Shadoweagle's Dream

1. Shadoweagle's Dream

   #1

   Hehe, It's guess it's a bit of a pipedream for me but I'd love to get a program like this up:
   
   http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.c99232a34f.jpg (Click the image for a larger pic)
   
   A live rolling program which allows players to connect into a server. One player is promoted to the DM, and as such has control over how many rolls the other players have. When a player hits the 'roll' button, they use up one of their rolls and the result is shown in the textbox down the botton. Other misc. info such as when the GM gives someone else an extra roll, or when someone else logs in or out is also displayed. The DM has control over 'NPC' rolls, which are any counter-rolls something else may make in response to a roll. Sounds would just be a sound when someone logs in and out, and when someone rolls.
   So you could roll, then in a chat program, the DM would tell the players the outcome of the roll in their game. It would be awesome if one day we could organise a live roleplay in the chatroom using this program - i'd actually get a chance to witness an almost tabletop game :p . But as I said - It's a pipedream.
   I also have no idea how difficult it would be to make a program like this. =/

2. Shadoweagle's Dream

   #2

   I create programs like this every day at work. Meant to do it here too, but it is... work-ish. You know what I mean ;)
   
   If other programmers (*cough* Strolen and manfred *cough*) wants  to do this, we could do a sourceforge thing. If I did it alone, it would take about 3-8 weeks (depending on which framework I used). IMHO it would need an installer of some sort. A JVM might do the trick, or we could do exe.

3. Shadoweagle's Dream

   #3

   Doesn't sound hugely complicated, but time, as always, is the key question. I think this can easily go into the public Citadel, we may be able to attract another willing soul or two. Going sourceforge is fine, too - may get even more people.
   
   But it all stands and falls on time. Not sure how much support I can offer you.

4. Shadoweagle's Dream

   #4

   The way I see it, we could for instance do the following (inside the browser):
   -Flash GUI with MySQL back end
   -HTML GUI with MySQL back end
   -Java Applet
   -Active X (What I do for a living)
   -AJAX with MySQL back end
   
   I am most excited about AJAX or Flash.

5. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

   #5

   See, MySQL wins the day again. :)
   
   Me, I would be interested in that AJAX thingy, but that is based mainly on emotions and little else: heard about it, liked the idea, and seen it working nicely. Also it is a continuation of stuff I have done so far.
   
   
   Oh, and an important question should be answered first: what game system shall be used? It's not just 'rolling dice', it is always rolling in a certain way, so we should know upfront what we actually want. 3d6? 2d10? 4d6-3 or whatever else, the GM should choose it first - or will it be only one option? Or will the GM just say how many rolls the players get?

6. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

   #6

   If we get really pretentious, we could make it a pluggable system in which the GM could select Hit Dice, whether just a generic pool or body location based, what skills to choose from etc.
   
   And: We have all seen the compelling magic of stats. Including stats sheets visible for each player like SE mentioned would probably rock.
   
   As for AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript And XML): It is hype, hot and cool. Seen it in work with a shipping application (Satellite coordinated flash gui of ships, with stats underneath that continually change based on AJAX. Pretty nifty!

7. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

   #7

   Oh, boy. Another project. ;)
   
   This would stretch the comfort zone, something I am all about! Not sure how much help I could be, but would do my best to help out on it if it started!

8. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

   #8

   Well, if it was AJAX + MySQL you and manfred would be far more valuable resources than me. Not my strongpoint I am afraid, though that hyped AJAX technology would be nice to learn.
   
   As far as I can see it all comes down to time, and our time is limited.
   
   If we go through with this, let us have manfred as our project leader and start with planning? (Something all admins could be involved in)

9. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

   #9

   "Hit Dice" is already a game-system related term, man. :) Maybe I should direct the question to Shadoweagle to get a more precise answer, and think of a cool name even.
   
   You know, we could get wild and make it a basis for a whole on-line game. Once we have some means for rudimentary communication between a group of people, one being a GM with more rights, you can see where it can go. I for sure wouldn't want to start such a project, but it might be worth keeping in mind at analysis. And if it runs well, it might be expanded later.
   
   
   Well, and since I am fairly lazy, I can as well be the project manager.  :twisted:

10. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #10

    By all of the citadelian gods! This was just a random thought I had conjured up one sleep deprived night and decided to draw a little MS paint thing to visualise it, I never thought you'd all be serious about something like this! Kewl :D
    
    But anyway. Baby steps! If the base gets done, more can be expanded (Like making it for specific games etc) later.
    
    And another couple of random thoughts while i'm at it:
    - In the distant future, you could implement a section to upload specific games and the like, so anyone can add a game and play it on this system. For example, Ancient Gamer finishes his Coldforged project, and he inputs all the data - background, game systems/rolling, monster stats etc... - into the program and uploads it. Then, anyone who joins into his server will have access to all that information, perhaps as an option in the 'help' menu.
    - And furthering that, Perhaps you could even have custom skins: If people are playing the coldforged game, the program would have a coldforged-themed background etc...
    
    Anyway, I have next to no knowledge of programming, and nearly as little knowledge of PROPER roleplaying, so i'll leave it all up to you ;)
    And the name should be Strolen's Citadel themed.

11. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #11

    If you want to just take it a step further...
    
    Virtual table tops allow people to play table top RPGs, in real time, over the internet. This is an ideal solution for people with players that have temporarily left or have dispersed to schools across the country. Some of the ones I know of...
    
    http://www.webrpg.com
    The oldest running virtual table top site.
    
    http://www.openrpg.com/
    Opensource rpg virtual table
    
    http://www.fantasygrounds.com/
    Nicer and prettier webrpg
    
    http://www.ghostorb.com/
    technically superior virtual table
    
    http://www.opnpw.com/about.php
    new kids
    
    http://r.webring.com/hub?ring=gripnet
    GRIPS is a nice option and much less intensive as the game is distributed...
    
    And there are about 3 others notable ones... but if you search you can find them...
    http://www.rpggateway.com/Internet_Play/Virtual_Table_Tops/

12. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #12

    Once again, MoonHunter has posted a few links, and killed the thread. :)
    
    The point is (besides choosing a totally lazy project manager), does it make sense to make it at all? Did anyone take a look at those programs? Since SE did kinda started it, we should know if his requirements have not been already met - which would make all of this kinda unnecessary. *prods Shadoweagle*

13. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #13

    Well, that is what I call a lazy manager. He is so lazy he kills the entire project :p
    
    Well, obviously I like the idea. I have spoken about it lots of times. I think these would be the advantages of completing the project:
    - We would have the software onsite (as a web page a la the chat), drawing more attention and regulars.
    - It would be free of charge

14. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #14

    I haven't looked at those links yet. One day I will. But for now, let me just say that even if there is something else that meets the general criteria, I think it would be awesome to have one made by the people of Strolens Citadel, FOR the people of Strolens Citadel.

15. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #15

    
    Once again, MoonHunter has posted a few links, and killed the thread. :)
    

    
    
    Ooops I did it again. I am sorry. The truth will set you free, or drive you totally mad. Why don't you join the little voices and me in our world?

16. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #16

    That's what Debeth teaches us: knowledge is dangerous. :)
    
    ---
    
    Saved link: A little taste of AJAX chatrooms, since that is what we are close to:
    http://ajax.phpmagazine.net/2006/02/ajax_powered_chat_applications.html

17. Re: Shadoweagle's Dream

    #17

    Today at 01:48:16 AM Shadoweagle - Hey AG: Imagine if we made that rolling program... and then added a voice/microphone section to it! Imagine: You could have people sit down at a set time and conduct a roleplay across the world in real time! 
    
    Today at 01:48:40 AM Shadoweagle - And for free! or, well... monthly cost of the internet ^^
    
    Today at 01:50:19 AM Shadoweagle - And then, on top of that: Think if we could have set gaming sessions for different types of people: Imagine a "Learning to Roleplay" Session done, one hour, once a week, where a veteran DM's and the newbs can join in and learn the ins and outs of roleplaying
    

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