Looking for a programming project

[subject42]

I've got the recreational programming bug again and I'd like to do something D&D related this time. Is there anything anyone out there is looking for that could save you time or headaches as a player or DM?

I can't make any guarantee's about whether I'll pick a given idea or finish it in a given timeline, but I would appreciate suggestions.

[Lord of Syntax]

A XP calculator with level to XP and XP to Level functionality!

(What language? I am also a programmer in several languages, and I have some code that would help with this.)

[subject42]

What do you mean by XP to level? Just typing one in and getting the other?

In regards to languages, I'd like to keep it web based (javascript or server side) for the sake of convenience, but that's not a hard rule.

[jiriku]

A huge timesaver for me and perhaps many others would be a database of monster stats with live adjustments for common buffs.

So, for example, I could pull up "dire badger", and I'd see the stats for a dire badger. If I click checkboxes for "Celestial" and "Augment Summoning" the tool automatically applies the celestial template and the stat bonuses for Augment summoning. Dittos for other common effects like Corpsecrafter, animal growth, etc. Maybe with a "choose your own" option in which I could manually enter the parameters of a spell's or template's modifiers, name it, save it, and thenceforth be able to apply it to whatever monster as well.

Edit: And of course a "build your own" option so I could manually enter custom or variant base monsters. And if it could automatically advance monsters by HD? Sweet.

[Lord of Syntax]

What do you mean by XP to level? Just typing one in and getting the other?

In regards to languages, I'd like to keep it web based (javascript or server side) for the sake of convenience, but that's not a hard rule.

It would use the party level to get the level afterward. (I recommend python!)

[subject42]

A huge timesaver for me and perhaps many others would be a database of monster stats with live adjustments for common buffs.

So, for example, I could pull up "dire badger", and I'd see the stats for a dire badger. If I click checkboxes for "Celestial" and "Augment Summoning" the tool automatically applies the celestial template and the stat bonuses for Augment summoning. Dittos for other common effects like Corpsecrafter, animal growth, etc. Maybe with a "choose your own" option in which I could manually enter the parameters of a spell's or template's modifiers, name it, save it, and thenceforth be able to apply it to whatever monster as well.

Edit: And of course a "build your own" option so I could manually enter custom or variant base monsters. And if it could automatically advance monsters by HD? Sweet.

This sounds like a winning plan. Templating on the fly is always a pain for us, especially when the party has a Malconvoker.

[holywhippet]

Only thing I can think of, which wouldn't really be legal, would be a big database of all the 4E stuff so you can look up rules quickly instead of fumbling through books each time.

[Curmudgeon]

I'd like a benefit analysis of single weapon vs. two-weapon fighting for a character, with sneak attack + Craven. This should iterate through levels 1-20, with the result being the target AC which tips the balance between single weapon and TWF.

[The Dark Fiddler]

A huge timesaver for me and perhaps many others would be a database of monster stats with live adjustments for common buffs.

So, for example, I could pull up "dire badger", and I'd see the stats for a dire badger. If I click checkboxes for "Celestial" and "Augment Summoning" the tool automatically applies the celestial template and the stat bonuses for Augment summoning. Dittos for other common effects like Corpsecrafter, animal growth, etc. Maybe with a "choose your own" option in which I could manually enter the parameters of a spell's or template's modifiers, name it, save it, and thenceforth be able to apply it to whatever monster as well.

Edit: And of course a "build your own" option so I could manually enter custom or variant base monsters. And if it could automatically advance monsters by HD? Sweet.

Holy crap, this would be so awesome. Seconded so hard.

I'd pay money for this, actually. If I had money, that is, but the point remains.

[Melayl]

A huge timesaver for me and perhaps many others would be a database of monster stats with live adjustments for common buffs.

So, for example, I could pull up "dire badger", and I'd see the stats for a dire badger. If I click checkboxes for "Celestial" and "Augment Summoning" the tool automatically applies the celestial template and the stat bonuses for Augment summoning. Dittos for other common effects like Corpsecrafter, animal growth, etc. Maybe with a "choose your own" option in which I could manually enter the parameters of a spell's or template's modifiers, name it, save it, and thenceforth be able to apply it to whatever monster as well.

Edit: And of course a "build your own" option so I could manually enter custom or variant base monsters. And if it could automatically advance monsters by HD? Sweet.

I would have to second this one, I think.

[Ishcumbeebeeda]

A huge timesaver for me and perhaps many others would be a database of monster stats with live adjustments for common buffs.

So, for example, I could pull up "dire badger", and I'd see the stats for a dire badger. If I click checkboxes for "Celestial" and "Augment Summoning" the tool automatically applies the celestial template and the stat bonuses for Augment summoning. Dittos for other common effects like Corpsecrafter, animal growth, etc. Maybe with a "choose your own" option in which I could manually enter the parameters of a spell's or template's modifiers, name it, save it, and thenceforth be able to apply it to whatever monster as well.

Edit: And of course a "build your own" option so I could manually enter custom or variant base monsters. And if it could automatically advance monsters by HD? Sweet.

I third this.

EDIT: Wow, double ninja'd. So I guess, I'm what, fifthing it?

[dspeyer]

I'd suggest starting by importing or copying the .js files from my monster finder (see sig). They contain all of the SRD and a bunch more. If you try to parse it yourself you'll spend ages fighting its typos.

[Gralamin]

Only thing I can think of, which wouldn't really be legal, would be a big database of all the 4E stuff so you can look up rules quickly instead of fumbling through books each time.

Just buy DDI, its worth it

I'd like a benefit analysis of single weapon vs. two-weapon fighting for a character, with sneak attack + Craven. This should iterate through levels 1-20, with the result being the target AC which tips the balance between single weapon and TWF.

I'm not the OP but this sounds interesting. I might make this, are we talking just Rogue sneak attack progression, or are we allowing more variable progression? Are we allowing different die sizes, the ability to remove the penalties to two weapon fighting attacks, etc.?
In other words, what Assumptions should I make to make this tool useful.

[EpicEvokerElf]

I'd sixth(?) the summoning database. I would sell my (malconvoker's) soul for that.

[IthilanorStPete]

7thing the summon database, so I can actually play a malconvoker with less hassle.

[Mystic Muse]

8thing.

I'd personally like a character builder that I can enter my own classes into. So if I want to use Fax celetis's Monk I can put that in, name it something different and then use that class. same with feats and such.

[Irreverent Fool]

A huge timesaver for me and perhaps many others would be a database of monster stats with live adjustments for common buffs.

So, for example, I could pull up "dire badger", and I'd see the stats for a dire badger. If I click checkboxes for "Celestial" and "Augment Summoning" the tool automatically applies the celestial template and the stat bonuses for Augment summoning. Dittos for other common effects like Corpsecrafter, animal growth, etc. Maybe with a "choose your own" option in which I could manually enter the parameters of a spell's or template's modifiers, name it, save it, and thenceforth be able to apply it to whatever monster as well.

Edit: And of course a "build your own" option so I could manually enter custom or variant base monsters. And if it could automatically advance monsters by HD? Sweet.

Seconded.Ninthed? Sometimes I want to throw a templated beastie at the party and I have to go with something else because I can't always template on-the-fly. E-tools did this, but not very well, and I no longer have it.

Just the bare-bones editor/database/data entry interface would be great. I'd happily enter in monsters and templates myself.

obnoxious
sig

[Draz74]

I've got the recreational programming bug again and I'd like to do something D&D related this time. Is there anything anyone out there is looking for that could save you time or headaches as a player or DM?

... you need to check out the MapTool community. Really need.

[BobVosh]

MMm. 10th on the template thing. Although it might work best as an excel formula thing.

[Curmudgeon]

I'm not the OP but this sounds interesting. I might make this, are we talking just Rogue sneak attack progression, or are we allowing more variable progression? Are we allowing different die sizes, the ability to remove the penalties to two weapon fighting attacks, etc.?
In other words, what Assumptions should I make to make this tool useful.

As I see it, the most utility comes from assuming Rogue sneak attack progression and standard TWF feat tree acquisition, and then adding Craven (since it's the single most important feat for Rogues). The next layer of complication would allow for different base weapon damage (say, rapier for single weapon vs. dual short swords for TWF, as this is more sensible than incurring greater penalties for non-light weapons). The next layer would add ½ WbL gp, with equal sums spent for magical enhancement for both single and dual weapon options.

As you've pointed out, there are really a lot of variables to consider here. But covering the most common cases first seems like a really useful programming project.

[subject42]

I'd suggest starting by importing or copying the .js files from my monster finder (see sig). They contain all of the SRD and a bunch more. If you try to parse it yourself you'll spend ages fighting its typos.

I'll definitely take a look at those.

Have you looked at the MonsterDB spreadsheet at www.pathfindersrd.com? I was planning on using that for base material before I saw these.

[valadil]

Here's an idea. How about a web site that lets you choose a saved character from the 4e CB and draws it as a web page? The .dnd4e files are just xml so you shouldn't have too much trouble processing them. The application of this would be for people who can't install the CB wherever they go. Like me for instance. I have windows at work but not at home. I end up printing up character sheets and reviewing my PCs' updates at work. I don't mind slacking on the job like this, but I mind not having the character information anywhere else.

[potatocubed]

Program a roguelike. It's not quite D&D but it's roleplaying-esque.

[subject42]

For those of you who are looking for a templater, it apparently already exists for both 3.5 and pathfinder for all legally redistributable material.

http://www.pathfindersrd.com/bestiary/monster-advancer

http://www.monsteradvancer.com/

[Ravens_cry]

Program a roguelike. It's not quite D&D but it's roleplaying-esque.

Heh, Roguelikes. When Monsters were Letters, Dungeons were Random, and Potions were Plaid.
Good times.

[Iban]

A huge timesaver for me and perhaps many others would be a database of monster stats with live adjustments for common buffs.

So, for example, I could pull up "dire badger", and I'd see the stats for a dire badger. If I click checkboxes for "Celestial" and "Augment Summoning" the tool automatically applies the celestial template and the stat bonuses for Augment summoning. Dittos for other common effects like Corpsecrafter, animal growth, etc. Maybe with a "choose your own" option in which I could manually enter the parameters of a spell's or template's modifiers, name it, save it, and thenceforth be able to apply it to whatever monster as well.

Edit: And of course a "build your own" option so I could manually enter custom or variant base monsters. And if it could automatically advance monsters by HD? Sweet.

Yer this would actually be amazing. Epic amounts of kudos if you make it

[Prime32]

Here's an idea. How about a web site that lets you choose a saved character from the 4e CB and draws it as a web page? The .dnd4e files are just xml so you shouldn't have too much trouble processing them. The application of this would be for people who can't install the CB wherever they go. Like me for instance. I have windows at work but not at home. I end up printing up character sheets and reviewing my PCs' updates at work. I don't mind slacking on the job like this, but I mind not having the character information anywhere else.

They might try to sue you for that.

[valadil]

They might try to sue you for that.

I don't see why. All the program does is display information that's in the file they created. I'm not talking about showing any text from rulebooks, just what's in the .dnd4e file.

FWIW the process I use now for viewing those in another OS is I print a PDF from the CB. Of course they screwed up how the printing works so you end up with a PDF without margins and it doesn't print correctly (although I found a work around for that and posted that on my blog).

In case anyone can't tell, I'm not a big fan of WotC as a software company (although I'm glad they tried - they at least see the direction they should be heading in even if they don't have the skill to go there) and would rather eliminate as many WotC tools from my workflow as possible without sacrificing any funcionality.

[ericgrau]

Another programmer here. The monster database sounds like a lot of work, so I'm waiting to see where the discussion goes and hoping one of the links works or the OP tackles this one if needed . EDIT: Monster advancer is awesome. However:

I'd like a benefit analysis of single weapon vs. two-weapon fighting for a character, with sneak attack + Craven. This should iterate through levels 1-20, with the result being the target AC which tips the balance between single weapon and TWF.

This one seems simple, maybe even without a program. IIRC craven means crits become sneak attacks?

The answer should be the same regardless of level, unless you wish to include the benefit of a buckler. The fragile rogue will usually do more damage if he wields a weapon plus a buckler because he stays in the fight longer, regardless of target AC. Unless you're already safe via invisibility or some such. But I can ignore this issue and focus the table purely on damage per round just for kicks. It's pretty easy anyway.

[Draz74]

IIRC craven means crits become sneak attacks?

No, you're thinking of the craptastic Telling Blow. Craven adds bonus damage to any sneak attack equal to character level. It's the best friend of the high-level melee character who has one level dipped in Rogue.