Author Topic: What is the best RPG management software?  (Read 3418 times)

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Offline Bruce

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What is the best RPG management software?
« on: May 21, 2014, 10:12:34 PM »
My original topic was to ask anyone if they have ever used Realm Works and if so is it worth the price?
But I'd like to see if there are any other RPG management software out there and what the opinion is on it.
I am still asking about Realm Works but if there are others please post them here!

Bruce
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Offline Voriig Kye

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2014, 06:23:06 AM »
For Rolemaster and HARP, there are a number of options available. You can read all about them in their own section of the forum:
Rolemaster: http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?board=21.0
HARP: http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?board=20.0

Offline Bruce

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2014, 10:04:53 AM »
I know about the software available for ICE games  and those don't really fit the bill. Most of that software is only character management or has a single purpose. Realm Works is RPG/campaign management software. I was looking to see if anyone here has used it and/or if there is other similar programs out there.
One of those, Hero lab, is developed by the same people who developed Realm Works and they are very different. Check out Realm Works to get a better idea of what I am looking for. And it isn't focused on one game.
http://www.wolflair.com/realmworks/

Bruce
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Offline Takeyabue

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2014, 07:16:04 PM »
I own Realm Works and have worked with it for some time. I find it very useful for my own preparation and organization. Many of the player components are still unreleased, but it is a great organization and linking tool for GM use as it currently exists. At this point I believe that it is worth the price, but the final part of that decision still rests with how the player components work once they are released as I still that as a vital component of what I looking for. I have two campaigns that I have been working with in the program and find the automatic links and connections are a massive step forward from how I previously organized my campaigns.

It has a fairly steep learning curve and import of data takes a substantial amount of time, however i was spending a lot of time on my campaigns prior to starting with Realm Works. It is not a tool for a here and there sporadic GM. The creators are playing up the ability to purchase pre-made professional materials optimized and implemented in Ream Works, but they are still coming as the player components need to arrive first.
 
If you have specific questions, I will be happy to respond here or off-line.

Takeyabue

Offline Bruce

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2014, 04:03:27 AM »
Thanks, I purchased it earlier (ok, lastnight). I have been slowly toying with it and adding the Cryadon stuff and will eventually get to Belynar.
It is a great program and I go ahead and get Hero Lab and develop a HARP character sheet with it.
The learning curve is a little steep but not as steep as Maptools was. Maptools is a great program once you get into the macros and what not. It is a lot of work with a real steep learning curve. But it is one of the best tools (free or not) I have ever come across for running a game online. There was a kickstarter project for a more user friendly version called "Mote", that should be coming out later this year, and it is supposed to still be free.
If only there was a program that combined all these features under one roof. Imagine the possibilities!

I just had a thought (yes it's rare), I wonder how long it would take to add the Shadow World stuff to Realm Works?.....

Bruce
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Offline Zut

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2014, 05:39:14 PM »
Hi Bruce!

So you said you had experienced some other RPG management systems? I too am interested in this. I am trying to create a wiki-like "tool" for Cyradon. I searched for personal wikis programs and ended using OneNote (from Office) as it is easy to handle. However, linking from one subject to another takes a long time. I am doing this as some information from the book is scattered across it (i.e. Tears of Life, ritual of Estrousal), and the index is not complete. Do you think that Realm Works (from your experience so far) would be better?
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Offline Takeyabue

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #6 on: June 03, 2014, 01:17:31 AM »
I am not Bruce, but form your description it appears that Realm Works might be a very good solution for your needs. It is basic a very wiki like collections of object which are connected by automatically generated links using major terms. For example, if you have an object containing a description of Cryadon which contains the text Belynar and you also have an object named Belynar it will automatically create a link from the Cryadon object to the Belynar object much link a wiki.

Eventually the owner will be able to control which of the objects can be viewed by others using the program on an individual basis. So some individuals could see more than others or less than others. Rather than a Virtual Table Top or Playing Environment it is more of a Content Management System, organizing campaign content and controlling access to that information.

Offline Warl

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #7 on: August 28, 2014, 12:33:44 PM »
does realm works support a Custom Calendar and Weather options?
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Offline Takeyabue

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2014, 07:35:23 PM »
RealmWorks does not currently support custom calendars. Support for them has been part of the code base from the initial release, but the user interface to set them up and link dates had so many issues that the interface was removed until it could be completely reworked. Priority has since been given to getting a player module up and working. Once the Player Module progresses far enough for a public release, the coders will return to the main GM module and a reworked custom calendar interface which is high in priority for the GM module.

Please feel free to ask for further clarification if needed.

Offline Peter R

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Re: What is the best RPG management software?
« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2014, 04:13:34 PM »
Have you considered using a personal wiki?

http://wikidpad.sourceforge.net/

Wikipad is a very quick and easy to use personal wiki (Windows only but there are others available for other platforms) and great for organising complicated interwoven projects.
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