RPGxplorer

[Vascant]

*chuckles*

Different software..

Thats my thread and is for a NPC Generator/Designer.. Not a Char Gen. When I started this project I figured there were enough Char Gen's and the world did not need another, so decided to do something different.

 

[Wonko the Sane]

Oops, my bad.

IMHO, a random NPC generator is of far more use than any of the so-called "chargens" anyways. Seriously, if a player could just read the darned manuals (which they or the DM should have anyways) and add a few single-digit numbers together, they'd have a character in half the time. Practically every chargen requires a person to go through, step-by-arduous, plodding-step to create the character. If you're going to go to this effort to make a PC, pencil and paper is the way to fly. Plus, you don't have to shell out for a program of inherently limited utility.

For the DM, having to do this for each NPC (esp. with a chargen) is a pain in the @$$. Push one button, out pops a NPC of x class(es) and y level. Sweet.

 

[trancejeremy]

There's also going to be RPG Toolkit from Code Monkey. Hopefully having to clean up the mess that was e-tools has taught them how not to write an RPG character program

 

[Vascant]

Thats been my exact problem with Char Gens. Granted I have been doing it by hand for 30 years, it isn't a matter of why change.. it is a matter that no one (To include myself) can come up with a system that handles it better then by hand.

 

[kingpaul]

IMHO, a random NPC generator is of far more use than any of the so-called "chargens" anyways.

If you're looking for a NPC generator Jamis Buck has a nice one, and Andargor updated it to 3.5.

3.0 version
3.5 version

Practically every chargen requires a person to go through, step-by-arduous, plodding-step to create the character. If you're going to go to this effort to make a PC, pencil and paper is the way to fly. Plus, you don't have to shell out for a program of inherently limited utility.

Well, I'm biased, but PCGen is a free application, and comes with numerous datasets of OGC sources. If you want the WotC-specific datasets, you'll have to buy those over at CMP.

Personally, I prefer a chargen for creation because it keeps track of all the prereqs for me (at PCGen does). I can see when my character meets a class/feat/etc requirement because of a GUI color change. It also keeps track of my skill points for me, which I find useful.

 

[Vascant]

*chuckles*

As you said, you are biased...

I am not debating your points because in the hands of a new player this can probably be very useful but once you know the rules....There is also the matter of if you have been using any of these Char Gens since it was initially started, you would have acquired a level of skill with the application. To come on as an experienced player who knows the rules and try one of these applications, you quickly return to doing it by hand. It's just faster. Also keep in mind, house rules and if you are playing in an existing setting there are probably a ton of additional feats, skills and such that will need to be added (and hopefully work).

I am not talking about PCGen because I simply have refused to use it based on my opinion of what I seen before CMP took over ETools so I cannot comment concerning it, I am making my comments based on the 4 Char Gens I have purchased and don't use.

One thing I will have to admit about RPGExplorer that has me wondering enough to try it out, everyone has a level of skill with working in Explorer, if they can manage to keep to that design stype perhaps they would keep the PC Creation from being such a painful task when using an application. (Even if I do not like explorer, this could be a good thing for them)

 

[kingpaul]

I am not talking about PCGen because I simply have refused to use it based on my opinion of what I seen before CMP took over ETools so I cannot comment concerning it,

I'm confused by this statement. What does PCGen have to do with eTools?

 

[Ranger REG]

I'd rather them keep prices low and make a bigger profit margin by cutting out the middle man, so I don't mind purchasing a download only version.

You don't mind but I do since I do not have a plastic, and most internet mail-order businesses won't accept Western Union money order.

 

[Talzar]

Oops.

I checked out their website and clicked on the link to their main screen. Slight problem, with the numbers: http://www.rpgxplorer.com/images/mainScreen.jpg.

I hope it's fixed.