Virtual tabletop vs play-by-post

A virtual tabletop recreates a live session online: everyone joins at the same time, usually on voice, around a shared map. Play-by-post spreads the game out in writing so people play when they can. Both are good; they suit different groups.

Where a virtual tabletop shines

Live tactical combat, voice and banter, detailed maps with lighting and fog, and the feel of a game night. If your group can meet at a set time, a live virtual tabletop gives you the closest thing to sitting at a table.

Where play-by-post shines

Busy schedules and different time zones. There's no session to miss, posts can be written in a few minutes, and the written story becomes a record of the campaign you can read back.

What you trade

Live virtual tabletops need everyone free at once and often a fair bit of setup and prep. Play-by-post is slower, especially in combat, and works best when everyone posts regularly.

What play-by-post on Talewrite still gives you

You don't lose the tools: a character sheet that does the math, real dice, a battle map with tokens, fog, line of sight in darkness and initiative, card decks, handouts, and a private DM book. It's all built around posting on your own time, with an AI or human DM.

Price

Your first 25 posts are free. After that it's $9.99 once for lifetime access: keep playing and host your own games. Lifetime access isn't unlimited AI: it includes a one-time starter batch of AI for games you host, and after that hosts add AI credit or subscribe. Only the host pays for the AI, so players at an AI table never pay for it.

Questions

Is there voice chat?

No. Talewrite is built for written play-by-post, so nobody has to be online at the same time.

Can I use my own maps?

Yes. Upload your own picture as a battle map, or describe one and have it drawn.

Is this Dungeons & Dragons?

Talewrite is 5th Edition compatible (2014 or 2024 rules, from the free System Reference Documents 5.1 and 5.2). It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wizards of the Coast.