Are there any scenario design tools out there? Something that lets me input text to read aloud, notes, stat blocks, etc?
Ive been using OggDudes gmtools to create encounters with statblocks, but id like something to write out the story itself and other player options, branching paths, etc
I write that stuff in a text document and print it out
Then I use OggDude's tool for the NPCs.
link please to the tools?
In Roll 20.net you can set up an Init tracker, character sheets, notes, separate scenario pages... You just set it up like an online game but without the need for fancy graphics and connections, pretty easy really.
The most comprehensive tool I've found is Realm Works from Lone Wolf Development. It is the GM's equivalent of a garage full of power tools. Unfortunately, it hasn't been released to the general public yet as they are still working out some final bugs. Release date of Soon TM
Methods I have used in the past include: (1) word processor documents that I convert into pdf files with ToC bookmarks so I can get to relevant sections quickly, (2) power point presentation software where I organized scene elements into groups of slides with the relevant info split into a "read slide," "plot slide," and "stats slide."
I haven't attempted to write any scenarios for this system (yet), but in the past I have made use a thin material produced by pressing together moist fibers , typically cellulose pulp derived from wood , rags or grasses , and drying them into flexible sheets.
I can then employ a writing implement used to apply ink to a surface, usually paper , for writing or drawing . Although, if I think any of my scenario statblocks/plot points may need adjustment, I may use a writing implement or art medium usually constructed of a narrow, solid pigment core inside a protective casing. This particular tool allows erasure of unwanted text, etc. by way of a an article of stationery that is used for removing pencil markings.
I have found all of the above tools to be highly customizable, and easily adaptable to almost any situation outside the realm of the computer.
I realize that this thread is about computer tools, and I am by no means a grognard, nor do I disapprove of the use of these tools. I just wanted to be cheeky and poke a little fun. Perhaps I am jealous that I don't have the wherewithal to make use of these computer-y tools myself.
Happy gaming, everyone! (and yes, I C+P'd the above definitions from wikipedia).
When I set up my scenarios, I tend to go with one or more of the following approaches, depending on what I'm running, where I am running it (as some places will have more space, a projector, or other tools), and how many players are online vs in person.
--Old fashioned pen and paper. I jot down notes, color coordinate things, add sticky notes to make things pop, and go from there.
In my group, I am notorious for the "One Page Adventure," where I jot down 2-6 hooks on a slip of paper and adlib the rest.
--Bookmarks. Sticky notes and post-it flags are my friends when I game, and every RPG I use heavily is bound to have sheets of paper with notes and/or rules modifications in key locations within the book.
Of course, having key websites bookmarked never hurts either.
--Pictures. Sometimes, a tablet or computer screen won't cut it when showing what type of alien the party is meeting. That said, we move over to printing them out and handing them out as needed.
--For you digital-only types (or when you have a large screen to share with the in-person players and a bunch of online people), I've used RPTools with some success. It's not the BEST set of tools out there, especially with EotE, but it can get the job done.
--Digital files. These includes pre-recorded snippets, things to send to players, images to share (see above), and the synopsis up to date.
In reality, it just depends on what you want to do and how your group works. Some of the above won't work for some groups, but work very well for others.
Just my two cents here.
I have preached this elsewhere but I'll preach it here too: I use Scrivener and Evernote heavily to manage my campaign, the former to track all events and materials, and the latter for a play aide with templates for NPCs and ships. I'll switch between Mindnode and Scapple for brainstorming and plot visualization as needed.
These are not purpose-built scenario designers but you'll pick them up in no time if you choose to go that route. I've been using them together for several months at my table (where I run 99% paperless from a laptop) and I've had zero complaints.
p.s. Why not put stat blocks in Scrivener and eschew the use of Evernote, which I did use exclusively prior to Scrivener? For one, Evernote has check boxes, makes tracking things really easy, and 2, you can easily share with others in Evernote. Evernote fell down for me in that it's an extension to my brain and contains a lot of stuff, which of course made organization for a game difficult and finding stuff in the heat of a session just a little of a hassle. Having everything in one Scrivener document (that lives in Dropbox) has alleviated those problems.