Post/Author/DateTime	Post
echoota 08-02-06, 10:17 AM	Is there a good character generating software that incorperates the build point system?
kenobi65 08-02-06, 11:00 AM	I like Heroforge quite a lot. It's Excel-based, freeware, and has the specific option to follow the Living Greyhawk campaign rules for HP, class and feat availability, etc. And, "point buy" is one of the supported methods for ability scores (you type in the score, and it tells you how many buy points you have left). Since Heroforge is now a community-based project, there's a ton of folks who offer it for download...so just google "Heroforge".
Herrbard 08-02-06, 12:29 PM	Hreoforge is free, and good. I personally prefer ETools. You can't go wrong with the "official" product, and all the WOTC books become available pretty quickly. It does cost, however. Available at www.codemonkeypublishing.com
Necrochaos 08-02-06, 06:57 PM	Heroforge can be downloaded here: http://www.nzcomputers.net/heroforge/ Also, you can download Spellforge there (now updated with the Spell Condendium spells). A great tool to use with Heroforge. There are also custom Heroforge builds on this website.
BEldred74 08-02-06, 07:59 PM	I like DM Genie (www.dmgenie.com). When making a character, you can choose from among the 4 different point buys and 3 or 4 different random roll systems. It's only OGL stuff included, but it's very easy to add in your own infomation from other books you own. It's got a fully functional 60 day trial for you to test it out. If you are just using it for player characters, you can get the Player Genie version for like $15. If you want all the DM bells & whistles, it's about $30. Best $30 I ever spent on gaming, even better than supplement books. :)
amnuxoll 08-03-06, 01:38 PM	For ultimate control, you can't beat Metacreator by Alter Ego Software. I can customize it any way I want to. I also use it when writing mods since I've customized it to generate stat blocks in RPGA format (regional and core). It comes with full support for SRD 3.5 and I've found it simple to put most non-SRD material in. Prestige classes are the exception but I have been able to get those in as well with a bit of help from the software's author (who is good about answering emails) in some cases. The key is that I *can* put those changes in. I don't have to wait for a new release. Also when a unique magic item crops up (e.g., Sash of the Healer, Ring of the Apprentice) it's easy for me to create it. The user interface is better than Heroforge or PCGen but not as smooth as E-Tools. (And yes, I have tried all of these products). Metacreator is not freeware. I think it costs around $30. The downside? If you're not computer savvy, Metacreator is not for you. However, if you are comfortable with concepts like "script files" and "data spreadsheets" then I definitely think you'll find Metacreator is worth the learning curve investment. :AMN:
Iswald 08-03-06, 02:36 PM	Heroforge can be downloaded here: Heroforge will not work with Open Office, some kind of VBA problem.
JohnduBois 08-03-06, 03:26 PM	For ultimate control, you can't beat Metacreator by Alter Ego Software. I can customize it any way I want to. I also use it when writing mods since I've customized it to generate stat blocks in RPGA format (regional and core). It comes with full support for SRD 3.5 and I've found it simple to put most non-SRD material in. Prestige classes are the exception but I have been able to get those in as well with a bit of help from the software's author (who is good about answering emails) in some cases. The key is that I *can* put those changes in. I don't have to wait for a new release. Also when a unique magic item crops up (e.g., Sash of the Healer, Ring of the Apprentice) it's easy for me to create it. The user interface is better than Heroforge or PCGen but not as smooth as E-Tools. (And yes, I have tried all of these products). Metacreator is not freeware. I think it costs around $30. The downside? If you're not computer savvy, Metacreator is not for you. However, if you are comfortable with concepts like "script files" and "data spreadsheets" then I definitely think you'll find Metacreator is worth the learning curve investment. :AMN: There is a demo version of Metacreator available. I STRONGLY recommend playing with that before buying the software. I'm relatively computer-savvy (In D&D terms, I have ranks, but they're all cross-class), and I'm having a hard time figuring it out. One of these days, I have to abduct AMN and get him to show me how to do all the cool "I'm going to write a mod without having to work for my stat blocks" stuff. :P