Paradigm Concepts

[PCIHenry]

From original post by Pete Cooney:

Hello, everyone!

This thread will be used in the future to organize online play of CSE using tools like FantasyGrounds, OpenRPG, or MapTools with audio tools like Skype and Ventrilo.

First and foremost, if you'd be willing to try your hand with me in GMing the new campaign online, please reply to this thread. I understand we're all new to the game system, but if you're an experienced GM, you have what it takes to tell these stories while learning the system with your players.

Pete C
_________________
Henry Lopez
President
Paradigm Concepts, Inc.

[Sutekh]

Pete:

Im about halfway through my initual read of the Quicklaunch pdf. It's been slow going so far due to work, but my immediate thoughts have been Earthdawn!.(purely for mechanics ). which has brough some some really cool memories.

What would be really nice would be one of those 'sample character' guides with the rulebook, ie Pete C makes a Human. He wants to play an Expert so he assigns X to Y' sorta deal. Esp in New mechanics rpgs it is really neccesary.

Ill let you know how I go with rules and when I will be available to run something.

[Hat]

I and potentially Nicole would be up for giving it a try.

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul

[GTseng3]

Suggestions to anyone wanting online play:

1. Get Skype. While some people are willing to run games the old fashioned way via AIM, these ways are long, and frankly... boring. Text based games take about twice as long to play (8 hours in my experience on average,) and you never quite feel immersed in the character. Voice games have very few delays, finishing up about the same time as regular games. You can get a good headset mike for very cheap. I know that I will very likely only be running games over Skype.

2. Here is the video tutorial site for Maptool: http://www.rptoolstutorials.net/?page_id=7

Watch the two videos listed. They explain how to use Maptool (you can watch the others if you want to learn the intricacies of GMing with it, and programming macros and such, but they are not required). Get the latest version and fiddle around with it, make sure you can get it to work with your computer and internet connection, and if it doesn't work ask on the forums for tech help (they're very friendly.) Why? Because Maptool makes running tabletop games online SO much easier. We did this for online play of LFR (during the year I actually played it), and the difference was immediate and palpable. Granted, LFR is more combat-oriented, but with the tactical combats of Arcanis it will work as well.

While I hesitate to say that I'll only be using Maptool to run games, because some people legitimately can't use it... I would really, really PREFER to use Maptool. It makes things so much nicer. (Actually I like it so much I want to figure out some way to use it in actual tabletop games.)

Those are my suggestions. If for some reason you're using a 15 year old computer and can't run ANY voice programs, don't worry. I know of at least two people who are willing to still run AIM games.

Allowing a month for premieres, we'll probably start running online CSE in July. In the meantime... I'm definitely game to run online Witch Hunter.

[Vashti]

Hi, Henry...I'm sure the majority of ArcanisOnline folks would be happy to help. I certainly am.

Pete, Jeffrey, Maryrita, I, and others have carried this discussion on over on that list.

My opinion is:
1. There absolutely are positives to strong techno-based tools (Skype, Maptool, etc.).

2. There are absolutely positives to low-key styles (AIM chatroom and a shareable, dynamic map-grid, like GoogleDocs).

And I also have experienced that both styles have drawbacks. I think that as long as there is shared comfort, then any style is suitable.

[cooneypete]

Hey, all!

With the advent of the system coming, let me ask everyone:

1. How many are available on a weeknight versus a weekend? I, for one, can only really game online during the week.

2. How many of you have played the HPs already? I ate HP 1-01 and am happy to run, but I'd love to try my hand at a character in the new system....

3. Have any of you experience running or playing in MapTools? I'm willing to give it a whirl if someone else GMs first.

Pete C

[EddieS]

You can count me in. Just let me know when, where, and how.
_________________
Talendus the Raven
Berokene Elorii - Expert Tier 1
"If you do something right, it's as if you didn't do it at all .... "

[thom216]

Pete,

1) Weeknights work from 5pm to 11pm EST for me
2) Havent played any mods, but willing to eat one
3) Its been a while but I could run one on Maptools

Tom