Well, I have to say that this is a really great program.
It does not replace the DM, it helps him run a better game.
You have access to a lot of really cool features. You can access databases for PCs, Monsters, Spells, Weapons, Equipment (and magical items), Feats, and Skills. You can even add your own stuff or modify what is there.
The Combat Board is also really great to use. It's easy and it really helps speed up the combats. One of your PC casts a summon monster spell, just add the monster from the database to the combat board, and you have an instant monster. No more searching through your monster manual.
The combat is too easy and you want reinforcement, just add monters. It automatically rolls the hit points, so no two monsters have to be the same.
Also, on the combat board, you can keep track of spells and any other kinds of duration. A PC is poisonend, add a "1 minute" duration counter to remember when to roll the second save.
The codex tree is also great to use. You can enter your adventure in it. But the coolest part is to create the encounters in advance. You want a fight with 10 skeletons, 7 zombies, and one mummy, just enter them in a node of the Codex Tree. When the combat begins, drag the node to the Combat Board and they instantly appear, with hp and initiative rolled.
Also, you won't forget special attacks for your monsters. A NPC has 2 attacks per round, sneak attack, an unholy frost mace, and cleave. Everything can appear on the click of the mouse when you make your attack. It might look like this on the output window.
Unholy Light Mace: AC27 (Rolled a 20), Dmg: 7 (Threat!)
-->Unholy Light Mace: AC9, Dmg: 5
Unholy Light Mace: AC8 (Rolled a 1), Dmg: 4
Unholy Vs Good Dmg: 7
Unholy Vs Good Dmg: 3
Frost Dmg: 3
Frost Dmg: 4
Sneak Dmg: 17
Sneak Dmg: 13
So you know the the first attack rolled a 20, automatic hit. No critical hit since it rolled a 9 (I assume that the AC of the monster is greater than 9). The second attack missed, since it rolled a 1.
Now for damage, 7 (mace) + 7 (vs good) + 3 (frost) + 17 (if sneak attack can be used). Total: 34.
The attacked that missed could have done 24 (4+3+4+13).
I could go one for hours telling you how to use the program, but just use it, and if you have questions, just come and join us at the 2 groups Dagda told you about. You won't find greater support.
You can even ask Todd for modifications to his program, and they usually come to be.
Take care, Val.
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