Support: Running your own server

Well, Brad would be the one to talk to. I doubt, however, you'll be able to get a copy of what he uses server-side.

Realistically, though, you wouldn't need it at all for a TSDX game. You can roll the dice in OPnP just like you would in TS, unless you are worried about people coming in on your game, of course.

If that's the case, the community is rather small, so you don't have to really worry about it all that much. And if you are truly concerned about it, you can always download OpenRPG (requires Python and wxPython, so if you or your friends are on dialup, watch it. Something like 15 meg total download), which will allow you to host your own server or the like via the server software that comes with the program, and even password protect the room if you feel so inclined. For just me and my friends though, unless there was dire need, I wouldn't bother with OpenRPG. It's big, it's slow, it's cumbersome (hey, it's Python...), and really you wouldn't even need most of the stuff, depending on the flavor of TS you are running.

OPnP isn't DnD only, and can easily work with any system (the hardest systems are the dice pool systems where you have to count successes, and TSDX isn't one of those). I've personally run TSDX games on OPnP styled setup with no hitches *shrugs*

All of the people that would be on this are going to be on DSL or above so speed is not an issue. I discovered another program called Gametable and allows you to run your own server with a shared map and stuff so I might use it. However, I am not ruling out this app, it looks pretty nice but I will have to wait until I get some free time later on to really explore it. I will check out the other one as well, I am mostly looking for something like this only with a high degree of customization.

Then OpenRPG might be more your style. So long as you know python, you can do literally anything to it if you really wanted to. I wouldn't bother with the vast amount of other proggies out there, truth be told, simply because they charge outrageous amounts of cash to get.

Yeah, I know... they need to live. I'm aware, and I have no problem paying a decent amount for a piece of software I'll use. But I've seen too many that charge twice what their program should be selling for -.-.

As far as the customization... I really don't see all the goodness that comes from it, but then we're different people. As far as I'm concerned, the program is to connect to a central area and chat with others, and roll dice *shrugs* anything customizable beyond font, color, and the like I'm not too bothered with unless I make use of the program virtually every day. But hey, whatever it takes for you and your friends.

Well, the reason for the customization is as follows:

1.) I want it to somehow interface with Ventrillo, a high powered voice chat system.

2.) I want my friends to be able to post their descriptions, bios, and things like amidst thier profiles

3.) I want to be able to keep track of hit points, AP, and experience.

I tried OpenRPG, even loaded Python 2.5 on my system and after clicking the OpenRPG icon about four times over a ten minute period, it never loaded. Further examination shows that it wants Python and wxPython to run...seems a bit bloated. Sadly, I don't know jack about the languages though.

As far as I've found (AFAIF?), OpenRPG IS terribly bloated, especially compared to the light and crispy taste of OPNPW.

In regards to getting the server-side software, forget about it. I've tried to get Brad to let me run a back-up for some time now, and he's politely declined... And I've been around essentially since the start.

If you want to use Vent, simply fire up a server on your machine, have your friends connect to that, and then open OPNPW, make a room, and start talking. You don't need to fuse the two programs together to make it work; hell, I'd far rather have two seperate programs, simply because you can mix and match the programs you want to communicate over.

As far as posting bios and character descriptions, make some notepad/wordpad files and transfer them to each other. Same goes for character sheets/AP etc.

Here's a shameless self-plug: My .rtf D&D character sheet: www.opnpw.com/saber/DnDCharsheet.rtf

Use it; enjoy it. And enjoy your stay.

Oh, and Multi, you're supposed to try and keep people here... Not push them away.

Oh, right. Always forget that. Nah. I make no statement that I'm here to keep people on OPnP if something else will work better for them. I'd like them to remain on OPnP, but if that is against their desire/needs, then I won't pull them unduly towards OPnP.

Personally, I love the program myself. I wasn't 'pushing away', so much as explaining each particular programs benefits and drawbacks, and allowing them to choose between the two *shrugs*

The infornation I have received has been much appreciated. I am about at a point where I can really get up close and personal with this app so I will see what happens why I try it out. Who knows? I might find it to be the perfect item for me. I have actually checked out several apps today and so far OPnPW and Gametable are my two faves. Since I don't have to connect to a remote server with Gametable I have been able to test it on my office system I am out in super lockdown firewall land at work and can't hit the OPnPW servers. But once I go home, it is on.

Sounds like a plan. Personally, I love OPnP because it's fast, lightweight, easy to use, and has a wonderful community. Though I like several other programs (and use Open for a handful of my games because what we do in them requires things that OPnP does not have right now), I must say that OPnP is my favorite.

It all comes down to what you need the program to do, and what you can deal with. Though I'd like to see you on OPnP... least of which being another face, and I'm admittedly looking forward to speccing your game *looks around, whistling*

Sorry. Don't see many people play TS, what can I say?

Ok, I tried the software and I keep getting ISP droped. I am on a Cable line through a router. Help anyone?

I don't know what version of the software you have, but it shouldn't matter. What you're going to need to do is make sure you have the right server address that you're connecting to, as it changed somewhat recently.

The correct server address should be "opnpwprimary.dyndns.org", without the quotes.

To determine what version you have, go to Help -> About. If it opens a window and gives you information, it's the old version (should say 2.0.9 near the bottom). If it doesn't open anything, it's the new version.

Here's how to set your server address:

In the old client, you right click on your profile name and simply enter the correct server addy in the Server field. In the new client, you can't edit the information you already typed in, and thus you must create a new login. Simply enter the correct information, and you should be able to connect (I'm online with both clients as we speak, so the server is up).

To find the new client if you have the old, simply click this link: http://www.opnpw.com/files/beta/OPnPW_Client_New.exe

Just know that this new client is a beta, and there are a few quirks to it.

Thanks for the information but I actually noticed the address message on the front page shortly after I posted and I just hadn't gotten around to replying. I got it to work so I will keep you guys posted on what I decide to do.