Creation Mode

[LordEntrails]

(Discussion moved from other thread (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?33258-Encounter-Placement-Problem&p=280664#post280664))

Discussion of pro's and con's for considering a Creation and Play modes for FG. This is intended as a long view discussion and though even if impractical, may help identify GM creation capabilities that would be beneficial.

Play Mode: pretty much what we see/use today. Would still probably need all the GM creation and editing tools we are used to as they are often needed on the fly.

Creation Mode: a mode designed to facilitate creation of content.

First negative of such a function is the additional coding and support that adding modes would entail. Hopefully, this could be minimized with the right approach.

[LordEntrails]

Creation Mode could include the following (ideas not all mine, see other thread):
- Player Lock, change or disable the ability for players to connect while in this mode
- Encounter Token Management, the ability to see and change token placement on maps. Current functionality is that the encounter must be added to the CT to view and to change placement the token must be removed and then re-added.
- Additional or different tools shortcuts or icons. (There are so many capabilities, many of which are hidden from the UI in the chat or other places, that by having modes you could have the right mouse or other menus optimized for the functions that are most common for the mode.)
- Link Management. Ability to see and edit the values behind the links. Ability to lock a pin location on a map (I need to add this to the idea informer). Ability to see the reference source that a link points to (i.e. PHB, SRD, Module, Story item etc) and change the link to another source (as opposed to current process of deleting and re-creating link).

[LordEntrails]

Discussion on the future of content creation.... So, FG is a VTT first and foremost. That said, it is a VTT that allows users to create their own content as well as use SmiteWorks published content (such as license 5E content).

I think to discuss 'Creation Mode' (or something similar) we need to address content creation as well. Part of this comes from my recent recollections stirred by this thread (https://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?490499-Help-me-build-a-better-Dungeon-Master-app)at ENWorld and my lamenting the loss of Master Tools. This points out some gaps that would be totally new to FG, but I find currently missing from available s/w and I do feel are closely enough related to VTT content creation that they would fit nicely within an FG suite (meaning I would be open to a second integrated module).

- Story Line creation tools, plot flow mapping. Such as Master Tools has for 4E, or simple mind mapping software like FreeMind.
- Encounter/Challenge tracking. Ability to track presented challenges and related XP. This would facilitate coordinating encounters with probable party level. With plot mapping this would enable planning such as multiple flow tracking to predict leveling up.
- Story element library. Library of elements that can be re-used in multiple story entries. (i.e. a lot like we currently have NPC and Item libraries)

[Nickademus]

I've always liked the name 'Workspace' from CS products. Basically, the windowstate.xml and modulestate.xml could have unique versions for each workspace. That way the placement of windows in FG while running it could be different (and saved) than when setting up the campaign or getting the adventure module properly loaded in and ready to play. Also, some modules such as loot generators don't need to be opened during play (though can be opened in play mode if needed).

Among other ideas. I doubt this will ever happen though.

[jab112]

I see were you are going, The tool set you described would help set things up easer

[lesliev]

I already think the fact that Character Management has extra character creation options that are not available in a campaign is a bit confusing. I'd rather you be able to do everything in the one mode. Though if you could switch modes without going back to the main menu, that would be great.