Character generator? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Character generator? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
jmatt
12-19-05, 12:26 AM I'm sure this has been asked about a jillion times before, but does anyone have a recommendation for an automated tool to generate characters?

I've read through the Player Manual and the D&D for Dummies book, but I'd like to confirm my hand generated numbers by running my rolls and character choices through some kind of automated program.

For instance, the Player Manual says that a Dwarf Fighter gets a 1.5x STR bonus for 2 handed weapons; where should that be denoted on the char sheet? I need a program to help me sort it all out.

Thanks
ressurrector
12-19-05, 12:29 AM I thought all characters added 1.5x str bonus for a 2handed weapon?
Darkuwa
12-19-05, 02:56 AM You don't need a program, you need a DM to sit next to you while you build your first character sheet.

ps: the 1.5x str only applies to the damage caused by 2-handed weapons and is for everyone not just dorf fighters.
RogerWilco
12-19-05, 06:51 AM Try PCGen, the links are in my Signature. In the free version you can only use SRD information, otherwise you need to buy WotC approved datsaets from CodeMonkeys Publishing, but most are quite cheap ($6)
jmatt
12-19-05, 08:54 PM You don't need a program, you need a DM to sit next to you while you build your first character sheet.

Oh, I agree. The problem is I don't have a DM at my disposal.

I'm trying to figure out the game so I can play with my kids. So I'm slogging my way through the Players Guide, The DM guide, the Monster Guide and the D&D for Dummies book all by myself, and it ain't easy. I have no completed examples to draw upon, so I don't know if I'm doing it right.

For instance, the PM states that Dwarves get a +4 Dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant type. On the character sheet, is that recorded as the "misc modifier" in the AC line, even though it pertains only when fighting giants? Or am I supposed to just remember that fact and apply it when the circumstance arises?

If you can remember back to the first time you heard about the game, try imagining yourself figuring it all out with no help whatsoever. That's where I am. :(
Kaneohe
12-19-05, 09:19 PM Most 'specific instance' modifiers are recorded on the back of the character sheet, under the "Special Abilities" section. At least that's how I do it. It doesn't take up enough space to crowd out your other abilities, and only rarely will you reach a level where this will become a problem.

P.S. It saves a lot of time in-game if you record what each ability does by its name.

Happy gaming! :D
Sorbeth
12-19-05, 09:47 PM One trick I've used when I have PCs whose armor class or attacks vary because of feats or special abilities is making up a small spreadsheet chart for the options.
It may sound a little silly at first, but it makes life a lot simpler when you just have to sort all the bonuses and minuses out once and can then look it up.
^Graff_EpsilonIX
12-19-05, 10:40 PM You could always add everything from the PHB character sheet into excel and create your own using Vlookup and Hlookup commands.
James Wildspell
12-21-05, 01:47 AM I'm sure this has been asked about a jillion times before, but does anyone have a recommendation for an automated tool to generate characters?

I've read through the Player Manual and the D&D for Dummies book, but I'd like to confirm my hand generated numbers by running my rolls and character choices through some kind of automated program.

For instance, the Player Manual says that a Dwarf Fighter gets a 1.5x STR bonus for 2 handed weapons; where should that be denoted on the char sheet? I need a program to help me sort it all out.

Thanks

You can try www.roleplayershome.net . Register free, use free, explore for free. They have some helpful tools, but will not solve all of your struggles, you will still need to learn how to use those tools...just like real life. Good luck, and remember that we are all in this together. :cool:

I just tested that link, and it doesn't work. So let us try: http://www.roleplayershome.net/index.php?topmenu=mapcreater .

OK, that works, just register, go to "characters" and experiment. You should soon get the hang of things.
The Sinister Rogue
12-21-05, 03:09 AM I am not sure if you this is what you are looking for. But HeroForce (http://homepage.mac.com/blackbart71/) is a great tool for generating pc's and npc's. The 3.0 version works fine, but I have not yet worked with the 3.5 version.

Good Luck
tsuyoshikentsu
12-21-05, 04:30 AM Mate, you don't need a generator. I know what your problem is.

You're using the official character sheet, aren't you?

Go to www.RPGSheets.com. Search for Mad Irishman or Vinnie.c79. NEVER use official again.
Darkuwa
12-21-05, 08:20 PM I've gone through and put my character into all the ones here, HeroForce gets Dark's seal of approval with 4.5 stars out of 5.
spoogemonkey
12-23-05, 02:38 PM jeepers.... a spreadsheet? kinda like using a hammer to kill a fly!

just makes notes in the margins..... sheesh...

take your rolled stats and sheet to any game store and just ask them to check it out. Or ask a friend....

and if you ONLY have internet friends..... you could just post your stuff in this thread. The legal beagles here will then give you six disenting opinions and start arguing with each other.... and then declare that you need to play a half-orc fighter, instead!

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
jmatt 12-19-05, 12:26 AM	I'm sure this has been asked about a jillion times before, but does anyone have a recommendation for an automated tool to generate characters? I've read through the Player Manual and the D&D for Dummies book, but I'd like to confirm my hand generated numbers by running my rolls and character choices through some kind of automated program. For instance, the Player Manual says that a Dwarf Fighter gets a 1.5x STR bonus for 2 handed weapons; where should that be denoted on the char sheet? I need a program to help me sort it all out. Thanks
ressurrector 12-19-05, 12:29 AM	I thought all characters added 1.5x str bonus for a 2handed weapon?
Darkuwa 12-19-05, 02:56 AM	You don't need a program, you need a DM to sit next to you while you build your first character sheet. ps: the 1.5x str only applies to the damage caused by 2-handed weapons and is for everyone not just dorf fighters.
RogerWilco 12-19-05, 06:51 AM	Try PCGen, the links are in my Signature. In the free version you can only use SRD information, otherwise you need to buy WotC approved datsaets from CodeMonkeys Publishing, but most are quite cheap ($6)
jmatt 12-19-05, 08:54 PM	You don't need a program, you need a DM to sit next to you while you build your first character sheet. Oh, I agree. The problem is I don't have a DM at my disposal. I'm trying to figure out the game so I can play with my kids. So I'm slogging my way through the Players Guide, The DM guide, the Monster Guide and the D&D for Dummies book all by myself, and it ain't easy. I have no completed examples to draw upon, so I don't know if I'm doing it right. For instance, the PM states that Dwarves get a +4 Dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant type. On the character sheet, is that recorded as the "misc modifier" in the AC line, even though it pertains only when fighting giants? Or am I supposed to just remember that fact and apply it when the circumstance arises? If you can remember back to the first time you heard about the game, try imagining yourself figuring it all out with no help whatsoever. That's where I am. :(
Kaneohe 12-19-05, 09:19 PM	Most 'specific instance' modifiers are recorded on the back of the character sheet, under the "Special Abilities" section. At least that's how I do it. It doesn't take up enough space to crowd out your other abilities, and only rarely will you reach a level where this will become a problem. P.S. It saves a lot of time in-game if you record what each ability does by its name. Happy gaming! :D
Sorbeth 12-19-05, 09:47 PM	One trick I've used when I have PCs whose armor class or attacks vary because of feats or special abilities is making up a small spreadsheet chart for the options. It may sound a little silly at first, but it makes life a lot simpler when you just have to sort all the bonuses and minuses out once and can then look it up.
^Graff_EpsilonIX 12-19-05, 10:40 PM	You could always add everything from the PHB character sheet into excel and create your own using Vlookup and Hlookup commands.
James Wildspell 12-21-05, 01:47 AM	I'm sure this has been asked about a jillion times before, but does anyone have a recommendation for an automated tool to generate characters? I've read through the Player Manual and the D&D for Dummies book, but I'd like to confirm my hand generated numbers by running my rolls and character choices through some kind of automated program. For instance, the Player Manual says that a Dwarf Fighter gets a 1.5x STR bonus for 2 handed weapons; where should that be denoted on the char sheet? I need a program to help me sort it all out. Thanks You can try www.roleplayershome.net . Register free, use free, explore for free. They have some helpful tools, but will not solve all of your struggles, you will still need to learn how to use those tools...just like real life. Good luck, and remember that we are all in this together. :cool: I just tested that link, and it doesn't work. So let us try: http://www.roleplayershome.net/index.php?topmenu=mapcreater . OK, that works, just register, go to "characters" and experiment. You should soon get the hang of things.
The Sinister Rogue 12-21-05, 03:09 AM	I am not sure if you this is what you are looking for. But HeroForce (http://homepage.mac.com/blackbart71/) is a great tool for generating pc's and npc's. The 3.0 version works fine, but I have not yet worked with the 3.5 version. Good Luck
tsuyoshikentsu 12-21-05, 04:30 AM	Mate, you don't need a generator. I know what your problem is. You're using the official character sheet, aren't you? Go to www.RPGSheets.com. Search for Mad Irishman or Vinnie.c79. NEVER use official again.
Darkuwa 12-21-05, 08:20 PM	I've gone through and put my character into all the ones here, HeroForce gets Dark's seal of approval with 4.5 stars out of 5.
spoogemonkey 12-23-05, 02:38 PM	jeepers.... a spreadsheet? kinda like using a hammer to kill a fly! just makes notes in the margins..... sheesh... take your rolled stats and sheet to any game store and just ask them to check it out. Or ask a friend.... and if you ONLY have internet friends..... you could just post your stuff in this thread. The legal beagles here will then give you six disenting opinions and start arguing with each other.... and then declare that you need to play a half-orc fighter, instead!