FantasyForge: An Excel-based Character Editor for FantasyCraft

[FantasyForge]

Hi,

I already noted it here and there: I am currently putting together an Excel-based character editor for the FantasyCraft Rules-system. It is something similiar to the quite famous "D&D Heroforge 3.5". This actually the main cause doing all this work...my players almost refuse to start another campaign without some kind of toolkit that at least aids the character development process. Hmm...there was nothing for FantasyCraft, however i like the rules very much and wanted to give 'em a try for the next campaign starting early 2010 (another option is switching from D&D 3.5 to Pathfinder).

It is currently work in progress, a lot of calculation already works, some things are still to do (mainly "taking Steps in Paths", Spellcasting stuff, Expert classes and Weapon Attack/Damage Calculation).

It will later require at least Office 2003 or Office 2008 Mac. Currently you should use Office 2007 Windows because i've not yet downgraded the "colors" for backward-compatibility. It works in other versions, however it looks quite horrible :-)
Why bother with Excel? Why not. Excel has the pro that you could directly start typing and don't have to bother a lot with UI, DataStorage and such. A personal goal was not to use any Macros, so it runs on formulas alone.

I will not make it available until I get an OK from the MasterCraft Team, as it provides "some" description from the rules book. However, you'll never be able to play FC without having the rules of course. It does however display short descriptions of abilities and such.

Here are some screenshots. More arent't possible because of the limit here in the forum. The first one shows the final Character sheets. The areas that are white or light brown are auto-calculated, the darker browns are free for you to edit. The 2nd screenshot shows two of the many "creation tabs": "Class Selection and Class abilities" (it supports up to 4 base classes) and "Proficiencies and Tricks". There are far more, like Campaign Options, Attributes and Origins (were all starts), Skills, Feats and  Armor Calculation.

I just wonder what you think...is there any interest on this?


So, i've got to move on to a party right now. Have a good start 2010!

Mike

[FantasyForge]

ah, i am quite stupid :-) Another post, more screenshots :-) This time showing the "Campaign" tab, the "Origin", "Feats" and "Skills" tab.

[FantasyForge]

...the last goodie for today: The "Armor" Tab. Allows you to play around with armor, customization and such.

[aegis]

I just looooove how it looks. Just sayin'. 

[Psion]

Very slick looking! Nice work, I hope to see it in action!

[Gentry]

It looks like you've got the ewights calculating in the background on the armor sheet, but I wonder if it would be a good idea to include Size as a selectable option (since Size alters weight in addition to any modifiers for craftsmanship, and not just on armor).

[FantasyForge]

Armor's weight is currently auto-calculated based on the size of the current character. There was an option first that allowed to select the size, but it didn't  make sense so I removed it. Size currently has no other impact on the Armor Tab, should it?

The Origin Tab needs a rework, it is the oldest part and looks a bit too chaotic :-) However, it works so this has no priority. Currently that damn Sage is driving me mad :-)

[Gearwork]

I just wonder what you think...is there any interest on this?

Mike

1000dYes.

[jscifert]

Color me interested!!!

[mach1.9pants]

Hell yes, I have been totally spoiled by the 4E Character Builder (which is just AWESOME) so I feel lost without these sort of things....

[Gentry]

Armor's weight is currently auto-calculated based on the size of the current character. There was an option first that allowed to select the size, but it didn't  make sense so I removed it. Size currently has no other impact on the Armor Tab, should it?

Ah, so everything keys off the character being created? I had gotten it in my head that you could just use the armor sheet on its own to auto-calculate armor costs and weights without needing to put size in on another page.

[FantasyForge]

No need to put this in anywhere currently, it is done automatically based on species and feat selection(we remember "Truly massive" but there are others too). The Armor Tab would be a more useful as a "stand-alone" tool if it would put size back in there, so you can "override" the current characters size. So Size might return again on Armor again. The Weapons Tab already lets set you the size of each of your (max 4) weapons that are calculated.

Oh...please don't compare my FF to the D&D 4E Editor, that is a "bit" more powerful You'll be very disappointed I your expectations are such high. As I said, you can compare it to some kind of "Heroforge light", a bit more slender and easier to use.

[mach1.9pants]

Oh no I don't expect a FC Char Builder, but Hero Forge lite? yes please!

Are you looking to market this or is it going to be freeware?

[FantasyForge]

Freeware or perhaps Donationware (to those who like it, use it AND can afford a couple of bucks). Dunno yet. I am even far from sure if it will be allowed to offer it at all.

[royalfa]

Hi there

I'm doing an excel sheet too for all the calculations.

Love your layout!!!

My sheet is very poor right now. Only the Origins step is complete and the tables for carrer level, skills and feats.

I really want to swith my campaing from 4th D&D to Fantasy Craft (dont know yet how to do that; I hope figure it out soon...lol)

I think a tool like a sheet (not mateer is "lite") maybe do the trick

Can you send me yours? Gladly I will help you with the sheet (specially with the calculations no the format even less with the colors lol)

I have all the FC pdf at the time and I expect my hard copy arrive in the next weeks