything.
If you are having trouble getting access to the VT Beta group, log out of wizards.com and log back in. That should do the trick according to Josh.
Seconded. I remember having to do that the first time around, and I did it again this time.
I forgot what I win, but I know the first to post a screenshot wins!
Hey Dent, did you do anything extra to get access to the Beta forum? I followed the link but I wonder if you have to agree to the Code of Conduct etc. Unfortunately follwing those links just showed a copy of them, with no "I agree" button or anything.
See post below your original. Log out, log back in.
im happy everybody got there invite just mad right got off tomorrow ready to play no email havent been seeing email from wizards for a while and all my settings is correct little upset
The script that they ran to add people, including the people who were members of the previous beta phase, choked on a bunch of accounts. Those accounts are being added manually, which may take some time.
Speaking of Crucifix, i noticed he was left behind for sure, because he has Post dating from 3 weeks ago and from 7 hours ago which put him after the Blackout and before the Re-invites.
He might have got promoted to Pro-DM who knows he also updated all the Wiki before we actually got there...
Whatever his situation, glad to see him back !
I have a one shot Thursday 09:00 AM EST if anyone here is interested. Look for An Evening In Waterdeep in Find A Campaign and drop a line if you are up for it ...
Yeah, it let me back in a few minutes later. Not sure what was up with that.
im gonna go with 'user error'