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Sathas
February 6th, 2006, 00:11
Basically I'm a DM who wants to continue gaming with friends back home. My biggest worry is I will drop a lot of money and not get the functionality I (and my group) is looking for. I've downloaded the demo and while nice it left a lot out (obviously) and had me wondering about the full features. I made a list of the things I need to know before I drop the money on this.

A) Custom maps/character pics: As I've been drawing for oh close to 20 years I do most of my own maps, character drawings, npc's, etc. etc. The selection of portraits was obviously small on the demo. Is there a way to import scanned items such as maps and pictures for use in the gaming session. Types of files?

B) Character Creation: I've always liked for my players to create characters in a group so that I can keep track of what people are doing and everyone can see how the group is filling out. The demo you basically insert stats...no rolling, nothing. While of course my players are not power hungry megalomaniacs it'd be nice if they just didn't type out the stat they wanted. Prestige classes? Are they in? Do I need to make custom content for them?

C) Custom Content: I make plenty of feats, spells, magic items, etc. just like any DM. Exactly how is custom content created (if it can be at all). I've seen a lot of mention of XML on these forums. The only thing I know about XML is that the UI's I've used on various MMO's used XML to make custom UI's.

D) Modules: Sometimes I use modules. Of course not every module I own is gonna have it's own FG version...how easy is it to run a Module/convert a module to FG? Do I draw all the maps from the book by hand into FG? Do I need to use something like dunjinni or something (which I don't own btw)?

For the most part how self sufficient is FG on it's own for customizing stuff without having to resort to pre made modules/maps/etc. I do most everything from scratch and I think that's why our group have always enjoyed playing together so it'd be nice to keep that same feeling for FG games.

richvalle
February 6th, 2006, 00:45
Basically I'm a DM who wants to continue gaming with friends back home. My biggest worry is I will drop a lot of money and not get the functionality I (and my group) is looking for. I've downloaded the demo and while nice it left a lot out (obviously) and had me wondering about the full features. I made a list of the things I need to know before I drop the money on this.

A) Custom maps/character pics: As I've been drawing for oh close to 20 years I do most of my own maps, character drawings, npc's, etc. etc. The selection of portraits was obviously small on the demo. Is there a way to import scanned items such as maps and pictures for use in the gaming session. Types of files?

B) Character Creation: I've always liked for my players to create characters in a group so that I can keep track of what people are doing and everyone can see how the group is filling out. The demo you basically insert stats...no rolling, nothing. While of course my players are not power hungry megalomaniacs it'd be nice if they just didn't type out the stat they wanted. Prestige classes? Are they in? Do I need to make custom content for them?

C) Custom Content: I make plenty of feats, spells, magic items, etc. just like any DM. Exactly how is custom content created (if it can be at all). I've seen a lot of mention of XML on these forums. The only thing I know about XML is that the UI's I've used on various MMO's used XML to make custom UI's.

D) Modules: Sometimes I use modules. Of course not every module I own is gonna have it's own FG version...how easy is it to run a Module/convert a module to FG? Do I draw all the maps from the book by hand into FG? Do I need to use something like dunjinni or something (which I don't own btw)?

For the most part how self sufficient is FG on it's own for customizing stuff without having to resort to pre made modules/maps/etc. I do most everything from scratch and I think that's why our group have always enjoyed playing together so it'd be nice to keep that same feeling for FG games.

Howdy.

A. Yes! We have used custom pics for all our characters. Custome maps are very, very easy. Just drop the map into the /images folder and it shows up as something you can open. You can even do this on the fly during a game.

B. You can have the players all connect for a 'character creation' session. They can roll dice and the results will be visible to all. Note: there is nothing that stops them from making changes to their character sheet later.

No... but there is really nothing 'built in' other then some of the srd rules to look up. If you want someone to have a prc, you just type that name in for a character class and apply what every bennies he gets. If you want the prc information to be viewable in FG while you play, then you would have to enter the text in.

C. Its easy enough that I can do it. :)

You just find the right file, 'monsters', 'feats', ect. Open it up with a free xml editor and see how the current information is entered. Then I copy one of the entries and then paste it back in and edit it for my new content.

D. If you have in in digital form its easy (see above). If not, the easiest would be to scan it in and then fiddle with it (shrink it down to some reasonable size) and then drop it into FG.

If the above is not an option, then you need to create the map in some sort of program. You can hand draw it, use dundginni or any other software.

FG supports .jpg, .gif and .png I believe.

Note: There should be some changes coming for creating hand drawn content inside FG. More colors, shapes ect. I THINK it will be in 1.06 but not 100% sure.

rv

Stuart
February 6th, 2006, 00:51
A) Yes, any maps or images can be dropped into your game on the fly or before a session just by copying or dragging them into the appropriate folder.
B) Characters can create stats before hand or on line and roll stats in front of you. Character sheets are logged with you and thus they cannot make any changes ... they cannot bring to the table a character. Characters are done with you or emailed ahead of the game to you as an xml file (not recommended).
C) Custom rule sets using xml are easy after an initial learning curve ... just ask, this forum loves to debate xml ... just stay clear of IP issues or prepare to meet thy doom !
D) Converting a pdf module to FG xml content is easy, using a paper module is also easy as long as you do this in advance. A typical module I can convert to FG in a weekend if it is a pdf .... the maps take a little longer if you wish to redraw them using cc2, Dundjinni etc
E) I have been running two groups for about 5 months now (maybe longer ?) and 4 sessions per month and I have not used a commercial FG ready module yet ... and there are lots out there and more on the way.

Buy FG ... I promise you will not regret it. Trust me, I'm a doctor ;-)

Sathas
February 6th, 2006, 01:39
Trust me, I'm a doctor ;-)

LOL will do captain. Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like the kind of functionality we're looking for. I tossed a post on the DnD forums to see if anyone there has used the software as well. Hopefully I'll be staring at the loading screen pretty soon with my old gaming group. =)