Here you'll find techniques for wiring your tabletop game. Here is an outline of some articles I'm considering for inclusion…

Tabletop Projection

Combine the dynamic, visually rich experience of a video game with the fun and intense social interaction of a face-to-face, pen and paper game.

Pick the right projector

Tabletop map projection has some special needs. Be sure to choose the right projector for your gaming environment.

Hang a projector from your ceiling

The fully committed method for integrating map projection in your gaming lair.

Hang a projector from a boom

A more temporary and portable projector mounting approach.

Build a projector table

The deluxe system for those with high ranks in Craft (Woodworking).

Use monitor spanning to reveal information to players

Configure your computer to segregate what the DM sees from what the players view.

Scanning and editing printed maps

Scan printed maps such as those published by Dungeon magazine and edit them for projection.

Using map creation software

Create gorgeous, detailed maps with applications such as Dundjinni.

Use the Neverwinter Nights authoring suite

Generate maps on the fly with the powerful NWN authoring suite.

Reveal new areas of the map

Utilize fog of war effects to reveal only the parts of the map that the players have explored.

Automate mapping

Spend much less time mapping and more time playing.

Provide better detail for tactical purposes

Track character & creature locations across varied terrain.

Help set the mood

Stimulate the imagination and bring your dungeon alive.

Make areas of effect obvious

User layers to indicate areas affected by spells and effects.

Hide & unhide map elements

Show only those things that the characters are meant to know.

Display visual aids

Show player handouts and visual aids to your entire group at once.

Character Sheets

Electronically generated character sheets transform what was once a disorganized hassle into an efficient resource that any player can immediately use.

Use an editable character sheet

Keep things neat & organized, save time when leveling up, and have a character archive.

Use PDF for attractive and portable character sheets

PDF character sheets offer attractive layout and timesaving auto-calculation.

Use Excel for ease of scripting and dynamic calculations

The ubiquitous Excel can easily create auto-calculated sheets.

Use specialized character generation software

Character generators offer lots of pre-populated information, which can be both good and bad.

Track Combat

The complexities of combat can often slow your game to a painful pace. Let your computer help keep things moving and accurate.

Record basic combat participant information

Monitor each combat participant's name, AC, initiative, Dexterity, and more.

Automatically track hit points

There's a lot to keep track of with hit points: maximum, temporary, damage taken, non-lethal damage, and, of course, current hit points.

Use formulas to translate hit points into descriptive terminology

Bring an element of realism to your game by avoiding game terms such as "hit points" when describing damage sustained.

Dynamically track conditions and their effects

Conditions such as paralyzed, blinded, or grappled have wide-ranging game impacts that are hard to keep track of without help.

Let the computer monitor in-game time

How long has it been since we camped? Is my Detect Evil still running? Now you'll always have the right answer.

Automatically step through combat rounds

Keeping track of combat rounds can be confusing, especially in high-level games or when you have many combat participants.

Environment

Professional theaters control their sets with computers. You can do the same in your game room.

Camouflage your high-tech equipment

Maintain your fantasy setting and DM secrecy by cloaking your computer.

Set the mood with music

Create the perfect playlist to set the mood — with a suggested song list!

Control your gaming environment's lighting

Use X10 smart home tools to dramatically change lighting as appropriate.

Player Status Sheets

When players take an active role in keeping track of their characters' combat status, they are more engaged and can double-check the accuracy of the DM's records.

Use a grid to monitor character adjustments

Keep track of adjustments and avoid stacking errors by using a spreadsheet, dynamic PDF, or printed sheet.

Keep track of re-charging and recurring abilities

Use a spreadsheet or printed form to record how many times recurring abilities such as a cleric's turn undead ability are used.

Consumable items log

Keep a record of consumable items and their properties including type, name of item, caster level, uses, and times used.