LFR New Player Guide

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mr0bunghole
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LFR New Player Guide

Post by mr0bunghole »

This guide is intended for Players and GMs that are new to RPGA, Living Forgotten Realms (LFR), or the MapTool "Living" community. This guide will give you enough information so you can start playing LFR games here using MapTool.

1) What do I need to play here? What you need to play here is a legal LFR character and the right software.

2) Creating a legal LFR character. Read the Character Creation Guidelines (CCG). These guidelines explain how to create a legal LFR character. You can download the latest CCG from the Living Forgotten Realms download site located HERE. So go ahead and make your characters!

You should also visit the Living Forgotten Realms forums at the Wizards community as it contains a lot of information about creating legal characters. The Living Forgotten Realms forums are located HERE.

5) Get the software. All the games posted on these forums will probably be using the MapTool virtual table top, so be sure you download and install the program. The MapTool program is found in the downloads section of the RPTools website. You can find the latest version of MapTool HERE.

5a) Campaign Frameworks/Tokens. Just about every GM who runs games here uses a campaign framework for their games. These frameworks usually have associated player tokens that work within the given campaign framework. Players are usually required to show up to a game with the corresponding player token for the GM's framework. Not all games here use the same framework, so make sure you read the game announcement to be sure you know which one to use.

5b) Voice software. Most GMs that run games here require the players to use a voice chat program. Skype is probably the most popular voice program used here, but some GMs have used Ventrilo and TeamSpeak, in addition to other programs.

6) Jump into a Game! Once you have your legal character created and the software installed, then browse the Living forums here and wait for a new game to get posted. As a new player you'll probably want to try out a Level 1-4 (H1, or Heroic Teir 1) game first.

7) Slot Scores . Since RPGA games allow a maximum of six (6) players, sometimes there are not enough spots for all the players interested in a game. In those situations a slot score is used to determine who gets to play. You can find out more about the slot system HERE.

Edit: 30JAN2011
Last edited by mr0bunghole on Sun Jan 30, 2011 3:20 pm, edited 8 times in total.

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Darklord
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Darklord »

Nice one! That's a handy guide you've written there. :)

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Azhrei
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Azhrei »

Good job! Stickied!

Thanlis
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Thanlis »

If you've applied for a membership and it's been more than a week, and if you need a number so your DM can report his or her table, you can PM me -- I generally have some spare membership cards.
Reed (halfling sorcerer P3) // Collin (human fighter P2) // Cine (eladrin psion H2)
Sirath (deva shaman H1) // Alesk (dragonborn cleric H3) // Kevin (halfling barbarian H1)

digitalsedition
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by digitalsedition »

Thanks for this guide!

MikeLemmer
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by MikeLemmer »

What if I'm bringing in an existing character?
-Mike Lemmer

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Thanlis
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Thanlis »

MikeLemmer wrote:What if I'm bringing in an existing character?
As long as it's a legal LFR character who you've leveled up playing LFR and all, sure!
Reed (halfling sorcerer P3) // Collin (human fighter P2) // Cine (eladrin psion H2)
Sirath (deva shaman H1) // Alesk (dragonborn cleric H3) // Kevin (halfling barbarian H1)

Wallace9958
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Wallace9958 »

I would add to this that a player should be sure to submit his token/character sheet/skypeID to the DM via e-mail. It seems to be rather common convention these days to require this information before adding players to a game. I've had several players overlook this lately and lose their slot priority due to the game locking.
RPGA#: 8210186815
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I vote High.

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Alphastream
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Alphastream »

Feel free to use any of this guide as desired. It was written to help players new to either MapTool or OpenRPG. Comments always welcome.

Guide to Getting Started, V 1.2

==
This is a quick attempt to collect useful information on getting started with
playing games online.

1. How to Get Started and Find Games

Like so many techie things, the responsibility really falls on the
individual to learn the software and do the leg work. Seldom will you
find that people will pursue you to offer you a seat at a gaming table.

So, here's what you want to do:

1) For LFR games, learn 4E and LFR
This isn't the place for people to help you learn 4E or the Living
Forgotten Realms campaign. If you have questions, the WotC Community is probably
the best place (there are some Yahoo groups,
such as http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LivingFR/, but they can be rude to new
players...)

Useful RPGA links:
RPGA FAQ:
http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/ ... 8/RPGA_FAQ

LFR FAQ:
http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/ ... 94/LFR_FAQ


2) Download and install the software
For any questions, check the Forums for each software, as well as the
installation guides. See part 2 for links to get the software and find
help.

There are two main free tools used on this list, OpenRPG and MapTools. They are
similar in some ways, different in others. Everyone has their favorite, but
overall more games take place on OpenRPG and you can just log in to a server
lobby and look for a table (the most popular server is called Blackstar and is
found from the Game Server -> Browse Servers menu path in OpenRPG).

3) Practice before a game
Both OpenRPG and MapTools work with writing out things like "I use
Name of Power on Name of Enemy, [1d20+4] for [1d4+4] keywordX damage if it hits
and they are pushed 1". (Substitute the correct name of the power, the name of
the enemy, and the to hit and damage bonuses.

That's all you really need to know. Someone asks you to roll a saving
throw, you type "[1d20]" and press the enter key. Using a power? Name
the power and the target, type in a roll for d20 plus your bonus plus
the damage and effects should you hit.

In both MapTools and OpenRPG, you can practice this easily on your own
without connecting to a server. The software works just as if you were
in a game, just without background maps, other players, a GM, and
enemies. Perfect for practice.

3A) Advanced macros
You can take step 3 as far as you want. You should achieve competence,
asking here on the OnlineGameDay group for questions (though the software's
forums really are more appropriate)

The forums, especially for MapTools, are full of advanced macros that
incorporate variables directly from your character (such as abilities and
level). MapTools can have really cool macros based on Campaign Properties that
auto-calculate all sorts of stuff, track surges, switch weapons, track bloodied,
walk your dog, water that long neglected plant... ok, not quite all that!

4) Find a game
Finding a game is simple, but requires effort. You do the following,
until you land a game:

- Check this OnlineGameDay board for notification that someone is starting up a
game. Follow the instructions to sign up to play. Make sure you have a PC of the
appropriate level.

- Check the Warhorn site for games and sign up

- Check the forums of the software sites for games and sign up

- Organize your own game, proposing a date and time, software
platform, and working to recruit a DM and players. This guarantees you
a spot and creates more gaming for everyone!

- DM a game. When you DM, people are usually glad to reward you with a
seat at a future table, especially if you let everyone know up front
you are looking to DM in exchange for more playing time.

If you follow the above steps, you will be up and playing before too
long. The amount of time and effort you put in will directly lead to
how often you play. Please be flexible and mindful of the needs of
others, especially organizers and DMs. You should not expect people to
hand out opportunities to you. Playing space is limited and there are
lots of people that work very hard to get the available spaces. If you
feel you are beaten to the punch too often, organize your own game,
recruiting a DM. This always ensures a seat plus a time of day you
will like!

Useful Links:

Finding games: http://www.warhorn.net/adhoconlinegameday/


== OpenRPG ==

OpenRPG is user-developed and lacking leadership, as I
understand the situation. Thus, there are several versions that are generally
compatible, each under different dev teams.

If you use the tried and true version 1.7.1, you will want to turn off updates.
Version 1.7.7 (found at
http://www.assembla.com/wiki/show/openr ... ingWindows) is also stable, but
version in between are buggy and uninstalling can be difficult. (Once again, if
using 1.7.1, uncheck the update option!)

Recently there have been some new versions. 1.8 can be installed from the first
link above and seems stable. There is also another recent version, but someone
else will need to share how it works and where to find it.

A somewhat lackluster guide to OpenRPG here:
http://openrpg.wrathof.com/faq/OpenRPG_User_Guide

OpenRPG forums:
http://www.rpgobjects.com/forum/index.p ... ic&forum=1
and
http://z9.invisionfree.com/Mayhem_Gamin ... _day=100&s\
\
ort_by=Z-A&sort_key=last_post&st=0

A place with minis:
http://dmsilverglass.tripod.com/dmsminis/index.html


== MapTools ==

MapTools has many build versions, but each is small and easy to run. The DM
typically chooses a version, then everyone runs that one, loading in their saved
tokens.

Main company page for downloading software:
http://www.rptools.net/doku.php?id=maptool:intro
Keep in mind that MapTools can be run via Webstart from the web site
and runs very lightly without being installed. You can download any
version as a zip file, uncompress it into a folder, and run it by
double-clicking the batch file. This is important because the game is
not compatible across versions - meaning users of a different version
than a GM cannot connect and play together. Simply download the
version the DM specified and run it. All versions are found here:
http://rptools.net/dist/zip/

The same site has TokenTool, which can be used to easily create a
token (PC image to which you can attach macros). The output of
TokenTool can also be used in OpenRPG, though in OpenRPG you will want
to right-click, select properties, and change the size to 60.

MapTools has fantastic video tutorials at http://rptoolstutorials.net/
. They are a must-see if you want to learn how to use the tool.

MapTools Forums:
The forums are very good, with a lot of tools and active recruiting for LFR and
other games.
http://forums.rptools.net/index.php?sid ... 016c85e788

Post on how to get a scenario into MapTools to run the game:
http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?t=5118

A useful post for players to learn basic macros:
http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?t=5086

In general, a macro in MapTools that you create yourself will also work in
OpenRPG. "Witchalock Missile: [1d20+5] vs Ref, on hit [2d8+5] psychic and dazed
(save ends)" will work on both platforms. There are a few differences when you
get into special code. For example, MapTools and OpenRPG handle minimum rolls
(used on brutal weapons) differently and they also handle call-outs differently.
(In MapTools, adding a variable such as [1d20+2+atkbonus] will prompt you for
the value of "atkbonus", but will produce an error in OpenRPG. In OpenRPG, all
call-outs are done with a question mark, such as [1d20+2+?].)

(There are lots of posts on advanced macros, including ones you can
download)

Power to MapTools translator tool:
http://patoace.diinoweb.com/files/Maptool/Power.html (Type in a power,
it comes out in MapTools format. It assumes some custom properties,
but you can change variables like "LevelBonus" to whatever number your
PC currently enjoys).

Site that organizes players and GMs for LFR games:
http://sites.google.com/site/lfrmaptool/Home/ (Not sure if still active, check
on the MapTools forums)

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emperor799
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by emperor799 »

http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/R ... s_2009.zip

The new LFR Reward Cards pdf is out:

Furious Evocation
Lucky Shot
Bladeling Renegade
Lore of the Dead
Scramble to Safety
In Slumber Remain
Kenku Explorer
Lore of the Planes
Lucky Strike

No password needed.
Campaign File Headquarters - Please share your Living and Retail campaign files to make it easier for others to DM! - discussion here

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logopolis
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by logopolis »

Getting Started with DeviantNull

One of the common frameworks used on the RPTools RPGA forums in DeviantNull's. This is a brief guide to getting a token set up in this framework.

1. Download the DeviantNull 4.3 example campaign file from here: http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=6596.
2. Run the MapTool Launcher utility. Set the Stack Size parameter to 8, and click OK to start MapTool.
3. Load the framework in MapTool. If the Campaign macro window is not already open, select the Window > Campaign menu option to open it.
4. Drag and drop your token into the main MapTool window.
5. Right-click on the token and select Edit (or double-click on the token) to open the Edit Token window. Change the following settings on the token:
  • Set the token to Pc (at the top right of the window)
  • Config tab > Properties > select Enhanced from the drop-down box
  • State tab > Character > enable the check box
Click OK when you're done.
6. Right-click on the token and click Save to save your token.

Don't forget to save your token after you've make changes to it. You can load your token later by loading the DeviantNull campaign file, and then dragging and dropping the token file (.rptok extension) into the main MapTool window.

Character Sheet

1. To bring up your character sheet, select your token and click on Character Sheet Launcher in the Campaign macro window.

The character sheet has several pages, accessible using the links at the top: Stats, Feats, Ritual, Equipment, Powers. The Stats page is the most important, since it allows you to keep track of your character's hit points, surges, and stage. However, it's recommended to fill out the rest of the character sheet as well in order to speed up play and provide an online reference for you, as well the DM.

Stats Page

1. If you're not already on the Stats page, click on the Stats link at the top of the character sheet.
2. Click the EDIT link on the right side of the character sheet.
3. Fill out your character's stats and click on the Save button when you're done.

(to be continued...)

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emperor799
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by emperor799 »

Please review LFR adventures that you've run and/or played! http://gamerclubhouse.com/Module.aspx
Campaign File Headquarters - Please share your Living and Retail campaign files to make it easier for others to DM! - discussion here

Thanlis
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Thanlis »

You can now get an RPGA number here:

https://www.wizards.com/Company/WPN/Join.aspx
Reed (halfling sorcerer P3) // Collin (human fighter P2) // Cine (eladrin psion H2)
Sirath (deva shaman H1) // Alesk (dragonborn cleric H3) // Kevin (halfling barbarian H1)

mr0bunghole
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by mr0bunghole »

Thanlis wrote:You can now get an RPGA number here:

https://www.wizards.com/Company/WPN/Join.aspx
I was looking at that link this week as I wanted to update this post, but this application form appeared to be the for Coordinators. Do you think it's okay for players to sign up via this form, too?

Thanlis
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Re: LFR New Player Guide

Post by Thanlis »

mr0bunghole wrote:
Thanlis wrote:You can now get an RPGA number here:

https://www.wizards.com/Company/WPN/Join.aspx
I was looking at that link this week as I wanted to update this post, but this application form appeared to be the for Coordinators. Do you think it's okay for players to sign up via this form, too?
Bother. Someone pointed me at it but I didn't test it; you're right in that it requires a location. I wouldn't use that for players, no.
Reed (halfling sorcerer P3) // Collin (human fighter P2) // Cine (eladrin psion H2)
Sirath (deva shaman H1) // Alesk (dragonborn cleric H3) // Kevin (halfling barbarian H1)

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