I like maptools for the map. A lot. Like, scary lots. I like the character that's already set up in openRPG. I like the map in maptools a lot more.
My vote is to go with the majority for now. We do have a good thing going with openRPG, it just crashes all the freaking time, lately, and a lot of that seems to be the map. If we go with maptool, yeah, there'll be some adjustment. I think we'd all expect that. So, either way, I'll still happily play.
(But if I was going to start a new game, I'd start it in maptool.)
*edit: looks like the 1.3 developer build is stable once a memory allocation thing is fixed. play with that one. http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?t=3351 has what to do.
I have never used the RPTools, but I have long wanted to try them. I have not yet invested any amount of time into building Quickblades into OpenRPG so the switch wouldn't have a heavy effect on me. I say lets try it out.
OpenRPG does seem to have some… interesting map-related issues. It does have some nice features (dice rolling, character stats and macros I don't really use nearly as much as I should), and as far as I can tell from a 5-minute perusal of the site, MapTools doesn't have that. I didn't see anything in the DiceTools about any fun client-server stuff.
So I propose that we use both. We get to chat, roll dice, do initiative and whatnot in openRPG, and use MapTools for… the map.
What do you guys think?
Actually, Maptools does dice rolling just like OpenRPG. You can set up macros in your token in the 1.3 version similarly to the ones in OpenRPG. I am investigating the most straightforward means to do this, which may indeed be editing in a text file and importing upon creating your token and/or the session. Either way, it should be fairly easy and I will post step-by-step instructions, once I have figured it out.
As a note, I've set up the macro keys to the right of the chat box as a crude character sheet with all of the stuff I would have otherwise had in my OpenRPG character. I have all of my character actions (i.e. Kazi blows kisses at Feliks), my initiative and saving throws, my attack rolls, and my skill rolls. I even have my character description keyed to one of the macros. I've even figured out a way to add more.
I've heavily invested in creating a finely tuned character in OpenRPG, and have found that putting one of pretty similar quality is fairly simple in MapTools as well. There are two means to do this, and I will investigate the other one (which is probably the easier way) later and fill y'all in.
So anyhoo… I am not really a supporter of the dual system (OpenRPG + MapTools) usage. I vote one or the other, as I have a small screen and it would be a royal pain to run in both. There are a few drawbacks to the MapTools vs. OpenRPG chat, but there is also more functionality in the die rolling, in that you can send rolls to GM only, etc. I figure if you want to whisper (which is kind of clunky) we can always just have AOL messenger up and we can chat to each other that way if need be in asides.
Those are my thoughts at the moment… more to come, I am sure.
Humbly yours,
WWotW
(MapTools Beta Tester and Guinea Pig)
If I had the screen space, I think the dual program use would be perfect. Until I have a second monitor, though, it would be a pain. I play on a 15" laptop.
If you dl the 1.3 build and want to play around in it, shoot me an email, or find me on IM. I've had a test server up for a few days to play around with. The Line of Sight stuff is really cool.
Eric
Yes, you can save the chat. :) I haven't checked to see if it's an HTML file yet.
WWotW
*ETA… I just saved the chat output… it's either text or HTML, so yes, I can still post transcripts. ;)
GM jumping in to say -
If everyone is capable of downloading and running the program, let's go ahead and start the next session in maptools. Then we will vote afterwards
If it gets bogged down during the session, switching back to OpenRPG should only take a couple minutes.
My notes:
After about 20 hours of running maptools, I have not crashed it once. I rarely can run OpenRPG more than 4 hours without a lockup or crash.
It is harder to imput character info into maptools, but once in it seems just as easy to use.
I like Maptools ability to have dice rolls visible to the GM only
I did just manage to teach my husband to use OpenRPG and I rather dread teaching him something new.
OpenRPG has a lot of useful plugins that I would miss, including the hit-point viewer and initiative roller
The maps in maptools are far and away superior to openRPG
OpenRPG's chat client is better
Gnomes suck
Now, supposedly, the initiative tool, which I have not played with at all, is pretty nifty as well. You'll have to ask Eric about it. I wonder if there is a way to track HP on that, but I suppose it would be the DMs job to have to do so because it isn't, as far as I can tell, interactive.
In looking at the website, I did see that there was a way to mouse over a token and see its state, so I wonder if there is a way to track HP on the token via a token state, so it's off to the forums for more research. :P
And yes, the chat client isn't as advanced, but jury rigging via AIM messenger can be done. Oh, and the new version makes noises when messages arrive, isn't that charming?
WWotW
I greatly prefer the OpenRPG client for all chat-related functionality. I am not sold on anything MapTools has to offer outside of some streamlined map controls. I might be talked into using both applications in tandem but I see logistical problems with that.
Just my 2 cents.
-Chris
Can't we run 'em both like this? Even on a little screen?
I agree with Chris…I still like openRPG for all but their POS map.
SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH…
Cripes, you grumpy old men (or young ones, as it were)… yes, it's possible to set this mofo up as such, even on lappy's 12" badassness, though slightly less preferable to have two separate game engines running simultaneously.
It can be done, though my chat screen will be quite a lot less wide than Eric's. I may have to go an alternate configuration route.
WWotW
Let's do that for next session, unless everyone manages to get in touch with Maggi, Super Genius, before hand. She is in charge of helping folks enter character data.
Most everyone already has a character in OpenRPG and at least a passing familiarity with how it works. I managed to make a map in maptools that actually looks somewhat good.
I really like the map features in maptools, so unless anyone has any major objections that Maggi, Super Genius, cannot deal with, we will make the switch.
I have to say that with the alias list from the tutorial thread, there is no reason I see to run openRPG. I'll be printing out my list of aliases as a reference, so I know the shortcuts, but it's worth it. Thanks, Maggi!
I perfer TS or ventrillo for the chat/roleplay. The determining factor to me will be how long combat takes in either; it seems like it takes forever in open rpg.
What is TS?
Ventrilo is ok, so long as everyone has mic/speaker set up properly. I'd prefer not to have a headset on for 4 hours… that induces migraines.
