So I finally got around to posting some pictures of the new upgrades around the table. So folks have been requesting that I update the latest features, so I figured I might as well do it here. The biggest addition has to be the wiring I’ve put in under the table. Not because it looks cool, but because of what it does for the gaming experience. This is really cool because it allows any player to plug-in a laptop, clip fan, or any electronic device directly under the table. How did I do it? Easy.
First I cut small holes in the support legs with a drill fitted with a round saw bit, then one in the middle center line to join the two sides. I then mounted a power splitter under the center section, and connected another splitter through the middle so as to service the opposite side. This also lets the DM hook up under the table too.
Power Splitter under table.
In the picture you can see the storage compartment under the tray which was a later addition about 2 years ago. Any connection cables come up behind the tray, which is under the table yet over the tray. This has become really handy, as we now use YAHOO IM for secret messaging instead of the AIM hand helds I bought way back when.
We’ve also been using a new FOG of WAR technique by using a black cloth to cover our terrain. It’s been very well received by the players who like the idea that they can’t see everything, and it adds a little something extra to exploring again. Besides I sometimes catch them trying to peer through doorways which is pretty funny.
Fog of WaR
WarThe DM section pictured below is using the second monitor for player facing images and maps, as well as the combat initiative tracker from the Combat Manger program. Also below the table is the AMP for the microphone and the voice effects module, which is tons of fun for any sort of voice, from demon to elf to kobold, and even golems and ghosts!Player Facing Monitor & DM Computer
The last little tid bit we’ve been doing lately is using the export option from the D&D Insider Character Builder to export our sheets to PDF. Using the forms feature we’ve managed to design a PDF sheet with form fields for editing. This is really cool since we can now hook up our laptops and play from there, sans paper! Makes it very quick and easy to make notes, check rules, and check off powers used! But yes, we still roll dice the old-fashioned way!
Very nice. You’ve made quite a few improvements since I last saw it.
I’ve been using Herolab and my laptop for the Pathfinder game I’m in. It’s handy in that it has “In-Play” features that auto-calculate to hit and damage, track conditions, and link to the rules, all in one package.
The DM for the 4e game I’m in uses Fog of War in conjunction with a ton of Mastermaze terrain. It really adds a lot to the atmosphere of the games.
Thanks, I’m sorry it took so long.
The Combat Manager does that as well (auto calculate)! It lets the DM see the powers by linking into the D&D Insider accout too. You can also mark them off as players use them; and it even has a feature that auto calculates a short rest, short rest with milestone, and extended rest! Thereby it resets encounter powers, adds or resets action points and everything.
But my favorite feature is that I can preset encounters, and load them in on the fly, so that all party stats stay adjusted. I can even save the party stats as a RESTED encoutner when we break until the next session.
I’d love to see some pictures of your setup! Fog of War is really cool. I even have the Id DM using it now too! LOL
Here’s a set on my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21608192@N00/sets/72157625369958647/
All of these pics were taken after terrain was revealed and as the encounters progressed, so you can’t see the black cloths, but they were there at the beginning.
I’ve loved this Ultimate Gaming Table since pictures of it first surfaced on the Internets ages ago. I like to see that improvements are still happening! My table puts some effort into our “play space” but not nearly as much as you guys. It’s really awesome to see the degree to which it could all be taken. I award you all a +10 Ring of Awesome Nerdness
Thank much man! I will thusly don that ring of nerdiness and weild it for good! =) I’d love to see some pictures of yer space if you care to share. This table has definately been a labor of love, but with all due respect, it’s recieved some very generous help from my good friend Jim, (shoutout), and Michael (Id DM) for donations and supplies! It’s really been something I wanted to do for so long and when I had the chance I sacrificed tons of wife karma in order to make it happen. Never regret one bit of it either!
Thanks for the comments!
My group was splurging when we put down actual glass over our 1 inch grid mat instead of plexiglass which gradually warps over time. I starting using a Thought Mapping app on my Xoom to track initiative and love it though. Have you seen any of the new digital gaming systems? I went to PAX last year and they had a demo out for it. Makes me drool to look at it, but it’s just not the sort of thing the average gaming group can invest in unfortunately. At least not yet….
@ Theron
Those are some great pics! I really like the multi level features, and the cave look is really awesome!
@hotelnerd
I guess if you can’t leave the plexiglass in place like I can, it would probably warp. Right now, my top is going on 11 years, but since we don’t move it around it’s holding up well.
The one I’ve seen that I like the most is the digital table by microsoft. One group made a 4E demo on the top that interacted with minis. It was an experimental thing, but it was very cool. The only 2 things I have against the project and digital tops is that the space is smaller, (compared to my table); and that the set up time for digital dungeon maps takes longer than I can do it by dungeon tiles or drawing. Other wise I do like the interactive features alot.
I always said that if I had a projector I would be using it up against a wall to display player pictures and handouts, much like I’m using the player facing monitor now.
The table is great! I know I’m very spoiled to have the chance to play there. I haven’t switched to some of the digital tools yet either as a player or DM. I think I like shuffling through my power cards too much, although I might give Combat Manager a try one of these weeks.
I need to bring my fog machine and laser lights over.
Going to have renameyou the RaveDM? Laser lights? Now I’m scared… I do have a fog machine, the only issue I have is the smell would be pretty bad…. Now there are those fog machines which work off of water, not sure if they smell or not. But they don’t push the fog out like the stage machine I have does, it sort of just rolls out slowly.
Actually, I don’t have laser lights, but more of a light array. I’ll have to bring them over sometime for you to check out. My fog machine runs on some type of water-substance, but I haven’t used it in a good four years. Who knows what it would smell like now?
Fog Juice! Yep that stuff is a bit overwhelming at times. Probably not a good idea in a closed room. Now dried ice would work as long as we made sure it didn’t hit the table. That does make a nice little fog.