Virtual Game Tables:
Battlegrounds: RPG Edition
Price: $32 for DM License. $16 for Player. Discounts for group purchases. Trial Available.
Pros: Cross-platform; powerful dice roller that doesn't require any scripting; highly customizable Turn Sequencer; supports sound & music; supports any RPG system and even some boardgames and "light" wargames.
Cons: Hard to find a game on the fly; all players must be using same version of software; maps can't be larger than 4000 x 4000 pixels.
FantasyGrounds
Price: ~$40 for DM license. ~$24 for Player. Discounts for group purchases. Demo Version available.
Pros: 3D Dice Rolling, Character Sheets & Combat Tracker (customizable with rulesets), Savage Worlds ruleset purchasable, free 4th Edition D&D community ruleset available.
Cons: Windows (DirectX), Self-customization requires XML/LUA proficiency
MapTool
Price: Free.
Pros: Active Development, Line of Sight tools, Fog of War, Easy to install.
Cons: Hard to find a game on the fly, All players must be using same version of software.
OpenRPG, OpenRPG+
Price: Free.
Pros: Game Tree for Organization, Multiple Games per Server, Extensible with custom tools, Most popular, easiest to find a game on the fly with.
Cons: Not Easy for Novice to install. Steep learning curve to use all the features.
GameTable
Price: Free
Pro: Fast, Easy, Sufficient if you only need a pure Battlemap
Con: Not many functions, No textures or objects can be placed, Extremely Basic
Game Management(DM Tools)
DM Genie
InitTool
Price: Free
Pros: Integrates well with MapTool
Cons:
Dungeon Master's Battle Screen
Price:
Pros:
Cons:
DM's Toolkit
Price: Free
Pros: Fast & Easy to use, Active Support
Cons: Not yet finished (Ritual, Item and Feat Creators missing), no Mac-Version (yet)
DM's Familiar
Price:
Pros:
Cons:
DragonScript DM Tools (Treasure Generator, Encounter monitor, more to come)
Price: Free
Pros: Easy to use, instant results, output to plain text, platform independent
Cons: Web-based, limited to core books (at the moment), only one tool finished (and it only works up to Paragon). Infrequent updating.
Character Creation
PCGen
Price: Free
Pros: Cross-platform, active development, broad user-base, open data files, documentation to help add custom content to data files, many 3pp data files included in download, active user groups to ask help from, Open Source (Code under LGPL, Data mostly under OGL)
Cons:Non-intuitive interface, Java based so it runs slower than expected, data from closed content or sources not included need to be manually input by user.
Tinwatchman 4e Starting Character Generator
Price: Free
Pros: Cross-platform, simple interface, outputs characters as raw text.
Cons: Only can create first-level characters, web-based.
Redblade
Price: Free
DM Genie
Pathguy's 4e Generator
Misc
Dice Roller
PCGen
Price: Free
Pros: Cross-platform, active development, broad user-base, open data files, documentation to help add custom content to data files, many 3pp data files included in download, active user groups to ask help from, Open Source (Code under LGPL, Data mostly under OGL)
Cons:Non-intuitive interface, Java based so it runs slower than expected, data from closed content or sources not included need to be manually input by user.
Also there's a program called DM's Familier for game and campaign management. I have it but don't use it much.
boundless map sizes with arbitrary zooming levels
draw maps on the fly
integrated turn sequencer
integrated health bars
configurable light and sight types
visible movement paths with waypoints (which cells did they _really_ step in)
configurable status icons that overlay tokens to indicate state
Those are new to me, then. Can you link or explain a bit?
Here's a brief pic to show the concept:
http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?p=60903#60903
That thread discussed how to do health bars related to token properties using the macro scripting. We've since formalized it into an official feature that does not require scripting (there's a UI to design your bars), and is highly configurable
Anyway, what I'd consider the pros/cons of FG2 that separate it from other apps:
Pros: 3D Dice Rolling, Character Sheets & Combat Tracker (customizable with rulesets), Savage Worlds ruleset purchasable, free 4th Edition D&D community ruleset available.
Cons: Windows (DirectX), Self-customization requires XML/LUA proficiency
If anyone else wants to post their own Pro/Con for a program, please feel free. Most of the stuff listed here, I don't use and sadly, I don't have the time to try them all out.
I think I should add another line for each time to show which versions(AD&D, 3.x, 4e) are supported.
Battlegrounds: RPG Edition
Pros: Cross-platform; powerful dice roller that doesn't require any scripting; highly customizable Turn Sequencer; supports sound & music; supports any RPG system and even some boardgames and "light" wargames.
Cons: Hard to find a game on the fly; all players must be using same version of software; maps can't be larger than 4000 x 4000 pixels.
I haven't read anything else on it, so I don't have any pros/cons.
Tinwatchman 4e Starting Character Generator
Price: Free
Pros: Cross-platform, simple interface, outputs characters as raw text.
Cons: Only can create first-level characters, web-based.
DragonScript DM Tools (Treasure Generator, Encounter monitor, more to come)
http://home.dralenan.com/dscript
Price: Free
Pros: Easy to use, instant results, output to plain text, platform independent
Cons: Web-based, limited to core books (at the moment), only one tool finished (and it only works up to Paragon). Infrequent updating.
An outline of how to get the relevant products and how to use them to install the D&D-related products, might be helpful here too.
MapTool is open source, and the installer is about as simple as it can get. About the only complicated process is the potential need to open a port in the firewall, but that has nothing to do with open source.
It uses the Java Webstart interface to manage the installation. Its a single click to start the process, then just click next on the appropriate dialog boxes.
Asmodeus: It uses the Java Webstart ...
Java Webstart. Right. :D That isnt easy either.
Dont you remember what its like to be a noobee? Most online viewers use Windows, and arent familiar with computer coding.
For most, installing a program requires one doubleclick in Windows (which opens an installation wizard). However, these D&D-related programs often need them to hunt down third-party computer software (Open Source, Java, whatever) in a foreign computer language, understand what it means, download it (which in turn often requires downloading a fourth-party product to unpack the arj). Learn it, use it. All of this just to open up the D&D product that they wanted in the first place. It can be daunting for beginners!
Its doable. But step-by-step instructions with friendly links for where to get the third-party software, and exactly how to use it to open a D&D-related product, would be helpful.
And firewalls! Thats a problem too! How many noobs got stymied by their computer mysteriously not working because of their firewall, which they didnt know about? Thousands! Millions?
And firewalls! Thats a problem too! How many noobs got stymied by their computer mysteriously not working because of their firewall, which they didnt know about? Thousands! Millions?
I used to volunteer support in the TeamSpeak forums. Perhaps as many as 75% of the "UR SOFTWAREZ DONT WURK!" posts were because they couldn't follow directions to setup port forwarding on their firewall.
A handful of those, when the pictoral guide was shown to them would flippantly say something along the lines of "Well, ur installer should do it for me! This is dumb, I'm going to use ".
To which we'd point out they'll still need to config their firewall, and good luck.
TBH, I expect (hope?) this is one of the benefits of the Game Table being tied to DDI. Since one has to login to DDI, and we'll (apparently) be on a shared server during the setup, we likely won't need to open firewall ports (since an outbound session will be established first, then the software can just keep that port/ports open for new inbound connections). Should remove that step from the process.
Its doable. But step-by-step instructions with friendly links for where to get the third-party software, and exactly how to use it to open a D&D-related product, would be helpful.
I agree. Those would be SUPER helpful! And the best part is it already exists.
http://www.rptools.net/doku.php?id=maptooldoc_1_0:starting
I found this by going to the maptool site and clicking the big 'installation' link on the left hand side of the screen. It was very obvious and easy to find.
Java Webstart. Right. :D That isnt easy either.
Are you seriously suggesting that installing MapTools is in any way, shape, or form... difficult?
If you can GET to the web site it's located on, that was harder than installing it. Seriously. I've dealt Java apps that were a pain in the ass--MapTools is not one of them.
If Not I recommend DiceBag, and Tablesmith, Dundjinni, Campaign Cartographer
Asm listed Maptools as "easy" to install. Implying that its easy for non-computer-literate D&D players to set up.
Already theres a thread with someone asking how to get it to work properly.
Heres what Mock advises:
Okay, here's what I had to do for MapTool:
1. Find out what what the computer's IP address was. If you're behind a router, it'll probably begin with 192.168.
2. Open your router information, and find the "Port Forwarding" options. Basically (if you don't know this) your router is the only thing visible to the outside world, and it will have an IP address that's different from the computer you're running MapTool on - so what you need to do is tell the router that any traffic coming to the router on that specific port needs to be directed to your MapTool PC. If you did know that, forgive me.
3. Create a port (MapTool likes port 51234, IIRC) that points to the IP address of the computer running MapTool. Usually, it should be pretty clear how this is done in your router's configuration screens.
4. Start the MapTool server (under the file menu). Make sure the port configuration uses the same port you set up on your router.
5. Tell your players the IP address of your router and the port you configured. This will be different than the address of the PC you're actually running maptool on. So it would look something like (I'm totally making this up) 165.23.45.120:51234 - that's the IP address that your players need to use to connect to the MapTool server you're running.
THAT IS SOOOOO NOT EASY!
The list of D&D softwares should mention which software the computer must have to operate them (java, open source, &c). As well as known difficulties, like firewall interference or conflicts with hardware.
Gamingtable is an example of a product that deserves the epithet "easy to install". Simply doubleclick the .bat icon and it works! Any product that requires more than a doubleclick to install ... cant be called "easy".
LOL!
Asm listed Maptools as "easy" to install. Implying that its easy for non-computer-literate D&D players to set up.
Already theres a thread with someone asking how to get it to work properly.
Heres what Mock advises:
THAT IS SOOOOO NOT EASY!
The list of D&D softwares should mention which software the computer must have to operate them (java, open source, &c). As well as known difficulties, like firewall interference or conflicts with hardware.
Gamingtable is an example of a product that deserves the epithet "easy to install". Simply doubleclick the .bat icon and it works! Any product that requires more than a doubleclick to install ... cant be called "easy".
ANY hosted application/service that doesn't connect to a central server will require the opening of a port on your firewall(s). It's a step that's not easily avoided (it CAN be done, but there are costs associated with doing so).
That said, there's a difference between easy-to-install and easy-to-configure.
For example, OpenRPG is a fair cry more difficult to install than other options. First you have to download and install Python, then some Python libraries. Both open source projects that can take some tracking down, and that have varying distributions and versions that *can* make it hard to be sure what you're installing - all before you install OpenRPG itself.
MapTool requires Java to be on your system, which, any system that's been used on the Internet for more than a couple days almost certain has. Installation is a matter of running a fairly decent installation wizard once you download it from their site.
Configuration of your computer to *host* a session of Dungeons and Dragons can, indeed, be daunting if you're not familiar/comfortable with networking.
In a nutshell, because of all the nefarious things on the Internet that can damage your computer, you're protected by your router. Unfortunately, this protection acts by making sure traffic coming "in" to your computer is stopped unless you sent something "out" asking for it first - IE - you ASK (out) for these forums, and the forums reply with what you're reading now (in).
When you want to host a game for your friends, they want to come IN to your network - without you going out first. For your safety, your router (and probably firewall software on your PC) are both going to say "Nope, sorry" and ignore that traffic.
It's up to you to tell your router and firewalls that it's okay, in this limited case. If someone want to connect to your copy of MapTool (or Fantasy Grounds, or OpenRPG, or whatever) they have your permission to do so.
It's not a failing of those softwares, it's the nature of keeping you safe on the Internet, and is established by standards.
If you're just going to be playing (IE - joining other people's games) you shouldn't (as far as I'm familiar with most of these applications) have to change anything. You'll be connecting OUT to the other person's table.
It's only if you're going to host a game (be the GM) that you have to let people IN.
MapTool is open source, and the installer is about as simple as it can get. About the only complicated process is the potential need to open a port in the firewall, but that has nothing to do with open source.
Please, read what I wrote. Note that I specifically mentioned that port forwarding can be complicated.
The original post I was replying to was about how open source projects are difficult to install. The port forwarding issue has nothing to do with being open source or not. Also, not all users need to do this step.
You also now have with build 1.3.45 a built-in initiative tracker to help expedite combat.
LOL!
Asm listed Maptools as "easy" to install. Implying that its easy for non-computer-literate D&D players to set up.
Already theres a thread with someone asking how to get it to work properly.
Heres what Mock advises:
THAT IS SOOOOO NOT EASY!
.
MapTool works when you double-click the .bat icon as well (though you are correct that it would be good to point out requirements to run it). Port forwarding has to be done with anything that runs behind a firewall - GameTable needs you to do all that port-forwarding stuff too (at least, if you're hosting the game). Says so in the readme.
http://www.die-roller.com
A new dice roller, most of the free online ones I tried missed _something_, so I decided to make my own.
Is it downloadable or just useable online?
Online only for now, sorry
Are you seriously suggesting that installing MapTools is in any way, shape, or form... difficult?
If you can GET to the web site it's located on, that was harder than installing it. Seriously. I've dealt Java apps that were a pain in the ass--MapTools is not one of them.
I can second this one. I spent like an hour on a site called "MapTools.org" (notice the 's') trying to figure out how to get the VTT, only to realize it's called "Maptool" (notice the lack of an 's') and that the website is "RPTools.net".
(Haven't felt that dumb in quite some time)
After that it was a breeze. Heck, you can even go into the forums and download already completed adventures (H1-3: KotS, TL, PoS).
They even have video tutorials (made using Camtasia) that walk you through everything you need to know about the program. If you can't figure it out from the vidoes, you can go on the forums and get quick and easy explanations from their (seemly pretty large and active) user community.
(NOTE: I am not affiliated with Maptool or RPTools.net in any way shape or form. I simply downloaded the program a couple weeks ago and realized that WotC are going to have to make one heck of a VTT to compete with a free program that's this good)
Whatever software is necessary to run a D&D program needs to be taken into account as well.
[INDENT]http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1043309[/INDENT]
Ski "SandersN" did one using an Excel spreadsheet that can produce power cards and receives great reviews.
[INDENT]http://www.box.net/shared/jrzfmngoww[/INDENT]
I have not played D&D for about 30 years..but now I have gotten my children into it. They are loving it! ;) (Gets them using thier imaginations, off the TV and first person shooters!)
What would you reccomend for a software program to create dungeons with, that I could disply on a big screen tv to use has a battle map?
Is there anything out there that would support a 3-d type view once the map is created?
We cant wait for the Wizzards Game Table and Dungeon Builder to be available. :D
Any ideas when this is coming out and if there is a demo we could check out?
Thanks a bunch,
BMoore
This recently released artpack for my Battlegrounds virtual tabletop software might interest you. Note that it's strictly top-down 2D, not 3D.
Is your TV high-definition?
You might also want to check out mapping programs like Dundjinni, for making your own digital battlemaps.
Is the wizzard D&D dungeon creator software out yet?
And yes I do have a Hi-Def TV. This is what I plan on displaying the battle map on.
Thank you, the Battle Grounds software looks good.
Is the wizzard D&D dungeon creator software out yet?
And yes I do have a Hi-Def TV. This is what I plan on displaying the battle map on.
There is a relatively old program from Wizards called "Dungeon Tile Mapper." It is not the DDI tool they talk about, but it lets you build dungeons with the tiles from four different tilesets.
Here's the link: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20061121t
http://alexpizzini.com/cm
Price: $29.99 per game (free demo download available)
Pros: Supports d20 System, Pathfinder adventure paths, Mutants & Masterminds, & World of Darkness. Editor allows you to integrate new game mechanics. Includes hundreds of character images and stock NPCs. Tactical Console allows DMs to manage encounters. Very low system requirements. See web site for more details.
Cons: Not free.
I would appreciate any suggestions anyone might have. Thanks!
As you can tell by my member name the fouth time I tried to regester I was ****** off and typed what I was thinking in the box for the member name. I may not be the brightest bulb but I can shine a little once in a while.
VTT with integrated scripting. 3ed and 4ed complaint, it also does just about any other gaming system.
$30 Master $15 Client
http://www.kloogeinc.com/index.html
3ed and 4ed complaint
I'm assuming you mean compliant
Virtual Combat Cards
URL: http://www.exnebula.org/vcc
It's free, runs in java (works on Mac, Windows, Linux)
Tracks Health, Initiative Sequence, Conditions, and some quick reference info.
Comment and feedback are welcome.
I would like to add my contribution to this discussion. I create a Java base combat tracker for 4E.
Virtual Combat Cards
URL: http://www.exnebula.org/vcc
It's free, runs in java (works on Mac, Windows, Linux)
Tracks Health, Initiative Sequence, Conditions, and some quick reference info.
Comment and feedback are welcome.
Ha! Awesome. I wish you'd posted that like, 2 days ago - I just created something just like that this past Sunday, using MapTool and its built-in scripting language.
Your program looks really excellent. I'll have to try it out!
Ha! Awesome. I wish you'd posted that like, 2 days ago - I just created something just like that this past Sunday, using MapTool and its built-in scripting language.
Your program looks really excellent. I'll have to try it out!
Sorry for that just, my account wasn't working and I couldn't post on this forum
It's been out for a long time (several releases) and I posted them on EnWorld.
I would recommend you get the 0.90 version and then patch it with 0.92.1 (since there are a lot of improvements). I'm working on a new major release.
Please send comments, issues, and requests via the http://www.exnebula.org/ site.
www.profantasy.com
Cost: $44.95 (29.95 GB £)
Pros: Huge user community. Vector based for infinite zoom. Lots of add-ons and additional artwork available. Very friendly staff (though they ask you to go to the equally friendly user community first for help). Makes great maps, when you get familiar with it, you'll recognize CC maps in much of the published material.
Cons: Vector based, it's based upon a CAD engine and may require some getting used to. Constantly developing new tools and such that you have to pay for (well, is that really a con?)
http://www.habitualindolence.net/masterplan/
"Masterplan is an adventure / campaign planning tool for Dungeons & Dragons (4th edition)."
Need .NET 3.5 installed (which you should already have if you have the Character Builder) which makes it Windows only.
Features:
Encounter Building
Virtual Battlemap (with player mode that can be displayed on an external monitor)
Combat Manager
Plot Pathing
Campaign Encyclopedia
Customisable libraries for monsters, dungeon tiles and templates. Comes with a basic sample library with the tiles for DT1 and a collection of low level monsters.
Dungeon Autobuild mode (which automatically generates a random dungeon and populates it with encounters.
Missing Features:
No specfic support for traps or hazard without "statting" them as monsters.
Ran a game with it last night, made the combats really easy to run and keep track off.
Here's another one for the game management section:
Tinwatchman Initiative Tracker
Price: Free
Link: www.tinwatchman.com/inittracker/
Free cross-platform web application that allows easy organization of initiatives in combat for multiple systems. Also comes in a version specifically optimized for the iPhone and the iPod Touch, which can be found here: www.tinwatchman.com/inittracker/iphone/
Thanks.
Initiative Tracker
Price: Free
Link: InitiativeTracker.com
A straightforward web-based initiative tracker which can embed and parse other web-pages (including the D&D Compendium and d20 SRD).
Known to work in Firefox and Internet Explorer.
need to add
inCombat 4e:
and:
As a DM, I enjoy "The Keep": www.nbos.com/products/keep/keep.htm
It can incorporate Fractal Mapper, Symbol Packs, "ScreenMonkey", and other add-ons, including multiple types of generators (like Name Generators, etc.).
Pro: Efficient incorporation of multiple data-sets useful to me both as a DM as well as a player.
Con: It costs 34.95 US.
ViewingDale is for windows and has been on sale for more than 4 years making it one of the oldest VTTs. Graphical map orientated it has infinite map area and infinite zoom. It not free but it has a free demo to try. Theres also some free tools and utilities to download like the very popular networked 3D dice roller application so worth a look.
I think it's remiss to not mention the Dungeon Master's Battle Screen, a utility to keep track of battles, initiative, hit points, conditions, regeneration. Allows importing of Monster Builder created monsters and Character Builder created characters.
In conjunction with VTTs, I would like to recommend GSC as a VOIP solution. Quality is comparable to Teamspeak or Ventrilo, with the exception that GSC is FREE (and remotely hosted, so none of you have to host it). We've been using it in place of Ventrilo for almost two years now:
I think it's remiss to not mention the Dungeon Master's Battle Screen, a utility to keep track of battles, initiative, hit points, conditions, regeneration. Allows importing of Monster Builder created monsters and Character Builder created characters.
Yes, I was going to post this. I use a small netbook computer during live sessions to do all my campaign and combat management. I used DMBS during my last gaming session, and it rocks. Designed from the ground up with 4e in mind, it's easy to use and does a great job of managing all the myriad of stats during combat. It's a breath of fresh air after I tried using InitTool for a few sessions. There are a few bugs, but the developer is working actively on it. I have him friended and he's very receptive to feedback.
I think it's remiss to not mention the Dungeon Master's Battle Screen, a utility to keep track of battles, initiative, hit points, conditions, regeneration. Allows importing of Monster Builder created monsters and Character Builder created characters.
Second this. It deserves it's place. A wonderful app - the best among combat managers I've seen.
Could any of you recomend me a good dice roller utility?
I only ask that it be executable (not online) and that it allows for multilple dice rolls using modifiers, and if possible, custom slots to save specific rolls.
Ive tried the app from Viewind Dale but I cant get the hang of it, whenever I roll multiple attacks it just adds all of them together, maybe I need a little help, or maybe I need a more straightforward app. I dont mind if its not in 3d, I just want a simple and complete one.
Also, just a thought but, does anyone know of a dice roller for symbian phones?
THANKS a lot!
By the way, isnt there a 3.5 equivalent of battlescreen?
as my online whiteboard. has chat, and dice rolls, and the ability to hide parts of the screen from users.
Only the dm needs to install software, all the players can just use a webbrowser.
i use screen monkey www.nbos.com/products/screenmonkey/scree...
as my online whiteboard. has chat, and dice rolls, and the ability to hide parts of the screen from users.
Only the dm needs to install software, all the players can just use a webbrowser.
Thanks, Ill check it out.
I am in need of a dice roller for chars who make more than 10 attacks per round, as it is veeeeery slow to roll, add up, and check every dice.
Lets see how this one does.
EDIT:
Thanks for the help, I just checked it, its far too complex for what I need ( a simple die roller), plus it isnt freeware.
It's a forum site with an on-site web mapper, and on-site dice roller, which is not flawed like some forums' dice rollers out there, and whose only drawback is a lack of user accessible database (compared to Invisible Castle) which has been referred to as a possibility for future implementation. The web mapper is very useful and solid.
Give it a look-see (a mapper sample, loads in your browser - for those with no account): www.pbpmap.com/demomaps/demomaps.php
The forum itself: www.pbpmap.com/
Here's the low-down on the 4th-ed version:
Price: $25 for a 1-year license. Demo available.
Pros: Full customization options -- create your own content, and it's incorporated fully into the system. Includes a full-featured in-game management system, allowing you to track everything about your character at the table.
Cons: Runs somewhat slowly. Doesn't yet handle all game mechanics 100% accurately.
We're working nonstop on fixing those cons.
The same site has a 3rd-ed version. Here's the stats on it, in case you want separate entries.
Price: Free
Pros: Insanely in-depth. Covers more rules than should be possible, given the format. Was used by the RPGA for sanctioned events. Very dedicated fan-base. Still maintained and updated on a regular basis.
Cons: Requires Microsoft Excel. Custom content is possible, but can be tricky to implement.
Eugee, I replaced my pro/con with yours. As I said, I don't use that system, so I'm more than happy to take suggestions from someone who does. If anyone else wants to post their own Pro/Con for a program, please feel free. Most of the stuff listed here, I don't use and sadly, I don't have the time to try them all out. I think I should add another line for each time to show which versions(AD&D, 3.x, 4e) are supported.
Might I also add that FGII now has VERY active development after a change of ownership. 4th Edition ruleset is amazing and 3.5 being enhanced as well. I would agree that mapping tools aren't as good as say Maptools or D20Pro, but the Character Sheet, Combat Tracker and other Story-based elements are great.
I would like to add my contribution to this discussion. I create a Java base combat tracker for 4E. Virtual Combat Cards URL: www.exnebula.org/vcc It's free, runs in java (works on Mac, Windows, Linux) Tracks Health, Initiative Sequence, Conditions, and some quick reference info. Comment and feedback are welcome.
This looks really great! Downloaded 1.3.0 and the 1.3.1 update. Can't wait to give it a try in a couple of weeks at our next session!
Regards,
Kalex the Omen
This looks really great! Downloaded 1.3.0 and the 1.3.1 update. Can't wait to give it a try in a couple of weeks at our next session!
Regards,
Kalex the Omen
I'm current working on getting the DNDI MM3 format imported, this will also allow you to capture traps.
Nebulorum
I'm going to compile a reference list of software meant to be used with D&D. If anyone has additions to this list, please feel free to contribute. I'll update the master list regularly.
Virtual Game Tables:
Battlegrounds: RPG Edition
Price: $32 for DM License. $16 for Player. Discounts for group purchases. Trial Available.
Pros: Cross-platform; powerful dice roller that doesn't require any scripting; highly customizable Turn Sequencer; supports sound & music; supports any RPG system and even some boardgames and "light" wargames.
Cons: Hard to find a game on the fly; all players must be using same version of software; maps can't be larger than 4000 x 4000 pixels.
FantasyGrounds
Price: ~$40 for DM license. ~$24 for Player. Discounts for group purchases. Demo Version available.
Pros: 3D Dice Rolling, Character Sheets & Combat Tracker (customizable with rulesets), Savage Worlds ruleset purchasable, free 4th Edition D&D community ruleset available.
Cons: Windows (DirectX), Self-customization requires XML/LUA proficiency
MapTool
Price: Free.
Pros: Active Development, Line of Sight tools, Fog of War, Easy to install.
Cons: Hard to find a game on the fly, All players must be using same version of software.
OpenRPG, OpenRPG+
Price: Free.
Pros: Game Tree for Organization, Multiple Games per Server, Extensible with custom tools, Most popular, easiest to find a game on the fly with.
Cons: Not Easy for Novice to install. Steep learning curve to use all the features.
GameTable
Price: Free
Pro: Fast, Easy, Sufficient if you only need a pure Battlemap
Con: Not many functions, No textures or objects can be placed, Extremely Basic
Game Management(DM Tools)
DM Genie
InitTool
Price: Free
Pros: Integrates well with MapTool
Cons:
DM's Toolkit
Price: Free
Pros: Fast & Easy to use, Active Support
Cons: Not yet finished (Ritual, Item and Feat Creators missing), no Mac-Version (yet)
DM's Familiar
Price:
Pros:
Cons:
DragonScript DM Tools (Treasure Generator, Encounter monitor, more to come)
Price: Free
Pros: Easy to use, instant results, output to plain text, platform independent
Cons: Web-based, limited to core books (at the moment), only one tool finished (and it only works up to Paragon). Infrequent updating.
Character Creation
PCGen
Price: Free
Pros: Cross-platform, active development, broad user-base, open data files, documentation to help add custom content to data files, many 3pp data files included in download, active user groups to ask help from, Open Source (Code under LGPL, Data mostly under OGL)
Cons:Non-intuitive interface, Java based so it runs slower than expected, data from closed content or sources not included need to be manually input by user.
Tinwatchman 4e Starting Character Generator
Price: Free
Pros: Cross-platform, simple interface, outputs characters as raw text.
Cons: Only can create first-level characters, web-based.
Redblade
Price: Free
DM Genie
Pathguy's 4e Generator
Misc
Dice Roller
Can you add:
VTT: ScreenMonkey by NBOS: www.nbos.com/products/screenmonkey/scree...
Price: 34.95
Only the DM needs to purchase the product, any amount of players connect for free via a browser.
CharGen: HeroLab by Lone Wolf Dev: www.wolflair.com/index.php?context=hero_...
Price: 29.99
Hands down the BEST CharGen software out there. User can create his/her own content.
I use both of these products, and love them!
Dragon Player - Manage powers, skills, feats, hp, items, healing surges and much more.
The tool is created for use during a game session and uses the character builder files (.dnd4e) and online content
Turn Manager - DM aid to track initiative and hp/defenses of monsters
I was working slowly towards a public announcement, but the new online CB issue spurred me to action
Both tools are available for free (both source and installer) from sourceforge.net/projects/rpgdragon/ (They are both in the same installer)
Cato - an elf at hart
DM Minion v2
goatheadsoftware.com/dm-minion-20.html
Type: D&D 4E Encounter/Combat Managment
Platform: Windows (.NET 3..5)
Desc: DM Minion is a free application that offers 4E DM's a beautiful UI to manage all the aspects of D&D 4E combat.
I would like to ask about the entry for Gametable: what does not able to place objects or textures mean? Gametable functions by the placement of images, also called pogs or tiles, on the infinite map. Also, here is the correct link for the Gametable Project: gametableproj.sourceforge.net/
DMDJ features 5 set of various environmental presets, each one targeting different settings. Each preset has 3 intensity levels (Low,Medium,Hard) and day-night transitions and are all controlled by a sophisticated sound engine, able to add a random feeling to presets, in order for them not to be repeptitve. Additionally, DMDJ has a large range of music themes and sound effects, which can all work together to design the optimal sound environment for your session. You can also find out more in the application's page.
We (Blueface Games) launched version 1.0 a few days ago, and version 1.1 is on its way - we use the feedback we received while designing the app, from various DMs, as well as the feedback from the current version's users, in order to improve DMDJ and add more presets, themes and SFX, as well as additional functionality, so, any such help,review etc., would be really helpful.
Let me know what you think!
Hi everyone! Let me add a further application (for iOS devices, at the moment), called DMDJ, which aims at creating a rich sound environment for your pen&paper sessions.
DMDJ features 5 set of various environmental presets, each one targeting different settings. Each preset has 3 intensity levels (Low,Medium,Hard) and day-night transitions and are all controlled by a sophisticated sound engine, able to add a random feeling to presets, in order for them not to be repeptitve. Additionally, DMDJ has a large range of music themes and sound effects, which can all work together to design the optimal sound environment for your session. You can also find out more in the application's page.
We (Blueface Games) launched version 1.0 a few days ago, and version 1.1 is on its way - we use the feedback we received while designing the app, from various DMs, as well as the feedback from the current version's users, in order to improve DMDJ and add more presets, themes and SFX, as well as additional functionality, so, any such help,review etc., would be really helpful.
Let me know what you think!
Well done, Avento! I have been hoping for this kind of app for some time.
DMDJ's capabilities are impressive, and its UI is very well done. I especially love the background music and environments. In fact, I used your app for my own personal background audio when playing around with the Virtual Table this weekend. I'm not personally into the sound effects, but I can understand that some would be.
I'll just add that I've yet to see a good initiative tracker for iOS, and I think you guys could kill there. I'd love to see an iPad-specific UI. It makes sense that your efforts are focused on DMDJ updates for now, but I thought I'd share this wish just the same.
Thanks for a great app. I can hardly wait to put it to use at game night this week!
Being D&D players ourselves, we focused on designing something useful for DMs, that would enhance the session's experience - which is why we talked with a number of DMs during the design process! We love this game, so if we manage to add even something small to improve the gameplay's experience, we're going to be extremely proud!Now, about the initiative tracker...that's indeed a nice suggestion, since we're planning to offer even more tools for DMs in the future (I have some additional ideas about iOS apps that do not exist at the moment and would be useful). However, you're right - at this point, we're focused on updating DMDJ, both with new content and with improved functionality. You can stay updated on our page, since there will be many additions in the following updates (version 1.2 is on its way as we speak) - some of them will be a pleasant surprise! ;)
Once again, thank you for your reply and your kind words - the more feedback and suggestions we receive, the more we improve, and that's a central point to our philosophy regarding DMDJ and any other application we develop. So, everyone: if you get to try DMDJ, please drop us a line here. We'll be more than happy to hear your suggestions!
Bones is a die-roller for those folks using Google Hangouts to play D&D remotely. Everybody can use the app, and everybody sees each others' die rolls. You can launch a Hangout with Bones here: plus.google.com/hangouts/_?gid=786956442...
More info here: 10x10room.com/2012/04/10/bones-dice-app-...
I also like rpole.net for play by posts. It has some cons regarding the adult content awkwardness. It does allow for inline private messages, character posting, thread management, and dice rolling among other features. It recently implemented a language tool for allowing some players to see what you typed while others see something else.
I am looking for a way to break into Lair Assaults online. Anyone have experience with this?
Nearest d&d store is 300 miles away.
Sorry I did not link them, and only colored them blue.
itunes.apple.com/us/app/4ediceroller/id5...
I hope everyone will enjoy using it. Suggestions and feature requests are welcome.
Lite Version
and
Player Minion for iOS (Digital Character Sheet)
4eTrunTracker
Price: Free
Pros: Full featured Combat Manager, Intuitive interface, Mac OS X (10.4+) and Windows versions.
Cons: Built for D&D 4e, lacks support for 3.x, PathFinder, etc. specific features.
Thx.