My group plays long-distance so we've been using maptools as a VTT. We're having problems with it though. It seems every time we play there is some problem: someone keeps getting booted, or the pathfinder framework macros don't work for someone, or one person can't log in, or can't load a map.
We like the program when it works: the customization is great and we all like making macros. The frameworks, when it works, is very helpful for keeping track of states and bonuses and penalties. I (as GM) like the ease of making maps and the vision blocking and lighting options.
We're considering switching to Fantasy Grounds II. Will that solve our problems? Does it have those same features we like from maptools, or will we be trading in a lot of functionality? What about connections, is that pretty easy and bug-free? Any other suggestions for a VTT that might be better? I'm a beginner when it comes to the technical side of connections and such. Thanks.
As I always do, I will suggest Roll20 if you need a free VTT. It has a bunch of features and more are being added whenever possible, and it's very simple to use. 3D dice are buggy right now though, they won't roll, but the regular dice rolling program still works fine.
For more suggestions you can look here, funnily enough from someone saying they needed a new VTT due to problems with Fantasy Grounds 2.
As I always do, I will suggest Roll20 if you need a free VTT. It has a bunch of features and more are being added whenever possible, and it's very simple to use. 3D dice are buggy right now though, they won't roll, but the regular dice rolling program still works fine.
For more suggestions you can look here, funnily enough from someone saying they needed a new VTT due to problems with Fantasy Grounds 2.
Rynjin, thanks for the advice. We don't need something free--i'm willing to shell out a few bucks if it's a quality program. We're trying to figure out the fantasy grounds demo as we speak.
I wouldn't switch. If you're getting booted from maptools its an network error, which isgoing to be an issue whatever u play. YOu're not going to find a better program with that many features as maptools. I"ve tried them all, and time and time again I keep coming back. Networking is always the initial issue, and that is uusally my only frustration.
Now though that there is a plugnplay functionality for routers (there is a development version u can find in the forums) things are working very easy. This version is also compatible with java 7. Check out the forums (maptools) and download it. Your players will not need to just you. YOu sould have a much better experience.
Other things that will help (try to be on a lan line, this will insure its not your wireless dropping).
The advanced features like Vision and Light cost $5/month from Roll20. Only the GM needs it, but they have gift options that let the players top off the GM's account!
For me, it's all about which VTT is the most active, and has a stable enough revenue that it will be around for a while. That's Roll20.
Fantasy Grounds is very stable and continues to grow year over year. It is a commercial application but we've given free updates to the core system throughout the entire life of the product.
You can use and create macros if you like within FG very easily, but most users prefer the ease of rolling directly from the character sheet, the combat tracker or from the party sheet (for the GM.) You also get the benefit of campaign management in addition to maps and there are lots of reference libraries available out of the box and provided by the community which pull from the various SRD references that are out there.
As a GM, there are also lots of complete adventure modules you can run your players through.
The demo is free to download and try and lots of youtube videos showcasing some of the many features and functionality not present in other VTTs.
FGII is a pretty good platform.
There are some good community produced parsers and other tools, hero labs and pc gen both support FGII.
There is a learning curve, it helps when you have a steady group. Society games, became very cumbersome, new people every week can lead to clunky, slow play.
Some people use Dropbox to campaign updates before the session even starts, permissions and mask are handled through the GM client.
Connection problems can and do happen, once again steady groups minimize this.
I guess the problem I have with FG is that I don't want to have to launch an application and set up a network to game... let alone running it over WINE.
Cross-platform and brainless network setup are crucial for me in any multi-user application, and HTML5 is the way to go for that. I predict that over the long run, applications like FG will disappear or dwindle to a smaller user base because of those inherent limitations.
Sadly the Paizo Gamespace VTT seems to get pushed back and back.
While I am really excited and curious about GameSpace, so far there is nothing advertised about it that I don't already get from Roll20.net. I suppose search ability and quality of art assets might differentiate, but... I just don't know yet.
That's what I'm waiting on: how will GameSpace differ?
Does Roll20 offer dynamic reveal of Fog of War based on character sightlines? That's one of the big features of MapTool for me...I don't want to manually reveal FOW, as I use the Vision Blocking Layer tool extensively.
Does Roll20 offer dynamic reveal of Fog of War based on character sightlines? That's one of the big features of MapTool for me...I don't want to manually reveal FOW, as I use the Vision Blocking Layer tool extensively.
If you pay for the "supporter level" which is $5/month, you get Dyanamic lighting which is basically what your talking about.