Newbie HD questions I have, seeking answers I am...

[ShadowRaptor]

Hi, I am looking for some answers and this is the place I am sure of it, all relating to Hero Designer...

1) What is a template in HD?
2) Do I have to download each update in order to fix all bugs?
3) Is it a good idea to purchase the template downloads for the books?
4) How do I apply the various exported templates that so many of you have created without to much trouble? With this one pretend I am computer stupid please. ;)
5) What is this WG that I read about in some of the other threads?
6) How superbly flexible is this hardware and is it worth downloading? I am an only Windows user.

If I think if any more, I shall ask away. Thanks ahead of time for all responses.

[nblade]

I'll see if I can answer some of these for you.

#1 - A template sets base points, if the equipment tab is presents, if NCM is defaulted on (for no pts) and the like.
#2 - no you only have to get the lastest update. It includes all other updates.
#3 - I'd say the bestiary is pretty good, especially if you have minor changes you would like to make. (note always have copies of the originals elsewhere)
#4 - the export templates should be put in the Export Template sub directory. They will then be a valid choice in the select export template dialog.
#5 - Its the Hero Games Writer Guidelines. You will likely not need to worry about it.
#6 - Purely subjective question. Flexible? well that depends on your POV. You would do well to read many of the post in this forum, I think it will cover the pro and cons of the software pretty well. I found HD worth it. For me the Pros outwieghted the Cons.

[Simon]

Just a note on #1: The templates define how the application works. As stated, they define the starting points, what tabs are available, the layout of the background tab, etc. But they also define what abilities are available (Skills, Perks, Talents, Powers, Disads, etc) and how those abilities are constructed (what they cost, how they interact with oters, what Modifiers are available, what Adders are available, etc.).

In short, the template really _is_ the system. There are some things that are "hard-coded" into HD, but the vast majority of the rules that it follows are contained in the template.

[ShadowRaptor]

7) How does a person design a template to work with HD?
8) For the download version are there any known issues with the files and does it come with any sort of documentation for how to use HD?
9) Is there a Demo of the product or a place where there are some screenshots to look at before purchasing it?

[Simon]

7) It depends on which template you're talking about...there are the main application templates (.hdt files) and there are the export templates (.hde files). There are instructions on how to modify both types in the documentation. They're basically just XML files. You can edit them with any old text editor.

8) The download version comes with everything...including documentation. The only issue that I'm aware of is a general issue with IE, where it will remove the ".exe" extension from the file during download. All you need to do is rename the file "setup.exe" and run it.

9) I believe there is a link to the screenshots in the online store. There is not a demo version at this point.

[rjcurrie]

The only known issue with files (that I'm aware of) is that the installer may be downloaded as setup instead of setup.exe. This is due to Microsoft security. If this happens, simply rename setup to setup.exe and then run it.

Also, if you download it, you only get the installer for the one system that you chose. For instance, if you purchase the downloadable version for Windows, you only get the Windows installer. The CD version contains the installers for Windows, Linux, Solaris.

The documentation is included in the downloaded (and on the CD) as a PDF file.

You can also download the docs as a freebie from the following URL:

http://www.herogames.com/FreeStuff/Hero%20Designer/other/index.htm

These docs explain how to edit templates using a text editor such as Notepad. There are also many people on this board who can help you with any questions that you may have about editing templates, since the docs may not be as detailed as you need.

Rod