Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 865
|
Quote:
|
|
#11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 182
|
Speaking as an Authoring Kit owner, would there ever be any chance that - since it's not high on the priority list, and been somewhat neglected for a while - that Lone Wolf might finally loosen up their grip on the source XML for d20? Or is it still too popular in sales?
I am currently working on a game system that is very similar to d20, but has a few major core differences in mechanics. The skeleton/SW/4E files are a great set of reference docs, but they're not worth anything for re-use, so I have to re-design the d20 system from scratch. The d20 source, on the other hand, would have plenty I could recycle, and just modify the parts that are different. It would save tons of time. Last edited by lifer4700; May 16th, 2014 at 08:38 PM. |
#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Athens, Ohio
Posts: 134
|
Quote:
Source: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 |
|
#13 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 36
|
I've been meaning to post this for some time. This is not about new content but about the program itself.
My first exposure to LWD was through Hero Lab and I purchased the d20 rules set based on feedback, reviews, and the demo. I was surprised and disappointed in the lack of updates and improvements. Given what I know now, I would have rather have purchased the PF version and modded it as needed for my campaign. I realize that the rules set is old, virtually unsupported via paper, and most of the revenue had moved on to 4E or PF. But it was essentially offered for the same price so with that, I expected the same level of updates and improvements (again, not new content). I feel that I did not get my money's worth with the d20 license. It just does not feel as polished. The blue interface is difficult to look at, the UI is outdated in many places, and the usefulness of the editor tools is limited to those with substantial programming skills. I tried following many of the tutorials, but just did not have much luck. What I was looking for just was not covered, or the instructions were incomplete, or unclear to me. I admit that that most of the difficulty is probably on my end, but I thought I was purchasing a system that would allow me to control my game. All that said, I saw Realm Works and fell in love with it and gave LWD another shot (RW is great!). I have accepted the limited usability of Hero Lab on my end. It allows me to manage combat well enough and to track character stats as needed. While I would greatly appreciate some more love towards the d20 version, it's currently "good enough" for me. My group will eventually move to D&D Next and maybe that version will be what I am looking for. As for the current d20 license, I feel that it is not strong enough to stand on its own. Maybe it should be included free with the base HL license, or system creator kit, in addition to the choice of an actively supported system. Or maybe come with a coupon for a more actively supported system. Regardless, I'm happy with LWD, RW, and have accepted the d20 HL "as is". |
#14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 865
|
I wouldnt say that its not strong enough to stand on its own, I would say that the weakness of the interface (forget anything about new content) is much weaker than pathfinder.
For example: in pathfinder, if you go to the customize armor or weapon (not editor, just normal customize), the space for the description, name, and the modifier, and file the 'X' is much bigger. In d20, often the description goes over the 'X' preventing you from even being able to remove things. This is a pretty basic UI bug. Ive discovered that if ive accidently added things (double clicking when i meant to click) sometimes the only way to remove the ability is to remove the item itself, and start from scratch. ok, i can do it, but this is something that i think just isnt up to snuff. There are a lot of these issues. I know it sounds like we're complaining. To some degree we are. |
#15 |
Senior Member
Volunteer Data File Contributor
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Chicago, IL (USA)
Posts: 10,729
|
Things are finally in place for me to say something in this thread.
I'm excited to be able help out LW with the d20 system! Not the community stuff but the actual skeletal/package files for the system. So I am starting to fix the issues in the Bug Reports - Version 3.14 thread. It is going to take some time for me to get up to speed so my plan is start with simpler issues and bug fixes at first. While I would love to jump in and fix the UI issue mentioned above I am going to have to leave that one alone for now. But hopefully as I learn I will get faster and better and can knock out all existing issues including the UI ones. Once I get the core system bug free and I have more experience in the frame work my "hope" is to move onto adding new functionality. This will be down the road some as I need to gain experience in how the system fits together. It is pointless to add new features if it just breaks things. Also please keep in mind I am NOT a full time employee of LW but a Volunteer. I still have to work my normal, full-time job to pay the bills. I will be doing my best but please keep in mind that I will be only putting in a few hours of work a week on this stuff. But I hope some movement is better than none. Hero Lab Resources: Pathfinder - d20pfsrd and Pathfinder Pack Setup 3.5 D&D (d20) - Community Server Setup 5E D&D - Community Server Setup Hero Lab Help - Hero Lab FAQ, Editor Tutorials and Videos, Editor & Scripting Resources. Created by the community for the community - Realm Works kickstarter backer (Alpha Wolf) and Beta tester.- d20 HL package volunteer editor. |
#16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 865
|
Quote:
|
|
#17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,147
|
Thanks, Shadow! Even just getting the bugs fixed will be a huge improvement!
|
#18 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 36
|
Shadow, that is awesome. Congratulations and thank you. This is really good news and it also speaks highly of LW. I am really impressed that they are willing to open this up to you.
|
#19 |
Senior Member
Volunteer Data File Contributor
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Chicago, IL (USA)
Posts: 10,729
|
No problem at all guys!
Anyways I sent over my first batch of bug fixes over to LW to have it code reviewed. Its been awhile sense anyone has code reviewed my stuff as on my normal job I act as gatekeeper. So crossing my fingers that I did everything right. Hero Lab Resources: Pathfinder - d20pfsrd and Pathfinder Pack Setup 3.5 D&D (d20) - Community Server Setup 5E D&D - Community Server Setup Hero Lab Help - Hero Lab FAQ, Editor Tutorials and Videos, Editor & Scripting Resources. Created by the community for the community - Realm Works kickstarter backer (Alpha Wolf) and Beta tester.- d20 HL package volunteer editor. |
#20 |
|
|