D&D Insider subscribers will have access to a beta version of the new Monster Builder downloadable application starting some time tomorrow.
What's known so far:
- It's a standalone, downloadable application.
- It will probably receive monthly updates like the Character Builder (no word yet on if there will be a limit on number of updates per account per month like the CB).
- It will contain almost all monsters, save perhaps a few from the July releases.
- There will be no price increase associated with the release of the Monster Builder.
- Once the Monster Builder gets out of beta they'll have information for us on what the next project is.
WotC_Trevor posted the following earlier this afternoon on the D&D Insider forum:
Hey all. I’m sure the addition of the Monster Builder forums hasn’t been missed by most of you, and I’ve been hinting at more news on Monster Builder for the past couple weeks. Well, the news is here!
Sometime tomorrow, a Beta version of the D&D Monster Builder will be available for all D&D Insiders to download and play with. You should expect to see an official news article tomorrow that coincides with the Monster Builder Beta being up for download. As always, I’ll pop back in and update you if I learn anything new and interesting.
Note: This has been double posted in the Monster Builder Forum as well.
I can't freaking wait.
This is fantastic news! While the DDI certainly had some stumbling blocks at the beginning, it has provided the best dollar value out of all of the gaming purchases I've made this year. I'm really enjoying it and can't wait to get a look at the Monster Builder tomorrow.
I'm pretty pleased about signing up before the price hike also.
Can I ask if that means we will be able to "modify" existing creatures and generate new stat blocks?
S.
Yes and yes. You can alter existing monsters (changing powers, leveling up or down, etc.), as well as create your own. Stat blocks can be exported as RTF files or image files.
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Yes and yes. You can alter existing monsters (changing powers, leveling up or down, etc.), as well as create your own. Stat blocks can be exported as RTF files or image files.I'm pretty pleased about signing up before the price hike also.
Can I ask if that means we will be able to "modify" existing creatures and generate new stat blocks?
S.
Could you please post the URL?
Cheers again,
S.
Yes and yes. You can alter existing monsters (changing powers, leveling up or down, etc.), as well as create your own. Stat blocks can be exported as RTF files or image files.I'm pretty pleased about signing up before the price hike also.
Can I ask if that means we will be able to "modify" existing creatures and generate new stat blocks?
S.
Could you please post the URL?
Cheers again,
S.
All of that info was from a chat the D&D Insider VCL (mudbunny74) had about an hour ago. He's been using the program for a little while, though, so he knows what he's talking about.
Monster Builder is up. It looks great, but it doesn't look like you can import monsters yet...
Monster Builder is up. It looks great, but it doesn't look like you can import monsters yet...
Uh, I'm too stupid, where do I find it?
Monster Builder is up. It looks great, but it doesn't look like you can import monsters yet...Uh, I'm too stupid, where do I find it?
Look under Bonus Tools and scroll down.
Look under Bonus Tools and scroll down.
Oh, that's the monster tool, that flash app has been around for awhile. The Monster builder will be a download application like the Character Builder.
The Monster Builder will probably be out tomorrow afternoon around the same time the Character Builder usually gets updated.
Look under Bonus Tools and scroll down.
Oh, that's the monster tool, that flash app has been around for awhile. The Monster builder will be a download application like the Character Builder.
The Monster Builder will probably be out tomorrow afternoon around the same time the Character Builder usually gets updated.
Ahhh, gotcha. Sorry for the confusion.
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Though DDI Did not get all the stuff out when They wanted to, I must say the tools they have been getting out have been great, and should be used as a basis for any company thinking about doing the same.
Deffintly by far one of the Best Character Builders I have ever seen. Looking forward to seeing the monster builder.
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You guys are aware that someones had something like this working for like a year, right?
http://www.asmor.com/programs/monstermaker/index.php
Or even just the Math Cruncher: http://www.asmor.com/scripts/4eMonsterMathCruncher/
Neither of these has half the capability of the D&DI Monster Builder. Asmor himself has abandoned his project in anticipation of the completed tool. He said it was too much work to keep it up, and had overextended himself.
Ahhh, gotcha. Sorry for the confusion.Look under Bonus Tools and scroll down.
Oh, that's the monster tool, that flash app has been around for awhile. The Monster builder will be a download application like the Character Builder.
The Monster Builder will probably be out tomorrow afternoon around the same time the Character Builder usually gets updated.
The Monster Builder being released tomorrow will look like the screenshots featured in this preview.
I'm more looking toward Asmor's monster builder as what I will be using. The DDI Monster Builder looks like it will be quite a bit more useful, but I can't bring myself to go with subscribing and would much rather spend my money on other products.
I'm more looking toward Asmor's monster builder as what I will be using. The DDI Monster Builder looks like it will be quite a bit more useful, but I can't bring myself to go with subscribing and would much rather spend my money on other products.
Keep in mind that subscribing for one month nets you the Character Builder and Monster Builder with all current updates, and you get to keep those even after your subscription expires (assuming the Monster Builder operates similarly to the CB, and it sounds like it does).
I am aware, and pleased with that, but my issue is more about a promise I made (or at least feel I made) to delay my subscription until I really wanted it (rather than me just buying into it because I think Dragon, Dungeon, PH3 previews, and tools up to this point are neat).
I'm pretty sure the person I promised to doesn't care, but I do just care about keeping it for myself.
And besides, I know that I will likely to pay for it the following year and get everything I would have gotten by subscribing now plus another years worth of content (unless I have misinterpreted what one gets with their subscription). And if that changes, I am reasonable sure I will hear of it with ample time to respond.
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Neither of these has half the capability of the D&DI Monster Builder. Asmor himself has abandoned his project in anticipation of the completed tool. He said it was too much work to keep it up, and had overextended himself.
Yeah, but they still have existed for quite a while. I was just trying to point that out.
Honestly it looks a lot better then a lot of the horrible software WotC used to make, though a stand alone program that only runs on windows machines is really bothersome. I like the math cruncher because it works and is web based so you can have it anywhere.
It makes stats based on level and roll, pretty much the only thing you'd need to make a new monster after all. You'd think for the price your paying you'd be able to access it all on-line, though they've already got people paying money for those abominations of Dungeon and Dragon...
Neither of these has half the capability of the D&DI Monster Builder. Asmor himself has abandoned his project in anticipation of the completed tool. He said it was too much work to keep it up, and had overextended himself.Yeah, but they still have existed for quite a while. I was just trying to point that out.
Honestly it looks a lot better then a lot of the horrible software WotC used to make, though a stand alone program that only runs on windows machines is really bothersome. I like the math cruncher because it works and is web based so you can have it anywhere.
It makes stats based on level and roll, pretty much the only thing you'd need to make a new monster after all. You'd think for the price your paying you'd be able to access it all on-line, though they've already got people paying money for those abominations of Dungeon and Dragon...
I don't use Dungeon much, as my DMing efforts are dedicated elsewhere, but I've found I get 10 times the use (no joke) out of the online Dragon magazines than I did when they were in print. I'd pay the subscription cost for the magazines alone.
But you're right about the hassle of a standalone offline app. It has its advantages (stays with you even after your subscription expires, can't be removed by a canceled service, etc.) but it also has its clear weaknesses as well. But more than calculating stats based on level and role, what I'm really looking forward to is the ability to search the database for ideal monster powers and simply drag-and-drop them into your new custom monster. That could easily cut the amount of time it takes to create a monster by 50%, even if I were using Asmor's program.
Have you tried the Character Builder, though? That's also a very well put together application (though it is Windows only and offline, as you pointed out). In my opinion, WotC's applications have been excellent since the release of 4th Edition, if delayed.
Windows-only makes me a sad panda.
Why so blue Panda Bear?
I really wish the character builder and monster builder had Mac support. It would be so useful to me. I still find the DDI worth it for the compendium and dragon and dungeon mags, but I wish I could get it's full value without having to buy a PC.
Windows-only makes me a sad panda.
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I really wish the character builder and monster builder had Mac support. It would be so useful to me. I still find the DDI worth it for the compendium and dragon and dungeon mags, but I wish I could get it's full value without having to buy a PC.
Precisely.
There are, of course, ways to run the Character Builder (and now Monster Builder) on a Mac, but you need to run bootcamp or an emulator and download a version of Windows. I don't plan on doing all of that to run the Character Builder.
I do use the Compendium, though, and read some of the Dragon articles... When it comes time for me to renew my DDI subscription, it will be a tough call.
But anyway, this is kind of a threadjack... The Monster Builder sounds neat.
Edit: By the way, have you seen the "Character Builder needs Mac support" thread on the WotC forums? That thread is a trainwreck... So that's another reason I don't want to belabor it on these forums.
If you have a copy of Windows laying around I run the Character Builder perfectly fine within Parallels on my Macbook. I'm sure other virtual machines would perform equally well, and expect the Monster Builder to likewise be vitualizable.
I really wish the character builder and monster builder had Mac support. It would be so useful to me. I still find the DDI worth it for the compendium and dragon and dungeon mags, but I wish I could get it's full value without having to buy a PC.
Windows-only makes me a sad panda.
The sad part of this whole debacle is making the software platform independent would have been ZERO extra work, so arguments about marketshare really aren't relevant. Java is ideally suited for something like the Character Builder (GUI + database, no rendering or heavy computation), making the use of .Net an undeniably rookie mistake. It reeks of "hey, Bob knows .Net; let him do it."
Sorry for the rant, but I did software development for Intel for several years, and doing it right is hard; WotC was clearly in over their heads. But just so this post isn't soley a rant: They do seem to have turned things around. Yay for the Monster Builder; it looks like a neat tool.
I have a mac book as well. Would it be possible to give me some more details on how I might set this up.
If you have a copy of Windows laying around I run the Character Builder perfectly fine within Parallels on my Macbook. I'm sure other virtual machines would perform equally well, and expect the Monster Builder to likewise be vitualizable.
The tool is now ready for Download at:
The tool is now ready for Download at:
It is out (for real this time), and it is awesome! Very easy to use. It's going to make tweaking and creating monsters so much easier now. I'm really excited. I've just been playing around with adjusting monster levels and it's easy as pie. The builder does all the work for you - you just have to adjust the level. I now plan to put all my monster creations in this builder.
This is one of the best tools for DMs to ever come out.
It is out (for real this time), and it is awesome! Very easy to use. It's going to make tweaking and creating monsters so much easier now. I'm really excited. I've just been playing around with adjusting monster levels and it's easy as pie. The builder does all the work for you - you just have to adjust the level. I now plan to put all my monster creations in this builder.This is one of the best tools for DMs to ever come out.
I completely agree. I've never been one of those DMs who likes to play with all of the fiddly bits of monsters, being sure to get them just right according to the rules. The Monster Builder does all that annoying work for me and lets me just build the monsters to do what I want them to do. I'm really liking this so far.
And I can't help but think that this is going to make conversions of Pathfinder material so much easier.
And I can't help but think that this is going to make conversions of Pathfinder material so much easier.
My thought exactly. Now if they could just hurry up on the Encounter Builder... :)
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I for one am glad these are all off-line packages, with updates online. I'm not sure I understand why this could be considered a bad thing other than the platform issues? But it isn't so bad, I have the character builder running under Linux and with virtual machines as pointed out MAC's should have it covered. I do agree however it seems a little short sighted to produce a PC only version. Mind you keep making noises and we may see a MAC port?
S.
I have a mac book as well. Would it be possible to give me some more details on how I might set this up.
If you have a copy of Windows laying around I run the Character Builder perfectly fine within Parallels on my Macbook. I'm sure other virtual machines would perform equally well, and expect the Monster Builder to likewise be vitualizable.
Just to be clear, you need a copy of Windows for this but ...
I use Parallels. It's a program you install on your mac which runs a virtual computer inside your mac which you then install Windows on. You get the ability to run Windows apps on your mac, it's pretty snazzy. It isn't 100% perfect (newer games tend to be difficult) but the Character Builder has always ran fine. Note that Parallels itself costs a few dollars.
Another product that does the same thing is VMWare Fusion. I've read good reviews of it, and am almost 100% certain I've seen posters on other boards saying they were able to get the Character Builder running inside it as well.
If you don't want to buy Parallels or VMWare you could try Virtual Box which is wholly free (although you'll still need Windows). I've used them in the past and like them, although I'm not sure if they could/could not handle the Builder.
Hope that helps.
Edit: Stefan, how are you running it on Linux? Virtualization?
It certainly is a great tool, and you can have fun with it. Like the CB I can see myself making things just for fun!
Is there something similar to these out there for 3.5 and PFRPG?
Thanks, I was checking out Parallels 4 last night online, and I'm thinking of picking it up. But just to be clear, I wouldn't actually be able to run it with that? I'd have to install Paraellels and then after that install a copy of windows?
I have a mac book as well. Would it be possible to give me some more details on how I might set this up.
If you have a copy of Windows laying around I run the Character Builder perfectly fine within Parallels on my Macbook. I'm sure other virtual machines would perform equally well, and expect the Monster Builder to likewise be vitualizable.Just to be clear, you need a copy of Windows for this but ...
I use Parallels. It's a program you install on your mac which runs a virtual computer inside your mac which you then install Windows on. You get the ability to run Windows apps on your mac, it's pretty snazzy. It isn't 100% perfect (newer games tend to be difficult) but the Character Builder has always ran fine. Note that Parallels itself costs a few dollars.
Another product that does the same thing is VMWare Fusion. I've read good reviews of it, and am almost 100% certain I've seen posters on other boards saying they were able to get the Character Builder running inside it as well.
If you don't want to buy Parallels or VMWare you could try Virtual Box which is wholly free (although you'll still need Windows). I've used them in the past and like them, although I'm not sure if they could/could not handle the Builder.
Hope that helps.
Edit: Stefan, how are you running it on Linux? Virtualization?
This is a great program, Though I am more curious with what else will be added to the Adventure Tool. I soo want the Virtual gaming table to release, because I am hoping that is something I can use no matter what edition!
Hmmm...I certainly don't know what will happen but it dawns on me that if they make 'The Encounter Builder' and 'The Adventure Builder' and 'The Campaign Builder' apps all first they've just done a lot of the ground work that they might want to utilize for the Virtual Gaming Table. Not only do they get to keep adding apps (which will likely bring in more subscribers and help keep the ones they have) but - eventually down the road, you have a games table that could go beyond just being a games table but a way to run the whole campaign including wilderness adventures and maybe even encounter based city adventures.
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This is a great program, Though I am more curious with what else will be added to the Adventure Tool. I soo want the Virtual gaming table to release, because I am hoping that is something I can use no matter what edition!Hmmm...I certainly don't know what will happen but it dawns on me that if they make 'The Encounter Builder' and 'The Adventure Builder' and 'The Campaign Builder' apps all first they've just done a lot of the ground work that they might want to utilize for the Virtual Gaming Table. Not only do they get to keep adding apps (which will likely bring in more subscribers and help keep the ones they have) but - eventually down the road, you have a games table that could go beyond just being a games table but a way to run the whole campaign including wilderness adventures and maybe even encounter based city adventures.
I think DDI has some great stuff!, just wish I could use it, I have so far only played in a few 4E games, truthfully I am not even playing 3E at the moment! only gaming I get in is at Conventions, and I am not interested in LFR for RPGA.
This is a great program, Though I am more curious with what else will be added to the Adventure Tool. I soo want the Virtual gaming table to release, because I am hoping that is something I can use no matter what edition!
I think they were a little too ambitious when they showed people the gaming table. It has taken over a year just to have a Character Builder and Monster Builder. Granted, these are great tools, better than anything that has come before, but they aren't even close to the ambition of the gaming table.
I could, however, see in a year or so a 2d gaming table along with chat capability that allows one to play with other gamers easily online. But their 3d virtual table with collectible virtual minis may be a long ways away, if we ever get it in 4e. That's just a guess, but based on their current speed of digital output, I think my guess is a safe one.
Thanks, I was checking out Parallels 4 last night online, and I'm thinking of picking it up. But just to be clear, I wouldn't actually be able to run it with that? I'd have to install Paraellels and then after that install a copy of windows?
Correct. You can also just use bootcamp if the cost is a concern. You'd still need windows, but it would save you the $80 for Parallels. However, Parallels 4 is a great convenience, and well worth the money.
I downloaded the tool the other morning and it looks pretty nice and I believe it will be helpful for printing out monsters you need at the table and easily working with them. But I do have a few quick questions.
1) Can someone explain how you actually export the monster stat block to either a text, html, rich text, image, pdf, whatever file? Or can you just save your current monster list and print to a printer? I know I can get a PDF writer that acts as my printer but it would be nice if they had a "save as" feature here.
2) How do I take advantage of this holding pen? If I'm in the edit mode and have a creature I want to modify, and say I've put a power description in my holding pen, how do I add that power to my monster? I have to believe I'm missing something obvious here.
L
To Legendarius : Once you saved your custom monster, you need to close this monster and then right click on it in the list of monster.. You should see options to copy the stats block in rich text or jpg into your clipboard... you can then paste it into any text or illlustration edition tools you use (word, excel, photoshop, paint...) Enjoy!
Correct. You can also just use bootcamp if the cost is a concern. You'd still need windows, but it would save you the $80 for Parallels. However, Parallels 4 is a great convenience, and well worth the money.Thanks, I was checking out Parallels 4 last night online, and I'm thinking of picking it up. But just to be clear, I wouldn't actually be able to run it with that? I'd have to install Paraellels and then after that install a copy of windows?
Bugley has the right of it. Parallels is an app you lauch that will run Windows either inside a window or integrated directly with the rest of your Mac. You DO need a copy of Windows to install within it though; think of Parallels like another computer inside of your actual computer. It has a HD and everything, and you have to install Windows on it, just like it was a real computer.
Thanks for the advice on the copy to clipboard, that works great! After you mentioned it I went to try it and noticed it in the information on the right hand side.
I also realized I have to drag the power from the holding pen all the way to the left to the main area.
Thanks for the help.
L
I missed this before - I'd appreciate advice on this as well, as another Linux user.
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I for one am glad these are all off-line packages, with updates online. I'm not sure I understand why this could be considered a bad thing other than the platform issues? But it isn't so bad, I have the character builder running under Linux and with virtual machines as pointed out MAC's should have it covered. I do agree however it seems a little short sighted to produce a PC only version. Mind you keep making noises and we may see a MAC port?
S.
Stefen -
Dredging up old thread FTW. I'm trying to get the character builder running under Linux. Could you e-mail me how you were able to get this going? I seem to be having a few dozen issues with getting .net 3.5 to install under Wine or Crossover.
patryn150@gmail.com
Thanks!
I never tried with Wine or Crossoffice (or over) due to the .net issues that seem to plague win apps under Linux (as you allude to). Either hit up your distros forum regarding .net 3.5 or just either dual boot or use a VM. I want down the VM route and it seems to work fine. I guess both the dual boot and VM suffer from the same needing to own/run windows...
Sorry I can't be much more help than that.
S.
It's the using/owning Windows bit that confounds the process. Great you have it working though! :)