Yeah...don't do it. I am assuming you are at a physical table.
If you want a battlemap, buy a vinyl one from Chessx and get dry erase markers. Windex is an excellent choice to remove any stubborn marks (avoid using red on the map). Prepare your notes in a binder. It is way simpler than playing around with apps on a portable computer.
As the title said what are some good apps to use to help run a game at a table but using a tablet.
I use Owlbear. I have my laptop on one side of the DM screen, and a tablet that can either be set in the centre of the screen for players to see the battlemap on, or instead to pass around as they wish. I've also had it running cast to a TV where appropriate. The best thing about Owlbear is its extensions and it's cross-platform friendliness. It works well across both computers, phones, and laptops - though like many sites I'd avoid Safari browser like a plague due to it's weird way of rendering images.
Other than that, I allow players to use DDB character sheets but don't need any other apps to run the game. Owlbear and casting for battlemaps and DDB for those who want digital characters sheets is all you need.
At a table there's no substitute for rolling real dice, and I do prefer physical character sheets as they do help players understand the mechanics of the game better in my opinion. I also prefer handwritten notes, but could theoretically utilise OneNote, or Chronica as my notes too.
Ultimately, it depends on your workflow though and what works for you.
.... Maybe im old as can be, but why would you want it all digital?
- google docs (write you plan out [ like my plan ] ) <---- that's a west march game but its how i do all my session plans. lol shouldn't be locked but if it is let me know. Bit excessive cause we have approvals before we can run at west march. I can't really share my private LMoP plans lol. - Music, spotify and a speaker or kenku.fm if your looking to spend some money. - descrybe is a must have for most.
Past that i got no other advice. I use a PC/online setup. But, maybe implementing a bit of what i use helps?
.... Maybe im old as can be, but why would you want it all digital?
- google docs (write you plan out [ like my plan ] ) <---- that's a west march game but its how i do all my session plans. lol shouldn't be locked but if it is let me know. Bit excessive cause we have approvals before we can run at west march. I can't really share my private LMoP plans lol. - Music, spotify and a speaker or kenku.fm if your looking to spend some money. - descrybe is a must have for most.
Past that i got no other advice. I use a PC/online setup. But, maybe implementing a bit of what i use helps?
Maybe I wasn’t clear but everything isn’t digital. There will still be a physical map, minis, buildings and dungeons. The only thing I want digital was an initiative tracker, ambiance music, and quick access to books (digital you will find things 10x at fast on the spot). All I want is technology to enchance the game, not take over everything.
.... Maybe im old as can be, but why would you want it all digital?
- google docs (write you plan out [ like my plan ] ) <---- that's a west march game but its how i do all my session plans. lol shouldn't be locked but if it is let me know. Bit excessive cause we have approvals before we can run at west march. I can't really share my private LMoP plans lol. - Music, spotify and a speaker or kenku.fm if your looking to spend some money. - descrybe is a must have for most.
Past that i got no other advice. I use a PC/online setup. But, maybe implementing a bit of what i use helps?
Maybe I wasn’t clear but everything isn’t digital. There will still be a physical map, minis, buildings and dungeons. The only thing I want digital was an initiative tracker, ambiance music, and quick access to books (digital you will find things 10x at fast on the spot). All I want is technology to enchance the game, not take over everything.
My two favorite things I use all the time ... I'm fairly certain they would work fine on a tablet ... 1) BARDIFY ... Music and ambience.. Totally free on youtube channel. I think you can pay through patreon and skip youtube. But, I use the brave browser and can play all the videos/songs without ads. https://www.youtube.com/@bardify 2) IMPROVED INITIATIVE ... Awesome free initiative tracker tool. It also has a hyperlinked compendium of spells and creatures. https://improvedinitiative.app/
Yeah...don't do it. I am assuming you are at a physical table.
If you want a battlemap, buy a vinyl one from Chessx and get dry erase markers. Windex is an excellent choice to remove any stubborn marks (avoid using red on the map). Prepare your notes in a binder. It is way simpler than playing around with apps on a portable computer.
Simple is matter of opinion. I prep my notes in word/publisher/OneNote. I type faster than I write, and people can read what I type. I build my encounters in D&D beyond, and my maps i build in CC3+ it is simple for me. As is presenting them digitally.
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As the title said what are some good apps to use to help run a game at a table but using a tablet.
Yeah...don't do it. I am assuming you are at a physical table.
If you want a battlemap, buy a vinyl one from Chessx and get dry erase markers. Windex is an excellent choice to remove any stubborn marks (avoid using red on the map). Prepare your notes in a binder. It is way simpler than playing around with apps on a portable computer.
There are several. What elements of your game are you hoping to use the tablet for? That will let us make contextually relevant suggestions!
I use Owlbear. I have my laptop on one side of the DM screen, and a tablet that can either be set in the centre of the screen for players to see the battlemap on, or instead to pass around as they wish. I've also had it running cast to a TV where appropriate. The best thing about Owlbear is its extensions and it's cross-platform friendliness. It works well across both computers, phones, and laptops - though like many sites I'd avoid Safari browser like a plague due to it's weird way of rendering images.
Other than that, I allow players to use DDB character sheets but don't need any other apps to run the game. Owlbear and casting for battlemaps and DDB for those who want digital characters sheets is all you need.
At a table there's no substitute for rolling real dice, and I do prefer physical character sheets as they do help players understand the mechanics of the game better in my opinion. I also prefer handwritten notes, but could theoretically utilise OneNote, or Chronica as my notes too.
Ultimately, it depends on your workflow though and what works for you.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
Oh no lol, I mean an initiative tracker, ambiance music, etc.
the tablet is meant to augment gameplay vs. take over control. Will still use a map, minis, etc this is more a way of replacing hand writing anything.
Ahh, sorry...I'm not great hand drawing stuff so use Inkarnate to make my maps...owlbear also has the initiative tracker etc.
Not necessarily an app, but Bardify on Youtube has some great ambiance and music to make playlists from for D&D.
Ambience - YouTube
Dungeons & Crypts - YouTube
Book of Music is pretty good too - Book of Medieval Life - YouTube
Though I have YT premium so don't get adverts there so might be less helpful.
On Google Play there's literally an App called simply 'Initiative Tracker' which I used to use prior to Owlbear - Initiative Tracker for D&D – Apps on Google Play worked well enough for me.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
.... Maybe im old as can be, but why would you want it all digital?
- google docs (write you plan out [ like my plan ] ) <---- that's a west march game but its how i do all my session plans. lol shouldn't be locked but if it is let me know. Bit excessive cause we have approvals before we can run at west march. I can't really share my private LMoP plans lol.
- Music, spotify and a speaker or kenku.fm if your looking to spend some money.
- descrybe is a must have for most.
Past that i got no other advice. I use a PC/online setup. But, maybe implementing a bit of what i use helps?
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Maybe I wasn’t clear but everything isn’t digital. There will still be a physical map, minis, buildings and dungeons. The only thing I want digital was an initiative tracker, ambiance music, and quick access to books (digital you will find things 10x at fast on the spot). All I want is technology to enchance the game, not take over everything.
My two favorite things I use all the time ... I'm fairly certain they would work fine on a tablet ...
1) BARDIFY ... Music and ambience.. Totally free on youtube channel. I think you can pay through patreon and skip youtube. But, I use the brave browser and can play all the videos/songs without ads. https://www.youtube.com/@bardify
2) IMPROVED INITIATIVE ... Awesome free initiative tracker tool. It also has a hyperlinked compendium of spells and creatures. https://improvedinitiative.app/
Simple is matter of opinion. I prep my notes in word/publisher/OneNote. I type faster than I write, and people can read what I type. I build my encounters in D&D beyond, and my maps i build in CC3+ it is simple for me. As is presenting them digitally.