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Hey everyone, with pandemic going on, here are some tips I have for running games on a Virtual Tabletop (VTT) platform for #DnD . I have run tons of games over the year on Fantasy Grounds, Roll20, Maptools, now learning Astral, and using other tools. #DnD 1/x

First, figure out what you and your players most *need* to actually run the game online. IME, they are often as follow, and in order of importance:

1.) Communications

2.) Method of delivering handouts and/or maps

3.) Character sheets

2/x

Coms can be built in, such as in a platform like Roll20, or using any of the myriad of meeting software, such as Skype, Hangouts, Discord, Zoom, etc.

I personally really like to have video (true of work conferencing as well), as I find it helps better connect the players.

3/x

Most of the known VTT's out there do a pretty good job with presenting maps. Some have excellent Fog of War and other features, but for most users this is going to be more work then you need to put in to enjoyably play the game. Keep things simple, especially when learning.

4/x

Heck, even simply using a google slides/powerpoint presentation while presenting over skype or hangouts can be enough. Im a ToTM guy by nature, and even though VTT's lead themselves to map play, just using something for handouts and art can go a long way.

5/x

For character sheets, its often handy to use whatever the system's built in method is, but an outside system, like DnDBeyond or Obsidian Portal can work too. Heck, for many just having a copy somwhere and rolling real dice is fine. Remember, the focus is to just get playing.

6/x

If you do decide to go down the automation route with a VTT program, make sure you get buy in for your players, often, the DM's proficiency alone is not enough to make good use of those features, but if the whole group is, it can be pretty cool. 7/x

If you decide to go the simple route, just coms and play, take a look at the old Dice Camera Action stream, which is all online and all Theater of the Mind, and works pretty well. Overall, just have fun, and focus on good communication between players.

8/x

OK! Hopefully that helps. Its just things I've found over years and years of working with VTT's. Following this I'll post responses tagging some of the programs and locations I mentioned that might help you in online #DnD play. Happy gaming!

9/9 (ish, see below)