New to Roll20 and being a GM, want to know more about the site and ADnD 2e

I'm making a campaign for some friends that is going to use the rules for ADnD 2e. I would like to know any tips or tricks about running a roll20 game and/or a ADnD 2e game that would not be apparant for a new guy

Start with Roll20's own wiki for beginner help with building your game. Also, you should search YouTube, there are many tutorial videos there as well. AD&D 2nd edition works well in Roll20, for starters it shouldn't require a lot of complicated macros. I run a 1st edition AD&D campaign and I don't use macros at all, just the basic dice roller and do any math required in my head.

There is also some systems that feel like the older systems but use some of the modern mechanics like ascending combat rolls. Most of them are referred to as retroclones. I prefer and use BFRPG and Brett is correct on what he says. Most of the older systems don't require much to run as they were created to be used with a person's imagination. Anything in particular you are needing help or tips on?

Actually, I do have a simple macro set up for each type of dice. I make most of my dice rolls in the open, but occasionally I make one that is hidden... such as when the party thief is attempting to detect for traps. Anyway, for situations like that, I have a macro that makes the dice roll hidden but which generates a message that lets the players know "The DM is rolling some dice behind the screen". I do this to simulate a face-to-face game when the players are aware that the DM is rolling for something, they just cannot see the results.

Sounds cool. I've macroed some of my common rolls such as saves for my game.

I have no particular question really, I'm just new to this and was wondering if there were any tips you guys could give. For example it would be great if I knew if their was a way I could have a tile instantly cover an entire map instead of manually placing each one because that would drop my map making time to 1/5 of what it is now

There isn't a way to tile instantly like you asked for yet. I do most of my mapping in a separate graphics program and then import the maps into Roll20 in large pieces. I use Paint.net, Inkscape or Hexographer depending on what's needed; mostly using Roll20 to place objects and light sources.

I heard of an api script (mentor level feature) that takes a stack of tiles and lays them out. The thing is you to have the tiles on the board for the script to use. I use gimp (3rd party software) to work on my maps then imports them like Dave says.

If I'm using tiles, I will lay out a single row, then select and copy that row, then paste a new row adjacent to it. Then select and copy those 2 rows and paste 2 more adjacent to them. And so on, until the area I want is covered. Only problem is, when you paste a group of tiles like that they do not snap to grid. So after I paste the tile rows, I may have to nudge each one to get them to snap to grid. So I don't know if it really saves that much time in the end

I've been doing what Brett does, but I like Dave's idea, can you link me to those programs

I came very close to using the LMGTFY links for these. I must be having a case of the Mondays. Paint.net - it's a raster based image editor with layer support and the option to add a bunch of plug-ins that allow different effects and the ability to import psd files. It's MS Paint on steroids, essentially. It's free. Inkscape - this is a vector based image editor, playing Mutt to Paint.net's Jeff. Also free. Great for making arrays out of objects designed in Paint.net or when you need accurate curves, lines, text or anything else under a vector-based purview. Hexographer - its a java based hex mapping app. There's a free version which does almost everything you'd need for making hex based overworld maps. You can export files easily and bring them into Roll20. There's a companion program called Dungeonographer that deals with the micro environment that might be worth checking out at the company's webpage.

I can recommend Hexographer too, very easy to use. For individual building floorplans, you might have a look at Dungeon Painter, at Pyromancers.com

Wow, I love that Pyromancers one, thanks a lot Brentt, what kinds of images can I upload into roll 20

Jpeg and pngs that I know of but Jpegs work the best for background maps. They use less computer resources like memory and usually don't cause that much lag unless you put in a tremendously large map. The tokens should be png in my opinion so you can have transparent backgrounds. This makes the tokens look better but again that is just my opinion on it.

also I have a question about stealth combat in AD&D 2e, maybe its covered somewhere, but how does it work if you stealth attack someone, like choke then out from behind, what are the rules for that situation

loonsun (and other people playing or giving tips for 2E on Roll20), please check out my campaign of a Roll2E Tavern . It is a gathering place and occasional open-game of 2nd Edition AD&D on Roll20. The forums of the Tavern's campaign page are good for discussion of 2nd Edition gameplay tips for Roll20 users. You may find some answers there, and an audience of 2E players to ask your questions. Those who have good tips (Metro, Brett, Dave, if you take interest in 2E), please post and share there too if you like. It's under LFG, Looking for a Group &gt; search for AD&D &gt; look for the Roll2E Tavern listing and make a post if you'd like to be a tavern member. TAVERN LINK <a href="https://app.roll20.net/lfg/listing/7880/roll2e-the" rel="nofollow">https://app.roll20.net/lfg/listing/7880/roll2e-the</a>...

Thanks for the invite. I will look into it when I have a chance.

Stephen S. has been posting some cool-looking API resources specifically for 2E in the 2E tavern. I don't have a subscription for API right now, but he's giving me a reason to want that! For example he programmed a way to do 2E-style Initiative (which is 1d10 plus certain modifiers like weapon speed or casting time), and it also rolls the monster initiative, and then puts everybody into the Turn Tracker in the proper order. Cool stuff.

yeah, it looked really awesome, Stephen has also been helping me with my questions about various rules, he really knows his stuff