So I've been using Roll20 for a while to run a home game and a oneshot, the issue is I quickly ran out of space to upload maps/tokens. Among a host of other things, I've really come to dislike R20 for its clukyness, but nothing else really seems to be as accessible for free/cheap. I want to start running AL games but I fear the more tokens and maps I upload the faster I'm going to run out of space, and I really don't want to give Roll20 money.
Does anyone know of any other VTT or alternative solution that will just, allow me to upload my own maps/tokens and allow players to move their tokens? I don't need much more than that honestly- I've got no need for a platform that allows for map making since I make my own/download others. Beyond20 access is a bonus but not necessarily required. I'd prefer to run in person but we all know what that story is atm.
Foundry VTT is a one-time cost of $50 and then no other expenses. There is a Token-maker mod that will let you turn any pic on any monster or PC into a token. There are mods for D&D 5e, DCC, PF2e, and other games. There are mods for importing stuff from here. And lots of other mods. All (or most) are free. A few ask you to support their patreon but so far I have not needed to do that.
IMO, it is well worth the $50. But if that is too expensive then you could look at Astral. That will let you do some things for free...
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WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
Have you thought about using Google Slides? Provided you do some simple map formatting, you can upload the map as the background and then insert some token images for the PCs and monsters. Just give your players edit access to the map and they'll be able to easily move things around. Best of all, it's free. And if slides is a bit too much, just use Google Draw.
I use MapTools. Its free, not a terrible drain on system resources (RAM, GPU, etc...), and you can run straight-forward games right away, without programming/scripting knowledge. If, like me, you enjoy writing macros, it can be incredibly powerful. I run all my games I am DM'ing in this.
I also play as a PC in FantasyGrounds (vanilla, not Origin) which has its pros (buy an adventure from WotC, and everything is there, and I mean everything) and cons (obtuse and baffling network issues - and don't get me started on trying to load resources!).
For my PbP game and a in person game i use an app called 3d virtual tabletop on my ipad. You load an image of the map i need, adjust the grid to fit with the picture and then add tokens. There are already some basic tokens included, but creating new ones from pictures is easy.
You can reveal or cover the map one field at a time or all at once.
I use MapTools. Its free, not a terrible drain on system resources (RAM, GPU, etc...), and you can run straight-forward games right away, without programming/scripting knowledge. If, like me, you enjoy writing macros, it can be incredibly powerful. I run all my games I am DM'ing in this.
I'll second the vote for Maptool. Takes a little getting used to, but worth it. You should have plenty of storage space, and also get dynamic lighting if you want to include that. There are a lot of good tutorial videos on Youtube that can give you an idea of what it can do.
Very simple and quick. Load a map, size to grid, and use existing or load your own tokens. All the data is saved in your browser cache - so you will need to use the same computer if returning to you map(s).
Very simple and quick. Load a map, size to grid, and use existing or load your own tokens. All the data is saved in your browser cache - so you will need to use the same computer if returning to you map(s).
I'm glad you mentioned this. I came across this thread and this tool is perfect for my group! Thank you
Very simple and quick. Load a map, size to grid, and use existing or load your own tokens. All the data is saved in your browser cache - so you will need to use the same computer if returning to you map(s).
I'm glad you mentioned this. I came across this thread and this tool is perfect for my group! Thank you
You already got your answer, I just want to second Owlbear - so easy, so amazing.
That said, you might want to keep an eye on AboveVTT - it's a Chrome add-on that basically extends Beyond to a very simple to use VTT. It's in development but fully playable, check out the Discord for more info.
I currently run a remote campaign for 8 players, I use inkarnate to create my maps on, and then run my combats on them. I am pretty much a mix of theartre of the mind and then combat I use a static map to show the area and enemies and let the players describe what they do.
You can do this without using inkarnate, I just use it because it’s my system but I grab screenshots whenever the players want to visualise the map and then post them on discord. I will then usually update it every couple of rounds of combat so the players have an up to date view of the situation.
I never map out social encounters gets or general adventuring.
If you are using dndbeyond/5e.... AboveVTT is probably your best bet. I used to use roll20... but now it is so easy to set up a session. Highly recommended. Owlbear/rodeo is also great if you are using pen and paper, but does not incorporate any dndbeyond monsters / Player character sheet etc etc...
“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Is there anything that allows players who use mobile devices to access a VTT? I have 8 players we play over discord and 2-3 of them login on mobile phones.
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So I've been using Roll20 for a while to run a home game and a oneshot, the issue is I quickly ran out of space to upload maps/tokens. Among a host of other things, I've really come to dislike R20 for its clukyness, but nothing else really seems to be as accessible for free/cheap. I want to start running AL games but I fear the more tokens and maps I upload the faster I'm going to run out of space, and I really don't want to give Roll20 money.
Does anyone know of any other VTT or alternative solution that will just, allow me to upload my own maps/tokens and allow players to move their tokens? I don't need much more than that honestly- I've got no need for a platform that allows for map making since I make my own/download others. Beyond20 access is a bonus but not necessarily required. I'd prefer to run in person but we all know what that story is atm.
Foundry VTT is a one-time cost of $50 and then no other expenses. There is a Token-maker mod that will let you turn any pic on any monster or PC into a token. There are mods for D&D 5e, DCC, PF2e, and other games. There are mods for importing stuff from here. And lots of other mods. All (or most) are free. A few ask you to support their patreon but so far I have not needed to do that.
IMO, it is well worth the $50. But if that is too expensive then you could look at Astral. That will let you do some things for free...
WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
Have you thought about using Google Slides? Provided you do some simple map formatting, you can upload the map as the background and then insert some token images for the PCs and monsters. Just give your players edit access to the map and they'll be able to easily move things around. Best of all, it's free. And if slides is a bit too much, just use Google Draw.
May you always roll 20s
I use MapTools. Its free, not a terrible drain on system resources (RAM, GPU, etc...), and you can run straight-forward games right away, without programming/scripting knowledge. If, like me, you enjoy writing macros, it can be incredibly powerful. I run all my games I am DM'ing in this.
I also play as a PC in FantasyGrounds (vanilla, not Origin) which has its pros (buy an adventure from WotC, and everything is there, and I mean everything) and cons (obtuse and baffling network issues - and don't get me started on trying to load resources!).
For my PbP game and a in person game i use an app called 3d virtual tabletop on my ipad. You load an image of the map i need, adjust the grid to fit with the picture and then add tokens. There are already some basic tokens included, but creating new ones from pictures is easy.
You can reveal or cover the map one field at a time or all at once.
very simple and easy to use virtual battlemap.
Attack: [roll]3d20dl2+6[/roll] Damage: [roll](if([roll:-1:critical], =0, 1d8, 2{1d8}.expand()))+4[/roll] Sneakattack: [roll](if([roll:-2:critical], =0, 2d6, 2{2d6}.expand()))[/roll]I'll second the vote for Maptool. Takes a little getting used to, but worth it. You should have plenty of storage space, and also get dynamic lighting if you want to include that. There are a lot of good tutorial videos on Youtube that can give you an idea of what it can do.
https://www.owlbear.rodeo/
Very simple and quick. Load a map, size to grid, and use existing or load your own tokens. All the data is saved in your browser cache - so you will need to use the same computer if returning to you map(s).
I'm glad you mentioned this. I came across this thread and this tool is perfect for my group! Thank you
You already got your answer, I just want to second Owlbear - so easy, so amazing.
That said, you might want to keep an eye on AboveVTT - it's a Chrome add-on that basically extends Beyond to a very simple to use VTT. It's in development but fully playable, check out the Discord for more info.
I like to use TablePlop personally, its in beta and free and no ads, its simple, easy to use, and overall a good site.
The quiet shade // Across old bark // In the ancient glade // It's always dark
I currently run a remote campaign for 8 players, I use inkarnate to create my maps on, and then run my combats on them. I am pretty much a mix of theartre of the mind and then combat I use a static map to show the area and enemies and let the players describe what they do.
You can do this without using inkarnate, I just use it because it’s my system but I grab screenshots whenever the players want to visualise the map and then post them on discord. I will then usually update it every couple of rounds of combat so the players have an up to date view of the situation.
I never map out social encounters gets or general adventuring.
If you are using dndbeyond/5e.... AboveVTT is probably your best bet.
I used to use roll20... but now it is so easy to set up a session. Highly recommended.
Owlbear/rodeo is also great if you are using pen and paper, but does not incorporate any dndbeyond monsters / Player character sheet etc etc...
I've been very impressed with AboveVTT -
Definitely worth a peek...
As for storage space custom maps I use a google drive link though you have to convert it to a direct link first - https://buildbrothers.com/gdrive-generator/
“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Another vote for owlbear rodeo. It's awesome, super easy to use, and free.
Is there anything that allows players who use mobile devices to access a VTT? I have 8 players we play over discord and 2-3 of them login on mobile phones.