Anybody have any experience with this program? Thoughts?

I know I signed up with them to notify me when this product was nearing completion, but I never got any kind of notification. Of course, this was last year, and they could have easily have lost my contact info, but at the time they sent me an e-mail directly saying that they wanted to notify people that let them know when this was ready to go. Ah well.

I've been using it a bit and have to say I'm liking it so far. It's not completely done, the psionics release is coming in a week or two, followed by epic rules (I believe). Rumor has it there may be a GM component with monsters and campaign/adventure tools, but the developers are keeping it pretty tight-lipped (neither confirming or denying it's development).

My experience is that it is one of the better character generators out there. As a plus the developers seem to listen to their users via their website and add features as requested by users (based on how relevant they are... they might not program in your particular house rules, but stuff from WotC books is usually added to the program if people request it).

It's also got the easiest method to input custom, non-OGL data that I've seen, with no knowledge of scripting or coding required. There are several video tutorials available on their website that show character generation and custom spell entry that you can check it out.

Overall, once it's totally complete, it will probably be the best D&D character program out there.

...but stuff from WotC books is usually added to the program if people request it.

There used to be a free download of this as a trial. I think it only contained the player stuff and missed a lot of GM stuff like NPC creation and campaign info if I recall correctly. That said I quite liked the tree view approach to organising info.

In the end though I'm a trasitionalist and like my pen and paper.

Might be worth seeing what the web site says if your interested?

Elcian

That's the part that concerns me. It's the thing that chewed up so much dev time in PCGen and I'm unsure of the legality of it.

edit: Quoted the wrong post.

That's the part that concerns me. It's the thing that chewed up so much dev time in PCGen and I'm unsure of the legality of it.

Greetings,
Günther

Lilith wrote:

That's the part that concerns me. It's the thing that chewed up so much dev time in PCGen and I'm unsure of the legality of it.

Is there any PC Generator left at all that supports official WotC supplements?! Does anyone know?

Greetings,
Günther

I believe that RPGXplorer has changed the way their trial works so that there is no expiration time, you just can't create characters above a certain level.

It's free to try though, so I'd say check it out. :)

Man... I'm starting to feel like a corporate schill, but it's just that the program is that good.

You can download a free trial version from their web site that is fully functional up to 5th-level characters.

Regarding WotC functionality, they don't program the rules, they just alter the application to allow for others to create those rules, depending on feasibility, of course.

While I own a copy of the software, I'm waiting on support for psionics, monsters, and templates before I really dig into it. NPCs I can dig up. It's advancing monsters and adding templates that takes time for me.

a GM's job is made easier when all of the stuff necessary to run the program is either included in the install or when the advertisement plainly states what additional software is needed;

I bought RPGXplorer today from the Paizo store and I installed it on my Windows XP machine; when I tried to run it for the first time, it bombed with a message of "Failed to initialize properly (0xc0000135)". It was not until I surfed over to the web site, rpgxplorer.com, that I saw under the downloads heading the helpful note that one must first install Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 in order for rpgxplorer to properly work

the Paizo web page ad did not include this caveat

*Embarassed*

We're so used to selling on our own site (which has installation instructions) we forgot to include the .Net Framework in the installer for Paizo (or at least put instructions on how to download it).

Sincere apologies we'll rectify this as soon as possible. In the meantime you can download the .Net framework here

Also, there appears to be a problem with our setup on the store as we're not getting any confirmation emails. Without these we can't process orders.

I've emailed Paizo as a matter or urgency and hopefully they will rectify this as soon as possible so we can start processing orders and send you your license key.

Please bear with us!

Regards
Anurien
RPGXplorer

I've added the .NET note and Microsoft URL to the product description.

I downloaded the trial and so far out of all the software I have seen it looks the best. If anyone has any doubts just download the trial and try it out.

*Embarassed*

We're so used to selling on our own site (which has installation instructions) we forgot to include the .Net Framework in the installer for Paizo (or at least put instructions on how to download it).

Sincere apologies we'll rectify this as soon as possible. In the meantime you can download the .Net framework here

Also, there appears to be a problem with our setup on the store as we're not getting any confirmation emails. Without these we can't process orders.

I've emailed Paizo as a matter or urgency and hopefully they will rectify this as soon as possible so we can start processing orders and send you your license key.

Please bear with us!

Regards
Anurien
RPGXplorer

With Wizards of the Coast's current stance on releasing Datasets for their books* User controlled data entry has become the main issue for these types of programs.

RPGXplorer excels and far exceeds its competitors in this field with data entry as simple as filling out a form and rules pages with the use of a WYSIWYG HTML editor** like writing in Word. Experienced users can include images, hyperlinks and many other web browser features into the rules pages allowing one-click searches for almost any information!

User created tools (available on the RPGX forums) such as RPGXHelp makes data entry even simpler by taking the data from RPGX and building the rules page for you in a format you are familiar with.

--------------------------------------------------------------
*if you don't know Wizards of the Coast removed the licence from Codemonkey publishing back in November 2006 forcing them to withdraw the sales of datasets for E-Tools and PCGen or any other future program they happen to support. As it stands the Licence remains with Wizards of the Coast and has not been given to any 3rd party.

** A recommended WYSIWYG HTML editor is NVu, which is free to use and is available at WWW.NVU.COM

RPGXplorer uses the .Net framework which is like Java. However, Microsoft didn't do a Mac/Unix implementation themselves which means we're waiting on Novell to finish version 2.0 of Mono (.Net for UNIX). Once this is finished, which hopefully won't be much longer, it should be feasible to produce a Mac/Unix build. In fact, in theory once we port the Characters and Rules code from 1.1 to 2.0, the same files should run under Unix. The reason we're waiting for 2.0 is that 1.1 doesn't contain a cross-platform browser.

At the risk of stating the obvious, it should run on a Mac under a windows emulator e.g. Parallels, although to my knowledge no-one has tested this theory. I would certainly wouldn't advise buying an emulator to test the theory.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Anurien
RPGXplorer

You would be like a god unto me if you could get it running in Unix/*nix. :D

After playing around with the trial today, I must say I'm quite impressed. I took it to my STAP gaming session today, and you've got at least two sells out of it (digital projectors FTW). The next selling point will be how easy it is to add additional datasets. :)

Well I think it's safe to say that we're the only product on the market where you can enter new rules without the need for scripting skills to get them to work.

We're also constantly expanding rules support, in fact the next major patch (free) is due in the next 2 weeks which brings support and preloaded OGL data and rule pages for Psionics (version 1.6)

And that doesn't just mean Core/SRD psionics (i.e. the OGL version of the Expanded Psionics Handbook). We use the OGL to provide support for stuff that isn't "Open" (we just can't sell you the actual data!).

Check out our datasets forums, this is a good place to meet other RPGXplorer users and discuss data input.

Nyarlathotep wrote:

...but stuff from WotC books is usually added to the program if people request it.

That's the part that concerns me. It's the thing that chewed up so much dev time in PCGen and I'm unsure of the legality of it.

The only thing that is coded into the program is OGL content. People trade tips on their forums on setting up book specific content but that isn't included in the program. (And would be illegal if it was.)

There used to be a free download of this as a trial.

Dragnmoon

I have a couple questions ...

Is there any difference in buying RPGX direct or through Paizo? I am not adverse to buying through Paizo. Just trying to understand any difference or advantage.

Whether I buy it direct or not, how would the process go. I download the trial version. Buy it. Get the product code via e-mail. That unlocks all the features of the software. Then download all the upgrades? Does that sound like a rough estimate?

I have a couple questions ...

Is there any difference in buying RPGX direct or through Paizo? I am not adverse to buying through Paizo. Just trying to understand any difference or advantage.

Whether I buy it direct or not, how would the process go. I download the trial version. Buy it. Get the product code via e-mail. That unlocks all the features of the software. Then download all the upgrades? Does that sound like a rough estimate?

Hope that helps! :D

Here's what I know from when I bought it:
1.) Bought from Paizo.
2.) Was notified post-purchase that my registration code would be sent separately from the RPGX people.
3.) Downloaded, unzipped, and installed. Until you get the code, you've essentially got the trial version. There's an option in the Help menu that will let you enter in your code and let you make characters to 20th level.
4.) Download & install updates - follow the directions specifically in the files.

Hope that helps! :D

Now just to find out the pros & cons of purchasing through Paizo. I am happy to give Paizo their share of the money, since it is at the same price. Just want to understand it more. I suspect it is just to increase visibility of the product, which is good for everyone, and there is no difference whether you buy from Paizo or direct.

Now just to find out the pros & cons of purchasing through Paizo. I am happy to give Paizo their share of the money, since it is at the same price. Just want to understand it more. I suspect it is just to increase visibility of the product, which is good for everyone, and there is no difference whether you buy from Paizo or direct.

The only difference is that if you buy through us, we get a cut, and if you don't, it all goes to the publisher. The product and the speed at which the code is delivered should be identical.

In the meantime, I hear Pathfinder has its own 'skill set' support by RPGX. Is that something automatically available with the latest RPGX upgrade download or something that is co-ordinated through them and/or Paizo for purchasing Pathfinder?

Datasets for Pathfinder are now available here: http://www.rpgxplorer.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=51

Enjoy!

I've been using it a bit and have to say I'm liking it so far. It's not completely done, the psionics release is coming in a week or two, followed by epic rules (I believe). Rumor has it there may be a GM component with monsters and campaign/adventure tools, but the developers are keeping it pretty tight-lipped (neither confirming or denying it's development).
.
My experience is that it is one of the better character generators out there.
.
It's also got the easiest method to input custom, non-OGL data that I've seen, with no knowledge of scripting or coding required. There are several video tutorials available on their website that show character generation and custom spell entry that you can check it out.

That alone might make it worth it.

Are the official updates free, or does each add-on carry a cost?
What about 4.0, will it be upgradable?

If it weren't for the fact that 4.0 is coming soon, I would probably be buying it right now. As it is, I'm not sure.

All the updates are free for 3.5 Edition.

Assuming all is well with the 4th Edition OGL/SRD and 4th Ed. doesn't suck we'll be bringing out a 4th Edition version.

There will be a modest upgrade charge to 4.0 depending on how much work is involved.

[Quote]So a user could input house rules, custom feats, homebrew spells, calsses, races and magic items easily?
Put it this way...we're rolling up for Pathfinder this Sunday night and we're inputting at least 3 new classes on the night.

Check out the help file on our website (and in the software). The tutorials give you a pretty good idea of how easy everything is.

And you won't have to write a single line of computer code.....

This program is awesome. I downloaded the trial and played with it for a few hours before I knew that I was going to buy it. I've told my players to try it out as well. Perfect for our half-orc barbarian player who always seems to mess up on leveling his character.

This program is awesome. I downloaded the trial and played with it for a few hours before I knew that I was going to buy it. I've told my players to try it out as well. Perfect for our half-orc barbarian player who always seems to mess up on leveling his character.

Ace Haven wrote:

This program is awesome. I downloaded the trial and played with it for a few hours before I knew that I was going to buy it. I've told my players to try it out as well. Perfect for our half-orc barbarian player who always seems to mess up on leveling his character.

You play with a half-orc barbarian? Well sheesh, it's no wonder he has trouble leveling up - has he even spent the points to be able to read the PHB?

One question: I am European and looked at the RPGXplorer site for the purchase. There the software is sold for 37.95Euro and 39.95USD. But given the current exchange rates USD to Euro, it would be a lot cheaper if I bought it in USD. So if I buy it on the Paizo site in USD, will there be any problems to use the software/get support/etc?

EDIT: I thought what I wrote before might be perceived as rude, which I did not intend. I hope it is better now.

No problem at all. You'll get EXACTLY the same service.

With the weakening of the dollar over the last 12 months we should probably review the euro price. Thanks for the heads up on this.

just curious

but will the Pathfinder datasets work with the trial version?

As I have the trial & would like to look at those, might help convinve me to get the actual product down the road.

thanks
RM

just curious

but will the Pathfinder datasets work with the trial version?

As I have the trial & would like to look at those, might help convinve me to get the actual product down the road.

thanks
RM

Does anyone who has used both know how this program might compare to Redblade?

Just download the trial, I think the answer will become obvious quite quickly!

is there any gm tools? ie encounter creation, treasure tables, mapping tools? those sorts of things.

Donnald, if it's those things you're looking for...head on over to DM Tools.

is there any gm tools? ie encounter creation, treasure tables, mapping tools? those sorts of things.

I keep looking closer and closer at this, but Come August I'll be playing Pathfinder RPG a lot more than 3.5 straight, and I hope there is development news that someone (maybe these guys) will eventually do one for Pathfinder RPG so I can put my money in the right place.

-DM Jeff

I keep looking closer and closer at this, but Come August I'll be playing Pathfinder RPG a lot more than 3.5 straight, and I hope there is development news that someone (maybe these guys) will eventually do one for Pathfinder RPG so I can put my money in the right place.

-DM Jeff

They also have a verbal from Paizo to do a Pathfinder RPG Data Set. I didn't think they would attempt one for the Beta, but as of this morning they are going to 'try' to have a Beta Data set sometime this fall, and then the final version of Summer 2009. Confirmation here. Post from today July 10th

This is probably tacky of me.. But their competitor, Hero Labs, by Lone Wolf Development offers 3.5 Pathfinder support up to #10 and still going strong ('cause #11 just came out).

-DM Jeff

The latest version of this software, 1.9.0 is FANTASTIC. Has more options for animal companions, mounts, familiars, etc. Also has options for non-standard races, like hound archons and whatnot.

Highly recommended.

Datasets for Crimson Throne and 13 GameMastery Modules will be available next week.

Datasets for Crimson Throne and 13 GameMastery Modules will be available next week.

Datasets for Crimson Throne and 13 GameMastery Modules will be available next week.

Any word on the quick link to patch up from 1.8.6 to the newer versions Anurien ?