What I had hoped for (and asked for probably 4 or 5 years ago, I believe) is at minimum and API that other apps could access Hero Lab data from (turn on and off picks, etc.). At a minumum, that would allow others to create a variety of apps and such for viewing in whatever form they like - at a far extreme, it would enable VTT software to directly use Hero Lab's math for in-game effects, conditions, etc. Most importantly, this wold run on your own copy of hero lab classic, not depending on lone wolf's servers.
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- The Lone Wolf Development Team
Whys and Wherefores - Some HLO Insights
- Thread starter rob
- Start date
What I had hoped for (and asked for probably 4 or 5 years ago, I believe) is at minimum and API that other apps could access Hero Lab data from (turn on and off picks, etc.). At a minumum, that would allow others to create a variety of apps and such for viewing in whatever form they like - at a far extreme, it would enable VTT software to directly use Hero Lab's math for in-game effects, conditions, etc. Most importantly, this wold run on your own copy of hero lab classic, not depending on lone wolf's servers.
This wouldn't be very practical. it also doesn't really solve the problem of access from my android device when I am not at home. Not everyone knows how to setup a VPN to their home, or to expose and secure there own public HL server. Your idea sounds nice, but in reality it is not practical.
It could still be offered as a cloud linked service, for the subscription fee - "A hybrid Approach" we'll call it - I just don't like tying anyone to the online only model - And neither did Rob 6 years ago when I first asked about this:
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It could still be offered as a cloud linked service, for the subscription fee - "A hybrid Approach" we'll call it - I just don't like tying anyone to the online only model - And neither did Rob 6 years ago when I first asked about this:
Rob has apparently changed his mind. Connectivity has greatly improved in the last 6 years, and is only going to get better.
Still doesn't mean an Online ONLY model makes sense, when hybrid is an option.
I don't really see how hybrid would work for HL. For RW it is barely hybrid, it is more like having shared storage space like google drive.
Well, as I would design it, Hero Lab classic running on your system would offer up it's API, or possibly the web UI. You could, if you choose, connect direct to that, but if you are not comfortable with that, the cloud service would act as a relay. Your own instance is still doing the math, and still housing the .user files, just the UI is separate from it.
Doesn't really matter at this point - I doubt they are going to change course at this point.
Doesn't really matter at this point - I doubt they are going to change course at this point.
Tarmor
Well-known member
The HLO FAQ says that eventually Classic systems will be available in Online.
I have no official answer for you, but based on what they've said about the difficulty of porting something made for HLO to HLC, I suspect doing the reverse won't be much easier. Then again, it might be as easy as writing a script to convert it. We'll probably know more when they put out a version of the Authoring Kit.
It may be as simple as converting the work they have already done to the new app and crediting the user for the licenses he already has from the Classic program. The real work is making the systems (3.5, PF1, M&M, etc) for the online app and setting them up to calculate and work as intended.
My guess is that PF1 will get converted at some point, but some of the other non-supported (no longer published), such as past editions of a game, will be left on the classic program.
My guess is that PF1 will get converted at some point, but some of the other non-supported (no longer published), such as past editions of a game, will be left on the classic program.
I for one don't see an issue with a nominal fee for hlo considering this fee is the price of a coffee. if they had decided to charge $5 or$10 a month then I would be less inclined to agree with the subscription model. I will, however, not be buying this until it supports one of my game systems or my group agrees to try out starfinder (I own it but players aren't interested).
as for Rob's health issues being made public, it was absolutely none of our business but on the other hand some context as to why development slowed gives us some insight for the progress. some people may have seen this as an excuse while others will be sympathetic and understand and to some extent appreciate the transparency provided to us.
as for Rob's health issues being made public, it was absolutely none of our business but on the other hand some context as to why development slowed gives us some insight for the progress. some people may have seen this as an excuse while others will be sympathetic and understand and to some extent appreciate the transparency provided to us.
It could still be offered as a cloud linked service, for the subscription fee - "A hybrid Approach" we'll call it - I just don't like tying anyone to the online only model - And neither did Rob 6 years ago when I first asked about this:
It totally makes sense to make technology decisions based on the state of technology six years go. I wonder why more companies don't do this.
It absolutely will be easier. HLO is being built with all the features and functionality of HLC, plus more. Moving content from HLO to HLC will require either building that extra functionality into HLC or downgrading the HLC dataset to make the square peg fit in the round hole.
Going from HLC to HLO will be like moving all your stuff into a larger house/apartment. You won't have to get rid of any of your stuff, because it'll all still fit.
Going from HLO to HLC will be like moving all your stuff from a larger house/apartment into a smaller one. You'll have to get rid of things that won't fit, and maybe buy a smaller bed.
For me, there are some things yet that HLO simply can not do, and it will be some time before it would be able to do it.
Is it too much to ask for a viewer for offline use? Even one that just shows the basic character would be enough. This would, of course, involve actually being able to save the character on one's own computer and using the save file to view that character.
Internet is not a guarantee at places where we play, like most conventions and even a store that does not offer Wi Fi.
Is it too much to ask for a viewer for offline use? Even one that just shows the basic character would be enough. This would, of course, involve actually being able to save the character on one's own computer and using the save file to view that character.
Internet is not a guarantee at places where we play, like most conventions and even a store that does not offer Wi Fi.
I find HLO very good for designing characters for creating PF2 characters. But I play and DM a lot of my games from my laptop with no internet connectivity. This makes it unuseful in those situations.
I also hope they add a Save to .pdf feature. I tebd to use Firefox, and printing character sheets using 2 browsers is a pain.
I also hope they add a Save to .pdf feature. I tebd to use Firefox, and printing character sheets using 2 browsers is a pain.
You mean like a print to PDF? its already there. Or do you mean something more robust that can still roll dice, check rules, etc... As discussed this latter option isn't feasible due to the complexity of the tools at this time.