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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1254 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Nov 2011 : 22:53:16
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I have tried on many occasions to write up homebrew monsters and often find myself struggling with the stat blocks. The calculations coupled with the vast amount of exceptions make it quite confusing at times and I seem to keep making mistakes.
I dabble a little bit in Visual Basic programming (though I am no programmer) and have tried to simplify the whole process by codifying the entire process. Basically, you will just need to select aspects of the creature in question and voila...it prints out a fully ready stat block for you. I'm really excited about this because of my own work on new 3.5 projects. I'm hoping once it is done, it could cut out hours of work.
Here is an image of how the program looks as of a few days ago. In addition to this, I have just finished programming in attacks and full attacks which has been the most challenging part so far. I predict the overall program to be completed in a week.
Image for Monster Writer
I have already completed a far less useful and complicated program for writing spells which is linked to in my sig. Some have had troubles running it on their computer, so please PM me if you have the same issues.
Eventually I hope to have one of these done for all sorts of 3.5e stats...magic items, towns and cities, etc.
I hope someone finds this useful. 
*Note: I also have a thread discussing this topic at the Piazza discussion boards if you'd like to see what has been talked about up until this point. It can be found at this link.
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Follow the Maztica (Aztec/Maya) and Anchorome (Indigenous North America) Campaigns on DMsGuild!
The Maztica Campaign
The Anchorome Campaign |
Edited by - Seethyr on 12 Nov 2011 22:54:59
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 13 Nov 2011 : 02:30:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
I dabble a little bit in Visual Basic programming (though I am no programmer) and have tried to simplify the whole process by codifying the entire process.
If you'd like, I could have a look through the code, and see what possible tweak may, possibly, improve the interface?
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1254 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2011 : 07:23:45
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
I dabble a little bit in Visual Basic programming (though I am no programmer) and have tried to simplify the whole process by codifying the entire process.
If you'd like, I could have a look through the code, and see what possible tweak may, possibly, improve the interface?
That would actually be excellent. I'm going to attempt to finish the whole program first, however, and then test it with a percentage of the monsters in the SRD. If they work out correctly, I may actually be alright.
Skills are now turning out to be a nightmare, but it's progressing... |
Follow the Maztica (Aztec/Maya) and Anchorome (Indigenous North America) Campaigns on DMsGuild!
The Maztica Campaign
The Anchorome Campaign |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1254 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2011 : 05:48:37
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I have finished coding Skills and I am moving on to Feats. They have been easy to list in the stat block, but it is incredibly tedious to code each Feat's individual effect.
As another example, here is the Ethereal Filcher, had it been created from scratch...
Ethereal Filcher using the Monster Developing Assistant
If you compare this with the creatures stats in the SRD, they are basically identical. The Initiative bonus is low because I have yet to code Improved Initiative, as are the creatures skills because the creature receives a racial bonus that is not factored in.
The hp, damage, attack, saves, ac, and soon everything else is calculated for you after just a few selections. I now have to decide just how many feats I want to consider (I mean do I really have to code every Skill Focus Feat?) |
Follow the Maztica (Aztec/Maya) and Anchorome (Indigenous North America) Campaigns on DMsGuild!
The Maztica Campaign
The Anchorome Campaign |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1254 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2011 : 05:14:21
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Ok I believe it is done. I am really hopeful this helps in your homebrewing. :-)
Monster Development Assistant
I'd love to hear how it works out for you. |
Follow the Maztica (Aztec/Maya) and Anchorome (Indigenous North America) Campaigns on DMsGuild!
The Maztica Campaign
The Anchorome Campaign |
Edited by - Seethyr on 17 Nov 2011 05:15:06 |
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A gift in development for homebrewers..
