tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post1404346816312693097..comments2024-03-18T20:22:06.331-04:00Comments on GROGNARDIA: So ... Google+James Maliszewskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341941102398271464noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-4121529131785159432011-08-03T21:38:34.631-04:002011-08-03T21:38:34.631-04:00i have to agree in regard to pacing probs w/ pbp, ...i have to agree in regard to pacing probs w/ pbp, but if you can develop the patience for it, it can be worth it (esp. if it's yr only current option) - i've been running a game off of a private blog (using the comments) now for over a year (1.5 weeks gametime!) - and it's been fun (even better now w/ better mobile technology, ipad etc.) - a few days ago, the players actually entered the Ruined Monastery (your Fight On 1 entry)...Holmentzerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13705085040356135179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-44057817029805056792011-08-03T20:53:50.772-04:002011-08-03T20:53:50.772-04:00Say James, thanks for at least the acknowledgement...Say James, thanks for at least the acknowledgement that you started up a PbP game and then dropped it two weeks later with so much as a "I'm outta here, bitches!" <br /><br />I wasn't sad about the end of that cluster eff nor was mad about it (I even have used my alchoholic character "Thursty" as a henchman in some of my OD&D games after that). It was the fact you seemed to dump out of it without a word to us that seemed very weird. Weeks later people where still posting here and there (echoing voice) "Hello? Hello?" for weeks after.Kevin Machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14122665488285424578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-62988405306472092862011-08-03T20:26:34.604-04:002011-08-03T20:26:34.604-04:00@Zak;
Thanks for the info and the answer/info pag...@Zak;<br /><br />Thanks for the info and the answer/info page. I think I'll stick to Skype for right now but Google+ looks like something that is going to bring in the masses.Badmikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06199830751033032585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-4091542909861710442011-08-03T18:05:12.520-04:002011-08-03T18:05:12.520-04:00@ancientvaults:
G+ is surprisingly simple in term...@ancientvaults:<br /><br />G+ is surprisingly simple in terms of overall interface. When I started using it, I was actually surprised because I almost expected more. But I think the simplicity of presentation is one of its strengths.Taketoshihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17876641059472816784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-63467501865429287202011-08-03T18:02:00.557-04:002011-08-03T18:02:00.557-04:00I have taken a few stabs at trying to understand G...I have taken a few stabs at trying to understand Google+ and might be into hopping into or running a game at some point to see how it goes. It does seem like a great medium to game in, brainstorm ideas, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-22244161977302413872011-08-03T17:56:51.842-04:002011-08-03T17:56:51.842-04:00I was going to make at least three of the points t...I was going to make at least three of the points that Zak brought up in his explanation before I read that response.<br /><br />At least three of them apply to me. I have a group that meets twice a week and if I could find the time I would love to get my mitts on some G+ games.Taketoshihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17876641059472816784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-16957251073304320442011-08-03T17:48:52.692-04:002011-08-03T17:48:52.692-04:00I have now run two games in G+. One was Swords an...I have now run two games in G+. One was Swords and Wizardry and the other was the DCC beta. I am by no means a technophobe, but I am a novice at Facebook and Gmail. I’ve never used Skype for more than voice. I’ve used a webcam maybe three times in my life. I currently run two face to face games and play in two. I have heavily flirted with several different online tabletop simulators, but never actually ran anything with any of them.<br /><br />G+ games rock. I haven’t been this excited about playing since I was a kid. Yesterday was my first game, and I was pretty apprehensive and nervous about it. I’ve never run S&W before, so I was a little slow there, but the game itself was just about as good as face to face. I had four players and tried to have five, but G+ didn’t like it. Four players plus GM is definitely the limit right now. We used the honor system for die rolling and I held pictures up to the camera. We had a time limit of two hours, which is good. My second game went for 3.5 hours and I was tired of sitting and craning my neck afterword (but the game was a total blast and we completed the adventure). It’s a very simple interface, and you can pick it up quick. I had three players in the first game that had some experience with G+ (including Zak), and that definitely helped me out a bit. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and we all agreed to play again next week.<br /><br />Zak really needs to get credit for setting up Constantcon and maintaining the calendar. I feel that is what has truly allowed us to tap the potential of G+. I got up this morning to take my dogs for a walk and was all juiced about how well the game worked out. When I got home, I decided to run another game. I hopped on Zak’s site at 10:00 and posted the DCC beta game for 11:30. I had two players ready to roll and several more that expressed interest but couldn’t make the time. It was that quick and easy. When is the last time you were able to throw a game together that quickly? Everyone had such a good time we ignored the two hour time limit to finish the adventure.<br /><br />I highly recommend giving it a try. It has truly changed gaming for me.arcadaynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17025690624100512801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-80759294226886177712011-08-03T17:32:35.203-04:002011-08-03T17:32:35.203-04:00@cibet
These kooky RPGs we play were meant as add...@cibet<br /><br />These kooky RPGs we play were meant as addenda to wargame systems hardly anyone plays anymore. They've changed.<br /><br />As for:<br /><br />"if your in person group were available and meeting your gaming needs why bother with online?"<br /><br />Oh so many reasons:<br /><br />-If you are the only one in your group who GMs, you can GM with your home game and be a player 5 times a week on line<br /><br />-If a member of your longstanding group moves or goes on a trip, you can keep your regular game together<br /><br />-If there is a game you want to play in addition to your local one but can't find players for that specific game, you can start that up (several people on G+ are just now getting to play their first Petal Throne game due to G+)<br /><br />-If you want to playtest an idea with several different groups (Tavis allison's doing that now)<br /><br />-If you want to play with an online pal who you know from blogs or forums is a likeminded individual but have never got to play with them for logistical reasons<br /><br />-If you are temporarily not home yourself<br /><br />-If you have a job where you can be online while you work you can play at work (guilty)<br /><br />I would never suggest online gaming should or will replace face-to-face play but just as gameblogs are a fun and interesting supplement to actually playing games, online games are, too.Zak Sabbathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812410680077034917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-81702756552318186032011-08-03T16:57:18.334-04:002011-08-03T16:57:18.334-04:00@ Andreas. I agree that Skype works just fine. In ...@ Andreas. I agree that Skype works just fine. In fact, I'm of the apparently unique opinion that voice only is better than video chat. I find all the little boxes of jerky video heads a bit distracting, really. However, I think the Google+ interface may alleviate this to a degree.Aoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00145284080419502886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-40584617200236726222011-08-03T15:42:30.078-04:002011-08-03T15:42:30.078-04:00For those of us who are not all that keen on yet a...For those of us who are not all that keen on yet another google thing, I think skype works just fine. <br /><br />So, it's the video for all that g+ gives you? Sounds like there should be some free video conferencing program out there that could do it. Not that I know of any...AndreasDavourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17170806742393291962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-591959448795098662011-08-03T15:06:52.079-04:002011-08-03T15:06:52.079-04:00RPGs were "meant" for some orthodox form...RPGs were "meant" for some orthodox form of use? I had no idea. <br /><br />Also, I have a face to face and an online group. Both "work" fine.Aoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00145284080419502886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-11104262669303860382011-08-03T14:28:51.133-04:002011-08-03T14:28:51.133-04:00@Zak S:
"who in the hell suggested you can...@Zak S:<br />"who in the hell suggested you can't have a tabletop group just because you play on-line too"<br /><br />Just you, in your post, maybe that's why it makes no sense to you? Most strawmen don't.<br /><br />However, I'm pretty sure the vast majority of online and PBP players don't have a regular tabletop group. After all if your in person group were available and meeting your gaming needs why bother with online?<br /><br />Even so, I still believe these kooky RPGs we play are meant for people playing face to face. That's why it's such a small community that plays them. If this industry had to rely on PBP and virtual games wholly, it would not exist at all, we'd be left with WoW. Even 4E with its DDI still really only works face to face, players just need laptops as well.cibethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16815626047653230637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-54526198380698576302011-08-03T13:46:20.756-04:002011-08-03T13:46:20.756-04:00I would be aboard, but unfortunately Google+ has t...I would be aboard, but unfortunately Google+ has the whole "Real Names" policy.pookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09521454715536568847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-74466619972833430642011-08-03T13:32:56.893-04:002011-08-03T13:32:56.893-04:00@cibet
What do we get if you're wrong?
And o...@cibet<br /><br />What do we get if you're wrong?<br /><br />And of course, who in the hell suggested you can't have a tabletop group just because you play on-line too? That makes no sense.Zak Sabbathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812410680077034917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-36164066433650115602011-08-03T11:33:20.777-04:002011-08-03T11:33:20.777-04:00James, a word about Fantasy Grounds and Maptool an...James, a word about Fantasy Grounds and Maptool and all those: you do require a bit of technical know how to get them off the ground and running. Even fairly simple things like infrno can be an obstacle if you have someone in the group who does not have basic computer literacy (they are out there). Tech issues can suck all the fun out of the whole thing in minutes. Keep things simple at first. <br /><br /><br />Anyway, good luck.Aoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00145284080419502886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-24708064646340834502011-08-03T10:25:47.143-04:002011-08-03T10:25:47.143-04:00Well my prediction is that you will get a game or ...Well my prediction is that you will get a game or two off the ground, extoll the virtues of gaming in this fashion for a bit, have the games peter out, and never go back.<br /><br />RPGs were meant to be played around a table with friends (you know people you actually know and like). If you want to game on a computer with (near) strangers there are plenty of CRPGs out there that do it better.<br /><br />I think in general that if you don't have a face to face group of friends to roll dice with it's time to move on from the hobby. Good luck!cibethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16815626047653230637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-37301084594908430482011-08-03T09:32:14.247-04:002011-08-03T09:32:14.247-04:00We've done one session already on Google+ hang...We've done one session already on Google+ hangout and it worked well enough. The video feed simply replaces the equivalent of the chat window found in most other virtual tabletops.*<br /><br />It helps to run a map client/server and dice client as well (such as the free <a href="http://www.rptools.net/index.php?page=maptool" rel="nofollow">maptool</a> or one of the many commercial map clients), rather than just relying on the video windows. <a href="http://rpgvirtualtabletop.wikidot.com/" rel="nofollow">RPG Virtual Tabletops</a> has a reasonable discussion of most of the various clients that are currently available.<br /><br />[Although one thing I found irritating was a lack of counters that are viewed from above, as most virtual counters show a front view, and I find that rather disconcerting when the map board is viewed from above. Then again a digital camera and set of miniatures helps cure that problem. Still I can't wait until someone designs a 3D virtual tabletop with orthographic display; unfortunately the graphics artists capable of doing that are busy working on the next computer RPG.]<br /><br />Of course this doesn't help one joining in a game when one is on the other side of the planet. =8(<br /><br />[* Although since we were all veterans of the MUD/MUSH era of the early internet we cope quite well with text-based interaction in real-time anyway.]Reverance Pavanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01217657347160811310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-43238909343719694342011-08-03T09:29:26.680-04:002011-08-03T09:29:26.680-04:00as I see it, the challenge is dealing with even gr...as I see it, the challenge is dealing with even greater variance in player commitment. my solution would be to conceive of the game sessions as self-contained expeditions from Muntberg (and back, by the end of the session) with a changing roster of PCs.Brian (brian_cooper at hotmail d o t com)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02805168206752602148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-62377486234593012992011-08-03T08:50:16.780-04:002011-08-03T08:50:16.780-04:00It is easy as pie. I've run a few games as a t...It is easy as pie. I've run a few games as a test, and there was no problems. You can have up to 10 playing. If you do this, I want in. :)Rogue Gameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07677589366040436360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-51857661769638023652011-08-03T03:55:33.278-04:002011-08-03T03:55:33.278-04:00Ok, I tried to consolidate all the answers to all ...Ok, I tried to consolidate all the answers to all the G+ questions I've heard so far here:<br /><br />http://dndwithpornstars.blogspot.com/2011/08/everything-you-need-to-know-about.htmlZak Sabbathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812410680077034917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-33634303761033957522011-08-03T03:43:18.216-04:002011-08-03T03:43:18.216-04:00@badmike
the multiperson video function's fre...@badmike<br /><br />the multiperson video function's free.<br /><br />that's all. otherwise it's the same.Zak Sabbathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812410680077034917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-56475484158536118862011-08-03T02:40:53.983-04:002011-08-03T02:40:53.983-04:00I've been using Skype for online play for year...I've been using Skype for online play for years, someone convince me why Google+ is better.Badmikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06199830751033032585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-10493564136880324352011-08-03T02:06:11.881-04:002011-08-03T02:06:11.881-04:00Why not be a player in a couple games first using ...Why not be a player in a couple games first using G+ to get a feel for it? If you find it agreeable, take the DM plunge.Smackchowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10764709292104995144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-90546574716430705232011-08-03T01:53:00.090-04:002011-08-03T01:53:00.090-04:00I've tried playing games online with various s...I've tried playing games online with various setups. By far the least painless has been Maptool + Skype. Both are free and multiplatform. Some sort of live voice chat is a must to keep everyone focused and properly support table talk. Maptool meanwhile is the only thing out there that (after a slight period of adjustment to the interface) gives you versatile and verbose as you need it dice rolling functions, and as many separate map files as you need, all with easy support for tossing on an adjustable grid (square or hex), drawing stuff on the fly, slapping down scanned in maps and minis, and if you want it, fog of war.<br /><br />My group generally goes with pre-drawn maps covered in fog, and either scanned monster manual images or rough equivalents from old videogames as monster minis to speed things along. If you have players draw their own maps, you're even better off really. Blank page with a grid, mapper grabs the pencil tool, describe away.Googleshnghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17011657325177988880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487871339000666216.post-27944880243030093092011-08-03T00:20:36.089-04:002011-08-03T00:20:36.089-04:00Hi James. Perhaps, for those of use lucky enough t...Hi James. Perhaps, for those of use lucky enough to get a Dwimmermount "primer" at OSRcon, it'll be an opportunity to continue the adventure online via G+. That'll give you a bit of time to fiddle around with it, and also get the intro to world/system out of the way, leaving it open just for straight gaming.<br />I think such a venue would work particularly well with a rules-light system, less rolling, and more "rulings" to maintain narrative and flow. Call of Cthulhu would work particularly well, for example. From what I've read of Dwimmermount, it should work well, with the only concern being mapping.Theohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15719958535312673509noreply@blogger.com