squarescales
Sneak
80 Posts
    
 | | 03/22/2006 4:08 PM |
| | I was wondering how many of you DM/GMs like to use laptops while running a campaign? If so, in what capacity do you use it? I know for our games, the DM frequently uses a laptop for quickly looking up things in the SRD online. Anyone do more than this, like for example stat/condition tracking of N/PCs, etc? | |
Noble Sage | |
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Vrecknidj
Warlord
10492 Posts
United States
| | 03/22/2006 5:16 PM |
| I tried using one for a while, but it slowed me down. I know where things are in my books and in the few instances when I need them, I just look stuff up.
Dave | |
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thedip
Sergeant
737 Posts
| | 03/22/2006 5:16 PM |
| I have a lap-top and use it for designing games but have never used it in a game of D&D as I find that computers get in the way as they can take the focus away from the game.
The only time I have used a computer is for a Cthulhu game when I used it to play sound files.
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jgsugden
Commander
4320 Posts
Walnut Creek, CA
| | 03/22/2006 5:27 PM |
| | I keep the adventure on the computer. Then, during the session, I can use key word searches to jump to the right room when the PCs move around in the dungeon/encounter areas. I also use the system to generate large dice rolls (20d12), or to roll dice when I don't want the PCs knowing I was rolling dice. You have to find interfaces that work for you, but once you do, life becomes far easier ... | |
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Kiddoc
Underboss
1797 Posts
| | 03/22/2006 7:58 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by squarescales
I was wondering how many of you DM/GMs like to use laptops while running a campaign? If so, in what capacity do you use it? I know for our games, the DM frequently uses a laptop for quickly looking up things in the SRD online. Anyone do more than this, like for example stat/condition tracking of N/PCs, etc?
I use the computer for the entire campaign. It can make save rolls for an entire company of gnolls at once (saving time and effort), it allows me to read from text while looking UP at my players (rather than down on a paper), it keeps track of all THEIR stats with autocalculations for lots of secret things (they can't "hear" me making the secret rolls). I love the conveniences it offers, and I also use it to run the background music for the game (linked up to the stereo system--so I can switch to dramatic, horror, combat, or environmental music during appropriate situations). Sometimes, it's a distraction, but it saves a TON of time and effort, and it's a massive organizational tool that keeps things moving fluidily, and makes sure I have a readily accessible record of everything that has transpired in the campaign.
Love my lappy. I bought it just for the campaign (and writing), and it's been a worthwhile investment (and tax write-off). :) | |
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Knight of Argenis
Corim Danex
Warlord
6842 Posts
West Valley City, Utah
| | 03/22/2006 8:02 PM |
| I use a laptop during game play, but nowhere near to its full potential. I use it to track party HP, monster HP, initiative, experience (CR's) earned during sessions--so I can award it more quickly.
I can sure see the potential of having the computer used a lot more than I do, though. | |
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Knight of the
Round Table
Thenameless
Warlord
12481 Posts
The Fortress of Solitude
| | 03/22/2006 8:07 PM |
| | No. Technology is a no-no. You're supposed to play the game without electricity to capture the right ambience. Use candles. Electricity is only for keeping the pop cold. | |
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nycfarmkid
Underboss
1210 Posts
Wadsworth, OH
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proudft
Sneak
109 Posts
| | 03/22/2006 9:06 PM |
| They make too much noise and take up too much space for me to use one. I don't even like using a DM screen since I can't see over the damn thing. A laptop would be the same thing pretty much, plus it would be whirring away continually.
I might consider it if I had a side table, and it was silent. The side table is a possibility, but silent isn't (yet). Maybe in another ten years.
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wildmage
Sneak
123 Posts
| | 03/22/2006 9:45 PM |
| | I've got a laptop running on a side table (its pretty quiet) mainly for access to the hypertext SRD. I also am trying to make E-tools work for me but right now I'm working for it (ahead of time while preparing the campaign). In addition I have used a word processor from time to time to keep track of campaign notes. Otherwise I use the DM screen and have printed notes for encounters (to keep track of monster hitpoints). I also use notebook paper to keep track of round-by-round status effects. | |
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LargeMarmot
Sergeant
463 Posts
| | 03/22/2006 11:54 PM |
| | I use the computer to work out the planning but not during the game. I would be willing to try out computer based adventures, but as is searching though 14 pdf files is too much for me to do effectively. I would be willing to use a laptop if I was doing a 2 DM session. | |
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madda
Sergeant
714 Posts
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Zeb
Underboss
2027 Posts
| | 03/23/2006 12:33 AM |
| | I have been thinking of using my wife's laptop for running encounters during a session. Hey Kiddoc, how about some pointers...? Like software programs that you use to make things easier as a DM. I currently use mapping software and spreadsheets for planning encounters... | |
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zenthrus
Warlord
5132 Posts
SLC, UT
| | 03/23/2006 12:58 AM |
| | No laptop. Desktop computer is in the other room from where we game. If I had a laptop I'm sure I'd use it for gaming (although we're pretty crunched for space most of the time so I'm not sure...) | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
| | 03/23/2006 9:07 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Kiddoc
quote:
Originally posted by squarescales
I was wondering how many of you DM/GMs like to use laptops while running a campaign? If so, in what capacity do you use it? I know for our games, the DM frequently uses a laptop for quickly looking up things in the SRD online. Anyone do more than this, like for example stat/condition tracking of N/PCs, etc?
I use the computer for the entire campaign. It can make save rolls for an entire company of gnolls at once (saving time and effort), it allows me to read from text while looking UP at my players (rather than down on a paper), it keeps track of all THEIR stats with autocalculations for lots of secret things (they can't "hear" me making the secret rolls). I love the conveniences it offers, and I also use it to run the background music for the game (linked up to the stereo system--so I can switch to dramatic, horror, combat, or environmental music during appropriate situations). Sometimes, it's a distraction, but it saves a TON of time and effort, and it's a massive organizational tool that keeps things moving fluidily, and makes sure I have a readily accessible record of everything that has transpired in the campaign.
Love my lappy. I bought it just for the campaign (and writing), and it's been a worthwhile investment (and tax write-off). :)
Sure, claim it as a business expense ... just like the liquor. Hey ... can you do that now? | |
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2004 D&D Miniatures Champion
Kiddoc
Underboss
1797 Posts
| | 03/23/2006 9:26 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Zeb
I have been thinking of using my wife's laptop for running encounters during a session. Hey Kiddoc, how about some pointers...? Like software programs that you use to make things easier as a DM. I currently use mapping software and spreadsheets for planning encounters...
I use all of Jamis Buck's great software for random stuff. I also REALLY love DM Genie. It takes about 7-10 days to learn to use, but once you do, it's automatic. I added all the extra classes and races (warforged) myself. It's amazing. I love the campaign scripting for it too, and all the auto-calculations. DM Genie also has a great treasure generator, which I'm a big fan of.
I love campaign cartographer for maps, but I'm about to switch over to Dunjinni now that I can write it off as a business expense (like I did with the lappy). Either way, DM Genie lets you link directly to the maps, and have them seamlessly integrated with the rest of your setup. | |
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bshugg
Underboss
1833 Posts
| | 03/23/2006 9:49 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by proudft
They make too much noise and take up too much space for me to use one.
What sort of noise? My is silent except when the fan is running and even then its barely noticable. Its also only the size of a PHB so no room problems unless you have a tiny table. | |
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Skyscraper
Sergeant
659 Posts
Montreal
| | 03/23/2006 2:19 PM |
| I'm kinda new around here, so i'll start by saying hello!
On the subject at hand, i can see the interest in using a comp as far as usefulness is concerned, but personally, i like the feel of good'ol pen&paper D&D and, of course, rolling dice! I'm actually a big fan of rolling dice myself. Although statistically it changes nothing, i would never allow anyone else to roll for me as a player, and i would not allow a computer to roll for me as a DM. Rolling the dice yourself is a bit like trying to control your fate... And as a DM, i like to control the fate of my minions, even though their fate is often one and the same for all once the dust has settled.
Sky | |
The wise man doubts often. The ignorant, sometimes. The fool, never. | |
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proudft
Sneak
109 Posts
| | 03/23/2006 2:48 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by bshugg
quote:
Originally posted by proudft
They make too much noise and take up too much space for me to use one.
What sort of noise? My is silent except when the fan is running and even then its barely noticable. Its also only the size of a PHB so no room problems unless you have a tiny table.
The fan whirring is what I'm talking about. What can I say, I'm Mr. Fussypants.
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johnny.quest
Underboss
1386 Posts
| | 03/23/2006 9:57 PM |
| | I mainly use mine to run E-Tools and generate random treasure on the spot. | | | |
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glauron
Underboss
1379 Posts
Sydney, Australia
| | 03/23/2006 10:31 PM |
| My laptop sits in front of me, on a turntable.
All my rolls are done on it, no dice, and no need for a DMs screen.
I have pics for every monster. If I use published material I'll scan in actual pics of monsters and NPCs, call them up, turn the laptop and show the PCs what they're up against.
I have everyones initiative on spreadsheets (pre-rolled for my guys (the baddies) and just slot in what the players roll. Then a click of a button to sort them in initiative order, and away we go.
I track damage to every critter and PC - very useful for big battles.
Couldn't live without my laptop, and the players love the way it speeds up battles and the graphics.
I don't think I could play the baddies to best effect if I didn't write down in advance what I intended to do with them, and how their abilities are modified via spells and potions etc. Especially important with high level spellcasters.
Wizards has some useful downloads as far as online tools go. Check them out at http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/tools
I haven't used DM Genie but have heard lots of good things about it. I tried the demo but baulked at the learning curve. Maybe I should revisit it. | |
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Wayne
Underboss
1371 Posts
| | 03/24/2006 1:26 AM |
| One of these days I'll get a fancy swingable and rotateable table to hold a laptop, something where I can easily move it in and out of position without giving it a thought, and at that point I'll use it in the game. (Realistically, by the time I get around to that, all adventures and rules will be published electronically ... )
My experience with two DMs and several players using laptops is that they always got distracted by ... well, lots of stuff. Funny movie clips they find while searching for rules, problems with the computer, updating character sheets, and on and on. I finally had to ban 'em from my game room.
Another DM and I do use our PDAs at the table. We both have several resources -- like the SRD -- hyperlinked and searchable. And occasionally I use it to roll dice when I don't want the players to know. | |
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reezel
Sergeant
555 Posts
| | 03/24/2006 8:13 AM |
| | I recently aquired my new alienware laptop and have been using it to run my games for the past month and a half. It is slow starting, but as time goes by I am able to speed up the process a little more. And I love the fact that my book count at the table is going down. I have found DM Genie to be immensly useful, though like many said there is a large learning curve. I also find that if you can get any of the Etools data sets that have help files done already, they are the most useful. I don't like Etools itself, but I love having a searchable help file that is basically the entire book. Very helpful. | |
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Awesome Sauce
Teflon Jeff
Warlord
7908 Posts
Sector 2814
| | 03/24/2006 10:53 AM |
| | I used to use one, but I never was able to get any good software for it, so it seemed like I was spending too much time on the laptop and not enough on my actual game/game prep. where can I find a good set of software for GMing? | |
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LargeMarmot
Sergeant
463 Posts
| | 03/25/2006 12:33 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Teflon Jeff
I used to use one, but I never was able to get any good software for it, so it seemed like I was spending too much time on the laptop and not enough on my actual game/game prep. where can I find a good set of software for GMing?
At the very least I want to find something where I can put abunch of pdf pages that I can click and use when needed, if that makes any sense. | |
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taliesin
Underboss
1113 Posts
| | 03/25/2006 1:23 AM |
| I've tried to use my laptop at the game table. I have eTools, and a PDF adventure on the screen, and background music files to play quietly. But I was distracted, disorganized, and slow. It's just easier to have the stats on paper on the table in front of me, a pencil in hand, and a big pile of dice ready to roll.
Maybe if I used the pc more often, it would feel more natural. But right now, it doesn't. | |
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Geddonight
Skirmisher
18 Posts
| | 03/25/2006 10:40 AM |
| I use my laptop for 1) PC & NPC Initiative (Excel is awesome); 2) keeping track of special gear for each PC (like those jewel-encrusted goblets from 13 sessions ago); 3) Looking up facts about the world I've created in a word document.
I've found that there is a temptation to hide behind the computer, but I've learned to use it almost exclusively for the initiative... there are 8 pcs in my group, and we have a lot of space, so things work out okay.
I combine the computer with DDM cards & minis, and an old cut-up mini mat from chessex to keep track of monster health & effects.
The noise doesn't bother... everyone's so loud anyway that you never notice | |
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Bert the Troll
Commander
3964 Posts
Adelaide
| | 03/26/2006 6:58 PM |
| Laptop isn't geeky enough for me [)]
I use a PDA.
I do a lot of prep work on desktop first. Then prep my PDA for the game. I still like the feel of dice and tend to use them during game.
I have used laptop with external monitor for revealing maps as adventurers delve or to display visual representations of treasure. Or for times when I'd rather not dictate the same thing to a group.
I Use Plucker, MobileDB, Repligo & Wordsmith for 99% of my stuff. I aim on buying a bunch of cheap PDAs to give to players for character stuff once the price of 2nd hand ones drop a bit more, or more accuratly, so the price range includes all the features I want.
I try to aim for paperless environment, but not diceless. | |
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Mama Cass
Warrior
286 Posts
| | 03/26/2006 9:19 PM |
| Our game used to be laptop heavy, 4 or 5 of them on the table. With the new campaign I have eliminated all but mine and I keep it off to the side. I use it mainly for the calendar and notes. I will look up stuff on the SRD once and a while.
We use 3x5 cards in small vnyl sleeves for initiative. The cards have the character's name and pictures and we use a DM 1, 2, etc card. We then write the init score in dry erase. If someone changes init, just move the card.
We used to use Excel and sort and resort, but found the cards work better. | |
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Bert the Troll
Commander
3964 Posts
Adelaide
| | 03/27/2006 5:52 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Mama Cass
Our game used to be laptop heavy, 4 or 5 of them on the table. With the new campaign I have eliminated all but mine and I keep it off to the side. I use it mainly for the calendar and notes. I will look up stuff on the SRD once and a while.
We use 3x5 cards in small vnyl sleeves for initiative. The cards have the character's name and pictures and we use a DM 1, 2, etc card. We then write the init score in dry erase. If someone changes init, just move the card.
We used to use Excel and sort and resort, but found the cards work better.
The card idea is a good one (files off serial numbers and uses) | |
"Mutton yesterday, mutton today, and blimey, if it don't look like mutton again tomorrer." Bert the Troll - The Hobbit
Semi-Secret sig business: "In the age of the internet attaching a famous name to your personal opinion to give more weight to it is a very valid strategy." - Benjamin Franklin
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Feathers
Underboss
1140 Posts
| | 03/28/2006 4:28 AM |
| I used a laptop when I DMed. For near on 5 years. I always found it helped immensely because my adventures were written on my laptop. And at higher levels especially my stat blocks were gargantuan.
And the laptop was also good for keeping notes. I liked it. It was like a DM's screen and the adventure+core books all rolled into one. | |
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IanB
Commander
3112 Posts
| | 03/28/2006 2:52 PM |
| The only one I really used my laptop for was one where I was running a converted 1E module; all my conversion notes were on the laptop.
I find it tends to get in my way most of the time otherwise. Can be handy, certainly, but at the moment I'm running published stuff and I don't need it at hand. | |
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