er-chat

Real-time text communication between the Game Master and players in the room. Runs entirely as a Node-RED flow on the Main PC.

Status: Experimental — a more advanced communication solution is in development.

The Game Master sends messages from a dedicated panel (/gm) — either predefined quick messages or custom text. Players see messages on a display in the room (/player). Communication is one-way: Game Master → Players.

Both panels are web pages served by Node-RED and accessed via a browser on the local network. Messages are delivered in real time via WebSocket.

• Predefined messages — configurable quick-send tiles for common hints and instructions
• Custom text — the Game Master can type any message
• Real-time delivery — WebSocket broadcast to all connected player screens
• Multiple displays — any number of tablets or screens can show the player view simultaneously
• Message history — recent messages stored in memory (up to 500, configurable)
• Localization — UI in English, but messages and templates can be in any language (UTF-8)

• Text only — no images, video, or audio hints
• One-way communication (GM → Players)
• Message history is stored in RAM — cleared on Node-RED restart

These limitations are being addressed in the next-generation communication system currently in development.