So, because I just moved to Alberta from BC and lost both of my groups out there and some super long time players. I decided to work on a way (virtually) that those players can jump right in online (connect to a program) and hopefully function as IF they are sitting directly at my table. I'm going to post instructions under this topic as I figure stuff out and hopefully someone on here can use it as well.
So, obviously I'm at stage 1 now. Software testing and coming up with all the tech and gear necessary to do this right. This is NOT GOING TO BE FOR BROKE PEOPLE! My list of must haves is going to be quite big and YOU WILL have to invest in quite a few gadgets to pull this off. So far I've already determined that BOTH parties (you the DM and each player) will require special software (which is possibly free) and at least 2-3 HD cams for the DM and 2 for each player. An extra monitor and a lot of patience.
The reasoning behind that is the DM will require;
DM CAM #1 to show his entire table (it will be mounted on a wall or high above the table or zoomed out on a monitor). This way the player connecting can see the entire game in a glance like "real life" and feel as if they were sitting right there.
DM CAM #2 will be specifically placed to show all rolls at the table. A special box or cake pan or whatever else you like will become the designated rolling area where everyone can see the rolls (live on cam) as they occur.
DM CAM #3 will be placed in an area where the player can see maps on-screen just like the players at the table. It will need to be a designated area to, so that THEY can see exactly what your PC's at the table can see. This CAM can be eliminated with options such as a "Drop Box" where the DM can drop the digital image from his laptop/PC into the DropBox as the game goes along or even before the game even starts. Then everyone has a copy. The problem with this is the DM can't draw the map as the players explore (I'd rather have the cam), but we'll see.
THE PLAYERS
The players will each require 2 HD cams (or 1 adjustable) cam each. One pointed at their faces and the other on their dice rolling area (so the dice stay on cam and viewable for all to see) < no off cam cheating then. If they can only afford 1 cam, you may have the option to have an adjustable one where they can quickly point the cam at the dice when rolling and then back at their faces when not.
SIDENOTES;
So obviously I want this as close to sitting at my table as possible. I don't do things half assed as most of you can probably tell if you've known me long enough (I'm an all or none kinda guy).
I won't tell you to go buy something and then have it not work. If you able to follow instructions and you're a tech junky like me, it won't be to hard.
I'll post a DEMO video with a phone cam to show everyone my table and how it all works once I get it figured out.
I'm trying all the most obvious software first including skype, hangouts etc and will determine which options are best and report back on this topic.
Which city? CK and I are in Edmonton.
