Some questions

[kcdnd]

Hello,
I'm reading through your manual now and had some questions. I've downloaded tutorial and plan to play around with software over next couple weeks to determine which software I will buy and so will eight of my players.

I like the story presentation and links. The Xorne tutorials were good. I like making videos of desktop applications so I enjoy watching others show me how to do things.

When you purchase FG do you get upgrades for life or do you have to purchase major upgrades? When was the last major version upgrade? How active is the development of the virtual table top system? Am I able to change my TCP or UDP port when hosting a table top session?

Those are my initial comments and questions. Looking forward to playing with demo.

[Hye Jedi]

Hi,

I'll let others more experienced with FG answer most of your questions, but I believe you get upgrades for life as long as you have a valid license. Regarding your question about active development...by my observations as a new user, the development team is very active and responsive to user enhancement requests. If you like more of a campaign/story feel to your role-playing, Fantasy Grounds is second to none. I love the power and automation of the character sheet and combat tracker.

[cpbs]

Yes, as long as you have a valid license, you will continue to get upgrades. As when Fantasy Grounds, was in the original stage, and it moved to Fantasy Grounds II. All license transfered over, as far as I know. The last major upgrade was not that far back, I think it brought 4E to Fantasy Grounds as a default ruleset. I would also say that with the new owner of Smitworks/Fantasy Grounds, there has been a major increase in development, not just on the platform itself, but also for new rulesets/adventures/library modules for the whole community.

I think you have to change your TCP/UDP port forwarding before you can host a game. Although with the latest update, you can know check to make sure you are connected and working by pinging an offsite server, which is good.

And welcome to the forums :), I hope you find the VTT to your liking, as I have been using it for 2 years and can't think of another VTT with the depth and feel that FGII brings. Plus the awesome customer support and community support you get if you have any questions about the program. :)

[Moon Wizard]

The updates for Fantasy Grounds have fluctuated between minor and major for a long time, depending on the time available to the developers.

The 4E ruleset was brought into the official download for FG with the v2.6.5 release, and the ruleset received a major overhaul as part of that inclusion.

The current plans are to perform some moderate work on the client as well as upgrade the 3.5E ruleset.

Also, the port used by Fantasy Grounds can be changed using a command line option when launching the application.

Cheers,
JPG

[Oberoten]

the switch is -p <Portnumber>

- Obe

[kcdnd]

I wanted to let everyone know I've decided on which VTT software to buy and it was Fantasy Grounds 2.

I actually purchased full version + 10 lite versions to take advantage of the bundle deal. Thanks for bundle offer! :)

I compared Battlegrounds and d20Pro and here is why I went specifically with Fantasy Grounds 2 (not listing common features but ones that stand out with FG2):

ability to create self contained modules
ability to have fun with 3D dice
theme of software / looks like table top
new owner seems excited to take product to new levels
ability to create custom game rules
my computer is server versus hosted server on corporate server
Xorne's tutorials make it look fun, good, and simple :D
lastly and most importantly is community support


One thing I didn't see with any VTT software I reviewed was ability to support different themes. Something like Firefox themes. I run a custom rules space game and would love to have a space theme versus medieval fantasy theme when doing custom game. With ability to switch back to medieval, western, modern, or wasteland theme when playing 3.5E DnD or other games. I'd buy themes for a reasonable price ($5 to $10 range). Let community build themes then sell them through your store so everyone benefits.

Thank you much and I look forward to spending time enjoying FG2 and community.

Paul

[cpbs]

Nice that you made your decision and if you need anymore help just ask around or hit the search function. If its a question thats about Fantasy Grounds, then it has possibly already been discussed before and if it has not then you can always ask questions and someone will come along to point you in the right direction. Welcome again :D

[Doswelk]

One thing I didn't see with any VTT software I reviewed was ability to support different themes. Something like Firefox themes. I run a custom rules space game and would love to have a space theme versus medieval fantasy theme when doing custom game. With ability to switch back to medieval, western, modern, or wasteland theme when playing 3.5E DnD or other games. I'd buy themes for a reasonable price ($5 to $10 range). Let community build themes then sell them through your store so everyone benefits.
There are quite a few "themes" they are called extensions.

I myself have created a few over the years for my own games.

Have a trawl through the gallery there should be some examples in there:

My Hellfrost Theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=88539&postcount=1)
My Fantasy Theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=80596&postcount=1)
My Serenity Theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=75455&postcount=1)
My Modern Skin (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=76462&postcount=1)
Griogre' Pirate Theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=76372&postcount=1)

All of the above modify the Savage World's Ruleset.

Foen's Traveller Theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=83374&postcount=1) modify's the base version (I did do a Savage Conversion not so long ago)

Hope it helps

[Oberoten]

https://oberoten.dyndns.org/ext hosts a few ones, and yes they are free supporting the base ruleset and foundation.

- Obe