What / Why a 4EParser?

[kanyon00]

I am still learning how to use FGII software, but I keep reading about 4eparser software? I don't understand what it's used for.

Thanks,

[MacLeod]

Basically as it is the 4e Ruleset has no Data in it. I.e. Powers, Rituals, equipment, Feats.

The Parser is a bit of software that will scan either a PDF, or DDI itself and create data Modules of this for in the Ruleset.

I.E. instead of coding your characters powers, you open up the module in your library, and drag the power to your sheet.

The same is true of Magic Items, Monsters, etc etc.

[templarghost]

The parser is a tool you can use to compile your own library/adventure modules to use with the 4E Ruleset by John Gregory (the parser being developed by Tenian, member of the team that developed the ruleset).

It's a very powerful tool and contrary to some beliefs it's fairly easy to use, once you take the time to understand how it works (for that you can ask questions, I'm sure that members of this wonderful community will be quick to answer, in the most appropriate and detailed manner).

If you want to see for yourself what the parser is all about I advise you to head to FUM.com (https://fouruglymonsters.com) and check it out. Alternatively you can download it from EugeneZ's FTP server at this address: https://tenian.eugenez.net/Parser/ and read through the available documentation.

If you feel overwhelmed at first, there's no problem...just remember to read and learn, and when you hit a wall, post a detailed description of your problem!
Best of luck and good gaming!

[kanyon00]

Thanks for all the help. I will indeed check it out. I'm sure I will have questions =). Thanks again.

[kanyon00]

Thanks for all the help. I downloaded the software last night, and started working through a writeup on how to parse out the Monster Manual. I created the data file, and the fluff file. I will finish it up tonight, and pray it works =). Has anybody done tutorial's on the other manuals?

Thanks,




The parser is a tool you can use to compile your own library/adventure modules to use with the 4E Ruleset by John Gregory (the parser being developed by Tenian, member of the team that developed the ruleset).

It's a very powerful tool and contrary to some beliefs it's fairly easy to use, once you take the time to understand how it works (for that you can ask questions, I'm sure that members of this wonderful community will be quick to answer, in the most appropriate and detailed manner).

If you want to see for yourself what the parser is all about I advise you to head to FUM.com (https://fouruglymonsters.com) and check it out. Alternatively you can download it from EugeneZ's FTP server at this address: https://tenian.eugenez.net/Parser/ and read through the available documentation.

If you feel overwhelmed at first, there's no problem...just remember to read and learn, and when you hit a wall, post a detailed description of your problem!
Best of luck and good gaming!

[kanyon00]

Is there a parser for the DND4e character builder software? That would be great!

Thanks,

[EugeneZ]

Is there a parser for the DND4e character builder software? That would be great!

Thanks,

See this thread: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11239

[kanyon00]

Started the actual parse for the MM tonight. In the processing window it shows the following message. See Below, It's been sitting here for 50 minutes now. I can't tell if it's doing anything at this point. Wasn't sure how long this process takes. I'm using 4E Parser 4E V4.0.56.0

Thanks

4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : ERROR:System.Xml.XmlException: An error occurred while parsing EntityName. Line 112, position 35.

<familiar4eMMI>
</familiar4eMMI>
<library>
<lib4emonstermanuali4eMMI>
<name type="string">4e Monster Manual I</name>
*** <categoryname type="string"> D&D 4e Core Rules </categoryname>
<entries>
<b0001NPCaalevel4eMMI>
<librarylink type="windowreference">
<class>reference_classmonsterlist</class>
<recordname>monsterlists4eMMI.aalevel4eMMI@4e Monster Manual I</recordname>

4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Checking XML
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Output Completed
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Copying Familiar Tokens
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Copying Trap Tokens
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Copying Monster Tokens
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Tokens
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Skill Challenge List
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Mount List
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Reference Manual Images
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Ritual/Alchemy List
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Magic Item List
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Vehicle Data
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Trap List
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for NPC List
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Vehicle List
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Manual Structure
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Equipment Table
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Armor Table
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Weapons Table
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Reference Power Lists
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Power Lists
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Library
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Familiar Data
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Alternate Powers
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Traps
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Templates
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Poison
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Manual
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Diseases
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Encounters
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for NPCs
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Rituals/Alchemy
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Magic Items
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Powers
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Reference Skills
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Reference Equipment
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Reference Armor
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Reference Weapons
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Effects
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Tables
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Treasure Parcels
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Story
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Maps
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for Adventure Encounters
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for header
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Outputing XML for defintion.xml
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Output mode set
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Starting output
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Parse Completed!
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Effect Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Table Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Treasure Parcel Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Skill Challenge Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Alternate Powers Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : WARNING: Links to Story elements will not function. Story has not yet been parsed
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Map-Pins Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Map-Images Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Encounter Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Fixing Reference Story Links
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Story Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Template Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Poison Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Trap Missing Token Manifest
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Trap Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Disease Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Missing NPC token for Fire Archon Blazesteel expected token: fire archon blazesteel.png
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : NPC Missing Token Manifest
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start NPC-Images Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Starting Fluff Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start NPC-Stat Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : NPC Missing Token Manifest
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Familiar Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Vehicles Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Reference-Images Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Reference-Manual Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Ritual Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Skill Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Magic Item Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Condition Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Equipment Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Armor Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Weapon Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Start Power Parse
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Reference parameters set
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : NPCs parameters set
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Items parameters set
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Adventure parameters set
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Root parameters set
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Subtree Verified
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Top level verified
4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : Starting parse




Thanks for all the help. I downloaded the software last night, and started working through a writeup on how to parse out the Monster Manual. I created the data file, and the fluff file. I will finish it up tonight, and pray it works =). Has anybody done tutorial's on the other manuals?

Thanks,

[Zeus]

The parse operation failed due to an error. See the last line in the procesing log for more information:


4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : ERROR:System.Xml.XmlException: An error occurred while parsing EntityName. Line 112, position 35.

This line is referring to a name used for an XML node which contains invalid characters.

The Parser will identify the problem and will mark the line number and column position of the output file (db.xml/client.xml) that contains the error. In addition the Parser will log *** to indicate what needs to be addressed.


*** <categoryname type="string"> D&D 4e Core Rules </categoryname>

Indicates the Category Name D&D 4e Core Rules is illegal. In this case the use of ampersand is causing the problem. Drop it or substitute with another character.

e.g. DnD 4e Core Rules or 4E Core Rules etc. etc.

[kanyon00]

Fixed the error. Now it's up and running again. No errors but it's been sitting on "starting parse" for about 25 minutes. How long does this process take? I will wait it out for a bit.

Thanks





The parse operation failed due to an error. See the last line in the procesing log for more information:


4/22/2010 12:05:31 AM : ERROR:System.Xml.XmlException: An error occurred while parsing EntityName. Line 112, position 35.

This line is referring to a name used for an XML node which contains invalid characters.

The Parser will identify the problem and will mark the line number and column position of the output file (db.xml/client.xml) that contains the error. In addition the Parser will log *** to indicate what needs to be addressed.


*** <categoryname type="string"> D&D 4e Core Rules </categoryname>

Indicates the Category Name D&D 4e Core Rules is illegal. In this case the use of ampersand is causing the problem. Drop it or substitute with another character.

e.g. DnD 4e Core Rules or 4E Core Rules etc. etc.

[kanyon00]

It's been running for an hour on the button and no change. Here's the parse file process window. Am I not waiting long enough?

4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Module output completed
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Beginning Compression
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Copying Thumbnail
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Checking for long nodes
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Checking XML
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Output Completed
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Copying Familiar Tokens
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Copying Trap Tokens
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Copying Monster Tokens
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Tokens
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Skill Challenge List
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Mount List
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Reference Manual Images
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Ritual/Alchemy List
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Magic Item List
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Vehicle Data
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Trap List
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for NPC List
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Vehicle List
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Manual Structure
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Equipment Table
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Armor Table
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Weapons Table
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Reference Power Lists
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Power Lists
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Library
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Familiar Data
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Alternate Powers
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Traps
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Templates
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Poison
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Manual
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Diseases
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Outputing XML for Encounters
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for NPCs
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Rituals/Alchemy
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Magic Items
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Powers
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Reference Skills
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Reference Equipment
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Reference Armor
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Reference Weapons
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Effects
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Tables
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Treasure Parcels
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Story
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Maps
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for Adventure Encounters
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for header
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Outputing XML for defintion.xml
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Output mode set
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Starting output
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Parse Completed!
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Effect Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Table Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Treasure Parcel Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Skill Challenge Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Alternate Powers Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : WARNING: Links to Story elements will not function. Story has not yet been parsed
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Map-Pins Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Map-Images Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Encounter Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Fixing Reference Story Links
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Story Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Template Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Poison Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Trap Missing Token Manifest
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Trap Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Disease Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Missing NPC token for Fire Archon Blazesteel expected token: fire archon blazesteel.png
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : NPC Missing Token Manifest
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start NPC-Images Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Starting Fluff Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start NPC-Stat Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : NPC Missing Token Manifest
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Familiar Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Vehicles Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Reference-Images Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Reference-Manual Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Ritual Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Skill Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Magic Item Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Condition Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Equipment Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Armor Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Weapon Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Start Power Parse
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Reference parameters set
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : NPCs parameters set
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Items parameters set
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Adventure parameters set
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Root parameters set
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Subtree Verified
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Top level verified
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Starting parse


Fixed the error. Now it's up and running again. No errors but it's been sitting on "starting parse" for about 25 minutes. How long does this process take? I will wait it out for a bit.

Thanks

[Zeus]

Your referencing the 1st line of the log, as the log builds, it is the lines at the top that you want to pay attention to. Once you see the following, the parse is complete and your module should be automatically copied to your FGII app data modules subdir.

: Module output completed

Fire up FGII, load your campaign and then activate your module.

[Tenian]

4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Module output completed
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Beginning Compression
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Copying Thumbnail
4/22/2010 11:27:39 PM : Checking for long nodes

.........

4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Subtree Verified
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Top level verified
4/22/2010 11:27:38 PM : Starting parse

Timestamps help too

[kanyon00]

Thanks for all the help. It worked =). Of course one question follows another. I only have one monster listed in my MM book in FG. I followed the tutorial, and I thought it would parse out the entire book? Do I have to do each monster by hand? By hand meaning create data files for each and every monster? Run the parser for each type of monster? Say it isn't so =).

Fire up FGII, load your campaign and then activate your module.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[Zeus]

If you scraped the MM guide from the Compendium you should have all the monsters from the rulebook.

If you go to the Library and select your MM module and then NPCs By Name. Do you see more than one, or only one?

If the latter, check your npc.txt data file and ensure that more than one monster is defined in it. If not, rescrape the MM from the Compendium and try again.

Some things to note:

1) The Compendium does not contain Lore, Tactics, Encounter Groups or other text references for each monster as per the hardback rulebooks. Therefore if you want this material within your module your going to have manually cut n paste the reference text into a NPC Fluff file and include that in your module when you parse.
2). With no Fluff file in place you will not be able to access monsters via Group listings in the Library. This is because the Fluff file defines the groups monsters belong to and with it no groups are defined.

[kanyon00]

I used a PDF file to create the data and fluff file. Can I scrape out monsters as I need them and add em to my monster manual? Would I just need to add to the mod file after each new monster has been scraped out? Like copy in the new data, and rezip the file, then rename back to .mod. Would that work? Thank for your help. I'm slowly learning :).


QUOTE=DrZeuss]If you scraped the MM guide from the Compendium you should have all the monsters from the rulebook.

If you go to the Library and select your MM module and then NPCs By Name. Do you see more than one, or only one?

If the latter, check your npc.txt data file and ensure that more than one monster is defined in it. If not, rescrape the MM from the Compendium and try again.

Some things to note:

1) The Compendium does not contain Lore, Tactics, Encounter Groups or other text references for each monster as per the hardback rulebooks. Therefore if you want this material within your module your going to have manually cut n paste the reference text into a NPC Fluff file and include that in your module when you parse.
2). With no Fluff file in place you will not be able to access monsters via Group listings in the Library. This is because the Fluff file defines the groups monsters belong to and with it no groups are defined.[/QUOTE]

[Griogre]

That's too much work. Just add more monsters to the data file and run the parser again. It will rebuild and replace the module. It usually only takes a minute or so which is far faster than messing around with the module.

[Zeus]

As Griorge stated its much easier to simply keep your module source files and add new content to those and reparse.

If you save the Parser cnfiguration for each module, you will essentially be able to rebuild modules very quickly. Quite useful if you want to build your module library slowly over time and as and when you need specific content.

Also note that within the scrape page of the Parser you will note an option to Append data. You can use this to add content to an existing file.

[kanyon00]

This is a freaking brain buster for me! Ugh at this rate I will never get to actually play. I will be spending more time trying to get these books loaded in. Can someone send me a fluff and data file for Monster Manual I. The more complete the better. I'm just not cut out for all this programming stuff =(.


As Griorge stated its much easier to simply keep your module source files and add new content to those and reparse.

If you save the Parser cnfiguration for each module, you will essentially be able to rebuild modules very quickly. Quite useful if you want to build your module library slowly over time and as and when you need specific content.

Also note that within the scrape page of the Parser you will note an option to Append data. You can use this to add content to an existing file.

[tdewitt274]

This is a freaking brain buster for me! Ugh at this rate I will never get to actually play. I will be spending more time trying to get these books loaded in. Can someone send me a fluff and data file for Monster Manual I. The more complete the better. I'm just not cut out for all this programming stuff =(.

Actually, that's the reason for the Parsers. What you suggested would be a violation of copyright. If you have a DDI account, then you would be able to scrape the stats, just none of the fluff. You can always add fluff later and then compile the MOD file.

[kanyon00]

I will go ahead and sign up for a ddi account. How does this work? I looked at compendium mode. Once the data is scraped out, whats the next step? Does this create the Data file? Then I run the parser again using the created file?




Actually, that's the reason for the Parsers. What yo u suggested would be a violation of copyright. If you have a DDI account, then you would be able to scrape the stats, just none of the fluff. You can always add fluff later and then compile the MOD file.

[tdewitt274]

I think DrZeus had a breakdown of how tho do this, in considerable detail, but I don't know where the post is. Probably in the Workshop area. When I last used the Parser (back in the 4e_JPG days), it was pretty easy once you figured out how to use it. You just need to keep track of what you scraped and to keep the saved files.

[Zeus]

Oberoten uploaded the guide to the FGWiki (https://oberoten.dyndns.org/fgwiki/index.php/Creating_Modules).

[kanyon00]

Thanks so much it worked perfectly! Time to scrape MM II. What other books would be good to have?



Oberoten uploaded the guide to the FGWiki (https://oberoten.dyndns.org/fgwiki/index.php/Creating_Modules).

[Griogre]

Depends on your game of course. As a DM you want all the monster books - IE Monster Manual 1 & 2. You will also want the Players Handbook and any other Player's Handbooks you use. Same with the Splats, if you use them - Arcane, Martial, Divine, and Primal Powers.

[adminwheel3]

Just be careful not to get carried away with parsing and loading modules you don't need.

One of the best practices for keeping FG running as well as it can is to only load modules you're actually going to use.

As far as I know it doesn't do any harm to have unloaded modules, but when you start doing PHB, PHB2, PHB3, plus all of the 'power' books for the players then you add additional strain on a system which works best while lean.

Personally, I've made modules specific to each of my PCs which only have the data they actually need access. Why make them load 9+ books worth of resources when they are an 8th level fighter with < 25 powers/feats/abilites?

[EugeneZ]

Personally, I've made modules specific to each of my PCs which only have the data they actually need access. Why make them load 9+ books worth of resources when they are an 8th level fighter with < 25 powers/feats/abilites?

The disadvantage to this is that every time you get new PCs, you need to parse more stuff. Doing it all at once and having it out of the way is nice. Besides, I agree that having unnecessary modules loaded sometimes causes problems, but that only appears to happen in a few edge cases, typically with Monster Manual parses that also contains dozens of MB of images. I have all three PHBs open and a whole bunch of other modules to boot and I don't have module issues -- neither do any of the DMs I know who do the same.

Your advice is valid, but I think parsing only for your PCs just *adds* more work and I wouldn't recommend it. But if it works for you, cool.

[Zeus]

With the exception of 1 or 2 of the rulebooks I pretty much have every book available as a module in the Library.

My players tend to have the PHBs and the splat books open that they require. I as the DM only have the adventure module open.

The majority of the DM rulebooks that I have as modules like, MM2, Draconimicon's, DMGs etc. are only ever used when I'm building my adventures and never when I'm playing the game. This because I find it easier to create my modules so that they are completely self contained.

I find this set up to be the easiest for me to manage and since I began building self contained adventure modules, no longer experience long load times or intermittent crashes.

To me, the purpose of having the Library is that it contains everything I or the players should need if required.

Whilst your approach clearly works for you adminwheel3, I'm afraid I agree with Eugene and prefer to parse everything from a rulebook into one module. Once its done, its done and I no longer have to worry about parsing new content should some of players level up or something.

Finally, my players have gotten a real benefit from having access to the 4E Catalogue of powers. A single index of all PC class powers has proven very useful, especially when leveling up.

[Grey Hunter]

Is there a tutorial for Parsing the Player hand books? the data setup is different to the monster manual (for which there is a tutorial) and I can't figure out the formatting.

[tdewitt274]

The issue I have with the Parser is that it's very time consuming to go through and choose a book, run, choose another book, run ... Of course, this is using the DDI option.

Who/Where should I go to make a suggestion of "Parse it all"?

[EugeneZ]

Is there a tutorial for Parsing the Player hand books? the data setup is different to the monster manual (for which there is a tutorial) and I can't figure out the formatting.

I don't know if there's a tutorial, but the instructions are installed with the ruleset in the C:\Program Files\4E Parser\Documents\Parser Document.txt file. If you have a DDI account, it's easier to just scrape it.


Who/Where should I go to make a suggestion of "Parse it all"?

This would be Tenian. He's around here somewhere. He usually reads these threads. If I see him online later I'll let him know to check this thread.

[tdewitt274]

I don't know if there's a tutorial, but the instructions are installed with the ruleset in the C:\Program Files\4E Parser\Documents\Parser Document.txt file. If you have a DDI account, it's easier to just scrape it.



This would be Tenian. He's around here somewhere. He usually reads these threads. If I see him online later I'll let him know to check this thread.
I'll keep an eye out for him as well. Thanks!

[EugeneZ]

He told me he gets asked this a lot and always has to say "no." I don't want to say the reason; I'll let him chime in if he wants to.

[tdewitt274]

He told me he gets asked this a lot and always has to say "no." I don't want to say the reason; I'll let him chime in if he wants to.
Unfortunate, but understandable. There would have to be adjustments to the program to put everything in it's place (creating subfolders and such). I'm sure WotC doesn't want to see their servers getting pounded continuously as well.