[blockhead]

Much obliged!

[Zalarian]

I have been having some luck playing Living Forgotten Realms games online using OpenRPG and Maptools. I have heard other people using other tools such as Fantasy Grounds. It is possible to find games with or without voice but frankly I find more roleplaying and character interaction to occur when there isn't any voice option but it does make the game go a bit longer. Usually the voice options used are Skype and Ventrilo. I have also found that the level of technical savviness required on the player increases as well as the number of points of failure go up when more components are added to the game. Some judges are fine with setting up voice just so the players can listen.

The only other issue I have with the games is that many of the evening games start around 6 or 7 Eastern and I am usually not available to participate until after 8 or so. As a result of this, I have found better luck finding games that are PST friendly due to the 3 hour difference. This usually makes for late evenings once in a while but am able to save up some sleep reserves as long as I don't do it too often.

I ran my first LFR game using Maptools and Ventrilo the other week and it went pretty well overall.

Here are a few links to check for online games.
Yahoo Groups Online Gameday

Maptools forums


I am going to check out rpol.net to see how that works out.

PS - S Merwin, I hope to be in your neck of the woods some time in July or August and hope to get together if the stars are in alignment. I had a blast the last time even though I made the gnome I got to play more effective than he usually is.
I am also looking forward to attending Dragon Con this year. I average about 1 con every 3-4 years so its time to see how that that one compares.

I'd be interested in hearing how running 4e (and Living Forgotten Realms specifically) goes online. I ran several 3e D&D games online, and played in a few, and I just didn't enjoy it. None of the games used any VoIP features, so it was all text chat based, which was probably part of the problem. I am probably going to start running a few online games--if and when (2036?) WotC gets its online virtual game table up and running.

Shawn
Global Administration of Living Forgotten Realms

[smerwin4@stny.rr.com]

PS - S Merwin, I hope to be in your neck of the woods some time in July or August and hope to get together if the stars are in alignment. I had a blast the last time even though I made the gnome I got to play more effective than he usually is.
I am also looking forward to attending Dragon Con this year. I average about 1 con every 3-4 years so its time to see how that that one compares.

Hey, you are always welcome! We were actually just reminiscing (i.e. busting Jeff's chops) about how you did more with his character with one 0-level spell than he did with his entirely arsenal. Good stuff!

Shawn

[StrangerDan]

brian i know you have your ethics but man do I love PHB2. this thing is awesome.

[Zalarian]

I am pretty sure this is the first time I quoted myself on this board. I started running and organizing 4E LFR using Maptools and Team Speak on Monday evenings from 9PM - Midnight Eastern. If anyone is interested in trying this out, let me know. I had a few people that never played online, 4E, or LFR and I think it went pretty well. If there is enough interest, I could possibly run a SI game some other different night.

If anyone wants to check out Map tools, I put the following together:
Here is some info on the game:

Install team speak
http://www.teamspeak.com
Go to downloads and download Teamspeak 2 client and install
Here are a few discussion items and things learned during chat:
1. Using talk button seems best. If you are considering not using talk button be sure output sound is being played to headset and not external speakers. Be sure to pay attention if you are affecting sound volumes of others.
2. Make sure volume of microphone in (if in windows) control panel\Sounds and Audio Devices\Voice\Voice Playback\Volume is not set too low and not muted. Be sure to test microphone using wave recorder and the like. Depending on computer configuration and sound drivers installed, there may likely be additional steps needed to be done to get microphone working.

Maptools
Make sure you watch tutorial (at the very least the first one)
http://rptoolstutorials.net/maptool.htm

Make sure running current version of java
http://java.com
click do I have Java?
Verify Java Version

Download Maptools
Maptools v1.3.b56
http://www.rptools.net/
Click on Downloads and then Maptools
Find 1.3.56 and download to its own folder
extract files from zip making sure directory structure preserved

Tweak Maptools
Once you download and extract b56, you will see a file called MapToolLauncher. The help document in the folder is not a bad thing to read since it has things in there like not putting max memory above 1/2 your total memory etc. I have 3.5 GB memory and currently use with Max Mem = 1024, Min Mem 128, and stack size of 3


Get Character Sheet:
Version 3.5
http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6596

Setting up Character:
Find a picture you like for your PC and use token tool to create a token or use a delivered token (can always update picture later)
http://www.rptools.net/
Click on Launch and then Token tool
Create your token image by dragging it into token tools and saving as png file

Launch maptools by clicking on Launch Maptool.bat file
Go to File, Open Campaign and select Example_V3-5 that you downloaded
Drag the token you created to the screen

Right click PC token and select edit
Add a space to Notes and GM Notes (this step may no longer be needed)
click on state tab and check character under code area
click on config and change properties from basic to enhanced
select ok
Make sure you select token and press F2 or character sheet on campaign macros page
(if character sheet does not load, select window and restore layout and try step above) (this step may no longer be needed)
Clicking on image in character sheet toggles between basic monster sheet and player sheet
Explore how to use sheet by clicking on different links such as ability and skills, Race/Class, etc.(sample campaign has readme file)

Press current if on main while token is selected (alternatively can click on health dialog under campaign macros) to update damage/healing/rests, etc
Once you like PC token, right click and select save. .

If this interests anyone, let me know and I will send login info.

I ran my first LFR game using Maptools and Ventrilo the other week and it went pretty well overall.

Here are a few links to check for online games.
Yahoo Groups Online Gameday

Maptools forums

This post has been edited by Emissary: 04 May 2009 - 11:37 PM

[maxsaltonstall]

I can't wait until our next Norse 4E game session and further experimentation of PHB2 content!

Let's play more!!

[Zalarian]

I have played a few [LFR] games with a bard as well as a shaman and so far have found the PHB2 content interesting. I made a avenger but have not yet played it yet. Rather than using the animalistic spirit companions, I explained my PC's connection to the spirits to be more metaphysical rather than primal. I can't change this mechanic wise (they are still primal powers), but at least it makes it more interesting to summon spirits of warriors that you are charged to help their journey across the Astral Sea to their final destination by first helping out in this realm first as well as giving a character reason to be upset when the spirits are taken out rather than only a mechanical one.

One thing I have noticed is that Shaman is listed as a leader primary and either defender or striker secondary. I just don't see how it is possible to be considered a defender without the capability of marking. In fact, I find the opportunity attack of the spirit as well as a few other powers to be more along the lines of controller as secondary.

I can't wait until our next Norse 4E game session and further experimentation of PHB2 content!

Let's play more!!

[maxsaltonstall]

One thing I have noticed is that Shaman is listed as a leader primary and either defender or striker secondary. I just don't see how it is possible to be considered a defender without the capability of marking. In fact, I find the opportunity attack of the spirit as well as a few other powers to be more along the lines of controller as secondary.

I think your Shaman concept sounds fun. I've seen a few other people alter the Shaman to reflect different perspectives on the spirit companion.

I agree that a real defender has to mark enemies. That's why I love Fighter so much, but Warden is also good. Paladin, Swordmage and half-defenders just don't cut the mustard without a lot of help.

In D&D (of all types) you are rewarded most if you specialize in your role. Perhaps the only exception I can think of is the 3.5 Warlock.

Right now I really miss my LFR PCs, and have not had a chance to play since June I think. Who wants to join me in CT or NYC for some fun games?

[smerwin4@stny.rr.com]

I really appreciate you guys discussing the issues surrounding the spread of gaming. Having attended a great many large and small conventions and game days over the past 10 years, this is something that has weighed large on my mind. WotC is starting to understand the need to give new players (existing gamers and new gamers alike) an easier transition into D&D. The upcoming "Red Box" D&D Essentials and the Organized Play's new D&D Encounters program are the first steps in that direction, as are really some of the new board games.

[smerwin4@stny.rr.com]

I just got a copy of the new Dragon Age boxed set from Green Ronin, and it seems very new-gamer friendly so far. I'll be posting a review when I get all the way through it. I think taking a successful video game rpg and bringing it to the pen and paper realm is a great way to get people around the gaming table.

Awesome. I'd love to hear how it is. I try not to play PC or console games unless my daughter can play as well, but I am tempted by Dragon Age.

I got a chance to playtest Dark Sun, and I even got a preview game of Gamma World with Rich Baker at DDXP. (Yes, having an NDA sucks, but it has its benefits too.) The new D&D Essentials (Red Box) sounds like a solid "intro" product that is easily integrated into a regular D&D game. I am probably most excited about the Castle Ravenloft board game. So much game, so little time.

Since I have stepped back from LFR admin duties, I have dedicated a little more time to just soaking in all the games I have been missing. I will probably start a Mouse Guard campaign with my wife and daughter, I am playing Dominion, and I even picked up the Serenity gamebook in honor of Alana's contributions to that line. I am even playing my first non-RPGA D&D game in probably 6 years tomorrow. Terrifying!

[alanajoli]

Shawn, you're the best! I hope you enjoy the Serenity stuff--I have to say that I think running the pre-written adventures is the best way to learn the CORTEX system.

Just wanted to let folks know that the game I mentioned (based on the Romance novels?) in the last APCP segment is having a beta-tester contest. If anyone else is interested in trying out this game, this is a good moment to get in on it (especially if you're interested in providing quality feedback in exchange for getting a sneak peek). Menfolk who frequent this board: any of the *women* in your lives would be interested in giving it a shot, I'm sure they're more the target audience -- but either way, I think it'd be great to have some SI listeners involved in the Beta.

Here's the link to the contest!

http://passionfruitgames.com/2010/02/12/beta-tester-contest/

Ta,
Alana