Interest in Forming an EST On-line Bull-pen of Players

FelixPhantasm · **Posted:** Fri Feb 27, 2009 6:54 pm

Is there any interest in forming a small (or large for that matter) on-line community of East Coast US players?

Of course anyone would be welcome, I'm just thinking that time differences can really complicate things on weeknights.

Post back or PM if you have interest in the proposal.

kidterminal · **Posted:** Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:04 pm

Hi, yes there is a time issue, but it hasn't stopped me from interacting with the guys from Europe. But then I don't do the on line chat thing.

Krol · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 4:55 am

I'm not that much into chat either, but it would be kind of cool to be able to contact people for a game, since (from what I've seen), folks in the Northeast tend to travel around that area a lot. (Trips from Boston to NYC, and DC are a norm among the folks i know).
I would definitely appreciate that since I have only my sisters to play with in my area.

kidterminal · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:41 am

That may be of some interest to me. I don't travel out of New York that often these days.

FelixPhantasm · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:27 am

Of course we could use the contacts me make on-line to set up face to face games... at least I think that's what is being discussed above.

What I'm driving at - and in hind sight could have been more clear about - is actually playing on-line. I've been using the Vassal module and it works very well. I've been pairing that with Skype live-in-game instead of a chat room to communicate and it really makes the game run smoother and faster.

What say ye; would either of you like to give it a try?

kidterminal · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:31 pm

I don't know anything about that. In fact I've never heard of the programs you name.

gaarew · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:03 pm

I know of Vassal from my days of DDM, although I never quite got my head around it.

Being nightshift, chances are it would be some of you guys across the pond I'd be playing if I did ever get my hands on an Idiot's Guide for it.

kidterminal · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:22 pm

I'm on the night shift too John. Ok I looked up Vassal; is there a specific SBG module? Are you using web camera's to show each other's board?

gaarew · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:32 pm

kidterminal wrote:

I'm on the night shift too John. Ok I looked up Vassal; is there a specific SBG module? Are you using web camera's to show each other's board?

Rob, here's a link to the LotR SBG mods for Vassal.

http://www.vassalengine.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1401

kidterminal · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:19 pm

Hi John, I've found this link. But how does it all work? Is this a turn a day thing or is it real tiem with a chat link/video link? Have you ever used it?

gaarew · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:28 pm

As far as my (limited) understanding of it goes -

You can either play real time or as a Play by Email type game.

I'm not 100% sure how it translates to the LotR SBG, as with DDM, the map tiles were universal, so that each opponent had the same layout in front of them, you'd also need a large pile of spare minis or bases to represent your opponents force on your own table.

I', not sure if it is necessary to actually set up figures etc, or if the engine allows for that in itself.

Does that even make sense?

kidterminal · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 12:06 am

Yes but I can't see it working without your own board tolook at.

FelixPhantasm · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 1:44 am

Vassal sets up a virtual board that both players use at the same time by linking up at the Vassal servers. Both players see the same board, the same pieces, the same dice rolls, moves, etc. Its real-time and a very nice representation of a real game (although you can do PBEM too).

The mod and all the extension files that you see from the link above provide each player access to everything they need.

Vassal operates with a built in chat room so players can communicate with each other just like you would at a physical gaming table. I've found thats its actually easier to use Skype and just talk to each other over the audio link up rather than feverishly typing messages back and forth in between planning your next move, rolling dice, etc.

I love Vassal but setting it up on your computer isn't exactly intuitive the first time you try it. I would be happy to set up a skype session with whomever is interested and walk through the installation of the Vassal software and show everyone around the SBG module controls. I promise the SBG mod won't disappoint. Every model, every terrain piece, and tools to build just about any kind of board you can dream up right at your finger tips - for free.

Just let me know if anyone has any specific questions you would like to ask. I will do my very best to help get this set up.

PSS - so glad to see the UK representing!

kidterminal · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:38 am

So there is in fact no actual miniatures involved? I'm not an on line gammer so I don't have the audio system.

gaarew · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:58 am

heh, I'll represent the UK, but with my table-top prowess, it'll obviously mean that I'm classed as a Scot and not a Brit. No doubt, if I get lucky and win a few games, the newspaper headlines will quickly make me British though...

And, er, what if you don't have skype?

FelixPhantasm · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 3:07 am

Here is the link to download the free Skype software:

http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows

Also - kidterminal - no physical minis, virtual ones. If you don't have audio on your computer Skype can dial a land-line or cell phone in case you still wanted to use the audio link-ups. Be sure to check your machine again though. Now-a-days most desk-tops and lap-tops come with on-board sound.

I am happy tp share my Skype contact info in PM if anyone is interested in trying the software out.

Krol · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 4:54 am

ok, I have finally gotten my hands on this thing.
It looks cool and seems to have all the features of the boardgame (and pretty good variety of terrain... won't find that at my house)
I only have some questions about actually playing online... logging in and stuff. Other than that, I'm in (in case noone's noticed).
I'll probably be available for a small game tomorrow evening. I've still to configure Skype, so I'll post when that's done too.
Cheers, for the find FelixPhantasm!

Haldir_Strikes · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 12:15 pm

Hey guys, looked at this thread and would defiantely like to participate. My minis will probably only ever see use inside my house, so playing the virtual game seems to be the way to go. I'll generally be available every evening, and during the day tonight and tomorrow.

Also just got skype installed - profile is john.yance
VOTR is Haldir_Strikes

In order to learn the basics easily, does everyone want to play with 350p armies?

Krol · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 3:39 pm

I have set up my skype.
My ID is Ilia_Alex_Kur, feel free to add me

FelixPhantasm · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 7:21 pm

Mine is toddarney and I will be available Thursday night ~8 pm EST for a game.

I wouldn't mind trying some scenario play just to get back into the groove of the mechanics. After that I'm totally up for some points driven "bring & battle".

Again, any one following this thread who needs help setting up Vassal or Skype, PM me or post here. See you on the Vassal servers!

Interest in Forming an EST On-line Bull-pen of Players

Who is online