I used to create my characters using Excel sheets. I would then print my characters each session (~5 pages). After a few sessions there's alot of paper.
A few months ago one of my party members started using HeroLab. Then the GM. Then another player...and another...and another.
I was the last hold out until all 7 of us have it.
I went out an bought a $250 netbook from Best Buy with it. When you buy a license you get 2 keys...so I use one on my netbook I take to the gaming session and then the other on my desktop.
I use Dropbox to transfer files between - no need use USB sticks.
I have all my PDFs on the netbook. The only book I bring is the APG because my Core book is 1st edition and is pretty beat up.
When I'm at the gaming session I have:
HeroLab
PDF - Core rulebook
PDF - APG rulebook
PDF - Bestiary
PDF - Bestiary 2
PSPad - for stuff I don't put in the Journal feature in Herolab.
MapTools
all running simultaneously.
Yeah, it gets pricey over time, but Hero Lab is far and away the best chargen tool. As a GM it helps me craft high level NPCs in a fraction of the time it would take me otherwise. I'd rather do it by hand than use PCGen or the various Excel tools, but HL is a real winner. Joey Virtue did yeoman's work in inputting all the NPCs from Second Darkness and sharing them; I wish all the AP NPCs were provided that way!!! It also becomes very easy to tweak them for your game if you need them upleveled or deleveled or treasure-swapped.
I was the last hold out until all 7 of us have it.
Aren't you glad you finally caved in?
I wish all the AP NPCs were provided that way!!! It also becomes very easy to tweak them for your game if you need them upleveled or deleveled or treasure-swapped.
I completely agree, it would be an excellent addition to get AP NPCs in a package of some kind for GMs.
Overall, Hero Lab has been a great tool for playing as a PC or running a game.