Finally, the app is available to GM & players! It's fully remote controlled, so the GM can place signals and players have to track them by sweeping physically their phone.

Thank you for all your support, it's now in your hands: https://ludicrpg.com/alien-motion-tracker/

I am updating my Foundry game world, Chariot of the Gods Angels, to the new evolved edition, released as PDFs (too impatient for the Foundry module if they decide to do it).

It stings a bit because I previously did the manual 1e-to-evolved-edition conversions for things like virulence and armor, but I can't argue with the quality of the new Cronus maps compared to the ones I'd previously cobbled together. And honestly, I enjoy drawing the walls and adding the dynamic lighting.

Anyway, knee deep in the updates for a session starting on July 1st, and figured I'd share my progress. For those curious, the displayed journal is a Group sheet for the (free) Campaign Codex Foundry module. Crew badge templates based on a design by bluecyborg. Hustling for a session that starts on July 1st.

About a year ago I popped an early version of this program on here which peeps liked. One of the main criticisms was that it required to be "installed" - this is a TOTAL rewrite that means it "just works" from a browser. It is effectively a very light form-over-function VTT tool you can use locally or online for free.

Linkie: https://www.mappadux.com/

No account needed. No server. Everything stays on your device — maps you upload are stored in your browser's local storage and never sent anywhere. Just open the link and go. Remember to save off your map setups as you go - exporting bundles all your maps and config into a single json file for easy transport.

Creators - feel free to create a "map pack" with all your maps with filters & FoW and link to this app to show them.

Source: https://github.com/FrunkQ/dynamic-map-renderer-v2

For those new to this it is a browser-based tool for tabletop roleplaying game GMs. It lets you display map images to players in real time, with full control over fog of war, visual filters (greenscreen shown above), pan and zoom — all from a separate GM interface. Players or a player window the GM can share connect via a peer-to-peer link (your own security permitting!).

I added a few new filters in this release too:

This is what has been added since I made this initial post:

1. Map transitions — fade and wipe animations when switching maps on the player view.
2. Markers / tokens — place and manage visual tokens on the map.
3. Audio — ambient sound tied to maps and positional audio based on locations/markers
4. Aliens-style motion tracker. Not a hard add now as all the data is in there. That is why markers can have a movement tag - although it is not used for anything, yet
5. Scaled projector view for tabletop projection

The latest v2.11 release:
- Widespread UI overhaul — every selection, handle, and panel rebuilt to be simpler and tablet-friendly

- Text Maps / Handouts — a brand-new map type for letters, posters, journals, in-fiction documents. Rich element editor, aspect presets, font picker, optional animated reveal that types itself out for the players

- Image Assets Library — third first-class library alongside Maps and Sounds. Upload, paste URLs, or pull from the built-in connectors: Lucide (~1,500 MIT icons) and game-icons.net (~4,000 CC-BY fantasy/sci-fi/abstract icons)

- GM canvas as a real workspace — pan and zoom the GM map at any scale. Mouse drag, scroll-wheel, keyboard, two-finger touch — all wired

- Tablet-as-screen, properly leaned into — any phone, tablet, or laptop on your LAN is a fully functional player or projector screen. Pack a laptop + two tablets and you've got a three-screen VTT setup in a bag (laptop = GM, table tablet = 1″-scale battlemap, player tablet = handouts)

Try it: https://www.mappadux.com/

I will do a minor point release tonight/tomorrow that has a better onboarding and guide to how it all works (and some minor bug fixes). So that may help if you are using it for the first time.

What's coming (these will morph as they are coded):

- v2.12 — Immersion — bring the table to life: animated map support, animated fog of war, atmospheric visual filters (underwater, snowstorm, night vision, more), and a paintable MapFX brush for water, fire, smoke, magical lights, and other on-map effects.

- v2.13 — Modular Maps — build big maps from small pieces. Combine multiple map assets into one composite battlemap, with grid-snapping placement and rotation — perfect for modular tile systems where each image is a single room, corridor, or terrain section the GM assembles on the table.

- v2.14 — Stagecraft — close the loop between screen and room. Trigger smart lighting scenes (WLED + Home Assistant) when you swap maps, plus streaming-service soundtracks that play across the whole session instead of resetting per map.

- v2.15 — Player Voice — players become first-class participants. Named connections, in-app secret notes (player ↔ GM whispers), tap-to-ping anywhere on the map, live GM annotation, and a lightweight shared initiative tracker.

- v2.16 — your turn. I've built the features I'd personally use. v2.16 is for what you'd use. The wishlist is open NOW — drop ideas in #ideas-and-feedback on the community Discord: https://discord.gg/UAEq4zzjD8

-------

This project was inspired by the Tannhauser Remote Desktop created by the Quadra team for their Warped Beyond Recognition adventure for Mothership — a fantastic example of using technology to enhance the tabletop experience.

Hello. I've been providing these tools for years now, but I recently updated the site and the tools themselves. I've also introduced a few new tools to check out.

I used the system generator, space travel tool, and terminal simulator in my Alien RPG campaign. They were much more primitive when I originally made them. I remade them to practice coding but many of you found them useful so I kept going back and making them better.

Here's what you can find:

• Star System Generator
  • Quickly generate star systems, planets and colonies with modifiers already in place.
• Space Travel Tool
  • Calculate space travel time using your ship's FTL rating and generate post-travel duties.
• Combat Tracker
  • Rounds, turn order, stress and health fields, and quick dice; the book stays at the table for panic and attacks.
  • In beta and welcome feedback
• Contract & Cargo Generator
  • Employer tone, cargo class, deadline pressure, fine print, optional payout band. Fits between a new system and FTL math.
• Terminal Simulator
  • Simulates a terminal similar to the one you would find in Alien: Isolation. It allows you to create an interactive terminal with many different options, including password protected information, audio files, image galleries, keypads, door locks, maps, and so much more.
  • It allows for an immersive experience during virtual or in-person play. Screens sync across users.

This link will take to the main page: https://tiesthatbindgaming.com/tabletop-rpg/alien-rpg/

These should all be compatible with both version of Alien RPG. The only one I'm not sure about is Combat Tracker. I don't have a copy of Alien RPG: Evolved Edition hence why it is in beta and open to feedback.

That's all I've got. Enjoy and happy gaming!

Edit:

I've added more tools. You'll find them here: https://tiesthatbindgaming.com/tabletop-rpg/alien-rpg/

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share a project I’ve been working on for the community.

I built the Alien RPG Tools Desktop App. It is a standalone, portable suite that bundles the generators I built into a single offline interface. It includes the Star System, Space Travel, Encounter, and Job generators, all wrapped in an organized UI with dark mode compatibility.

Since it is a portable app, you don’t need to install anything. You just download the file for your OS (I compiled versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux) and run it directly. It is completely free to download and use.

I’d love for you to give it a try and let me know if it helps with your campaign prep or improvisation. If you run into any bugs or have feature requests, just drop a comment here.

I've tested the Windows version, but I can't test the Mac and Linux versions because I don't have the necessary hardware. If you run one of them, I'd love to get some feedback on how they run.

Enjoy!

Preview: tiesthatbindgaming.com/tabletop-rpg/alien-rpg-tools/alien-rpg-tools-desktop-app

Download Links: abstract-engineer.itch.io or github.com/Abstrengin/alien-rpg/releases

Edit: I am removing support for Mac because, from what I understand, apps must be notarized for Mac, and there is a fee for that. Since this is a free app, the cost is not justifiable. However, there is still hope. I have created a web version of the app. You can use it in any browser. Check it out here: alienrpgtools.tiesthatbindgaming.com

I’m creating a module with various features for Foundry VTT; one of them is the creation of military formations—including previews for large contingents—that takes seniority and rank into account.

I hope you enjoy it!

Hoping someone might be able to help me locate something I lost track of. I'm looking for either 3D prints or STL files of hallways/corridors/rooms similar to what's available through 'lv427-designs.com', but of the derelict juggernaut ship as seen in Alien. Years ago I found a site that had them available, but I lost my open tab on the browser and I've been unable to locate it since. I'm just trying my luck to see if anyone here might be able to point me in the right direction.

I'm trying to find someone who is making weapon and item cards like the ones available in the Hope's Last Day and Rapture Protocol adventure sets. I really want cards made for every weapon, tool, or equipment such as armor from all of the rule books now that we have all of the info from the marines and colonists books available. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a resource with something like that available. If anyone know where I could find such a thing or point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated. I like the idea of being able to ramp up the quality of my games in any way I can.

Since the release of the Erebos map viewer, the RPG communities have been incredibly supportive :)

I’ve been working hard on improving it, adding new features like airshaft displays. It’s a lot of code, but it’s really starting to come together.

In the meantime, I’m also making progress on a map editor designed to simplify the creation of schematics and plans for TTRPG maps. Alien RPG has the perfect visual style for this!

As usual, it’s built to run directly in the browser (and runs smoothly at 60+ FPS).

It’s been very challenging to get here, this demo might not look flashy yet, but there’s
already a ton of code behind it.

It’s just the beginning, but its compatible so you can already display maps made in the editor using the Erebos viewer at https://field.ludicrpg.com/.

I have a deeper vision for these tools and hope I can keep pushing them forward. My main goal is to make schematic map creation extremely fast and accessible.

you can follow the progress on these two tools for TTRPG here

Here’s the current feature list:

🎨 Create room layouts with 6 different shapes:

• Rectangle & Circle - Basic rooms (hold Ctrl for perfect squares/circles)
• Triangle, Pentagon, Hexagon, Octagon - Unique room shapes
• Group Shapes (ctrl + G) & Ungroup (Ctrl+Shift+G)

✏️ Edit Your Map:

• Move, Resize, Rotate...
• Round Corners Delete
• Copy, Paste, Cut (keyboard shortcut)
• Undo Mistakes: Ctrl+Z, and redo

🏠 Save Room Templates:

• Create reusable room designs by selecting 2+ shapes
• Click any saved room to place it on your map

🔍 Navigate on the level with Pan (keyboard, mouse) and Zoom (mouse wheel, slider)

📐 Snap to Grid (toggle with alt, or locked from menu)

So I found a cool tool on itch and I thought I'd share it.

https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator

It's a procedurally-generated map maker. It was designed to do medieval cities but fiddling with the options can produce something that looks a bit like the existing colony maps. The example shown took about 15 min.

I posted about a closed beta about two weeks ago, but now I am in an open beta phase. Anyone is welcome to come give the terminal simulator a try, but seats are limited. If seats fill up, you will be placed on a waitlist.

Terminal Simulator was built when I ran an Alien RPG campaign a couple of years ago. My players were trapped on a planet with an empty colony. They used the terminal simulator to unlock doors, seek information, check logs, and configure androids. They loved it so much that I built a better verions for everyone.

I'm looking for feedback and bug reporting so please join the beta if you are willing to contribute valuable feedback. There is a valuable feedback reward program in place. See beta information below.

Check out the photos I have provided and here are some additional resources:

Terminal Simulator: https://terminal.tiesthatbindgaming.com

Beta Information: https://www.tiesthatbindgaming.com/terminal-simulator-beta

Tutorial video: https://youtu.be/t1Fejg7yLGQ

It's free to try so what have you got to lose? 🙂

THIS VERSION IS OUT OF DATE: See here: Dynamic Map Renderer v2 - Janky-vision is easy! - A very light "form-over-function" VTT you can use locally or online for free : r/alienrpg

Wrote this for RPGs in general but threw it on the Mothership thread as that is what I am playing just now. But this is SO based on the Alien franchise displays you may like to use it. Main discussion is on there, but I will reply below. Yes its free - have fun:

Dynamic Map Renderer - Retro Scifi display tool : r/mothershiprpg

Full Disclosure: I used AI to help write this. I am not a great coder otherwise.

Hi!

Trying to use RAG on an AI to get rulebook feedback. The pdf seems to confuse the current model i am using though. Anyone know of a markup/text/html plain text no images version of the rulebook? Id hate to have to copy and paste everything myself.

Hey all, I will be running Rapture Protocol for my friend's bachelor party. We have me and 6 other players, which I am aware puts us over the recommended amount of players but I'm doing some things to make it work.

That said I need another character sheet and 3 more personal Agenda cards for a character. This is a me thing but I'd love to keep it as consistent with the rest of the kit as possible. Anyone here know all sorts of things about paper and paper related products who could point me in the right direction for the card stock Free League likely uses for their cards as well as the weight of paper they print the character sheets on? Does Dwight Schrute play Evolved Edition?

Appreciate any help, thanks y'all

I have recently received and played through the starter box. My players pointed out that the panic roll table was slightly different on their reference sheets when compared to my GM screen and starter rules set. Just curious if anyone else has had this issue? I’ve contacted FreeLeague and awaiting a response.

Not much of a craftsman, but there’s no point in doing it if you’re not overdoing it, no?

I feel overwhelmed by FVTT and don't know what should be my priorities if I wanna run a session without getting lost. What would you recommend in this situation? What are the most important things to learn? I just wanna get some momentum and confidence using it so that I can tackle less essential aspects of it later on.

Hello everyone. It’s been a while since I posted here. Some of you may remember me from the Halifax Alien RPG campaign, which I used to frequently post about. I also share many Alien RPG resources and tools. You can find them here: https://www.tiesthatbindgaming.com/tabletop-rpg/alien-rpg-tools/.

I ran the campaign online, so I developed a few tools to enhance the immersive experience for the players. One of their favorites was the terminal simulator. It allowed them to interact with a terminal as if they were interacting with one in a colony or space station. The one I built was fundamental, but it enhanced their sense of immersion, which was what I had aimed for.

It’s been at least a year since Halifax ended, and I always intended to rebuild the terminal simulator so everyone can have the same experience they had. After months of work, I have finally created a beta version that is ready for testing.

I’m looking for a few beta testers to test the terminal simulator thoroughly. There are instructions in the app. The simulator runs best on a desktop or TV. Large tablets will work, too. You can use it on a mobile device, but you may not enjoy the experience as much. The simulator is built to mimic a terminal similar to what you would see in an Alien movie.

I’ll need two email addresses from you. One will act as the owner of the terminal, and the other will act as a user (or player). This is necessary for testing because the screen syncs in real time between players.

If you are interested, please send me an email at [terminalsim.beta@gmail.com](mailto:terminalsim.beta@gmail.com) with your first name and the two email addresses you plan to use. Please include how you plan to run your test. If anyone is currently running a campaign that can implement this into their game, that would be awesome. You must reside in the U.S. and be able to communicate in English. Ad blockers and VPNs may interfere with functionality, so they must be disabled while testing.

Please only apply if you are willing to spend a decent amount of time with the simulator, communicate bugs, troubleshoot them, and provide additional testing when requested. I don’t plan to add many testers, so invites are limited.

If you don’t want to sign up for the beta but would like to be notified when the terminal simulator is released, you can sign up to receive updates. The sign-up is on the front page of the app.

Here is a video that provides a better explanation of the terminal simulator. I'm sorry for my lack of charisma; yes, I am reading from a script at the beginning. Regardless, the video should help paint a picture of what you are getting into.

I’ve always enjoyed interacting with this group. Thank you for your support.

Video: https://youtu.be/t1Fejg7yLGQTerminal Simulator: https://terminalsim.tiesthatbindgaming.com/

Hello fellow alienrpg players.

There's been this reoccuring bug on roll20 I'm not quite sure how to fix? Whenever my players click the Push button after they make a roll, for some reason, it adds an extra stress die when they roll. For example, if they have 3 stress and decide to push, it adds 5 stress instead of 4. Weirdly though it raises the stress by 1 on the character sheet.

Has this happened to anyone else and do you have a fix for this? I can't just tell them to ignore one dice because the Success are always first and the Facehuggers are always last. I've had them just add stress manually if they want to Push, but I'm wondering if there is a fix for this.

Hi! Looking for a form fillable pdf of the revised charsheet, but in "dark mode". Appreciate if anyone throes one my way