Real-time Program?

[tahu88810]

Hey there,
So I was wondering if anybody knew of any free programs that one might use to play Dungeons and Dragons (or really any other tabletop RPG) in real-time over the net? I've considered using Skype or MSN, but in the end it simply is not possible because of a lack of combat grids, meaning that combat is bogged down until the campaign eventually just dies (this is the same issue I have with playing D&D on forums). Any help would be appreciated.

[Eloel]

Google Wave is (was?) great. I've heard stuff about it being shut down, and haven't checked in a while, but it's quite good.

[tahu88810]

Google Wave is (was?) great. I've heard stuff about it being shut down, and haven't checked in a while, but it's quite good.

It appears to still be around, actually. I just can't figure out how to make the requisite grid. I suppose there must be a gadget or something for that, though, and that I just need to continue searching...

[Dust]

Our group uses MapTools (http://www.rptools.net/) (which I can't recommend enough) combined with Skype because we don't like typing for long games.

MapTools takes awhile to learn (http://www.rptoolstutorials.net/), but once you've got it figured out it's the go-to program.

http://www.playwrite-blog.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/maptools.gif

[UserClone]

What's wrong with MapTool and/or OpenRPG? I've heard great things about both of those. And if you ever are willing to pay money for a program, I used to love using FantasyGrounds. And now they have a FantasyGrounds II.