Maybe you guys can help me. I have an idea for an RPG assistance tool that has been floating in my head for a while. I program professionally so I have been considering making it, but wanted to get some info opinions first.
My idea is to have a room that the players and GM can join when they play. Each individual will have a screen that I have been thinking of as an interactive character sheet. The main advantage this program will offer is the ability to apply effects to other players in your room. For example, the wizard casts enlarge person on the warrior. Rather than the extra work required to recalculate various stats and damages, everything auto updates. HP, strength, weapon damage, power attack damage. It all is automatic. Ideally, this would work for all spells and conditions.
I am also toying with the idea of a built in item database with the ability to add your own custom items to it. This should make assigning loot and equipping items to your PC a piece of cake.
I have a lot more ideas for the interaction, but the central theme is to reduce the tedium and clerical work by automating as much as possible.
So, without further ado, I request your input.
First of all, is there anything like this that already exists? If so, could it be better?
Second, how many of you use phones, tablets, laptops, or desktop PCs as part of your gaming?
Third, is this something you would pay for (assuming quality)? If so, how much?
Also, if you like the idea, let me know what kind of other features you would be interested to see.
