Starting new sit down/face to face group and have some questions about FGs

[Jokael]

My apologies beforehand, I have been combing the forums for a little bit and even searched YouTube for a tutorial, but having a hard time finding info, that I am sure is somewhere here.

I'm starting a new sit-down D&D 5e campaign with 6 new players, I really do not want to look and buy certain miniatures and have to paint them like I did during AD&D 1e/2e, so I came across this Fantasy Grounds, which looks intriguing.

I have no issue buying whatever I need to run my D&D 5e campaigns, we are looking to start with Tomb of Annihilation. But I would like my players to use their real figures(I already read about map sizing on a TV laying flat, which is what has peeked my interest), them to use P&P for the character sheets at the table, and roll their own dice for combat and ability checks as needed. I understand FGs does most of this by automation, but is there a way to use it without the automation?

I would like to know if I have my players rolling and they hit a goblin, is there a way to manually remove a number of HPs from the goblin's current HPs?

Is there a way to manually roll initiative dice at table and set initiative order on the TV Display I am using?

Does FG have the ability to have a splitscreen, so i can view my DM maps while they have their player map on the TV? I use a Microsoft SurfacePro3 as my laptop of choice.

Cost is not an issue with me, but my players do not have laptops to play with, nor the funds to acquire them for something like this. I do have access to iPads that I could lend them if there is a way for me to set them up to have their characters on there. I'l

Either way, I'll be most likely purchasing the Ultimate if there is anyway for me to utilize for just the map features and controlling encounters with less paperwork.

Thank you in advance for your patience.

[damned]

Welcome Jokael

There is an option (in Options) to turn on Manual Dice Rolls.
You can launch a second (player) instance of FG and connect to the GM instance and display that on your large screen tv.

If you are doing this - and the players are not connecting using their laptops - then you only need a standard.

Typically - after a few sessions - your players will probably want to start using FG on their laptops anyway :)

[MadCar_1]

I actually use it for my group, but in a limited fashion. Too much tech can get in the way. I have my Mac connected to a 60" TV that is right next to our group and use it for Mapping (2 instances of FG, Server and Guest). I also use it to display graphics and other materials to enrichen the experience. I tried using it to do the Init Tracker, but found using table cards worked better.

[Jokael]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I had a couple other questions, but it looks like I found them.

Thanks again!

[ddaley]

Jokael,

I use FG at the table just as you are describing it... well, minus displaying maps on a TV laying flat. I tried that once, but had an issue with it, which others may have a good work around for (will describe below).

I primarily use FG for displaying images and maps to the players. I also use the combat tracker and some of the other tools. I have entered the characters into FG, even though the players use P&P character sheets. I haven't entered all of their gear, but have entered their armor, weapons, and spells, etc. to make it easier to see what damage and bonuses they get.

You can override all of the values and enter values manually. You can manually enter damage and initiative and override hit points for creatures.

You don't need to do split screen exactly. I run two copies of FG on the same PC and display the DM stuff on my laptop monitor and the PC stuff on an external monitor. You can do this with a single license, though I do have two licenses.

As for displaying maps on a TV laying flat... this works fine when a combat map fits entirely on the screen. However, when you have a map that is larger than the screen and the creatures are spread out requiring you to scroll the map... it kinda throws everything off. Maybe if you have a 4k TV, which I don't, then it would work better. I ran into that issue with the first map I tried to use and didn't try it again.

EDIT: This scrolling is only an issue if you plan on placing miniatures on the TV, like I was going to do. If you are planning to use tokens in FG, then, this is not an issue... but then you don't need to lay the TV flat either.


My apologies beforehand, I have been combing the forums for a little bit and even searched YouTube for a tutorial, but having a hard time finding info, that I am sure is somewhere here.

I'm starting a new sit-down D&D 5e campaign with 6 new players, I really do not want to look and buy certain miniatures and have to paint them like I did during AD&D 1e/2e, so I came across this Fantasy Grounds, which looks intriguing.

I have no issue buying whatever I need to run my D&D 5e campaigns, we are looking to start with Tomb of Annihilation. But I would like my players to use their real figures(I already read about map sizing on a TV laying flat, which is what has peeked my interest), them to use P&P for the character sheets at the table, and roll their own dice for combat and ability checks as needed. I understand FGs does most of this by automation, but is there a way to use it without the automation?

I would like to know if I have my players rolling and they hit a goblin, is there a way to manually remove a number of HPs from the goblin's current HPs?

Is there a way to manually roll initiative dice at table and set initiative order on the TV Display I am using?

Does FG have the ability to have a splitscreen, so i can view my DM maps while they have their player map on the TV? I use a Microsoft SurfacePro3 as my laptop of choice.

Cost is not an issue with me, but my players do not have laptops to play with, nor the funds to acquire them for something like this. I do have access to iPads that I could lend them if there is a way for me to set them up to have their characters on there. I'l

Either way, I'll be most likely purchasing the Ultimate if there is anyway for me to utilize for just the map features and controlling encounters with less paperwork.

Thank you in advance for your patience.

[Bidmaron]

Jokael,
As for displaying maps on a TV laying flat... this works fine when a combat map fits entirely on the screen. However, when you have a map that is larger than the screen and the creatures are spread out requiring you to scroll the map... it kinda throws everything off. Maybe if you have a 4k TV, which I don't, then it would work better. I ran into that issue with the first map I tried to use and didn't try it again.

EDIT: This scrolling is only an issue if you plan on placing miniatures on the TV, like I was going to do. If you are planning to use tokens in FG, then, this is not an issue... but then you don't need to lay the TV flat either.

I don't do this (currently, at least), but one thing you can do to reduce this problem is to purchase a very thin piece of plexiglass about a square foot or so. Place your miniatures on this. When you scroll the map, slide your plexiglass sheet to where the characters are after the scroll. I think that is about the best you can achieve if you are mixing digital and figures.

[ddaley]

I don't do this (currently, at least), but one thing you can do to reduce this problem is to purchase a very thin piece of plexiglass about a square foot or so. Place your miniatures on this. When you scroll the map, slide your plexiglass sheet to where the characters are after the scroll. I think that is about the best you can achieve if you are mixing digital and figures.

That's not a bad idea... help protect the surface of the TV as well. If we try this again, I'll probably do that.

[Trenloe]

@Jokael - I use FG exactly as you describe in your post. I use a Surface Pro 3 too. I have a 45" 4K TV (giving 100 pixels per inch - which gives good resolution on the maps, i.e. less pixelation than a 1080p TV at that size). I have cut a plexiglass sheet to fit in the TV so that we put minis on the top, roll dice, have food on it, etc., etc. without worry about it scratching the TV screen itself.

See an example photo here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?33834-Map-resize-to-TV-resolution-for-Face-To-Face-games&p=338342&viewfull=1#post338342

Yes, there is the issue of scrolling the map that @ddaley mentions - but if you have a half decent sized TV (my 45" gives me 41" x 24" screen size) then you can get a pretty big map on there, as well as the initiative tracker (FG Combat Tracker). And, with a little bit of practice, you will get used to putting small marker tokens on the map where the minis are, scroll the map and then replace the mins on top of the marker tokens. It's not 100% seamless, but it is still very quick and easy - certainly easier then drawing a new section of a map or adding/removing terrain tiles that you'd do without FG.

[ddaley]

...
Yes, there is the issue of scrolling the map that @ddaley mentions - but if you have a half decent sized TV (my 45" gives me 41" x 24" screen size) then you can get a pretty big map on there, as well as the initiative tracker (FG Combat Tracker). And, with a little bit of practice, you will get used to putting small marker tokens on the map where the minis are, scroll the map and then replace the mins on top of the marker tokens. It's not 100% seamless, but it is still very quick and easy - certainly easier then drawing a new section of a map or adding/removing terrain tiles that you'd do without FG.

Screen size is secondary to resolution as far as scrolling goes. In FG, you can only zoom out so far. When I zoomed out as far as possible, the map wouldn't fit on a 1080p monitor. It wouldn't matter if the monitor was 20" or 80". The size of the monitor will matter if you are trying to get the scaling of 1" = 5' accurate.

[Trenloe]

The size of the monitor will matter if you are trying to get the scaling of 1" = 5' accurate.
That was the context I was using here as we're talking about using minis for the PCs on a map - and the usual scale for minis is 1" = 5 feet.

[Jokael]

Great feedback folks, thanks again.

I've already planned a 32" 1080HD TV I own to use for this. I'll enclose it in a wooden frame(I am a weekend warrior wood hobbyist) to lay in the middle of a huge dining room table. I do plan on making a gaming table that will have the TV recessed eventually.

I could forgo the real minis and just have the players point where they want their tokens on the map and manually move them there, that may be a better option as well.

I am really liking what I am hearing and am pretty much committed to purchasing the D&D 5e bundle(better deal than on Steam, last I looked)

I moved out west 16years ago, and may try and connect with my old gaming mates and see if they'd be interested in playing again and run a campaign for them as well once a month or so. I know they haven't played in nearly 2 decades.

[Jokael]

@Jokael - I use FG exactly as you describe in your post. I use a Surface Pro 3 too. I have a 45" 4K TV (giving 100 pixels per inch - which gives good resolution on the maps, i.e. less pixelation than a 1080p TV at that size). I have cut a plexiglass sheet to fit in the TV so that we put minis on the top, roll dice, have food on it, etc., etc. without worry about it scratching the TV screen itself.

See an example photo here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?33834-Map-resize-to-TV-resolution-for-Face-To-Face-games&p=338342&viewfull=1#post338342


Yes this is exactly what I am wanting to do. I'm not worried about pixelation atm, if it shows with my 32" 1080HD I'll plan accordingly when I finally get around to making a proper gaming table.

Can you run 2 accounts on the Surface Pro3? A Ultimate then a Demo to use between dual monitors? I'll probably finally get a docking station to do this, if possible.

[Jokael]

So I purchased the D&D 5e bundle and for now I'll do monthly Ultimate until after holidays. Still need to get the kids some more Christmas presents, especially since I just got mine.

[damned]

One thing Jokael I have seen some reports of laggy dice on the Surface Pro 3.
That was a long time ago and I dont know if it still occurs.
I have a 4 and while I dont use it much for FG I havent noticed the issue on that device.

[Jokael]

One thing Jokael I have seen some reports of laggy dice on the Surface Pro 3.
That was a long time ago and I dont know if it still occurs.
I have a 4 and while I dont use it much for FG I havent noticed the issue on that device.

Thanks for the heads up. Was just learning how to use some of the features, will take a bit.
For now I will most likely not use the auto-dice rolling feature for now.
I spoke with one of my old buddies back east and he is up for it and will talk to the others. Probably run an online campaign starting in Feb when football and holidays pass.

[Trenloe]

Can you run 2 accounts on the Surface Pro3? A Ultimate then a Demo to use between dual monitors? I'll probably finally get a docking station to do this, if possible.
FG has a very nice feature of running a second instance on the same computer, "Join Game" with a server address of localhost and it will run fine, no need for additional accounts or installations.

The dice are a little bit laggy on my Surface Pro 3 (i5 with 8GB RAM) but it is still completely usable. But I tend to just roll physical dice as the GM anyway - I use FG for maps, init tracker and campaign data tracking. I'm going to be using it this afternoon at a local store - the TV is portable. I'll be running Roslof Keep (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store/product.xcp?id=AOGFG5E9781940528304) - I'll try to remember to take photos.

[Jokael]

FG has a very nice feature of running a second instance on the same computer, "Join Game" with a server address of localhost and it will run fine, no need for additional accounts or installations.

The dice are a little bit laggy on my Surface Pro 3 (i5 with 8GB RAM) but it is still completely usable. But I tend to just roll physical dice as the GM anyway - I use FG for maps, init tracker and campaign data tracking. I'm going to be using it this afternoon at a local store - the TV is portable. I'll be running Roslof Keep (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store/product.xcp?id=AOGFG5E9781940528304) - I'll try to remember to take photos.

Awesome, can't wait to see it set up!