Roll20 uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. Cookies enable you to enjoy certain features, social sharing functionality, and tailor message and display ads to your interests on our site and others. They also help us understand how our site is being used. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies. Update your cookie preferences .
×

How to make it so that only GM can see player mouse signals?

I want to run a multiplayer war game where players decide their moves and only after all moves have been resolved - just before next turn - will they be able to see that their opponent has moved his pieces. Is there a way to run it so that players can communicate to GM within the roll20 app?  Mouse signals are useful, because they don't need to give grid co-ordinates.  Also, my game would involve units stretched across multiple squares on the grid.  Thanks!
1521319434
The Aaron
Pro
API Scripter
There isn't a way to restrict player created mouse signals (Pings, Measurements, etc) from being seen by other players.  One thing you CAN do though is create a clear token (transparent png) on the map, give it control by only one player, and set it so only they can see auras on it, then set a small aura on it and have them move that around.  Only the GM and the controlling player can then see it.
1521319746

Edited 1521319809
There's certainly no CONVENIENT way to do this within the system.  It's not entirely impossible though.  (the mouse signal thing is though) * Run Multiple identical copies of the maps with each player on their own copy. - Major downside, duplicating every movement piece so everyone's seeing the same things after each turn. You could technically have a different browser tab or window for each player, avoiding the need to actually move yourself between maps quickly. * Use a Coordinate system so the players can inform you of their movement in /w gm chat before actually moving. Very tedious, but the GM can make their own life a little easier by using a second set of player tokens on the GM layer to denote where they're going to move just for the GM's sake. Players wouldn't see anything on GM layer. * Get REALLY good at the API system as a Pro subscriber to allow players to input their moves but not get executed until the GM types a specific command to trigger it.  It would still largely rely on a coordinate system or similar way to refer to squares. * Use a 3rd party app to communicate movements, like Discord or similar. * Give each player a second transparent token that only they can see, to indicate where they're going to move. * Creative use of the Fog of War and Dynamic Lighting to have everyone on one page, but only see a portion of it.  Each portion can be a duplicate copy of the map (HUGE map though; reducing the grid and sizes down would be highly advised).  You can then at least manage everyone's view on one screen.  Added advantage of being able to shift-click the token from each section to move them all at once.
1521694045

Edited 1521694444
Thanks for the advice so far, guys.  Is there also a way to indicate facing using the invisible tolken?
1521703898
Nick S.
Pro
Marketplace Creator
Translator
When you select a token you will see its selection/transform box, and there's an extra handle to one of the sides to change the way it's facing. If you want an easy solution, you could use just that.
1521727537
The Aaron
Pro
API Scripter
That's exactly what I'd recommend.
1522482616

Edited 1522482639
Final question - Is it a good idea to run multiple games on roll20, or will it tank the RAM on the average pc?
1522484080
GiGs
Pro
Sheet Author
API Scripter
Multiple games... at the same time?  You can make and join as many campaigns as you like, and it wont be any more demanding than one game.  As long as you play them one at a time :)
No, I wanna play more than one at a time.  Easier than trying to trust players not to switch between maps when I tell them not to. 
1522561457
GiGs
Pro
Sheet Author
API Scripter
Players cant switch between maps. They need the GM to move them. They only see what you let them see.
1522612439

Edited 1522612563
Oh really, eh?  That's interesting. Is there a way to swap out the 'avatar' for a token?  Say, if I want to change the way it looks but not modify all the values or extra icons attached to it?  Maybe if a player wants to change the look of the token, is there a convenient way to make that happen?
1522619363
keithcurtis
Forum Champion
Marketplace Creator
API Scripter
You should look up  Rollable Table Tokens , though I am not sure if a player can control the face or if it is GM only. It certainly has to be set up as a GM.