Alternatives to PCGen

[smetzger]

Anyway, it was just a thought. I'm running RttToEE at the moment, and so I've been putting the NPCs into PCGen (some were already done, but it was in version 2.something, so they are quite out of date). Anyway, I can compare the PCgen totals with what's listed in the module, and try to figure out which is right if there is a difference.

Take a look at my Hommlet NPC's on the Yahoo group in the Files->Hommlet section. I made this file with those PCGen 2.7 files. If you want I can send you the template for the stat blocks.

Also, please post any new PCGen files that you create to the Yahoo Group.

*:> Scott

 

[Duncan Haldane]

Take a look at my Hommlet NPC's on the Yahoo group in the Files->Hommlet section. I made this file with those PCGen 2.7 files. If you want I can send you the template for the stat blocks.

Also, please post any new PCGen files that you create to the Yahoo Group.

*:> Scott

I did, Scott. That's where I started from, updating them all to version 4. Thanks for all the work you put into them.

I'm now up to the CRM - I hope to put them on the yahoo group, but they also require some special files that are no longer available in PCGen - ie, the RttToEE files from the pre-D20 compliant days of PCGen - and I'm not sure if I should post those.

Duncan

 

[Twin Rose]

I did, Scott. That's where I started from, updating them all to version 4. Thanks for all the work you put into them.

I'm now up to the CRM - I hope to put them on the yahoo group, but they also require some special files that are no longer available in PCGen - ie, the RttToEE files from the pre-D20 compliant days of PCGen - and I'm not sure if I should post those.

Duncan

Posting content not covered by the Open Gaming License is probably going to get you in trouble - it's basically piracy.

By the way, I am starting to think that the fellows question has been answered, and that this thread is going off on quite a tangent - please look at the topic of this thread.

 

[smetzger]

RttToEE files

I did, Scott. That's where I started from, updating them all to version 4. Thanks for all the work you put into them.

I didn't make the PCGen files, just the .rtf file that is a statblock output of the PCGen files.

I'm now up to the CRM - I hope to put them on the yahoo group, but they also require some special files that are no longer available in PCGen - ie, the RttToEE files from the pre-D20 compliant days of PCGen - and I'm not sure if I should post those.

There already are word docs of the CRM that have the map on the left and then almost all of the applicable statblocks on the right. You may want to take a look at those.

 

[Duncan Haldane]

Posting content not covered by the Open Gaming License is probably going to get you in trouble - it's basically piracy.

I understand this interpretation, but since it's just stats of NPCs in a module, and not the module itself, they cannot replace the module. To DM RttToEE someone still needs the module. This is different to books of feats/spells/prestige classes etc that can face a lot of duplication in PCGen by being coded.

By having the NPCs available as PCGen files, to me, makes the module much more playable - I find it frustrating to have to flick between the section of the module where the PCs are at the time, to the section/alphabetical listing of NPCs at the back, and then also to the DMG and MM for other NPCs/Monsters not covered in the module. Some of the combats in RttToEE can have a lot of combatants, and looking through all the different sources during game time can be time consuming and annoying. I believe that if any change in sale occurs because of the PCGen files, it would be to INCREASE sales because potential DMs knows that this is available, rather than decrease because of "piracy".

By the way, I am starting to think that the fellows question has been answered, and that this thread is going off on quite a tangent - please look at the topic of this thread.

Oh, I'm aware of the topic, sorry for the tangent.

Duncan

 

[Twin Rose]

I understand this interpretation, but since it's just stats of NPCs in a module, and not the module itself, they cannot replace the module. To DM RttToEE someone still needs the module. This is different to books of feats/spells/prestige classes etc that can face a lot of duplication in PCGen by being coded.

By having the NPCs available as PCGen files, to me, makes the module much more playable - I find it frustrating to have to flick between the section of the module where the PCs are at the time, to the section/alphabetical listing of NPCs at the back, and then also to the DMG and MM for other NPCs/Monsters not covered in the module. Some of the combats in RttToEE can have a lot of combatants, and looking through all the different sources during game time can be time consuming and annoying. I believe that if any change in sale occurs because of the PCGen files, it would be to INCREASE sales because potential DMs knows that this is available, rather than decrease because of "piracy".

I believe their lawyers would have a different take, really. Theyare obligated to protect their property. It's unfortunate, I think, especially since so many campaigns involve 'extending' modules into further adventures - but there you have it. I guess the safe bet is to ask them, I'm not a lawyer.

 

[Galfridus]

Credit where it's due

Time to get this thread back on-topic.

I evaluated both CampaignSuite and Roleplaying Master, as these seemed to be the best two alternatives.

Roleplaying Master seemed like an excellent program, but I must admit I was overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of stuff added in to address in-game issues. If I was using my PC during sessions, I would have seriously considered switching to this; as I don't, I didn't want to make the effort.

CampaignSuite seemed like it was still growing a bit; I didn't run into any showstopping bugs or anything, but overall it felt a little bare.

Meanwhile, the PCGen fellows had discovered and addressed all of the issues which caused me such great concern. I'm still a little worried about data integrity in PCGen, and a little upset that I have to be worried like that, but I've decided to stick with it for the time being. Thanks to the PCGen monkeys (and higher life forms) for fixing those bugs!

 

[Breakdaddy]

When I grow up I want to be a PCGen monkey!

 

[Luke]

Re: Credit where it's due

Roleplaying Master seemed like an excellent program, but I must admit I was overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of stuff added in to address in-game issues. If I was using my PC during sessions, I would have seriously considered switching to this; as I don't, I didn't want to make the effort.

RolePlayingMaster is in constant development.
Initially, I'm getting all the capabilities in there, for whatever you need.
Slowly, as the "full features" mature, more time is available for separating the different modes ( player PC Generation vs. DM full adventure preparation vs. In-game play), by improving the user interface to hide things appropriately.

Generally speaking, if you don't want in-game stuff, you don't need to touch it.
The first three sections of the "Outlook bar" are "Creatures" (PC generator functions), "Prepare" (adventures), and then "Play" (Start/manage encounters, use Battlemap and XP calc).

If you stick to the section appropriate for what you do want, there really isn't an issue of being overwhelmed with things you don't want.

Sure, you can delve into areas you find confusing, but that's your choice. Its also a future option for expanding your view of how helpful a computer may be at the gaming table - particularly as the features become more and more attractive.

Regards,