Digital Content Enters a New Era!

Interesting!

Ruyan.

This will certainly make any campaigns I run in Golarion that much easier!

IF Hell's Rebels is available for this, I might try it out immediately!

I would looove the Rise of the Runelords content in Realm Works. Really looking forward to this!

This sounds so awesome! I look forward to the upcoming previews. I wasn't really interested in Realms Works but I may give it a shot now after I see what Paizo has planned for the content market.

Now if we only had a virtual tabletop that would sync with this...

SM

That's great news. Can't wait for it.

Is it there yet?

Being blind, how well would this work for me?

Been waiting to hear this was going to happen!

Being blind, how well would this work for me?

It seems like a pretty straightforward database program, with the ability to incorporate images for character or geographic reference. Depending on what sort of assistive devices you use, you should be able to use at least the text-based portions.

Too bad it's, once again, Windows only.

You mention Adventure Paths and Modules, how about Pathfinder Society scenarios?

Hmm looks tempting....

This is a separate thing from the HeroLab files you can purchase for APs with all the monsters and NPCs, correct?

Windows only is way better than i-bs only!

This sounds great! I hope it has something to do with the silenced VTT programm and will eventually involve that option for a reasonable price.

How does it work? Do players also have to buy a copy of Realmworks to use it with you, or are there free clients out there for your players to use?

I wish the demo videos were coming out before Christmas. I was just drawing up a list for my dear mum...

This is fantastic news! I love Realm Works, and I can't wait to get this content!

How does it work? Do players also have to buy a copy of Realmworks to use it with you, or are there free clients out there for your players to use?

Realm Works has a Player Edition which can be purchased individually or in packs that reduce the per-user cost. The Player Edition is basically the same program as the full version, but with the ability to edit and create your own content removed. It allows you to view the "realm" that the GM shares with players.

Lone Wolf is also working on a web-based portal for content, as well, which will make it even easier for GMs to share campaign information with players. I'm not sure whether web-based access will replace the need for a copy of the player edition, but my guess is that they will complement each other in some way.

Spoilers?

O.o wow.... simply wow!

I highly recommend folks who want more info about Realm Works itself visit the Realm Works Discussion Forum over at LWD's website. There's a bunch of helpful folks over there who have been using this software for a couple of years now.

Being blind, how well would this work for me?

I'd guess very badly. There's a lot of navigation and command choices that don't work well without a mouse. You can mostly get around with just the keyboard but it probably wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

Notably: Realm Works has a ribbon used mostly for overview navigation (it doesn't have most of the commands in it like the Office applications), tabbed "document" navigation, left and right primary and secondary navigation between "documents", and contextual and triggered dropdown menus as your primary way to enter commands.

Too bad it's, once again, Windows only.

Their original plans were to have multiple platform support, but their platform (.NET/WinForms + third party items -> Wine+Mono) didn't work out. In the future LWD has mentioned expanding the web client so it can do everything the Windows client does, but that may be a while. :(

You mention Adventure Paths and Modules, how about Pathfinder Society scenarios?

There's no reason they couldn't sell them, and no reason any interested GM couldn't enter them in their own Realms for personal use. However, I'd expect PFS scenarios to be pretty low on the totem pole compared to APs, modules, and rules for store purposes.

What the community could do (once everyone's allowed to share) is put together support packages for PFS scenarios in the same vein as the GM Shared Prep site.

This is a separate thing from the HeroLab files you can purchase for APs with all the monsters and NPCs, correct?

Yes. My guess, though (and I'm just an interested RW user, so I have no way to know for sure) is that your Paizo-related Pathfinder purchases will come with embedded Hero Lab portfolios for the various characters and encounters. Whether that means you'd have to own the right packages or if they'd be like the existing encounter packs and work regardless I don't know. Probably something the LWD folks would address in their upcoming preview blogs/newsletters.

Based on what we are seeing in this blog, I'm guessing that they will start with Rise of the Runelords. I would really like to see [ICarrion Crown added sooner rather than later, mostly because I'm RUNNING a Carrion Crown game right now.

Depending upon how quickly this comes out and the prices, it will likely strongly influence what AP I run next (or if I start up a second gaming group).

If Reign of Winter was set up early on I'd buy it yesterday. They should have a poll set up to help decide on what order to do things in.

This looks great for online games.

But I am guessing that this would require a laptop and some sort of projector to be used at a game table.

But I am guessing that this would require a laptop and some sort of projector to be used at a game table.

If you want to show new things to the players in real time then ideally you would have a computer and a second/third/projected monitor, shared window over Skype, or other something that the players can see. You can still use Realm Works to organize your campaign without using those features, and your players could have the player version or the eventual free web view to reference what they knew from previous sessions.

Zaister wrote:

Too bad it's, once again, Windows only.

Their original plans were to have multiple platform support, but their platform (.NET/WinForms + third party items -> Wine+Mono) didn't work out. In the future LWD has mentioned expanding the web client so it can do everything the Windows client does, but that may be a while. :(

Funny, given that they made HeroLab multi-platform, I would have assumed that required them to move away from .Net, and would have encouraged them to not repeat that mistake with Realm Works.

Windows only is way better than i-bs only!

I sympathize with the no-HL support for Android yet, having been in the position of waiting for OS/x for years to be supported. My understanding, is that in making this work at its core on OS/x they were able to port that relatively easily to iOS as they share many key libraries. I'd imagine the same would be true of the various mobile windows OS but isn't true of Android which is really a third family of OSs

In the end OS fragmentation creates this sort of problem, but single OS hegemony creates its own.

Said colloquially, damned if you do damned if you don't.

Thanks Parody for jumping in to answer some questions. :)

Too bad it's, once again, Windows only.

Parody was right on with his answer, but I'll add a little. As internet becomes more and more pervasive, we see the web as the eventual future for Realm Works. Here's a sneak peek of Realm Works on the web from earlier this year. It's changed quite a bit since then. Realm Works on the web is going to be our main focus after the Content Market releases.

This looks great for online games.

But I am guessing that this would require a laptop and some sort of projector to be used at a game table.

Yes, our vision was that the GM would have some sort of technology on the table. Currently, that would be a laptop or some other Windows-based device. In the future, that may be a tablet or something else. It's possible to get away with just a laptop, but my personal, favorite set-up is me on a laptop and connected to my TV as an external monitor. Like many people, I have a TV in my living room. It's fairly easy to move that close to the gaming table and it adds a nice dramatic flair. :)

Pardon me if I am dense, but this product's potential has me really excited and sometimes my searchfu and literacy are sketchy. So, here are my questions:

1) Is this product able to generate something like a wiki for my campaigns? I hope so, and am very excited by the possibility, since I predominantly gamemaster in play-by-post games. I am always trying to figure out how to disseminate information to my players.

2) Will my players be required to purchase the product (or its player counterpart) in order to gain access to the information? I hope not, since in play-by-post I do not think my players will be excited by a gm requiring them to make purchases.

rknop wrote:

How does it work? Do players also have to buy a copy of Realmworks to use it with you, or are there free clients out there for your players to use?

Realm Works has a Player Edition which can be purchased individually or in packs that reduce the per-user cost. The Player Edition is basically the same program as the full version, but with the ability to edit and create your own content removed. It allows you to view the "realm" that the GM shares with players.

Lone Wolf is also working on a web-based portal for content, as well, which will make it even easier for GMs to share campaign information with players. I'm not sure whether web-based access will replace the need for a copy of the player edition, but my guess is that they will complement each other in some way.

The player cost has always been my barrier to entry. I love my players, but they're not going to pay to play my game. I'm willing to pay for myself, but I can't pay for everyone.

1) Is this product able to generate something like a wiki for my campaigns? I hope so, and am very excited by the possibility, since I predominantly gamemaster in play-by-post games. I am always trying to figure out how to disseminate information to my players.

I assume you mean something like a web-based wiki? If so, that will be possible when our web access releases. Currently everything is a Windows-based application.

2) Will my players be required to purchase the product (or its player counterpart) in order to gain access to the information? I hope not, since in play-by-post I do not think my players will be excited by a gm requiring them to make purchases.

Currently, your players can purchase Player Edition for $9.99. This is a player-focused version of Realm Works, which allows players to view information in their GM's games.

There will be a free option when web access comes online. Specifically, there will be two options:

• Free Player Access - There will be a free level on the web, which will allow players to view a limited amount of information. This level will target players that just want to see the information needed to play in that game session.
  
• Web "Player Edition" - With this paid level, players can view all revealed content just like the desktop version. In fact, anyone with a desktop license will have access to the features on the web. They have a Player Edition *account*, which is what controls access to features, just like on the desktop. The reason "Player Edition" is in quotes is because we may change the name.

Parody was right on with his answer, but I'll add a little. As internet becomes more and more pervasive, we see the web as the eventual future for Realm Works. Here's a sneak peek of Realm Works on the web from earlier this year. It's changed quite a bit since then. Realm Works on the web is going to be our main focus after the Content Market releases.

That looks really good! I did actually support the Kickstarter, so this makes me happy to see. I just hope it's not dependent on some weird browser plugins like Silverlight etc.

I just hope it's not dependent on some weird browser plugins like Silverlight etc.

Nope! :) We're working hard to make sure that the average gamer can use the web-version, regardless of whether they're using Chrome, Firefox... even IE.

You mention Adventure Paths and Modules, how about Pathfinder Society scenarios?

Pathfinder Society modules are a part of the license, and something we plan to do some of. How many we support will likely depend on their popularity.

Windows only is way better than i-bs only!

This sounds great! I hope it has something to do with the silenced VTT programm and will eventually involve that option for a reasonable price.

Realm Works is separate from that. However, we are collaborating with VTT tools for future integration. We'll absolutely make sure that it works well in conjunction with any VTT that Paizo might release.

This is a separate thing from the HeroLab files you can purchase for APs with all the monsters and NPCs, correct?

To add onto Parody's answer, we're going to provide the portfolios in Realm Works. However, the user will need the necessary packages to open the portfolio. Those packages can be purchased individually, or from the Adventure Path packages. For example, if the Rise of the Runelords AP includes a portfolio with a monster from Bestiary 2, you will need the Bestiary 2 package or the Rise of the Runelords AP package.

If Reign of Winter was set up early on I'd buy it yesterday. They should have a poll set up to help decide on what order to do things in.

We'll be launching with a few APs (obviously Rise of the Runelords) and a healthy amount of modules. We'll be seeking user feedback on how to prioritize stuff from there.

This looks great for online games.

But I am guessing that this would require a laptop and some sort of projector to be used at a game table.

I would encourage you to take a look at this thread on our forums. A number of community members are discussing this topic right now.

Funny, given that they made HeroLab multi-platform, I would have assumed that required them to move away from .Net, and would have encouraged them to not repeat that mistake with Realm Works.

Hero Lab is not based on .Net at all. The choice to go .Net for Realm Works greatly simplified our ability to do a Windows client and server component and web version. So we went with .Net for those advantages.

The code base for each product is completely separate, as Hero Lab is entirely written in C++ (without .Net) and Realm Works in C#.

The player cost has always been my barrier to entry. I love my players, but they're not going to pay to play my game. I'm willing to pay for myself, but I can't pay for everyone.

The majority of GMs currently use Realm Works without Player Edition, and use Realm Works mainly to organize their campaigns. I would recommend you check out our forums, where a number of people are currently discussing how they're using Realm Works.

So any hints with which AP´s you will start or just all at once?

For PFS scenarios, it might be good to start with the newer seasons.
Those are more often unplayed by many and more in demand i guess.
Add in some evergreens!

Hero Lab is not based on .Net at all. The choice to go .Net for Realm Works greatly simplified our ability to do a Windows client and server component and web version. So we went with .Net for those advantages.

The code base for each product is completely separate, as Hero Lab is entirely written in C++ (without .Net) and Realm Works in C#.

C++ ... You have my condolences ...

On the positive Microsoft is going multiplstform with .net so if they keep there word this should be solved soon

I'm throwing money at the screen right now! =)

So any hints with which AP´s you will start or just all at once?

For PFS scenarios, it might be good to start with the newer seasons.
Those are more often unplayed by many and more in demand i guess.
Add in some evergreens!

Check out my response to "Stone Dog" above. :)

C++ ... You have my condolences ...

It's not so bad. I mean, I don't know what the Hero Lab source looks like, but the language is fine.

On the positive Microsoft is going multiplstform with .net so if they keep there word this should be solved soon

Not in the near future for many UI apps (including Realm Works) as Windows Forms is not on the radar for being open sourced. We talked about it a bit on the LWD forums: About .NET Core 5.

Jester David wrote:

The player cost has always been my barrier to entry. I love my players, but they're not going to pay to play my game. I'm willing to pay for myself, but I can't pay for everyone.

The majority of GMs currently use Realm Works without Player Edition, and use Realm Works mainly to organize their campaigns. I would recommend you check out our forums, where a number of people are currently discussing how they're using Realm Works.

It's on my radar and I plan on buying eventually, likely when I pull the trigger on my next long term campaign. But when I can share the world with my players will be a big incentive and likely move it to 'must buy'.

Valantrix1 wrote:

Being blind, how well would this work for me?

It seems like a pretty straightforward database program, with the ability to incorporate images for character or geographic reference. Depending on what sort of assistive devices you use, you should be able to use at least the text-based portions.

Thanks Mark! That was the exact kind of answer I was looking for. I'll check it out when it comes then.

Check out my response to "Stone Dog" above. :)

I really hope to see Wrath of the Righteous in the first set. That would make life so much easier!

Mark Moreland wrote:

Valantrix1 wrote:

Being blind, how well would this work for me?

It seems like a pretty straightforward database program, with the ability to incorporate images for character or geographic reference. Depending on what sort of assistive devices you use, you should be able to use at least the text-based portions.

Thanks Mark! That was the exact kind of answer I was looking for. I'll check it out when it comes then.

Unfortunately, Parody was correct with his answer. Due to the design of the Windows version, Realm Works would be difficult to use by blind users. That being said, the web version will likely be the best option for you once it releases. The web version is our priority once the Content Market releases.

Bookamarking.

I'm working on a campaighn involving Thornkeep and Emerald Spire.
Probbably not on your top priority list.

This looks like a handy piece of software. But just so I understand, there are basically four pieces to this right? The Gm version software, to actually set everything up, the player client, so that people can see what info they have uncovered, the cloud service subscription which facilitates the transfer between the two, and the pre built data packs for APs and the like?

I believe the cloud service is part of the GM/player subscriptions, rather than a separate charge.

Galnörag wrote:

C++ ... You have my condolences ...

It's not so bad. I mean, I don't know what the Hero Lab source looks like, but the language is fine.

At least it's not COBOL. I had an older professor who reassured me that the standards for COBOL made perfect sense when they were designed in the 1950s and 1960s.

Looks nifty. Looking forward to this.

Bookamarking. ...

Their intent (in my understanding) is that you'd leave tabs open for the Topics/Articles you feel like you'll need right away in your next session. Otherwise, the entire Navigation Pane (the left side) is much like Bookmarks in a browser. If you'd like to limit what's showing in the Navigation Pane, you can make a Custom View that only shows the Topics/Articles you want and narrow things down that way.

I could be misunderstanding what you'd like here, though. :(

This looks like a handy piece of software. But just so I understand, there are basically four pieces to this right?

GM licenses are the main application, letting you create realms for your campaigns. They also let you purchase content from the market. You can install the Realm Works application on as many machines as you'd like; you will need Internet access when you first run it as well as when you want to create a new realm.

Cloud service gives you syncing to the RW servers (so free backups and ease of moving data between machines) and enables GMs to invite players to their realms. It also allows you to combine realms together, letting you (for example) take a piece of purchased content and integrate it into your existing campaign realm. Without cloud service you need to manage backups yourself and you can only copy purchased content realms, not merge them.

Player licenses are purely for viewing revealed content shared by GMs. They require your GM(s) to have a GM license and a cloud service subscription.

(This information mostly comes from the two Realm Works FAQs.)

At least it's not COBOL. I had an older professor who reassured me that the standards for COBOL made perfect sense when they were designed in the 1950s and 1960s.

Technology keeps advancing. I remember reading my mom's COBOL book when I was a kid; she was in college for Accounting at the time. Not knowledge I've ever had to use, thankfully. :)

Very cool!

I'm working on a campaighn involving Thornkeep and Emerald Spire.

Probbably not on your top priority list.

Don't rule it out. We know modules like Emerald Spire are popular among players. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, we'll be launching with a few APs and a healthy amount of modules. We'll be seeking user feedback on how to prioritize stuff from there.

This looks like a handy piece of software. But just so I understand, there are basically four pieces to this right? The Gm version software, to actually set everything up, the player client, so that people can see what info they have uncovered, the cloud service subscription which facilitates the transfer between the two, and the pre built data packs for APs and the like?

Parody gave a really good explanation about how everything works together. Thanks, Parody!

I'll add that Cloud Service and Player Edition are not required. You can still create content and even share it with players view the integrated Player View window within the Realm Works GM Edition without cloud service. Parody linked to the general FAQ, but there are some cloud service frequently asked questions here. As for player edition, there are a number of our users that just use the GM Edition and find it valuable for organizing their campaigns as it is.

I believe the cloud service is part of the GM/player subscriptions, rather than a separate charge.

Cloud service is purchased by the GM, but is separate from from the GM version. Currently, when you purchase Realm Works you receive 6 months free. After those six months, you can choose to purchase additional cloud service or you can choose not to. Cloud service is not required to use Realm Works.