I've been planning an "oops All Dragons" campaign for a while now, and I have a bunch of fun in-person doohickies, gadgets, and trinkets that I'm excited to implement. I've looked up some examples of people doing hybrid setups and they were all great inspiration, but I was looking for more. One of my friends that MUST be in this specific campaign (because I love him and we have dreamed this up for a while) lives out of state now.
My current theoretical plan
For the centerpiece. My big unused flatback TV lying in the center to display cool maps and such, maybe even on top of one of those table topped table topper tables (or whatever they're called) for extra useable table space below the TV; or a nice white mat to cover the table and a projector mounted on a C-arm (those things that hold boom mics or professional cameras) to display maps and such. Both these options would theoretically let me stream the map in Discord or something for easier access to the virtual player if necessary.
Webcams on webcams: One webcam aimed at me, most likely also mounted on the C-arm but at a different angle, so that the virtual player can see me do all of my fun stuff and get an angle on cool DM screen shenanigans. One webcam on my laptop at the opposite end of the table, so the table can see a relatively large display of the virtual player and he can get somewhat of an angle on the players at the table. Maybe one more if I get greedy for another angle but that's less important.
Conference speaker: I would be getting a fairly expensive one for optimal quality and latency.
VTT: potentially considering barebones VTT functionality to display said maps so my virtual player can move around on the map on their own. I have two options for this and its not my highest priority to figure out at the moment.
Things that I am determined to accomplish if only for this one campaign and then never again: Use all of my in-person fun stuff and have the virtual player get the best experience possible in the process.
DISCLAIMER: I'm aware that hybrid is a huge struggle for most (if not all) groups, and it brings weaknesses from both in-person and virtual play without bringing all of the strengths from either. I'm just getting ahead of any replies stating that the best hybrid setup is to not do hybrid (ironic comments will get a pass....I guess). I'm not asking for advice on if I should do it, but on suggestions on how to make it the best that I can make it.
I've been planning an "oops All Dragons" campaign for a while now, and I have a bunch of fun in-person doohickies, gadgets, and trinkets that I'm excited to implement. I've looked up some examples of people doing hybrid setups and they were all great inspiration, but I was looking for more. One of my friends that MUST be in this specific campaign (because I love him and we have dreamed this up for a while) lives out of state now.
My current theoretical plan
For the centerpiece. My big unused flatback TV lying in the center to display cool maps and such, maybe even on top of one of those table topped table topper tables (or whatever they're called) for extra useable table space below the TV; or a nice white mat to cover the table and a projector mounted on a C-arm (those things that hold boom mics or professional cameras) to display maps and such. Both these options would theoretically let me stream the map in Discord or something for easier access to the virtual player if necessary.
Webcams on webcams: One webcam aimed at me, most likely also mounted on the C-arm but at a different angle, so that the virtual player can see me do all of my fun stuff and get an angle on cool DM screen shenanigans. One webcam on my laptop at the opposite end of the table, so the table can see a relatively large display of the virtual player and he can get somewhat of an angle on the players at the table. Maybe one more if I get greedy for another angle but that's less important.
Conference speaker: I would be getting a fairly expensive one for optimal quality and latency.
VTT: potentially considering barebones VTT functionality to display said maps so my virtual player can move around on the map on their own. I have two options for this and its not my highest priority to figure out at the moment.
Things that I am determined to accomplish if only for this one campaign and then never again: Use all of my in-person fun stuff and have the virtual player get the best experience possible in the process.
DISCLAIMER: I'm aware that hybrid is a huge struggle for most (if not all) groups, and it brings weaknesses from both in-person and virtual play without bringing all of the strengths from either. I'm just getting ahead of any replies stating that the best hybrid setup is to not do hybrid (ironic comments will get a pass....I guess). I'm not asking for advice on if I should do it, but on suggestions on how to make it the best that I can make it.