my players have been asking if we can move to an online platform for a while, since right now our setup is just a paper map, wooden tokens, and an overhead camera because they're all hundreds of miles away. And honestly, I could use less to do during our sessions; it would be nice to let them move their own pieces and just focus on roll checks, npcs, and lore. The problem is, I've tried to learn to use the online GM tools, and I must have the learning potential of spongebob at boating school, because none of the tutorial videos for roll20 or OwlbearRodeo have been helpful. they're all just a glorified ad video that teaches you nothing about the controls. I need a human. one who knows what they're doing, and can walk me through the process of building and running at least one mock session, if not a short mock campaign. Is there anyone here who can help me? or can you connect me to someone who can?

Hello everyone! To celebrate our switch to the new platform, Jonah and I are going to be sending a signed copy of our book to each of the folks in the top 5 spots on the leaderboard in one month (September 20th). We realized that if people are here, they've probably already read the book lol but you're welcome to keep the signed one and give your old one away, or vice versa! We hope to chat with you in the forum about all things GMing related!

Curious what Physical Tools/Props and digital tools everyone uses. I'll go first. Character Management: DNDBeyond, but due to the problems with the latest 24.5e (requiring homebrewing 2014 spells) I may transition to Demiplane. EDIT: DNDBeyond just walked back their homebrew requirement for rewritten content. I'll be sticking with dndbeyond. https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1806-2024-d-d-beyond-ruleset-changelog-update VTT: Dndbeyond maps and Owlbear Rodeo Audio/Video: Discord with Avrae Notes, Lore, Session planning. Google docs with Table of Contents for NPCs, Session Notes, Plots, Characters, Magic Items, Locations, Factions, etc. NPC Generator: This Chrome extension by Power Word Spill: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/npc-generator/kbomfcanlhhooddbinjiekepooimpcma Idea brainstorming: Everything. Occasionally, if I need to somehow fit ideas together or something out of left field, I use chatgpt, but keep in mind, chatgpt is highly repetitive and can often times use a lot of words to say nothing. Encounter creation: Kobold Plus Fight Club or Dndbeyond. Advice or collaborative discussion: Here or reddit. Guides for Character creation for new players: rpgbot.net