RPG Software

From Durbn

I have an idea to create some software that will assist in playing a pen & paper RPG. One requirement is that it should be minimal and not get in the way of playing the game.

One idea would be to have a software interface for the GM that could run on a laptop, and have a informational screen available on a client. The client would be non-interactive and show vital information to the group, kind of like a airport arrival/departure monitor.

GM Tools

Here is a list of tools that would be available to the GM.

• Time advancement and event system - One aspect of this would be to track the current time as the PCs perform actions. During combat the GM could advance the clock each round. Also events could be entered and displayed when the current game time reaches that event. Effects and their lengths could be recorded to keep track of things like poison.
• Combat manager - This could be used to keep track of which PC or NPC's turn it is and what effects are in play. It could also be a place to record data so things aren't forgotten during the combat round. The GM could also use this (via mouseclicks maybe?) to indicate which character is attacking which character(s).
• Dice roller - Standard dice roller so that the GM doesn't have to deal with so many dice. Wouldn't have to be used if the GM prefers the old-school way.
• A combat map - This would be the most difficult to implement and wouldn't be done right away. Stick with glass over a grid and erasable markers for now.
• Lookup charts - The GM could copy essential charts from the source books so they wouldn't have to waste time flipping through books.
• Quick equations - Equations could be entered using JavaScript. Lookup charts could be tied into this to calculate difficult equations.
• Quick reference chart - A place to enter source books and page numbers so you can quickly refer to the correct information.
• NPC manager - A place to enter NPC information so you don't need to shuffle through a ton of papers.
• Story journal - To record story events that have happened or to manage upcoming story items.
• Web browser tab - Can be used for quick reference to a Wiki or other resource.

Client Display

Here is a list of items that could be shown on the client display. This shold be displayed in huge fonts for display on a TV or large monitor.

• Game time clock - A clock/calendar showing the game time could be shown to let the players grasp the passage of time as they move through the game and combat scenarios.
• Current player during combat - The name (and picture?) of the current character to keep track of whose turn it is.
• Combat summary - Could show who is attacking who and an IRC style log of what has happened during that combat round.