Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 11, 2009 4:02:55	With added alliterative appeal. Some of you may already know Masterplan, some may not. It is a handy little tool for creating campaigns. It has however a limitation: it doesn't contain all the Monsters (in the Monster Manual) yet. The idea is quite simple. I've divided the Monster manual into small packets of creatures. Anyone who wants to contribute can claim a packet or multiple packets of creatures. These Monsters then need to be entered into a library for Masterplan. I will compile all these libraries into one big library. The goal for this project is to have monster stat blocks with the essential information for running combat encounters. Conventions for inputting monsters: 1: Be accurate, copy names exactly 2: Keep sequence, input powers in the same order as they appear in the MM 3: Insubstantial is implemented as a power, with its definition (and conditions) in the power description. It is implemented as the first power 4: Saving Throw bonuses are implemented as a power, using the following format: Power Name: Saving Throws Description: +x Saving Throw bonuses are implemented last. 5: Phasing belongs in the movement box If a creature has both, put both in the same power in the power's title, separated by a comma. 6: Fill in the MM index name for the creature in the Category line. For instance, Balors are Demon(s) and Aboleth Lashers belong to the Aboleth Category. 7: Please use the latest version of Masterplan. I'm not sure if all the Masterplan versions are compatible and I'm certain that the latest (as of yet) version has much more creature creation utility (implementation of Aura's, senses, etc...) Modus Operandi: 1: Choose which packet(s) you'd like to input 2: Check whether the packet(s) is (are) still available. 3: Claim a packet or multiple packets. This is done by posting which packets you'd like to input. 4: Create a library with a name corresponding to your packet. Naming is done 'Monster Manual x' where x stands for your packet or packets. If you have multiple packets, separate them with a dash like so: 'Monster Manual 13-25-28 5: Add the monsters from the packet(s) to the library 6: Send the library file to [email]projectmonstermanual@gmail.com[/email] with 'Monster Manual x' in the subject line. Where x stands for your packets ofcourse. 7: I will compile the packets into one big monster manual library file, which I'll try to update weekly If there are any uncertaincies, please ask. Masterplan can be found here. The v 0.1 mm library file, containing Packets 1, 8, 9 and 10 can be downloaded @ 'projectmonstermanual@gmail.com'. The password is 'garygygax'. Please do not abuse this account. The First 40 Creature Packets: Red is for packets which have not yet been claimed Black is for packets which have been claimed Blue is for packets which have been compiled. Creature Packets 1-10 1 (Pl) Aboleth Lasher Aboleth Slime Mage Aboleth Overseer Aboleth Servitor Astral Stalker 2 (Bone Naga) Atropal Blood Fiend Phane Tarrasque Angel of Battle 3 (Bone Naga) Angel of Protection Angel of Valor Angel of Valor Cohort Angel of Valor Veteran Angel of Valor Legionnaire 4 (Pobman) Angel of Vengeance Fire Archon Emberguard Fire Archon Blazesteel Fire Archon Ash Disciple Ice Archon Hailscourge 5 (Pobman) Ice Archon Rimehammer Ice Archon Frostshaper Azer Warrior Azer Footsoldier Azer Rager 6 (Jhansen) Azer Taskmaster Azer Beastlord Balhannoth Banshrae Dartswarmer Banshrae Warrior 7 (jhansen) Venom-Eye Basilisk Stone-Eye Basilisk Shadowhunter Bat Fire Bat Warthorn Battlebriar 8 (subsistcyber) Earthrage Battlebriar Cave Bear Dire Bear Fire Beetle Tangler Beetle 9 (subsistcyber) Rot Scarab Swarm Macetail Behemoth Bloodspike Behemoth Beholder Eye of Flame Beholder Eye Tirant 10 (subsistcyber) Berbalang Dire Boar Thunderfury Boar Bodak Skulk Bodak Reaver
#2 Pobman Jun 11, 2009 4:16:07	I'll take packets 4 and 5. I haven't actually put in any of the monsters into Masterplan yet so I have no idea how long it takes, plus I have a really busy weekend coming up, so I don't think I'll be done until the end of next week.
#3 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 11, 2009 15:28:29	The Developer told he was working on an update for the monster creation section. Specifically the option to add auras and such, so I'd wait a bit before implementing the monsters. Thanks in advance for cooperating, you are much appreciated.
#4 Nyronus Jun 11, 2009 16:00:31	Now, doesn't this violate the GSL? A campaign builder is fine, but reproduction and distribution of WotC material, even non-profit, is not, and this appears to be exactly what your talking about doing.
#5 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 11, 2009 20:19:52	Hmm... Not sure. If it is illegal I definitely don't want to go through with this.
#6 subsistcyber Jun 12, 2009 1:51:35	We'll have to wait for a staff member to chime in; until then I'll take 8, 9, and 10.
#7 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 12, 2009 8:44:38	Updated Monster list: Packets 31-40 are now added to the list, bringing us the gorgeous Death Titan, the Foulspawn and the dreaded Flameskulls. There is now an interim build of masterplan available, that lets you add senses, aura's, special movement modes and equipment. Awesome!!! Please wait a few days to see if this build has any major bugs and then please use this build of masterplan. You can find it at the Masterplan thread here in the workshop forum. Unfortunately, Deveraux has not yet implemented insubstantial and phasing to Masterplan, so those still need to be implemented as powers. Though I'd like to instate a new convention for imputting them. Which I will. They still need to be implemented as powers, but if a creature has both just make a power with the name 'Insubstantial, Phasing'.
#8 bone_naga Jun 12, 2009 16:42:58	I guess I'll take a stab at this. I'll go with 2 and 3.
#9 jhansen Jun 13, 2009 4:56:47	Prepared to hit 6 & 7 like the fist of an angry god.
#10 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 13, 2009 5:20:53	Alright, the first 10 packets are now taken. I'm looking forward to your library files. I'll update the packet list soon and am almost done doing packet 1, though I don't have much time.
#11 jhansen Jun 13, 2009 6:37:05	First thing that i'm noticing is that there is no direct stat tracking for perception?
#12 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 13, 2009 7:10:47	This is true, nor is there space for skills. But these need not be implemented. It's more important to provide with the combat basics of a creature, so it can be used in combat. Stealth is keyed to perception though.... But people'll just have to look it up.
#13 jhansen Jun 13, 2009 7:39:00	While I appreciate your drive to begin getting the data entry done on this project, and I DO intend to help out as much as possible... I think it is wise to wait until the back end database is set up, doing a bunch of data entry now just means more data entry later when the missing pieces are added.
#14 bone_naga Jun 13, 2009 8:09:57	While I appreciate your drive to begin getting the data entry done on this project, and I DO intend to help out as much as possible... I think it is wise to wait until the back end database is set up, doing a bunch of data entry now just means more data entry later when the missing pieces are added. I somewhat agree with you, but at the same time I'd like my MM creatures ASAP, skills or not.
#15 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 13, 2009 8:13:40	's true. There's no rush. Maybe in this fase just distributing the packets is enough, and when the creature creation part of masterplan is complete our armies will rise and des.... errr. As far as I can tell, the only things missing from the creature builder are: -variable resistance -skills -insubstantial -phasing -action points
#16 rugsrat Jun 13, 2009 8:44:49	-removed for my lack of reading comprehension-
#17 Devereaux Jun 13, 2009 9:45:54	Phasing is pretty much just a movement thing though.
#18 jhansen Jun 13, 2009 11:04:05	Unless I'm missing something, Masterplan doesn't adjudicate anything for you anyway, so it literally just a statblock that the DM can reference while he's making all the decisions and moves and attacks himself anyway. That being said, maybe it's worth taking a look at how Dungeonmastering.com does their custom monster statblocks, everything is represented, nothing is interactive and that to me seems like exactly what you need for Masterplan. Unless there is some plan in the future to turn MP into a fully integrated Gametable.
#19 bone_naga Jun 13, 2009 11:52:11	Couldn't anything that doesn't have a block for it already just get lumped under "Details" anyway?
#20 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 13, 2009 13:26:05	@ Jhansen: I believe it's not too bad that a few things are still missing. I believe it best to proceed with the current version of the build. It's none of my business if Deveraux puts these features in or not and it's not my job to pressure him into doing so. He's done a great job already and I think it's best to just work with what we've got now. @ Deveraux: Interesting that you should say that. It's given me an idea. Phasing could be inputted in the movement bar. That's where it is in the MM, and it's a logical place to put it. Besides no (ugly) 'No details' note for using an empty power. Insubstantial could be implemented as a power and the details could read the definition of insubstantial (I'm afb atm) and/or the condition for disabling it. Some creatures lose their insubstantiality if they get a certain type of damage... @ Bone Naga: Yes, except for the special abilities mention in the first post. I made the final change to the implementation conventions. This is how it goes from now. This is the version we're sticking with.
#21 bone_naga Jun 15, 2009 15:55:17	What about immunities that aren't a damage type (immune to disease, immune to fear, etc)? Should I just enter that under details? It seems like it might be a little weird not having them listed with the other immunities. Should saving throw bonuses be added as details or powers?
#22 subsistcyber Jun 16, 2009 1:38:45	1: Be accurate, copy names exactly 2: Keep sequence, input powers in the same order as they appear in the MM 3: Insubstantial is implemented as a power, with its definition (and conditions) in the power description 4: Phasing belongs in the movement box If a creature has both, put both in the same power in the power's title, separated by a comma. 5: Fill in the MM index name for the creature in the Category line. For instance, Balors are Demon(s) and Aboleth Lashers belong to the Aboleth Category. 6: Please use the latest version of Masterplan. I'm not sure if all the Masterplan versions are compatible and I'm certain that the latest (as of yet) version has much more creature creation utility (implementation of Aura's, senses, etc...) Great, I just saw this... You want me to revise the ones I sent to you and re-send them?
#23 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 16, 2009 2:35:51	If you would, it would be kindly appreciated. Thank you for helping out anyways. Let me know if you feel up to it. @ jhansen & bone naga: Anything other than the thing mentioned in the 'conventions' section can be put in the details section. I think it's a good idea to add saving throw bonuses as a power with the following format Power Name: Saving Throws Description: +x I'll add it to the conventions section.
#24 subsistcyber Jun 16, 2009 2:44:24	Really? Saving Throw powers now too? I'll change those as well... Edit: So monster type (natural animate; natural humanoid; etc..) is going under details, right?
#25 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 16, 2009 3:59:52	If you wish. Skills, monster types and other stuff can be put under details, but it's not obligatory.
#26 subsistcyber Jun 16, 2009 4:11:20	Just noticed Masterplan was updated again, v4.3. He added spots for Alignment, Languages, Immunities, and Skills.
#27 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 16, 2009 4:26:20	One small note: When adding Aura's mind the following. If you were to have an aura that looked like this in the MM "Mucus Haze aura 5; enemies treat the area within the aura as diffi cult terrain." You would type 'Mucus Haze' in the Aura's name line and 'aura 5; enemies treat the area within the aura as difficult terrain.' in the description. This get you the neat looking version of the MM in your stat blocks. Remember: anything in the name block gets bolded and the description is separated by one space and is in normal font. Try to go by the MM's look when deciding where to put what. @ subsistcyber: I fixed the aura's for you. As they were the said: 'grasping vines grasping vines aura 3;...' For further reference, it should be 'grasping vines aura 3;...'. Also, with the 4.3 version of masterplan you can now add everything to a creature.
#28 Devereaux Jun 16, 2009 4:28:09	There's also an 'Add from Compendium' feature, but it's a bit experimental. You go to the Compendium, select a creature, and get the HTML source (in IE you do this by right-clicking and selecting View Source). Copy it all to the clipboard (or save it to a file) and paste it into Masterplan, and it'll try to decode it. Doesn't always work, but might make things quicker for you.
#29 subsistcyber Jun 16, 2009 4:29:30	Awesome, thanks. If there's anything else you need changed in there, let me know. Not sure if I'll be doing anymore packets though...
#30 subsistcyber Jun 16, 2009 5:22:57	There's also an 'Add from Compendium' feature, but it's a bit experimental. You go to the Compendium, select a creature, and get the HTML source (in IE you do this by right-clicking and selecting View Source). Copy it all to the clipboard (or save it to a file) and paste it into Masterplan, and it'll try to decode it. Doesn't always work, but might make things quicker for you. Oh wow... it's working perfectly so far. This is by far the best thing ever. Thank you!
#31 Devereaux Jun 16, 2009 6:03:32	Oh wow... it's working perfectly so far. This is by far the best thing ever. Thank you! For the ones that don't work, and there'll be several, save the HTML source. Then send the files to me so I can try to work out how to make it better.
#32 blaster219 Jun 17, 2009 19:30:44	The Import feature seems VERY hit and miss. Of about twenty I tried at random, I got just 2 to import. (None of the Human ones from MM and MM2 for example imported)
#33 Devereaux Jun 17, 2009 19:43:11	The Import feature seems VERY hit and miss. Of about twenty I tried at random, I got just 2 to import. (None of the Human ones from MM and MM2 for example imported) Yeah, it was pretty experimental. I have it working better now; no errors at all when importing anything from MM, MM 2, Dungeon Delve, Manual of the Planes, FRCG, Draconomicon or Open Grave. Not tried Dungeon or Dragon mags yet though. It's still mildly confused by the format of the summoned creatures from Adventurer's Vault. Once that's working better I'll post an update.
#34 matthewswift Jun 18, 2009 1:27:20	Yeah, it was pretty experimental. I have it working better now; no errors at all when importing anything from MM, MM 2, Dungeon Delve, Manual of the Planes, FRCG, Draconomicon or Open Grave. Not tried Dungeon or Dragon mags yet though. It's still mildly confused by the format of the summoned creatures from Adventurer's Vault. Once that's working better I'll post an update. You're the man, or mouse... generally awesome dude?
#35 Pobman Jun 19, 2009 11:28:58	I think I have done both of my packets. Will take a break from it and go over them just to make sure I have everything correct. I couldn't get the HTML thing to work (maybe because I use Firefox?)
#36 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 19, 2009 15:37:27	Yeah, when the project started, the HTML feature wasn't even existent. But if it works you can use it. The whole purpose of dividing the MM up into tiny packets was that lots of people could do a little work and reap a great benefit. Version 0.1 with packets 1,8,9 and 10 have been updated to the open email account.
#37 Devereaux Jun 22, 2009 7:10:03	The newest version, uploaded today, has the updated Add From Compendium feature. It also has an Add Folder feature which lets you import as many creature HTML files as you like, so if you spend a couple of mind-numbingly dull hours saving the compendium creatures to your hard drive, as I did, you too can have 1200 creatures in your libraries.
#38 subsistcyber Jun 22, 2009 7:35:54	You wanna send that library over to your most dedicated fans?
#39 Devereaux Jun 22, 2009 7:39:24	You wanna send that library over to your most dedicated fans? Nope. I want to remain un-sued.
#40 subsistcyber Jun 22, 2009 7:47:42	Nope. I want to remain un-sued. :headexplo
#41 sp0oo0n Jun 22, 2009 12:25:30	For everyone who cannot be bothered to copy-paste HTML 2500 times.. uncle SPOooON gives you an automated solution.. ingredients: a dnd-i subscription autohotkey internet xploder patience
#42 phyrixian_lawnmower Jun 22, 2009 16:14:50	Hmm... it seems to me that with this new compendium-adding feature this project is all but dead. Packets 4-5 have been added however and the new version of the library is up.
#43 tentonape Jun 22, 2009 17:23:30	Hmm... it seems to me that with this new compendium-adding feature this project is all but dead. Packets 4-5 have been added however and the new version of the library is up. I just downloaded the sample libraries off the site but theres no new monsters.
#44 Devereaux Jun 23, 2009 10:20:33	I just downloaded the sample libraries off the site but theres no new monsters. No, there won't be. It's Wizards' intellectual property.
#45 bone_naga Jun 23, 2009 15:38:30	Hmm... it seems to me that with this new compendium-adding feature this project is all but dead. Packets 4-5 have been added however and the new version of the library is up. Wish I had known that before retyping all that stuff when I forgot to save before turning off my computer. Actually, I just wish I had saved before turning off the computer. So does this mean the project is dead? Naturally, the adding feature doesn't really help those of us who don't have DDI subscriptions.
#46 rico_huerta Jul 25, 2009 21:11:56	I have no idea if this is legal or not, but if it is I'd like to keep this going for those who can't afford DDI and still would like to use MasterPlan. I mean I guess I could just input from the MM, but that's a lot of time when we could all input from the MM and share with each other. I'd like someone from WotC to post something though so I know whether or not we're doing something wrong.
#47 rico_huerta Jul 25, 2009 21:23:38	Oh and if it's still gonna go on I'll start on packets 11-14
#48 dai_masters Aug 09, 2009 12:12:23	So is anyone still working on this project? Or can anyone know where I can get a complete MM library? or would anyone be willing to email it to me? =) thanks in advance. Edit: I do mean for Masterplan. I have the MM book. But I do not have a DDI subscription, and so far typing in each monster by hand is very tedious. >.<;
#49 iamlucek Mar 06, 2010 17:06:41	first off I'll mirror what everyone els said about legality. that said I think this is no more illegal than dandwiki or d20srd.org and too my knowledge wizards hasn't perused legal action on them. that said is the project only going to be monsters from the monster manual. I could start work on my copy of open grave if that is wanted.
#50 SpacyRicochet Jun 08, 2010 6:46:08	first off I'll mirror what everyone els said about legality. that said I think this is no more illegal than dandwiki or d20srd.org and too my knowledge wizards hasn't perused legal action on them. that said is the project only going to be monsters from the monster manual. I could start work on my copy of open grave if that is wanted. This is probably just reviving an old thread (I came here through Google), but straight out copying of monster's out of the MM is probably going to be considered illegal. You're mentioning danddwiki and d20srd, but you forget the the wiki is for homebrew stuff (at least it seems to me to be for that) and that d20srd is specifically for material that Wizards declared open. That said, it still sounds like an awesome project. Kudo's to Phyrixian and the ones helping out. Too bad that I've got a Mac and can't be bothered to run Virtual Machines at the moment.