Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 39
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Yes, but it automatically calculates CR and XP. It's also faster and I've found it to have a better UI for managing combat. I particularly don't like that you have to load enemies into your active portfolio in HL in order to use the tactical console and then manually remove them when combat is over.
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#11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 677
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Not very cool... but if Wolf Lair lets you... I guess more power to ya. |
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#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Posts: 1,265
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Quote:
IMO I don't think all the posts have been to promote just CM though, I think it was offered as an alternative to the HL tactical console in response to the OP. They both do a similar job and both have their own quirks you are free to take your pick. Me I'm sticking with pen and paper at the moment and slowly moving to electronic and that will be HL tactical console plus the Realmworks product when it gets released. Then i'll be looking at the quirks that I don't like, and requesting features. Dormio Forte Somnio Community Created Resources : Data Package Repositories : d20pfsrd Custom Character Sheets Community Server Setup (Packs) Hero Lab Help- Video Tutorials and Pathfinder FAQ Created by the community for the community
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#13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 156
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I agree, Bodrin. I use HL for most of my creation and record keeping at this point for individual PCs and NPCs, but I still use P&P for combat etc. during the game. I'm more than willing to use a full program, which is why I'm SUPER excited for Realm Works. As it is, I used electronic references during games. I always bring (for Pathfinder, for example) my core book with me, but I use a tablet or laptop and the pdfs for most of the other books. I keep the laptop handy in case I have to make character changes (or, unfortunately, if my PC dies and I need to make another) on the fly, but as a GM, most of my tasks are done via P&P.
Now, I'm really looking forward to Realm Works. I think there's a huge potential there. Granted, the BIGGEST usage for me right off the bat will be the between-game organizing and referencing of all the crazy, psychotic amounts of notes and outlines I have for my game, hehe. But it seems like it will also be a very useful in-game tool to boot. |
#14 |
Senior Member
Volunteer Data File Contributor
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Chicago, IL (USA)
Posts: 10,729
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Personally I use a different piece of software to run Combat at my games and have used it for 5+ years now. It is a paid piece of software so in that case I have never mentioned its name on these boards. But the guy who wrote CM is an active community member over at Paizo and is giving away his created software for free. Running the website its on to allow downloads is not free either. So I give the guy allot of credit for this hard work. I doubt LW would have an issue with it actually. Anyways I have used computers at my game table ever sense my first campaign got to level 5 and trying to run two dozen creatures and buff spells was WAY too overwhelming. I am also one of those freaks that uses a Projector for the maps and for displaying the images of monsters and NPCs to the players. Hero Lab is a cool piece I added to my software collection and I am hoping Realm Works is the final piece that puts all together. Hero Lab Resources: Pathfinder - d20pfsrd and Pathfinder Pack Setup 3.5 D&D (d20) - Community Server Setup 5E D&D - Community Server Setup Hero Lab Help - Hero Lab FAQ, Editor Tutorials and Videos, Editor & Scripting Resources. Created by the community for the community - Realm Works kickstarter backer (Alpha Wolf) and Beta tester.- d20 HL package volunteer editor. |
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#15 |
Spy
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Van Nuys, California
Posts: 1,220
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I was slowly beginning to progress towards using a projector, but then I thought, why do that. My eventual goal is to run my entire game on a VTT online. Haven't completely settled on a VTT, problem is, there are things I like about each and every one, but not one of them is the kind of feature rich product that includes the great ideas in each product. Right now, I'm leaning towards MapTool, because its free and it has line of sight, not to mention its Java-based, which means it can run on all machines. Haven't found another one that does line of sight. Really like the story telling elements in fantasy grounds 2, but hoping that RW will do that up right for me and I can forget about FG2 (the cost is ridiculous). d20Pro has alot of promise, and that's the deal, there's alot that can be done with that product that hasn't been finished, but it is reasonably priced.
For now, I'll stick with just HL and progress towards online play (and possible a projector if I get a wild hair). I have gone almost entirely digital though, I was P&P for a long long time, but the stacks of paper comprising my campaign notes has gotten completely out of hand and disorganized to boot. I tried a wiki at one point, on Obsidian Portal, but it just didn't offer enough for what I wanted. My eventual goal is to have no paper notes at all, though I will never get rid of having the physical books. I hate reading online documents, argh, the raster burn to the eyes! |
#16 |
Senior Member
Volunteer Data File Contributor
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Chicago, IL (USA)
Posts: 10,729
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Did I mention I LOVE MINI's. So a VTT would prevent me from needing to use my mini's. I am now even a subscriber to the MINI line of Pathfinder Mini's so I get cases now ever few months of NEW MINI's. When I do encounters half my time is making sure I have the right MINI for the encounter. For a new AP one for the first things I do is plan what minis I am going to use for each encounter and NPC (good and bad). They are like my little actors and stay hidden behind the curtains until its time for them to appear. Yea yea I am strange. Hero Lab Resources: Pathfinder - d20pfsrd and Pathfinder Pack Setup 3.5 D&D (d20) - Community Server Setup 5E D&D - Community Server Setup Hero Lab Help - Hero Lab FAQ, Editor Tutorials and Videos, Editor & Scripting Resources. Created by the community for the community - Realm Works kickstarter backer (Alpha Wolf) and Beta tester.- d20 HL package volunteer editor. |
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#17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 156
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Oh my sweet lord! I would LOVE you as a GM! A projector?? Now I totally want to do that! (Sorry, I'll stop spazzing now, but I've never thought of that, and it's such a rad idea.)
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#18 |
Spy
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Van Nuys, California
Posts: 1,220
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Quote:
That said, I never knew that Pathfinder was putting out a line of minis. Apparently, my local gaming store doesn't carry them. But I've stopped buying minis because of the fact I may go to the VTT online. Like you, I once loved minis, and I had several methods of which I tracked them, with numbers, then with colors and number, then with small stickers, and eventually I settled on mini-clips of varying colors. The mini-clips work perfectly for me, and for effects, I have several different color markers to indicate an ongoing effect. But, when a VTT takes complete care of that, well, you can't help but love the simplicity of it. Streamlining combat is a major issue I've had for years, and I've done a good job of it, but it would be infinitely more efficient to let the VTT track things for me. Besides, I'm a lover of technology, I HAVE to try the new toys. |
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#19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 147
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With the exception of the CR and experience per encounter. But it look great and easy to use. Nice work!
Edit: Sorry did't see the second page before posting.. oups.. Last edited by Eretas; February 13th, 2012 at 12:31 PM. |
#20 |
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