I would love to add some level of integration between Roll20 and 4eTurnTracker encounter manager.
This would require some public functions to be provided by the Roll20 server (i.e. as mentioned here: API/Extensions System , assuming this refers to a server-side API). What I am proposing (although I am sure you have already thought of this) is something that would allow a combat manager to control an encounter in Roll20.
For initial integration it would be great if the server could provide the following functionality:
- Updating the Turn Tracker window - add/remove tokens, set the numbers and change the positions in the list:
In this way a program like 4eTurnTracker could sync the Roll20 Turn Tracker list with its own Initiative List.
- Move tokens from the Object&Tokens layer to the DM Info layer and back:
This could be used to hide creatures when they are hidden in 4eTurnTracker.
- Set the token information - bars, auras and markers:
4eTurnTracker could then transfer the current HP, healing surge, etc. levels to the bars and indicate effects and conditions using the markers as this data is changed in the combat manager.
- Remove a token from a Page:
This will allow 4eTurnTracker to remove dead creatures when specified by the DM.
I small improvement would be to add a mouse-over text and allow the color of the markers to be set. Then a program like 4eTurnTracker could specify the exact nature of the effect, for example: "Dazed", "-2 to Damage", "Resist Cold 10", etc.
Future improvements would involve the setting up of encounters.
My proposal above would require that the encounter to be setup (i.e. selection and naming of monsters, selection of icons/portraits, and the addition of PCs - the party) in both Roll20 and in 4eTurnTracker. The names of the tokens in Roll20 have to agree with the name (ID to be exact) of creatures in 4eTurnTracker. It would also be ideal if the portrait of creatures in 4eTurnTracker is the same as that used in Roll20.
Setting up an encounter twice, and ensuring that both agree would be a lot of work for the DM.
To solve this problem it would be cool if Roll20 would provide an API to add tokens to a page. Then the DM could proceed as follows:
- Setup the encounters in 4eTurnTracker.
- Load an encounter in 4eTurnTracker, and select the party members.
- Pick a page (i.e. select the encounter location) in Roll20.
- Then click on a button in 4eTurnTracker to upload the encounter to Roll20 (if 4eTurnTracker does not yet have a connection to Roll20, it would prompt for a URL, an e-mail and a password, for login).
- Initially all tokens will be uploaded to the DM Info layer so the players do not see them.
- 4eTurnTracker (like most combat managers) has no concept of position, so Roll20 will simply place the tokens anywhere on the map.
- The DM would then move the tokens to their initial positions.
- Then the DM clicks on a button in 4eTurnTracker to start the encounter. 4eTurnTracker then moves the tokens to the Object&Tokens layer that are initially visible (according to the setup of the encounter).
Finally if a call was provided by the Roll20 server to write the chat system, 4eTurnTracker could write its "ticker" text to the chat. This logs all actions done in 4eTurnTracker that are visible to the players, including hits with damage, powers used, etc.
Sorry this has turned out to be quite a bit. However, I think the implementation would not be that much effort, and the results could be really spectacular!
Thanks for a great tool! :)