Dann and D&D

[jstgtpaid]

I just noticed Dann's blog posting where he describes his rekindled love for D&D. I am still catching up on many episodes of the TLLTS so I hope I have not missed discussion on this. ANYWAY, Dann, I thought I would introduce you to some loving goodness related to D&D...

Before you spend wads o' cash on D&D tiles, miniatures and dice, check out what D&D looks like in the modern day. Look at a tool called RPTOOLs. It is FREE and OPEN SOURCE. In addition, it runs very nicely on Linux. I play a game on Wednesday nights with folks from all over the country. We play on this virtual table called MapTools. We use Mumble as our VOIP and we have a great time.

In any case, that tool will enable you to draw your own maps or even import ones created by others. In addition, you can have tokens that represent your characters and monsters. There are TONS of features to Maptools... light, fog of war, macro's, initiative tools, etc etc...

It is way cool, Dann... Check it out. There are tons and tons of 4e macros and such already created. I never thought I would want to roll dice via the computer (there is something special about rolling real dice) but with all the macros that add all the modifiers automagically, I will never go back.

Anyway, google rptools and give it a spin. You will love it... You can use it in your house too. Set up a network and use it that way, or even better slap the output on the big screen TV and use it as a virtual table top.... Mmmm, goodness.

Have fun!
Steven

[jstgtpaid]

Ohh, I forgot to mention there are lots of D&D related podcasts out there too. When I get home tonight I will post the links (can't get there from work).

RPGMP3.com (actual play, recorded)
gamers haven (actual play and discussions)
3.5 Private sanctuary (for 3.5 D&D lovers)
radio hamlet (fascinating discussions about optimizing 4e)
It's D&D (actual Play)

As I said, I will get the links and modify the above... I am sure there are more too...

I will also add some of the sites that I go to that are D&D related... (there are tons more I will add links later...)

mydndgame.com




Steven

[dann]

good stuff man. I am checking out maptool, looks cool!

[jstgtpaid]

Ok... here are some D&D sites

http://hommlet.com/ (GREAT D&D podcast... geek out on optimizing 4e)
http://chattydm.net/ (This guy's blog is really cool... He is a major D&D geek and writes great stuff)
http://www.goblinscomic.com/ (awesome web comic based on D&D 3.5)
http://rpgmp3.com/ (you have to check out the podcasts at this site... Great listening...)
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/maps/ (feeling nostalgic? Want some old blue/white maps?)
http://www.dragonavenue.com/ (geek out on D&D)
http://www.cartographersguild.com/ (unbelievable quality maps for your D&D adventure... No I mean really unbelievable!)
http://paizo.com/ (fantastic unbelievably good adventures... best in the biz... They are using the older 3.5 version though)
http://www.goodmangames.com/ (you wanna play the ole classics? You can find 'em here. I am sure they will convert the oldies for 4e eventually too)
http://thetome.podbean.com/ (excellent podcast for D&D geeks)
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1045521 (top reasons NOT to subscribe to D&D Insider)


Ok there are a few sites to get you started with your 'Family' present. If you decide you wanna start making some maps in maptools, I can find a 2+ gig resource of objects that you can drag and drop into maptools (stuff like tables, chairs, plates, backgrounds etc etc...)

Steven

[dann]

RPTOOLs is awesome and with the image libraris from djinnin it's even better

[jstgtpaid]

Isn't it great?! I love that program. Do you have a game going with the Fam now? Are you playing D&D with others? You can hook up with some other folks on the rptools forums and play RPGA games. They are fun and only last three hours...

[NYbill]

i was a big time D&D'er in my youth. funny you guys should mention it. i've been unpacking old boxes that have been in my parents basement for 15+ years. in one of the boxes i came across all my D&D stuff. dice, my old characters, rule books, modules & champaign's. oh the memories!

anyone remember this one? the first rule book from the original box set!

[jstgtpaid]

That is way cool man! I remember the red box set. I think a lot of folks are revisiting D&D after a long hiatus. I am one of 'em too.

Thanks for sharing that pic! Brings back memories...