DnD via the net

[Eldan]

So, after, well, it must have been two years now, my old DnD group has decided to get back for one or the other game. The problem, however is this: we live in three different countries.
Therefore, my question is this: what kind of tools are there to play via the net? A normal instant messenger with a conference function would actually be enough, I'd say, but I heard there are better things around, and a dice roller would be handy. (I wouldn't need some kind of battlemap function, all my fights end up being short and without those anyway). I am very much aware of hte possibility to play via forum and have two games running myself, but it's not what we are looking for.

So, what possibilities to play DnD on the net are there?

[ocato]

I'm a big fan of Gametable and Skype for a map/dice roller and voice chat program, respectively.

I've heard good things about something called Maptools too, but I cannot comment because I never really felt the need to 'upgrade' from Gametable.


Edit: Some people have odd connection/configuration problems with Gametable, but Hamachi does wonders. It's a program that lets you set up a LAN via the internet, or something like that. You can get it here.

[Eldan]

Well, at least one of my players told me he can't get a headset to run, so skype seems out. It would have been my first choice too. I'll have a look at gametable, though. Thanks.

[Tsotha-lanti]

There's a ton of programs for this. I'd use IRC. Darkmyst servers have dice macros set up for you - incredibly easy, and mIRC is free.

Then there's OpenRPG. It's got maps and libraries you can use, but I don't generally feel most of the features are useful or that the complexity over IRC is worth it.

[Hunter Noventa]

We use gametable with no problems, even though we're in western ny, and our remote players are in chicago and new jersey. I highly recommend it. It does support plain old chat inside of it as well as die rolls, but you might as well use AIM.

[Starscream]

I really like both OpenRPG and Gametable. But really, any old software will do. Just a chat room and a random number generator are all you actually need.

Still it's nice to have fun features like minis and macros and "fog of war" effects.

[Eldan]

Actually, gametable suits me well enough, I didn't need much besides a chat tool and a dice roller...

[Ravyn]

I've never needed more than AIM; then again, I don't tend to worry about mapping out combat, which might account for it.

[Nightson]

MapTools and Vent work well for my group.

[Calinero]

It's good that you have a group that already knew each other in person. Sometimes it's hard to keep groups together over the internet. Were you planning on playing in an IM format only, or in Play by Post, or what? Heh, if you have the money to pick up the tech, you could try a game over videoconference...I wonder if that's ever been done before....