Players using Hero Lab in-game?

[swhite58]

We've just started playing Pathfinder, and we used HL form the start to create and print character sheets. Several players wanted their own HL licenses so they could maintain their own characters, so now we have three out of seven players with HL, plus me the GM. It has occurred to me that it wouldn't cost that much to get HL for the other four players, and then we can use it in-game, so they can record changes in state, barbarian rage, damage etc.

How many of you do this? Is it worth the money and effort? HL has quite modest system requirements, so I'm sure we can scavenge enough laptops to do the job.

Thanks

[bodrin]

Originally Posted by swhite58

How many of you do this? Is it worth the money and effort? HL has quite modest system requirements, so I'm sure we can scavenge enough laptops to do the job.

Thanks

I do, it's an expense but worth it for the convenience.

I GM and have all the player portfolios on my system linked into a Dropbox account. When the session is over any changes are propagated to my players and vice versa.

[Sketchpad]

Some of my players do. I think of the 8 players I have, 5 of the 8 use HL during play.

[Umarian]

Our group uses it at the table. It makes life a lot easier. Especially at higher levels when you have a lot of buffs on the characters. It is hard to remember what your character has that gives it a Morale bonus (Just using that one as an example), but HL figures it out for you.

Plus trying to remember all the details of spells or abilities, all you have to do is hover over it to see what it does.

As a GM, having all of your players characters right there makes it easier for you as well. It has definately made gaming easier as both a player and a GM having it at the table. (Though you have to be careful with people surfing the net in game. Have to get onto people from time to time, but usually not a problem.)

[swhite58]

Thanks for the encouraging answers. I don't have or need many add-ons so it would only cost them $16 each. I can network all of the laptops but block internet access if necessary

[chiefweasel]

All my players use it during game. I s the DM find the Tactical Console very useful as well.

[ShadowChemosh]

Yea just wanted to say I think all my players are now using it at the game. One was a hold out for a few games saying he likes to do it on paper. But then saw how easy it was for everyone track stuff and apply conditions and buffs to a character.

After just two games he showed up with his Mac book and been using it HL at the game now also...

[Provos]

With the HeroLab character sheet for iPad comming out that will help for at the table as well.

[The Great Rinaldo]

I have started using it at PFS games on my Windows 8 tablet (full version, not RT, so it runs desktop software), and it is marvelous. All my characters are in one place, and I don't have to manually calculate the effects of multiple buffs when the cavalier/bard and cleric both get going.

[Aaron]

My players are sadly jobless post High-schoolers, and being unable to buy things, they don't use it at the table. I wish they did though.