HTML based character sheet for PDAs

[Tenniel]

I had a go at making a PDF PC character sheet viewable on the PDA, but it was rather unsatisfactory. Also, it would be inconvient to update as the original was drafted on a desktop in OpenOffice Writer and then exported to pdf. With HTML, the sheet could have minor updates done on the PDA itself.

I think this HTML version will be superior in appearance (as it would use system fonts and sizes etc), be faster and take up less room.

I really don't know HTML at all, nevertheless I had a bit of a crack at hand coding some rather naive HTML. Any hints on what might make this better would be good.

Obviously more sections of content are needed, e.g. Basic Attacks, equipment, currrent conditions and so-on. Maybe detailed sections showing how deried quantities are arrived at.

I want the sheet to be linked to reference material (like the condition sheet which is included in this demo protype concept envisioning)

Is it possible for the browser to save the selections made with drop down boxes and check boxes? If so, I could also make input for ability scores. Does HTML do calculations? If so I could get it to calculate BABs, base saves, to hit numbers (or their 4e equivilants) etc.

[Thanee]

Don't have a PDA myself, so my knowledge on PDA browsers is rather limited, but normally...

Simple calculations are possible with JavaScript.

To save selections you usually need a database (like MySQL).
Not sure if that is even possible on a PDA.

For small stuff you can also use Cookies to save information.

Bye
Thanee

[Tenniel]

Thanks, I think you have put me on the right path with scripting. Not sure if PDA browsers support Javascript, but Mobile Internet Explorer supports VB script. I have tried a few things and it looks good, makes the HTML more maintainable by putting repetive lines of HTML in a VBScript loop, e.g. this creates the ability score table (rather than having it written out 6 times):

<script type="text/vbscript">
document.write("<table border=1 width=100%>")
private score
For Each Ability in arrAbilities
score=eval(Ability)
document.write("<tr><td>" & Ability & "</td>")
document.write("<td align=right>" & Score & "</td>")
document.write("<td align=right>" &ScoreMod & </td></tr>")
Next
document.write("</table>")
</script>

[Tenniel]

I should have heeded the JavaScript suggestion. My PDA actually does handle JS and while does have some support for VBscript it is really limited... eg loops do not work.

Also VBscript only works with microsoft explorer?

The character sheet is coming along fine now, I can use assignment statements at the top of HTML to act as a repository of character data. This makes adjustments on the PDA on the fly doable.

CharacterName="Galstaff the Wicked";
CharacterRace="Human";
CharacterGender="FeMale";
CharacterClass="Druid";
CharacterLevel=1;

Strength=14;
Dexterity=8;
Constitution=4;
Intelligence=17;
Wisdom=9;
Charisma=13;
MaxHP=24;
Athletics="+1";
Bluff="+2";
Diplomacy="+3";
Dungeoneering="+4";
Endurance="+5";
Heal="+6";
HistorySkill="+7";
Insight="+8";
Intimidate="+9";
Nature="+10";
Perception="+11";
Religion="+12";
Stealth="+13";
Streetwise="+14";
Thievery="+15";

[Thanee]

Originally Posted by Tenniel

The character sheet is coming along fine now, I can use assignment statements at the top of HTML to act as a repository of character data. This makes adjustments on the PDA on the fly doable.

But it doesn't change them from session to session, unless you edit the sheet manually, right?

Bye
Thanee

[Tenniel]

Originally Posted by Thanee

But it doesn't change them from session to session, unless you edit the sheet manually, right?

Yes That is true. But Editing the assignments at the top of the HTML is better than hunting through all the code to find numbers. You can have the code open in an editor while you display the it with a browser.

Things dont change too much between leveling (except for gold, current hp, equipment)... and I am not trying to build a character generator... it is a character sheet (I must keep telling myself)

thanks again for putting me onto javascript.

[Thanee]

Originally Posted by Tenniel

...it is a character sheet (I must keep telling myself).

True enough.

Bye
Thanee