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TheMookNet
October 22nd, 2017, 20:14
Howdy Folks!

I ran my first-ever Fantasy Grounds game last night, and it was a total blast. :)

Really looking forward to more down the line, great stuff. Here's a post (https://www.themook.net/gamegeekery/hell-to-pay-actual-play/) with some notes and a couple of videos of the Actual Play (GM's view, Player's view).

ronnke
October 22nd, 2017, 21:17
It was hell-a fun. :D

*Throws up hand to play in future games*

Hector Trelane
October 24th, 2017, 14:33
Interested, too, schedule permitting. Old West Horror is a great genre I've never actually played.

rperito
October 7th, 2018, 04:27
Saw this on YouTube and loved it. Got goosebumps at the mental image of the centipede coming out of the bartender's mouth and running into his ear. I had really never thought of playing horror until I saw "Hell to Pay." It was really well done.

Mook - I do not know if you still watch these but if you do I want to say THANK YOU for your website and all the work you have done - and then shared with everyone. It's awe inspiring and humbling.

HalC
November 30th, 2018, 01:47
I watched some of the video from the game run, but with my hearing being what it is - could not make out the entirety of the conversation. That having been said, seeing the maps, and the counters and all, I have to ask...

Where did you get those Mook?

Hal

TheMookNet
November 30th, 2018, 23:13
Saw this on YouTube and loved it. Got goosebumps at the mental image of the centipede coming out of the bartender's mouth and running into his ear. I had really never thought of playing horror until I saw "Hell to Pay." It was really well done.

Mook - I do not know if you still watch these but if you do I want to say THANK YOU for your website and all the work you have done - and then shared with everyone. It's awe inspiring and humbling.

rperito, sorry I didn't notice this until now, but thank you so much for taking the time to post! I'm stoked you enjoyed the game, and the website. Feedback, good and bad, is the best fuel for creating more. I haven't been able to give it as much attention as I'd like lately, but 2019 is lookin' good.


I watched some of the video from the game run, but with my hearing being what it is - could not make out the entirety of the conversation. That having been said, seeing the maps, and the counters and all, I have to ask...

Where did you get those Mook?

Hal

Hiya, Hal. As with most games, it was a hodgepodge pulled from a variety of sources.

First step was just assembling random pics from Google searches, for the PCs as well as main NPCs and monsters. (Side note: unless I have a very specific vision of a monster I want as an enemy, I always find it much easier to search images until I find something I think is cool and then statting it up, instead of the other way around)

Second was to make tokens, again for PCs and NPCs alike. For that, I simply dragged the pics into this amazing token tool (https://rolladvantage.com/tokenstamp/) to make hex-shaped tokens for everyone.

The town map also showed up in an image search - looks like a screen cap of a video game maybe, but I couldn't tell you which one.

Finally, all of the building/encounter maps were purchased from DrivethruRPG... I believe the grand total for all the maps was like $11. (I have a variety of map making programs, but time is always short, and old west symbols/maps aren't always easy to find). The ones I grabbed were:

Townscapes: Blacksmith Map (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/92759/Townscapes-Blacksmith-Map)
Townscapes: General Store (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/92705/Townscapes-General-Store-Map)
Townscapes: Stables (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/92682/Townscapes-Stables-Map)
Western Maps: Bank (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/96844/Western-Maps-Bank-Map-Pack)
Western Maps: Brothel (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/100402/Western-Maps-Brothel-Map-Pack)
Western Maps: Sheriff's Office and Jail (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/97523/Western-Maps-Sheriffs-Office-and-Jail-Map-Pack)

I think that's everything... hope that helps!

HalC
November 30th, 2018, 23:40
Thanks for the heads up on those links - I'll be sure to look at them (for horses at the very least!)

When you get the chance, take a gander at the thread GURPS OLD WEST thread. I've been listing some resources that might be useful for GMs in case they're interested. One that I came across today is called THE PRARIE TRAVELER published in 1859. It has some pretty serious information on how to survive the trip, what to take, etc. But in addition to that, it lists the travel on overland routes from one location to the next and then describes what to expect at those locations. So, the first part of the trip might be 15 miles - ending at a farm, but where there is a ferry. Then the next might be 11 miles to the next stopping point. If you've ever read information on how armies move, where they decamp and then get into marching order, you will realize that a large "Train" of pioneers might take a little while until they are all lined up on the road or trail and moving towards a given destination.

Long story short, the link on that thread might be useful information. And darn it - the more I read my old reference books or search for things that might be of use, the more tempted I am to try and run another Old West game via FG. I've got on in the tubes now running a cyberpunk campaign with two players set in Night City 2048 AD (a cross between GURPS CYBERPUNK and Night City background, definitely NOT the usual CP2020 mindset!). But opposite of that, I am SOOOOOoooooo tempted. Between Aces and Eights material, older Boot Hill Material, GURPS material, plus all of my reference books including TIME/LIFE series books - not to mention the one book on Railroads I picked up special for research into the Kansas Pacific - well, dang it all, I've got an itch like a burr in my clothing - just doesn't seem to want to go away!

*teasing grin*

If you're using GCA for your character sheets, let me know if you want the Adventure Guns data file that I created. I can simply email it to you as an attachment (I still have your email).

For what it is worth, I also have all of those nice WHITEWASH CITY files that I purchased (got the big purchase back in the day when I had spending money) - and it isn't too hard to make maps for use with FG from it. That is another 45 floor plans I can use for any shoot out, any role playing action etc.

So, why am I all so darned reluctant to offer another FG game session darn it!

Hal

TheMookNet
December 1st, 2018, 00:14
Do it, Hal... Do EET!

Hector Trelane
December 1st, 2018, 03:02
Good stuff, I think Okd West would be great, straight historical (tons of interesting material even without fantasy or pulp thrown in).

You might throw this into the mix for all those wagon train resources you listed: https://syrinscape.com/store/147-wagon-journey-highlands/

Good tip by Mook about finding the image first and statting up second.

TheMookNet
December 1st, 2018, 09:43
One that I came across today is called THE PRARIE TRAVELER published in 1859.

Hal

WOW, that is one helluva resource (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23066), HalC -- thanks!

HalC
December 2nd, 2018, 03:57
WOW, that is one helluva resource (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23066), HalC -- thanks!

Figured someone might like it. That you went and found the Gutenberg Press version is even BETTER. Now I'll have to download that into my Kindle.

If anyone needs help with their own campaign and wants me to do some research via my Enclyclopedia of the Old West, let me know. As it is, I've taken to reading Everyday Life in the Wld West as well as Everyday life in the 1800's...

This is from Writers Guide to Everyday Life in the Wild West from 1840 - 1900 pg 293: (1867) Buffalo Bill Cody receives $500 per month to kill 12 buffalo each day along the Kansas Pacific Railroad route. Army Private makes $16 a month. After deductions, pay is $14.875.

Elsewhere, I stumbled over the fact the early Income Taxes levied in the 1860's were calculated at 3% Income was taxed only after it met a certain criteria, which I'd have to find again were I to try and implement it. I'd also have to try and find out when the income tax was discontinued historically speaking.

THE NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA of the AMERICAN WEST (the book is 1254 pages without the index or acknowledgements of contributors) is a very useful book containing a plethora of entries on varied topics that will cause you to say "I didn't know THAT!". Names of people, former Spanish names of rivers in California. Information on how Wyoming Territory was constructed from its neighboring territories - and almost demolished in 1872 by President Grant (who wanted the territory dismantled and parts of reforming with their original territories).

HalC
December 2nd, 2018, 04:07
Good stuff, I think Okd West would be great, straight historical (tons of interesting material even without fantasy or pulp thrown in).

You might throw this into the mix for all those wagon train resources you listed: https://syrinscape.com/store/147-wagon-journey-highlands/

Good tip by Mook about finding the image first and statting up second.

I have always wished that I could play a sound across Fantasy Grounds from my MP3 files or what have you. Syrinscape sounds (pun not intended!) to be able to do just that. Problem is, I don't know how that would work with Fantasy Grounds. :(

Have you been using it and if so, how?

Hector Trelane
December 2nd, 2018, 15:45
I have always wished that I could play a sound across Fantasy Grounds from my MP3 files or what have you. Syrinscape sounds (pun not intended!) to be able to do just that. Problem is, I don't know how that would work with Fantasy Grounds. :(

Have you been using it and if so, how?

Gwydion has explained how to broadcast sounds generated by Syrinscape and other sources via a free website (currently compatible only with Chrome) called Cleanfeed. I use this setup and it works well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZf9RXvKU5s&t=29s

You can also broadcast sounds directly from Syrinscape Online (see here: https://www.syrinscape.com/online/ ), which may only be available to higher-level subscribers. It's in the beta stage and is somewhat tricky to use but I think will improve over time. I prefer the Cleanfeed method, above, since it allows me to mix sounds from YouTube, Tabletop Audio, and other sources.

There's a certain measure of complexity involved in learning the audio tools but I think it's quite worthwhile. For me, adding sound is just as impactful as adding images to a game.

HalC
December 2nd, 2018, 18:28
Thanks for the heads up. :)

I can't help but wonder if any "streaming" application will permit one to stream music/sound files over the net without needing a lot of extra software. I sincerely hope that FG someday incorporates the ability to use Visual Suite software (either of c++ or VB.NET) to permit one to write software code that exports directly to the chat or to the story, or to anything else for that matter. I've already written some software code that exports data to the clipboard. From there, it is a simple matter of pasting it to the location you want it. But if one can write to the db.xml file and have it show up in game play, I'd be all for it. I've experimented with it to be sure and found that it doesn't seem to "take" when I modify the file directly. Ah well, over time, I suspect that Fantasy Grounds will grow in capabilities and someday, it will have a sound suite to go with it, and possibly even allow video to be played (MP4's perhaps?) - but until that day arrives, we make do with what we have and have fun.

Hector Trelane
December 2nd, 2018, 22:03
Thanks for the heads up. :)

I can't help but wonder if any "streaming" application will permit one to stream music/sound files over the net without needing a lot of extra software. I sincerely hope that FG someday incorporates the ability to use Visual Suite software (either of c++ or VB.NET) to permit one to write software code that exports directly to the chat or to the story, or to anything else for that matter. I've already written some software code that exports data to the clipboard. From there, it is a simple matter of pasting it to the location you want it. But if one can write to the db.xml file and have it show up in game play, I'd be all for it. I've experimented with it to be sure and found that it doesn't seem to "take" when I modify the file directly. Ah well, over time, I suspect that Fantasy Grounds will grow in capabilities and someday, it will have a sound suite to go with it, and possibly even allow video to be played (MP4's perhaps?) - but until that day arrives, we make do with what we have and have fun.

Regarding auto sounds, they are partly possible with Dulux Oz’s sound extension. See extensive discussion here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?31369-DOE-Sound-Extension&highlight=Dulux+sound

ronnke
December 3rd, 2018, 01:27
Second was to make tokens, again for PCs and NPCs alike. For that, I simply dragged the pics into this amazing token tool (https://rolladvantage.com/tokenstamp/) to make hex-shaped tokens for everyone.

That is an awesomely useful tool. :)

damned
December 3rd, 2018, 01:36
Thanks for the heads up. :)

I can't help but wonder if any "streaming" application will permit one to stream music/sound files over the net without needing a lot of extra software. I sincerely hope that FG someday incorporates the ability to use Visual Suite software (either of c++ or VB.NET) to permit one to write software code that exports directly to the chat or to the story, or to anything else for that matter. I've already written some software code that exports data to the clipboard. From there, it is a simple matter of pasting it to the location you want it. But if one can write to the db.xml file and have it show up in game play, I'd be all for it. I've experimented with it to be sure and found that it doesn't seem to "take" when I modify the file directly. Ah well, over time, I suspect that Fantasy Grounds will grow in capabilities and someday, it will have a sound suite to go with it, and possibly even allow video to be played (MP4's perhaps?) - but until that day arrives, we make do with what we have and have fun.

Writing directly to the DB is possible but mostly pointless when the game is running as FG loads the DB into memory and runs it from there and periodically (5mins) writes a copy back to the disk. So if FG is running and you make changes to the db.xml they will just get overwritten.

HalC
December 3rd, 2018, 04:01
Regarding auto sounds, they are partly possible with Dulux Oz’s sound extension. See extensive discussion here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?31369-DOE-Sound-Extension&highlight=Dulux+sound

Thanks for the link - which in turn had other links. The issue with bandwidth is of course, something to consider. The problem too is that if I use a non-VOIP mechanism, the players all have to have the Syrinscape package plus sounds on their machine as well - causing them to have to pay money for that prospect. I don't use VOIP with Fantasy Grounds (chat only) due to having been born with nerve damage to my ears (Last of the Babies born before the RH factor was discovered and compensated for). But, if the newer FG ever gets built with inherent sound, I'm sure that all of these work arounds will be made obsolete. I confess too, that until I get a paying job again (and hopefully SOON!) I have to keep expenses to a minimum where possible.

HalC
December 3rd, 2018, 04:06
Writing directly to the DB is possible but mostly pointless when the game is running as FG loads the DB into memory and runs it from there and periodically (5mins) writes a copy back to the disk. So if FG is running and you make changes to the db.xml they will just get overwritten.

I was afraid of that. Looks like sending the material to the clip board is about the only work around I can manage. Too bad there isn't a means to send material through a pipe into the environment. In all fairness? I need to start working on learning to use Lua - this way, I can maybe create the things that I really want. You have no idea how excited I was to see the ext file that permits the use of "cards" in game play. When I added that into my FG set up, I could see it being used for poker or faro. When the cards table can be used in FG along with the gambling rules for use with GURPS - in conjunction with the "Cheating" rules from Aces and Eights... that has possibilities. :)

HalC
December 5th, 2018, 03:52
In keeping with what I've been doing upthread...

Here is a link to information on land prices, wages, etc in the various states. Think you might find it informative. :)

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044024335481;view=1up;seq=1

The site linked above won't let you download the PDF, but you can eventually find it at Google Books (it's going to require patience!). I would save people the effort and post the link here, but the link is god awful long!

This isn't a resource just for the old west per se, but also of things in the East. It also spells out the terms for renting land to the extent that a person might pay a set fee, owe 50% of what he makes off the land, but the renter may provide him with half the seed stock, etc. Some pretty GOOD stuff there folks.