Thanks for you input and feedback. Your idea is interesting. There are several ways to do this, and I'd like you input on which would be best.

Having a simple table solves the problem partially, you can see order, HP, and general initiative and health status. However conditions requires more dispensing more information (like effects).

Some of the alternatives are:

1. Have a simplified table with the basic PC visible information (maybe include a simple summary panel for each PC);
2. Have a Web version of the panel described above; for several reasons VCC may have a built in HTTP server, this would allow players to connect to VCC and have a view of what is happening;
3. Have a simple PC specific view via HTTP server, this would allow each PC to see what is going on; it could be accessible via something like a smart phone.

The web server approach (1 and 2) seams more flexible than having an additional view. If you have two display on you computer, you simply place a browser on the other window.

Yes, the web display sounds like a great idea!

With version 1.0 a web server will be embedded in VCC. This will allow additional pages to be generated. Anyone have a idea of what information they would want to share with their players?

I would consider:

• Initiative sequence
• Full information on the players (HP, effects, initiative)
• Bloody/Dead monsters, readied and delaying monsters

What else?

I would definitely consider this point as a major addition to the program. Especially if the dm can send specific text to different pc's via this method.

3.
Have a simple PC specific view via HTTP server, this would allow each PC to see what is going on; it could be accessible via something like a smart phone.

Along these lines, would it be hard to intergrate a chat program into the interface???

Joe

One general comment is that VCC (that is your computer) is the web server, but is not on the Web. This means it can be visible locally (in you home network). Placing VCC on the web is not something I have thought of, but not something feasible now.

I would definitely consider this point as a major addition to the program. Especially if the dm can send specific text to different pc's via this method.

We could specialize the view for each windows. However unless you want to play silent dominated and every PC on the table has it's terminal I don't see many benefits. I mean why chat online when we can talk? Of course there may be some valid use case, but then better use some existing chat mecanisms.

3.
Have a simple PC specific view via HTTP server, this would allow each PC to see what is going on; it could be accessible via something like a smart phone.

This is a nice idea. Maybe we can have a general view of the "team captain" (player with a big laptop and that relays information), and individual stat screen for the real techy guys with the smart phones.

Along these lines, would it be hard to integrate a chat program into the interface???

While it could be done, I go back to my first comments. A chat would make since for playing online silently (with no voice connection). If you computer is out on the web, users can access it. But we tend to be behind broadband modems, firewall, and very restrictive ISP. So making this usable beyond the table top session is a daunting task.

I have been trying to make VCC core components user interface independent. It will take a while. But it could allow, theoretically, to have a VCC server somewhere and people connecting to it. But this is very far away.

The reason I'm thinking about a chat mechanism is that I think it could really enhance role playing opportunities. It is something I've wanted to bring into my game for a while, where the players can PM each other, the DM can PM any player individually and vice versa, and everyone's imagination can run wild with text (like reading a book) as opposed to being colored by 'talking'...

It is true, why not just use an existing chat mechanism? But I think that the more that everything is contained in ONE program, the better...

A 'lighter' version of this would be simply if the DM can send PC specific text to the PC in question without the other PC's getting the information. Beats having to pause the game for a couple of minutes while you go outside to talk to the player...

Joe

I am already using this in my game. I use MapTools for a Virtual Tabletop and although it does have a built in init program, it does not offer the same functions as VCC. It does, however have a built-in chat feature the we use extensively (secret notes, ect) even when we are all face to face.

Like Forgarn, I too use MapTools to handle all of my DMing needs but states/conditions/effects (can be done with InitTool, but does not have compendium capabilities). Second, having a http server is perfect as I can share this info over the net to my players, which are as far away as Australia. I would love to see the ability to have the DM decide what he wants to share. Create a dialog on the preferences screen that gives the DM the ability to check off what he wants to share.
PC Health * Defenses * Conditions * Powers * (to include usage)
NPC Health - Defenses - Conditions * Powers *

Possibly more, but that was just off the top of my head.

I used VCC 1.1.1 to run a game for the first time, and, wow - I really like it.

I would like a window to display on the 2nd monitor that showed the:
"Combat Sequence" (minus monster health, but with BLOODIED indicator)
"Effect on Target"

There has been talk of an embedded webserver...How can I access it? Is there an API I could use to make custom displays?

-James

There is an embedded web server. But currently it provides only the DNDI Capture servlet. If you want to help out on some other display we could create a REST interface to allow for the creation of Device based UI.

My plan was to have two views:

1. General player visible initiative order in line with you request.
2. Character view (with all the info for the character)

Of course we could create a REST interface for these two and allow you to create a view on anything you wish.

SWEET!! A REST interface would rock.

I'm a Drupal developer with a little bit of experience with consuming RESTful services...I've never written anything to respond to RESTrequests though.

The two plans you list sound great. An "all-in-one" display that would show players the initiative order, statuses and conditions while hiding all the monster details would rule!

I'd like to help, but don't know how to get started.

-James