The Fancy Bastard Forum

I know that 4th Edition is launching this weekend, so you could do what I did and pre-order a players handbook and just read through it. I also signed up for a mini-tournament / demo game at a local hobby store, so you might try to find some place doing that as well. Or you could download and play Baldur's Gate from GameTap. It's one of the quintessential D&D CRPGs.

Neverwinter nights is how I got into DnD...its a pretty good introduction to the game system. Me and a friend started playing it and after awhile he suggested getting started on the paper and pencil version so we took the plunge with a few of our friends. If you can't find people around you to play I would go to your local gamestore (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=findastore) and see if there are any games going on.

4th edition is coming out this weekend, its in my opinion a very accessible version so it shouldn't be too hard to find a campaign to join.

Hey Guys, thanks for the update. I downloaded Baldur's Gate, and might just try 2 instead because 1 doesn't play nice with Vista. And I'll look into Neverwinter Nights. The main issue is going to be finding some D&D players around here.

Like FrackTruck said, the easiest way to find players is to head down to your local game shop. If you don't know where yours is, just ask around or check the local Yellow Pages. Once there, there'll probably a bulletin board or something of DMs looking for players, at least that's how we do it. As for a D&D campaign on the forums, that might be tough. It'd probably be easier to do one in a chat client or something with a more instant style of communication.

I'd totally love to though.

Well, yeah. That's an issue with all Forum RPGs

darnit.

Hey Locke,

Part of the toolset that Wizards of the Coast is developing includes an online game board with integrated voice chat, dice roller, character creator and lots of other cool features (still a few months out). I'd be glad to host some sort of campaign on there when that rolls out.

Also, Baldur's Gate uses 2nd edition rules - I don't know of many people that are still using those at this point. But you'll get the general idea of the game at least, and exposure to the Realms. My start with D&D was with the "Dungeons and Dragons Basic Game" which includes some miniatures, dice, very basic rules, and one dungeon. That seemed like a good way to get into the basic gist of the game without being inundated with rules. Of course that uses 3.0 or 3.5 rules, so if you're interested in playing 4.0 it won't help too much.

OK, so Dungeon Magazine is producing a new adventure path, starting in July. If Wizards comes through on their promises that should include online maps that will work with the Game Table software when that's released. That sounds like a good candidate for us if we can get a group together, so if you're interested at all DON'T READ THE ADVENTURES until we've decided on a DM (I'm happy to volunteer). The adventures will only be released monthly, but it sounds like it should take around 2-3 sessions to complete each one so I think that would work out well.

The other option would be to start a "Living Realms" group and use RPGA modules. I've never done that over long distance though (there's a lot of paperwork involved with each session) so that's probably more trouble than it's worth.

EDIT: Well obviously a third option would be a homebrew campaign, but I'd vote against that for an impromptu group like this. At least until we know each other a little better.

I'm game for ... a game. That is, if we're officially considering the possibility of forming an exploratory committee for investigating the likelyhood of forming a group to play a Fancy Bastard campaign. You know, like how congress gets things done.

My question about Wizards' new suite of online stuff: does it cost a subscription fee? If so, we could look into other options, like Skype for voice/video, and other substitutes for a gameboard and die rolling.

Posted By: FlankedMy question about Wizards' new suite of online stuff: does it cost a subscription fee? If so, we could look into other options, like Skype for voice/video, and other substitutes for a gameboard and die rolling.

Yeah there will be a subscription fee eventually, but it's free while the tools are still in development and beta testing. $15/month will get access to all the tools (including a rules compendium) and both Dungeon and Dragon magazine online content, or $10 with a one-year commitment (or $12 for 6-months?). I think that's what it is, anyway. Also, apparently non-subscribers can opt to pay a per-session fee instead to join a game table session. I don't know how much that would be, but it could be a reasonable option.

The only other software that I know to have a comparable suite of tools is Fantasy Grounds. That costs $25-$40, one shot. I'm not sure when it will support 4e rules, though, and it definitely won't be as slick as Wizards' stuff. But still an option.

Skype is an option, with some sort of desktop streaming software (ustream?) for the game board. Not sure how you'd do the dice rolling, though. Too much temptation to fudge rolls if people are on the honor system.

I'll be subscribing to Wizards' services no matter what, so that's of course my personal preference. But I'd be happy to try other options - just not as DM. Anything else would be a lot of work, and I'll be busy on my home campaign. :-p

Die rolling can be done here, and to prevent fudging you could just have the DM conduct all rolls. Player states all modifiers, DM clicks the button and states the result.

I guess the whole subscription thing is just irksome to me. It's like they feel they have to take on all these MMO qualities, including the subscription model, to stay relevant. I'm already spending ~$40 for a PHB, why don't they offer the same sort of one time fee for their online resources? They could do that as far as the tools are concerned, and then charge for expanded content.

I'd like to think that with all the programming and internet savvy people hanging around this forum we could come up with some solutions that would be less restricting to a limited budget. Maybe I should take this idea to a publisher. Imagine, a one-time download through Steam that would already have that built in functionality (friend lists, scheduled events, etc.) that provided the same services. I think a community could build up around that.

Posted By: FlankedDie rolling can be donehere, and to prevent fudging you could just have the DM conduct all rolls. Player states all modifiers, DM clicks the button and states the result.

I guess the whole subscription thing is just irksome to me. It's like they feel they have to take on all these MMO qualities, including the subscription model, to stay relevant. I'm already spending ~$40 for a PHB, why don't they offer the same sort of one time fee for their online resources? They could do that as far as the tools are concerned, and then charge for expanded content.

Well I won't argue with that. I always prefer one-time fees over subscriptions, and paying for online magazine content is passe. Even the NY Times doesn't do that any more. But as annoying as I find it, I do think I'll actually get enough value out of it to justify the cost. Being able to take published content and instantly have all the maps and visuals available in a piece of software, with all hidden doors appropriately hidden, et cetera, will save me a LOT of time as a DM. There are definitely other options, but nothing will be that easy.

Currently, I can't offer any argument to easier preparation for a DM. For my local real life friends, we prefer to use a game mat and actual dice, own books, etc. I really like the idea of software solutions, but nothing replaces the feeling of holding a nicely worn hand book, or watching that die land with 20 facing up.

Back to the topic, I'm up for playing at least to try out the tools. I'll pay $15 bucks the first month to see if it's worth it, and if other worthy FBs are up for a good game. Dibs on the monk! (I hope they're as broken as they were in 3.0!)

Okay, what do you suggest as a good starting class?

Posted By: FlankedCurrently, I can't offer any argument to easier preparation for a DM. For my local real life friends, we prefer to use a game mat and actual dice, own books, etc. I really like the idea of software solutions, but nothing replaces the feeling of holding a nicely worn hand book, or watching that die land with 20 facing up.

Yeah we use real dice. Only one of the other players has a PHB though, which is a persistent annoyance (my group is cheap). I recently gave up the game mat for Photoshop though. It took too long for me to draw things on the fly, even leaving out a lot of details (I'm a VERY poor artist), so the game got slowed down. My group actually really likes the new approach. Putting it together in Photoshop beforehand allows me to include a lot more detail, and in turn it helps the players visualize the environment which has improved the experience for everyone. It does require a fair amount of extra time on my part, but I think it's worth it.

I'm definitely not opposed to a low-cost solution - I'm used to working with a cheap group, after all. I just couldn't spare the extra time to DM a second group without the shortcuts the online game table provides. I'd be happy to be a player though.

Ultimately I'm hoping that the per-session fee for the table will end up being low - say, $1-2 per session. At that price I think it would still be a worthwhile solution for people that just want to play a game and don't want to make a serious hobby out of it.

Dibs on the monk! (I hope they're as broken as they were in 3.0!)

Bad news. I think monk and druid are out, at least at first. Confirmed classes in PHB are:
Fighter
Ranger
Cleric
Paladin
Wizard
Warlock
Rogue
Warlord

Posted By: Locke Cole117Okay, what do you suggest as a good starting class?

Depends on which edition. In 3rd edition, Fighter is the simplest from a game mechanics perspective. Ultimately it's whatever interests you, though, because the more invested you are in your character the more fun you'll have. In 4th edition I think all the classes are close to the same level of complexity. I know spellcasting has been scaled back, and fighters are given more tactical options that make them a bit more interesting.

Posted By: Locke Cole117Okay, what do you suggest as a good starting class?

Well, if you're starting up with 4th Ed, from that list above you really can't go wrong. I'm not familiar with Warlock and Warlord (new classes), but starting off at level 1 with everyone else being new to the system, it should make it easier to pick up all the minutiae inherent to DnD with everyone else. Still, Fighter seems an easy concept to get your head around, and you might be able to put Rogue in that category as well.

For previous editions, simple is easy to learn. Fighter is really straight forward, and Rogue/Thief is also fairly self-evident. Rangers and Paladins are also mostly offensive characters, but they have some special class abilities that can teach you about spells and things, but not too much to overwhelm you - plus, if you're not sure if you want to cast something, you can always hit something with them. Clerics, Wizards, Sorcerers and Druids make up the core spell-casting classes, and they have some similarities, but the small differences are also the biggest. Barbarians and Monks are in 3.0/3.5, and are cool classes to play, and much like Rangers and Paladins they have their own unique ability play styles.

More description of the classes is something you either should read in one of the books, or talk to someone with the knowledge, since I dislike typing all of this (for one thing, it gives up the fact that I know way too much about this). If you wanna get more into it, send me a PM and we'll hook up Skype for some DnD knowledge chat. That goes for anyone, btw. I'm most knowledgeable about 3.0, but I have some experience with AD&D 2nd. Also, for 3.0/3.5, the d20 SRD is an excellent resource, and free!

in 4e the classes are broken down into "archetypes" and have a specific role in the party

Leaders: leaders have abilities to heal others as well as bolster their abilities, classes include warlord, cleric

Strikers: deal heavy single target damage but are fragile if ganged up on, classes are warlock rogue and ranger

Defenders: can take a beating and can lay on some decent damage. They have abilities that force enemies to attack them or suffer consequences. Classes are paladin and fighter

controller: debuffing and Area damage mostly with light single target spells, currently there is only the wizard in this catagory

Posted By: FrackTruckin 4e the classes are broken down into "archetypes" and have a specific role in the party

Leaders: leaders have abilities to heal others as well as bolster their abilities, classes include warlord, cleric

Strikers: deal heavy single target damage but are fragile if ganged up on, classes are warlock rogue and ranger

Defenders: can take a beating and can lay on some decent damage. They have abilities that force enemies to attack them or suffer consequences. Classes are paladin and fighter

controller: debuffing and Area damage mostly with light single target spells, currently there is only the wizard in this catagory

Wow, sounds like they've rejigged all of the classes to be more like PC MMO fare... That is the suckage.

Posted By: Ferros

Posted By: FrackTruckin 4e the classes are broken down into "archetypes" and have a specific role in the party

Leaders: leaders have abilities to heal others as well as bolster their abilities, classes include warlord, cleric

Strikers: deal heavy single target damage but are fragile if ganged up on, classes are warlock rogue and ranger

Defenders: can take a beating and can lay on some decent damage. They have abilities that force enemies to attack them or suffer consequences. Classes are paladin and fighter

controller: debuffing and Area damage mostly with light single target spells, currently there is only the wizard in this catagory

Wow, sounds like they've rejigged all of the classes to be more like PC MMO fare... That is the suckage.Never go with a hippie to a second location.

That's what I've heard. I'm wondering if it's worth my time to download 4E, or if I should stick with the fuck ton of Call of Cthulhu books I finished downloading.

The whole D&D thing is something that's been kicking around in my head for a while now. I never got into it, mostly because my group of friends leaned more toward the computer and video game side of geekery. So now I have no idea how to get started, other than what FrackTruck and Dram already suggested - going to my local gaming store and asking to play with strangers (which my mommy says never to do). This sounds like the perfect solution though - a group of people who halfway already know each other, seem to be fairly intelligent, and willing to help out the newcomers to the D&D party (I hope).

A new edition also means I would expect most people to be starting new characters from scratch, so there won't be any issues of widely differing (character) experience.

Count me in if the DM and more experienced players wouldn't mind showing me the ropes.

Posted By: SeanCount me in if the DM and more experienced players wouldn't mind showing me the ropes.I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy

You got it! This new edition seems like it should be pretty accessible to newcomers, but I'd be glad to give you a gentle push up the learning curve. Once we figure out how to work the logistics of all playing together this sounds like it could be a pretty good time.

In order to run an online campaign I forsee the following items being needed:

VOIP chatroom
a way to roll dice without the potential for subterfuge
somebody (probably the DM with a webcam to show maps, important items, positioning for encounters, etc.

This being said Im down for playing :D

Posted By: FrackTrucka way to roll dice without the potential for subterfuge

Ironically, I think this is the limiting step here. Voice conferencing and video broadcasting are pretty robust (although it might be tough to push enough bandwidth to get a good battle grid), but it's hard to find something simple like dice rolling (die roll conferencing?). Here's one to try:

http://www.catchyourhare.com/diceroller/

It's almost - almost - worth writing a Java application for this. I don't really feel like learning about bypassing NAT firewalls ... or relearning Java for that matter.

hmmm

I recall from several years back a Python program that allowed for the importing of jpeg maps, included a die roller and had the functionality of a chat room, specifically for online RPGing...I forget what it was called though

Python sticks out to me because I had to install some python related app to run the thing

from what I remember it wasn't that great but in the ensuing years maybe the tech has been upgraded.

Open RPG maybe? I've never tried it personally, but from what I can tell people either love it or hate it. I'd be willing to give it a shot. I had completely forgotten about that - good call!

Posted By: Mike BradyOpen RPGmaybe? I've never tried it personally, but from what I can tell people either love it or hate it. I'd be willing to give it a shot. I had completely forgotten about that - good call!

That looks pretty good actually... the chat even allows for full html usage!

IIRC the hardest part was setting it up and learning how to run a game with it

Yeah, it seems like a relatively friendly interface. I think it will be workable, and better still if we pair it with voice chat. It's at least a good baseline from which to start. So, working from that: do we have a group? I've seen interest from the following:

Mike Brady
Locke Cole117
Dram
Flanked
FrackTruck
Sean

So we have enough for DM+5 players, which is perfect. It couldn't hurt to have one or two more, of course, since I doubt we'll be able to coordinate our schedules all the time. If people are still on board we can start sorting through the details. Above all, everybody should have a copy of the Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook, Fourth Edition. The best way to get it is by supporting your local game store, but it's also available through Amazon and other booksellers. You don't need to know it front-to-back, but read through it and get a feel for the rules. Figure out what kind of character you'd like to create.

In the meantime, we can all discuss logistics such as meeting time, DM responsibilities, house rules, etc.

Posted By: Mike BradyI've seen interest from the following:

I would play, providing I could get Linux to work with all of those apps (I'm not so great at that kind of thing...).

Posted By: DramI would play, providing I could get Linux to work with all of those apps (I'm not so great at that kind of thing...).

Fortunately most Linux distros have Python included, so that's one big step out of the way! Voice chat wouldn't be essential to play - just an added bonus.

Sorry for being slow. If you still have room to play, I would dig that. Email me details?

kyleblakely@gmail.com

Oh, and someone said something about a VOIP chatroom being needed, but that's not really always the case. There are a lot of nerd programs out there that I use on a regular basis. Ventrilo, anyone?

So my friends are starting up an "All-Star Game", where we all start off with level 15 characters and go on impossible missions.

ie, You know when you're playing, and you're about to go into a room, and someone says something like "You know what would suck? If there's a family of Beholders in there." In an All-Star Game, it'd be two families of Beholders that have agreed to eyestalk-rape the next thing that walks through the door.

My problem is that I have no idea what kind of character to make. I mean, I chose to be the "skill monkey" of the party, so I'm starting off with a few levels in rogue. Any suggestions on where to go with my character? Classes, feats to pick up, weapons, etc.?

That's a 3.5 game I assume?

Posted By: Mike BradyThat's a 3.5 game I assume?Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

Ayup.

I was talking with a friend who's also playing in the game about taking a few levels in Rogue, a bunch in Wizard, and work towards being a Spellwarp Sniper. Any experience with/thoughts on this class?

Posted By: Eddietaking a few levels in Rogue, a bunch in Wizard, and work towards being a Spellwarp Sniper. Any experience with/thoughts on this class?MY NAME IS EDDIE ANDTHISIS MY STUFF

Can't say that I'm familiar with it personally. I do remember a Prestige Class for Rogue that I particularly liked: the Thief-Acrobat. As I remember, they can basically attack from anywhere. They don't take penalties for tumbling at full speed, for climbing, balancing. They can charge over difficult terrain, they can stand up from prone without drawing opportunity attacks. You can basically always be available for sneak attacks without ever putting yourself in a compromising position. Even better if you have the Spring Attack feat. Definitely something to check out.