My special interest is on how to add custom data into the tool. For now, CB only allows for a "name" and some "notes" if you want to add a class or equipment. There is also a section that is not available during beta which should allow to link to an URL for custom data.
Will CB allow for ad hoc custom data entry at every stage of the character development, e.g. if you want to add a power, CB will open a wizard to let you input all required information using a set of pre-defined rules and keywords?
Or will CR allow for file import (therefore the URL) only using files that need to have a specific format and taxonomy (PCGen uses this way)?
And - in both cases - will syntax, taxonomy and everthing els needed be available when CB goes live?
For example, most powers are simply a collection of conditions, movement/shifts, damage types, and status modifiers with durations.
Some of the more complicated homebrew powers would be impractical to make, but providing a basic template should be fairly simple. In fact, most powers could be constructed in a wizard of some kind.
[power name]
[power level/racial]
[usage: at-will/daily/encounter]
[keywords: martial, divine, reliable, exc]
[Action type: Standard/minor/move]
[Range: Melee/personal/ranged {burstx /blastx /areax}]
[Target: x creatures]
[Attack: VALUE + X] vs [DEFENSE]
Hit:
Damage + Mod
Status conditions: [given list, choose up to 5 or something]
Most of those abilities are easy to save, and would interact with a properly written code enough to prevent errors, and calculate the damage correctly.
Feats, on the other hand, are much more complicated, but the options for feats are already covered so thoroughly, I don't think that's an issue.
The only other homebrew I see making any difference is the choice of race.
Generally, I can see a race working much like the power template above, including automatic weapon proficiency, speed and stat modifiers, and some skill bonuses. All of that should be easy to implement.
So can we please get these features some day?
I've been thinking about this too, and it does seem like saving custom information should be more straightforward.
For example, most powers are simply a collection of conditions, movement/shifts, damage types, and status modifiers with durations.
Some of the more complicated homebrew powers would be impractical to make, but providing a basic template should be fairly simple. In fact, most powers could be constructed in a wizard of some kind.
[power name]
[power level/racial]
[usage: at-will/daily/encounter]
[keywords: martial, divine, reliable, exc]
[Action type: Standard/minor/move]
[Range: Melee/personal/ranged {burstx /blastx /areax}]
[Target: x creatures]
[Attack: VALUE + X] vs [DEFENSE]
Hit:
Damage + Mod
Status conditions: [given list, choose up to 5 or something]
Most of those abilities are easy to save, and would interact with a properly written code enough to prevent errors, and calculate the damage correctly.
Feats, on the other hand, are much more complicated, but the options for feats are already covered so thoroughly, I don't think that's an issue.
The only other homebrew I see making any difference is the choice of race.
Generally, I can see a race working much like the power template above, including automatic weapon proficiency, speed and stat modifiers, and some skill bonuses. All of that should be easy to implement.
So can we please get these features some day?
Hear, hear! I wholeheartedly agree. And as I've mentioned on several other postings this should be a high priority for the generator. Most DMs have custom rules, races, equipment, feats, etc. of some sort in their campaign. If the generator can't accommodate those home rules and additions it will likely not be used by many people in the long run.
I would also like a LOT more control over the character sheet itself (beyond just moving panels around and adding or deleting them). I'd like to be able to click on every single number value on the sheet and change it to what I want if needed (and, if it’s not too much to ask, also be able to manipulate the calculation formulas that fill in those associated boxes). Currently we can only click on some of these values (such as the main ability stats, AC, FORT, etc.). I’d like the ability to click on the subcolumns for AC, for instance, to change those values and have them update the main number in the circle (not just lump all changes under miscellaneous when you change the main value). And what if you decide, for whatever reason, to change the formulation for the 1/2 LVL column to something like 1/3 LVL? I’d like the ability to do things like that and have it automatically calculate the results using the new formulations.
Currently, the sheet does not let you click on or alter any of the values in the "attack workspaces" boxes or "damage workspaces" boxes or the basic attacks boxes. I’d like the ability to do that. I’d also like the ability to click on such values as the “armor penalty” box and ABIL MOD + 1/2 LVL boxes in the skills section so I can change those values as well when needed.
I’d also like the ability to click on the “bloodied” box and “surge value” box, and so on, and so on… so I can change them to whatever I want. In my game, for instance, I have my own rules variations for being bloodied. So I’d like the ability to change that value.
Basically, a DM or player should have the ability to overide ANY value shown on the sheet with his/her own value when needed.