RPG Patsy 4.0
I’m currently hard at work on version 4.0 of RPG Patsy. I’ll try to address some of the questions I anticipate:
Q: What rules version is this for?
A: 3.5 Edition
Q: Why aren’t you updating the 3.0 and Star Wars versions?
A: Just updating this one version took all of my spare time for months. It’s the one that sells the most (by a wide margin) so I have to prioritize it.
Q: Will updates for the other versions be forthcoming?
A: Barring some huge upswing in interest in them, no.
Q: When is version 4.0 going to be released?
A: January, 2006 is the current release target.
Q: Will this be a free update?
A: No, this will be a paid upgrade (but well worth the money). Pricing should be $19.95 per single-user license or $54.95 for a 5-user group license. Existing RPG Patsy users will be offered an upgrade discount of 50% off.
This version is almost a complete rewrite of the last version. I have re-thought much of the interface and have mostly rewritten the engine. Most of the new features were either requested by end users or were products of play testing in my gaming group. Among the new features are:
-Character generator including epic, prestige, epic prestige, psionic, and epic psionic classes available in the OGL materials.
-Level-up tool which drastically simplifies the process of taking your character up a level
-Updated and improved GUI
-Spell tab supports filtering to make working with really longs spell lists easier
-Separate lists for Cleric domain spells since they really aren’t lumped in with the rest of a cleric’s spells.
-XML file format
-Basic weapons list now included
-Basic armor list now included
-Grapple tool
-Summoned creature/monster/npc, etc. organizer
-Improved modifiers tool
-Ability to associate modifiers with items in inventory (ie I can set up a modifier for a ring of protection such that it automatically increases my AC when worn). See next item.
-”Equipped” tool to keep track of what your character is wearing, carrying, etc. If you equip an item which is associated with a modifier, the modifier is automatically activated and then deactivated if you un-equip the item. You also have the option to automatically figure you AC/max dex bonus when you equip and remove armor.
-Heirarchical log/notes tool.
-Support for different spell lists for up to 4 classes
-Psionic powers tab
-Class abilities panel (for things like Barbarian rage, Ranger favored enemies, etc.)
-Spell planner which allows a caster to plan out their spells for the day and keep track of what they have already cast. Much, much better than the tool in the previous version of Patsy. Supports up to 4 caster classes and keeps track of Domain spells for clerics and School spells for Wizards as well. It has buttons to roll concentration and caster-level checks.
-Improved attack calculator which now shows battle-related stats so you don’t have to switch back and forth to see what your AC/HP are at. Also includes checkboxes to keep track of circumstances like “Prone” or “Stunned”. They add the modifiers associated with those circumstances for you when checked.
-New print pages that actually look like real character sheets
-Initiative tracker tool (mainly for DMs)
-Addition of stats like Resistances, size, and Damage Reduction.
-Improved weight/load capacity/encumbrance/armor check penalty system
-Size bonuses/penatlies are automatically added to AC, attack bonus and load capacity
-Character size now dynamically affects AC and load capacity.
-Added better support for temporary hit points. When hit points are added via a modifier (directly to hp or by adding a constitution bonus) they are added to temporary hit points.
That’s probably the extent of the new feature list for this version. My next post will deal with my plans for future versions.