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Coding

K

Kronicarn88

Member
Hello im wondering if anyone has a comprehensive document explaining the coding language and what things like .herochild represent. Also any instructional videos on coding for Herolab.

I have read what Lone Wolf has provided in the way of their coding documents but still dont fully understand it.

Im basically looking to recode an Archetype, it shouldnt be too hard since I can use the base code already created and add or delete was I require. Problem is I dont know how to write the code so it works properly.

If anyone has any links they could provide that would be great.

Thanks.
 
See the Glossary of Terms. See FAQ#2 for all the places including videos to learn the editor.

Be prepared to spend time learning. Its not a 5 minute task to get use to using the editor. And if the archetype you want to modify (which it will be) not from the Core Book then you can't just make a copy and make changes. You will have to copy each piece out from a non-copyable thing to a new Thing.
 
Thanks Shadow. I was expecting a couple weeks to a month to learn it.

The thing I really need help with is the Eval Scripts, making sure my bootstrapping is proper, and then level advancement and menu choices.

So if it's from the Occult Adventures book I CAN'T copy the base class and make my changes? I'll have to pretty much just re write the whole code myself then is what you're saying? just to clarify.
 
You only need to reproduce whatever bit you are changing, not necessarily the whole archetype.
 
Bare with me please.

So only if a class ability is Replaced or Altered I have to rewrite that code? Possibly only reword it and change some of the evals?

Now that I think of it though pretty much all the Class Abilities save for one are Altered or Replaced so I will have to anyway...
 
In the editor, if you make a copy of something from an add-on package, you will not be allowed to save that copy. You can however create a new blank item, and manually copy all the settings and options from the copy you can't save to the blank item that you can save, and that will leave you with a copy of it. I find that opening two copies of Hero Lab, each with its editor open is the fastest way of doing that, because then I can just alt-tab between the two editors.
 
Ah thanks Mathias. I will do that. will make it more streamlined to add in what is need.

Aaron Im looking to change the Sha'ir Archetype. to add the Focus powers ability to it and fix its current coding.

I really want to play around with this archetype but as it currently is coded it's not working properly. I have already submitted a bug report, but figured it would be a good class to learn the editor with as its not a major change thats needed.
 
Then I think you would only need to copy the archetype itself, and change the eval script at First 450.
 
Ah ok cool THanks.

Ill just give more detail of what I want to do, just in case you have any more suggestions.

Currently the Resonant and Base Focus power of the selected Magic School (Not the Elemental School) are showing as Greyed out and (Replaced). Based on the Focus Powers ability of the Occultist base class, this should not be the case, and the Archetype should be allowing for an additional choice of a Focus Power at 1st level as well as at 3rd and every 2 levels thereafter from all currently selected Magic Schools. and I noticed the Archetype as coded is missing the Focus Powers ability from the Base class.

So what I want to do is add the Focus Powers Ability, change the script to show the Resonant and Base Focus power of the selected Magic School as usuable (so not greyed out and no (Replaced) beside it). and I want to give the Archetype the ability to choose an additional power at 1st and every 2 levels thereafter from the currently selected Magic Schools (because the Sha'ir only has 1 Magic school at 1st and then gets to select another at 7th and 14th level).

I will definitly try changing this myself based on the videos and info provided currently and if I have anymore questions Ill make a new post. Most likely for help with Eval scripts, as I have no idea how to write lines/syntax or what hero.child and the like means haha. Hopefully the info provided can clarify this.

I appreciate the info on how to get started in doing this.
 
It sounds like you might be jumping into the deep end here. Are you sure you don't want to tackle something a bit easier to start off with?
 
Nah Ive always been too headstrong, and there isnt anything I want to do to any other classes. I really want to play this class so Im willing to the work required. It shouldnt be too hard. Copy the Focus Powers ability from Occultist to my copy. Then rewrite the eval script to reference the Base and additional focus powers back to the Focus Powers ability, while referencing the magic schools as the menu container for said powers, with added code to allow for the selection of additional focus powers at the indicated levels. then rewrite the Mental Focus eval script to allow for Resonant Powers to be usuable again.

I know its probably going to be alot, but im willing to do it. Once I understand what each of the functions and values and tables stand for and how they flow I will get it. Im a pretty fast learner when it comes to stuff like this. Its just eval scripts that are going to be the real learning curve for me.

Edit: I did try creating my own class once, was gonna be a dice thrower that did 1d6 force damage every 2 levels, but I never got the eval script or bootstrapping, but I also never thought to look at the code of a class that had a similar ability, such as the rogue SA or the Alchemist bomb. I usually learn better when I can see how its done in relation to what Im trying to do.

So I should be able to look at how implements, focus powers and mental focus scripts and code flow together and be able to figure it out from there.
 
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Kronicarn88 said:
Edit: I did try creating my own class once, was gonna be a dice thrower that did 1d6 force damage every 2 levels, but I never got the eval script or bootstrapping, but I also never thought to look at the code of a class that had a similar ability, such as the rogue SA or the Alchemist bomb. I usually learn better when I can see how its done in relation to what Im trying to do.
Click to expand...
This is the best way to learn. Also make sure you go to "Develop->Enable Debugging Tools". That provides lots of means of "seeing" the fields and tags that are on Picks live on a character.

The third video I did some time back on YouTube covers how to use some the Debugging tools. Once I found those it made my life SO much easier.
 
There is also another video forthcoming from the GenCon seminar this year, though editing that has had to take a backseat to other concerns for now. In my opinion, this year's video is better than last year's, and I go into a bit more detail about eval scripts and what you can do with them.
 
Ok so my first question is how do I open the user file for the Occultist Archetype? So I can check the code.

EDIT: Nevermind I found it.
 
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Ok I would just like to say that was easier then I thought. all I had to do was leave out the tag that replaced secondary Abilities. as I was able to say that my new archetype was referencing the Occultist Class and acted like the Sha'ir Archetype. So after copying the eval scripts, tags and bootstraps of the Sha'ir, I was able to leave everything else the same and it worked.

Thanks all for the info and help.

Now onto creating my own class.... The Gambler..... haha
 
Unfortunately I don't know who that is.... Lol. I was watching this stupid cartoon called Digata Defenders and got the idea for a class ability where you "roll" dice at your enemies and cause force damage.

It will be a d6, 1/2 BAB with 9th level spells and the dice ability is a ranged touch attack, where at every 5 levels you can either get another dice to roll or up the dice damage 1 step so from like 1d6 to 1d8 or you get 2d6.. Castable spells are only Enchantment, Illusion or (Mind-Affecting) sub school. Uses intelligence for spells and dice damage. I'm gonna redesign some of the Metamagic Feats to be used as a bonus effect on your dice for a penalty to your damage dice. Such as flaring, Bouncing and others.

Edit: having looked up Setzer I now know who you are talking about. I may add something for cards too, but for now it's all about the dice.
 
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