Familiar - D&D 4e combat tracking program for DMs

[Thale]

Hi, all.

I've been DMing a D&D game for over a year now and, as a result, have come up with a 4e combat tracking software package for DMs. It's called Familiar and is available here. Sorry to add to the glut of programs already out there, but I figured some of you may be interested in what I've been developing in my spare time.

One of the key features I really wanted in a combat management program was the ability to see both the attacker and defender's stats at the same time, in addition to automated condition notifications (e.g. "Orc is no longer Slowed"), and selection of multiple enemies for burst and blast effects. Familiar has these things and more.

That being said, it's still a little rough around the edges, but it gets the job done. Familiar is in development right now and I could certainly use some feedback on things like the interface and feature suggestions. Any information provided will be most helpful.

Anyway, if you have any questions or feedback, you can respond to this thread or write me at info@familiarrpg.com. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Raj

 

[EP]

Cool. Eager to see a Mac version (as I am with everything that comes out).

 

[Thale]

Cool. Eager to see a Mac version (as I am with everything that comes out).

Mac/Linux versions are definitely part of the plan. Once the development phase is finished, I plan on porting Familiar over to those platforms. Maybe even an iPhone app one of these days. I guess it all depends on the feedback I get. Thanks for checking out my program!

 

[davethegame]

Familiar looks awesome- there's been a lot of 4e software releases lately but I'm impressed that yours can import character builder files and monsters from the Compendium. Definitely give it a try.

But like the above poster, can't wait for a Mac version. Much easier than having to dual-boot to run my game.

 

[Thale]

Familiar looks awesome- there's been a lot of 4e software releases lately but I'm impressed that yours can import character builder files and monsters from the Compendium. Definitely give it a try.

But like the above poster, can't wait for a Mac version. Much easier than having to dual-boot to run my game.

Thanks, Dave. And thanks also for the shout out on Twitter.

I'm definitely empathetic to the Mac issue. I run an instance of Vista on my Mac using Parallels during our games. A Mac version would certainly be more convenient.

Also, I think you will like the revisions to the program coming this Sunday. I've added some cool new features and cleaned up the interface a bit.

Looking forward to any feedback you might have!

 

[Garmorn]

I am trying to use it now.

I have the load monster screen up and am trying to use the compendium. The web page you have it go to is not letting me log in. I know it is not the compendium because I have it open on a different computer and that one.

My question is how do I find the number for the creature I want to upload?

 

[Thale]

I am trying to use it now.

I have the load monster screen up and am trying to use the compendium. The web page you have it go to is not letting me log in. I know it is not the compendium because I have it open on a different computer and that one.

My question is how do I find the number for the creature I want to upload?

Hi, Garmorn.

The monster's ID can be found in the URL of the stat block online. If you search for the monster in the Compendium and open it in a new tab or window you will see "id=" at the end of the URL. For example,

http://www.wizards.com/dndinsider/compendium/monster.aspx?id=360

is the link for the Orc Raider from the Compendium. Just take the number after the "=" as the ID number. Enter that number into Familiar and when the stat block shows up you can click "Add Monster" to create an entry in the database. It will pull the stats automatically for you. There is a brief explanation on how to add monsters here: www.familiarrpg.com/manual.

If the stat block doesn't show up, your firewall might be blocking Familiar from accessing the web, in which case you'd have to set it so that Familiar can go through.

Let me know if you're having further trouble. Alternatively, you can e-mail me at info@familiarrpg.com and I will respond ASAP. Hope this helps!

Raj

 

[Thale]

New version available!

Hi, all.

Just wanted to let everyone know there is a new version of Familiar available now on the website. It includes several new features (e.g. add damage/healing/temp hp to multiple targets from a burst or blast effect), several bug fixes and some nice aesthetic changes.

You can download the new version from here: Home (Familiar). I'm looking forward to any feedback you might have. You can reply in this thread or contact me at info@familiarrpg.com. Thanks and I hope you enjoy using Familiar!

Raj

 

[Garmorn]

Ok, a general report now that I have had time to learn the software. First if Wizard.com is having a problem you can't see it from the Familiar. This is Wizard problem not the programmer's.

The software is simple and easy to learn. Unlike some I have tried it does not interfere with the normal DM duties during combat.

The downloads from DDI for the monsters mean I DON'T have to have those books on the table. Every thing is right there at my finger tips in a easy to read and use format. Really great.


Really nice.

I really want the full version.

 

[Thale]

Ok, a general report now that I have had time to learn the software. First if Wizard.com is having a problem you can't see it from the Familiar. This is Wizard problem not the programmer's.

The software is simple and easy to learn. Unlike some I have tried it does not interfere with the normal DM duties during combat.

The downloads from DDI for the monsters mean I DON'T have to have those books on the table. Every thing is right there at my finger tips in a easy to read and use format. Really great.


Really nice.

I really want the full version.

Thanks, Garmorn! Glad you like Familiar. Let me know if there are any features in particular you'd like to see added to the program.