Tell me about eTools ...

[Jeff Wilder]

Sell me on it, or scare me away from it. Is there an online resource for expansions (e.g., so I wouldn't have to type in all the crunch from my newly-arrived Sandstorm? Is it difficult to use for a savvy, but non-technical, Windows XP user?

Please ... any and all issues you'd like to share. I'm considering the purchase, but I don't want to tackle anything but a shallow learning curve, and my goal is to save effort, not expend more.

 

[talmar]

Well, if you really want to know all there is about eTools then you should head on over to Code Monkey Publishing.

http://www.codemonkeypublishing.com

On the left, there are several broken out menu's. One is called "eTools Central". There are links to the eTools Forums, eTools Program Overview, eTools Data Set FAQ. If you ask any question on the forums you'll get about a dozen answers inside of minutes.

There is also a link to some screenshots somewhere, I can't find it right off hand but have posted the question on their message boards. Keep in mind thought that the shots will be dated, much more functionality has been added since these screenshots.

On a more personal note, I've invested about $180.00 in eTools to date. I love this program and use it exclusively for NPC's, treasure, my PC's, spell lists etc. I get just about every WotC data set when they're released and use the program at the game table when I'm dm'ing. It's my most used and most valuable DM'ing aid.

 

[Lhorgrim]

I have e-tools and really like it. I am not a programmer, and do not feel comfortable tinkering with programs. I am an experienced XP user though, and the learning curve for the basic functions of e-tools is very easy IMO.

The negative, from my experience, is that codemonkey is the only place I have found datasets for etools, and they have not been released very rapidly. Once the product comes out from WoTC, it can be some time before that info is available for the program.

I would be surprised to see Sandstorm data updates any time soon. A techncally proficient person may be able to add the pertinent rules on their own, but I can't.

I would suggest e-tools for a person that wants a more vanilla game, because the Core rules seem well supported.

 

[talmar]

eTools screenshots


http://www.codemonkeypublishing.com/etools_preview/preview.htm

 

[talmar]

The negative, from my experience, is that codemonkey is the only place I have found datasets for etools, and they have not been released very rapidly. Once the product comes out from WoTC, it can be some time before that info is available for the program.

The main reason for this though is because when CodeMonkey got approval to create and release data sets they had 2 1/2 years of books to catch up with. Also, they don't get advanced copies of the books. They have to wait to start creating the data set until the book is on the FLGS shelves.They're pretty close to being caught up though, Complete Adventurer is scheduled to be released mid-April and that was just released earlier this month.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

I can't seem to find the cost of the data sets. I've looked in the Zoo Store under Data Sets, but it keeps presenting only the core rules. What am I missing?

EDIT: Never mind. Well-hidden links.

I have to admit, I'm impressed at how much they've converted and are offering. Looks like I'll be buying. Thanks, all.

 

[DM_Jeff]

On Da Fence

I've been courting E-Tools for months now, and I'm not sure what to do. There's a chance that Sandstorm and other new WotC books won't be made by CMP ever because of their new program dubbed "RPG Toolkit". On their site it mentions all support of E-Tools will cease once RPG Toolkit is out the door.

The reason I'm ansy about this is that RPG Toolkit is not d20 D&D so much as it is a program for 'every RPG system in the world' which is kind of annoying. It makes me feel like I'm paying for functionality for a hundred games I'll never play, just using their "d20" section exclusively.

However, I can't say for sure because info on this is so amazingly scarce! If entering custom stuff into E-Tools was easier, then I'd jump on it in a minute, knowing I'd just keep 'supporting' it myself when a new release came out. :\

-DM Jeff

 

[Lhorgrim]

Thanks, talmar. I did not realize that Codemonkey didn't get pre-release copies of the books.

Don't get me wrong though. I personally love the program and think it's a breeze to learn to use. I just wanted to point out that expansions like Sandstorm may take a while to become available as a data set.

 

[Lhorgrim]

Try this link for dataset prices.

http://www.codemonkeypublishing.com/xcart/home.php?cat=329

They average about $6.00

 

[Mynex]

Rest somewhat easy... Any books up until at least June will be created as data sets for e-Tools.

And as for other content; Dragon & Dungeon Magazines are about to start being created as data sets, there's a few Bastion Titles that will be making an appearance this month, and another larger publisher that I can't say yet...

Not counting the magazines, there's roughly 25 more data sets for sure, as of this moment, going to me made into Data Sets (an figure 3-10-ish more of WotC on top of that).

As for the "every gaming system under the sun" - The backend code is for that, it won't impact any of the d20 mechanics, and will be totally optional to use/ignore.

The reason we're able to do multiple systems is because of the backend database design side of things primarily... the DB and the code are being designed to be generic.. they'll only do what you tell them to do (or rather what the database and rules files tell the code to do).

And any data sets released for e-Tools will be supported for 2 years after RPGT is released... that means bugs, typo's, and the like will continues to be fixed/updated as need be.