Hello all. I''ve got an idea for a piece of freeware/shareware which would allow several people to play online ad&d at the same time, with adventures made and refereed by a designated DM. The software would consist of an interface for the DM and interfaces for the players, and the DM software would act as the host for the game. The Player Interface/software: This would be a windows programme, with space for text coming in from the DM, space for the character sheet details, icons for fighting, spells (probably not that dissimiliar to the Baldur''s Gate II icons at the bottom of the page). There would also be a text area where the character could speak to the entire group, or individual players/DM only. There would also be an area defining the size of the current room, player positions and any other objects (more akin to mapping on squared paper than proper 3d realism, this is supposed to be a pen and paper style roleplaying aid). The DM Interface/Software: This software would be more complicated. Prior to a game, the DM would design the layout of the playable area, say a dungeon for sake of ease just now. Each room would be defined in size, and the DM would enter a text description of the room. So the DM software would need to be able to do this. When players enter a room the description is autotriggered and their maps updated. Basically, as people don''t type so fast, the programme would need to let the DM pre-prepare as much as possible prior to the game. The DM software would also contain stock details for common monsters such as orcs, trolls etc etc, which the DM could also place in rooms prior to the game. The DM software would also handle all of the rules, ie when a player hits a monster, the DM software would autocalculate the damage and report back to the player, and kills the monster where appropriate. The DM would also be able to roleplay NPCs to the players real time through an area, and provide any extra information necessary. Basically, it would be an AD&D engine without the graphics, to encourage proper roleplay and imagination. I''m sure many people have played the superb Baldur''s Gate games. Here would be a chance to play our own games quickly and simply with other players around the world. Any comments or preferably programming volunteers?

Two words: Neverwinter Nights.

I think that game will be a lot like your idea. Basically, it gives players the opportunity to use a game engine to design their own adventures.

I don''t think it''s a bad idea, specially because you specifically mentioned that you''d base it on text mostly...

This would be closer to "roleplaying" than most multiplayer CRPGs out there, and it also makes it a feasible project for people with not as much programming skill or time on their hands.

In essence, what you described is an intelligent chat program with built-in support for role-playing game rules. I think the idea would need to be fleshed out a bit more to colour it more in the direction of a role-playing game.

Ahh please ignore - I''ve found something similar anyway.

Which is called klooge works, and does vaguely similiar stuff.

Having just tested it out, the whole thing feels like a bit of a pain in the ass anyway, and made me think that it would suck compared to sitting in a room with some friends or playing a more graphically appealing game.

Oh well, thanks for your feedback. May check out neverwinter nights aswell.

Cheers,

Dr U

DR UNSPEAKABLE:

Well, Neverwinter Nights is similar to your idea in that it lets a DM create an environment for other player to play in. It is however, most likely (I haven''t been following the Neverwinter Nights news for a while now) more about graphics than about roleplaying.