Dabbleboard

One of the big problems I had to overcome while planning my L5R campaign was running combat remotely. I had decided that, for various reasons, a webcam aimed at a map and miniatures would not work. The most logical solution seemed to be a Virtual Table Top of some kind.

Problem: VTTs have a high learning curve, are filled with junk that I don't need, and are typically expensive. Why, I thought to myself, can't I just have a whiteboard and magic markers like I used in college? And that was obviously the solution to my problem: I didn't need a VTT, I needed a virtual whiteboard.

After some investigation, I happened upon Dabbleboard. While I have yet to use this application for a game, I took an instant liking to the program just by fooling around with it. Not only is it easy and intuitive to use, it has all sorts of neat features:

• shape recognition
• ability to save images
• ability to upload images
• a grid overlay
• an integrated text and voice chat application

This promises to be really neat. I can upload maps and all sorts of other handouts for the game, and I can mark all over them during combat. And the best part is that it's 100% free!

If you'd like to find out more about this amazing GM tool, here is a tutorial video:



I can't wait to use this for my campaign.