Templating Program?

[Sir Whiskers]

By far the biggest problem with programming templates is the variety of changes that designers come up with. Adjusting stats, natural armor, skill bonuses, and such are fairly easy. But then someone comes up with a template that increases the creature by a size category (which means you have to add all those adjustments in), or doubles the base creature's HD, or changes its Intimidate skill to work on Strength instead of Charisma. And if the creature's type changes because of the template, will the program recalculate saves, BAB, etc.?

I don't mean to be negative. It's just that this complexity is probably the reason why we haven't seen a simple, easy-to-use, comprehensive program for templates. A program which can handle the most common/simplest templates is probably the best we can hope for.

 

[Ashy]

KM, when I was working that temp position (a kinda boring job), I started working one based in php, but I never finished it - it was a good start tho... I know that doesn't help you much, but if there are any php-freaks out there, I'd be happy to turn it over.

DM Genie looks kinda cool, tho.... (wanders off to look at the link)....

 

[Chacal]

But then someone comes up with a template that increases the creature by a size category (which means you have to add all those adjustments in), or doubles the base creature's HD, or changes its Intimidate skill to work on Strength instead of Charisma. And if the creature's type changes because of the template, will the program recalculate saves, BAB, etc.?

I think all of the above things can be done in pcgen, IIRC. But some of them won't be pretty
Perhaps you'll find more utilities if you ask in the software forum.

Chacal

 

[Painfully]

I've heard that the 1.5 patch for etools will support templates, but I'll be listening to the feedback before I decide to make the purchase.