Advice on how to run a d&d game

[Metr0]

I am wanting to run a d&d game with my uncle like old times long past...is it doable with this sim? are there communtiys we can go to for players? we are die hards of d&d and it is just more viable to do it online now in this age.

[EthanT]

You can do it on TTS but Roll20 is by and large a better option, and it's free. Roll20.net

[Mora]

Yes, it will work in Tabletop Sim. Certain aspects are a bit difficult (fog of war isn't really covered well in TTS).

If you really enjoy the physical aspect of tabletop rpgs; the feeling of rolling dice and having miniatures scattered across the battle map, I would go with TTS over Roll20. TTS feels more like running a game at a real table.

If you like to keep things efficient and care more about the numbers and keeping information ordered, you would probably prefer Roll20. Roll20 allows you to be more efficient with the mechanical parts of tabletop rpgs.

Personally I prefer TTS. The more I've used Roll20, the more I've grown tired of the sterile feel of dice macros and the limited interactivity and lack of player presence.

If you decide to go with TTS, here are some mods that could help:

Battle Mat (You can draw on it using the vector drawing tools like markers):
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=282289046

Dice Tower:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=275550632

Gaming Dice:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=6♥♥♥♥5320

This is a decent example of what a tabletop rpg setup looks like on TTS (minus the interface on the sides, that's custom to his videos):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0QsbUzhCV0

As for players, you could try posting on these forums, or the looking for players sub forums.

Good luck with your game.

[Almega]

Having recently looked into online d&d there are a few good options.

TTS has support for 3D environments which is really cool, but lacks features like built in rule handling. If you don't have a map that works for your game in the workshop it can be a lot more work. But if there is a good map the DMs job isn't too bad.

Roll20 is a good option, it's free for basic stuff or $5 a month for prettier but still 2D stuff. It's built in rulesets make gaming much easier but the DM still has to spend time setting up maps.

Fantasy Grounds is really great for DM's as it licenses content through wizards so if you are willing to pay a bit more and like runing premade modules it saves sooooo much time and effort. Once you learn the system it's rules are more robust than the others and makes for a very smooth game. The downside is that it is the least visually impressive of the systems as it only has 2D maps without any special lighting effects. Though they say they are adding 3D support soon.

Hope that helps.

[Almega]

You also asked about the community here and I would say that this game is not as focused on D&D as the other options. However there is a growing community of modders who really like the potential of TTS and a growing library of maps and content.

If you are supplying the DM you should have no trouble forming a group from existing D&D forums. There are often calls for one shot games in the main chat, though I haven't joined any and can't speek to their quality.