Hey guys, I am returning to DMing after a LONG time away from the game, and also we are going to be playing online. Ive seen both fantasy grounds and roll20 for this wanted some actual player feedback on what is the most dm friendly platform. (Keep in mind I would be getting the ultimate edition with fantasy grounds).
1. I am not a great artist by any means so that has already turned me a bit away from roll 20, but how is fantasy grounds map building systems?
2. I really enjoy DnD beyonds character sheet builder and editor so I still wanted to use that, is there a way to import these sheets or characters into fantasy grounds, or would these sheets be more usable for roll 20? I only have the free account currently for fantasy grounds, but it didn't seem like there were a lot of race options built into it.
3. How is DnD beyond for playing virtually? Is there some sort of virtual tools with the subscription that would help me, like being able to see my players character sheets?
Edit 1: Another question. I want to find a map that I could use to give the players some perspective and kind of let them choose where they want to start the campaign. I know critrole is on exandria and would love to find a detailed map of that if anyone can point me in the right direction!
I am all for a combination of any of these three, or other options if people like different things, just trying to find out all the things I need before I buy any subscription, adventures, or books.
1. I am not a great artist by any means so that has already turned me a bit away from roll 20, but how is fantasy grounds map building systems
Roll20 has packets you can purchase to help with building and developing maps. Like Fantasy Grounds they also have all the official D&D campaigns with maps and easy to follow dm guide on how to use them. I'd explore roll20 a bit more before making a decision. I'm not very familiar with FG tbh though.
2. I really enjoy DnD beyonds character sheet builder and editor so I still wanted to use that, is there a way to import these sheets or characters into fantasy grounds, or would these sheets be more usable for roll 20? I only have the free account currently for fantasy grounds, but it didn't seem like there were a lot of race options built into it.
There currently is not a way to import the character sheets. Both Fantasy Ground and Roll20 have pretty good sheets as well which makes it convenient to roll in their systems if you're playing online. If you need a PC to make an attack roll all they have to do is click on their attack on their character sheet. I know roll20 has a pretty big race selection, but either one you can put it race stats pretty easy if they don't have it, just like writing on paper sheets.
3. How is DnD beyond for playing virtually? Is there some sort of virtual tools with the subscription that would help me, like being able to see my players character sheets?
If you're using theater of the mind, or playing in person it works pretty well. If you have a subscription that allows you to have campaigns then all players using DNDbeyond you can send a link to join the campaign and you can see their sheets.
Edit 1: Another question. I want to find a map that I could use to give the players some perspective and kind of let them choose where they want to start the campaign. I know critrole is on exandria and would love to find a detailed map of that if anyone can point me in the right direction!
There are a ton of map tools out there if you google it, and want to create your own world. If you want Matt's world specifically I'm sure you can find it. You can purchase a campaign guide that focuses on the 1st campaign here: Critical Role: Tal'Dorei Campaign Guide. When I initially bought it a couple years ago now? it came with a detailed PDF map.
I can't help you with the Encounter Builder, currently not subscribed.
Hey guys, I am returning to DMing after a LONG time away from the game, and also we are going to be playing online. Ive seen both fantasy grounds and roll20 for this wanted some actual player feedback on what is the most dm friendly platform. (Keep in mind I would be getting the ultimate edition with fantasy grounds).
1. I am not a great artist by any means so that has already turned me a bit away from roll 20, but how is fantasy grounds map building systems?
2. I really enjoy DnD beyonds character sheet builder and editor so I still wanted to use that, is there a way to import these sheets or characters into fantasy grounds, or would these sheets be more usable for roll 20? I only have the free account currently for fantasy grounds, but it didn't seem like there were a lot of race options built into it.
3. How is DnD beyond for playing virtually? Is there some sort of virtual tools with the subscription that would help me, like being able to see my players character sheets?
Edit 1: Another question. I want to find a map that I could use to give the players some perspective and kind of let them choose where they want to start the campaign. I know critrole is on exandria and would love to find a detailed map of that if anyone can point me in the right direction!
I am all for a combination of any of these three, or other options if people like different things, just trying to find out all the things I need before I buy any subscription, adventures, or books.
I also purchased the subscription today so I can use the Encounter builder and now I have questions about that in case anyone looks at this.
1. If on the right it shows Total XP is 450, is that per person? or is that supposed to be split between the whole party?
2. Also that bar that fills up, is that the difficulty meter?
Roll20 has packets you can purchase to help with building and developing maps. Like Fantasy Grounds they also have all the official D&D campaigns with maps and easy to follow dm guide on how to use them. I'd explore roll20 a bit more before making a decision. I'm not very familiar with FG tbh though.
There currently is not a way to import the character sheets. Both Fantasy Ground and Roll20 have pretty good sheets as well which makes it convenient to roll in their systems if you're playing online. If you need a PC to make an attack roll all they have to do is click on their attack on their character sheet. I know roll20 has a pretty big race selection, but either one you can put it race stats pretty easy if they don't have it, just like writing on paper sheets.
If you're using theater of the mind, or playing in person it works pretty well. If you have a subscription that allows you to have campaigns then all players using DNDbeyond you can send a link to join the campaign and you can see their sheets.
There are a ton of map tools out there if you google it, and want to create your own world. If you want Matt's world specifically I'm sure you can find it. You can purchase a campaign guide that focuses on the 1st campaign here: Critical Role: Tal'Dorei Campaign Guide. When I initially bought it a couple years ago now? it came with a detailed PDF map.
I can't help you with the Encounter Builder, currently not subscribed.
Wow this was super helpful, thank you!