USPD Template Creation

[RPMiller]

Dan,
I'm working on creating a template for the USPD Submissions and have a couple questions.

I have been able to modify a template to show fields I need and such, but can you control the size of the boxes on the Background tab? It appears they 'spring' to fill the sheet is that correct? I'm would like a way to make the box only one line since the information going in will be something like: Category X.

Related to the previous question, can I create a drop down on these boxes? Since the submissions only use a couple choices for each field that would make it easier to enter a value that is acceptable. Alternatively, is there a better way to do what I'm trying to do? Essentially, I would need to 'break out' the target/area affected, duration, and range of the power that has been built.

Finally, is there a way to turn off the image button?

Once I have the character template working, I'll create the export template to use. Thanks for your time!

[Simon]

You can't control the size of the fields on the Background tab....really, you shouldn't. A template defines the rules for the items, what items are available, etc. It shouldn't limit the text that the user can type in. If all that will be going in there is a couple of words, then that's all the user should enter....unless they choose to do it differently for their character.

The fields on the background tab are all free-form (i.e. no drop-downs).

You cannot turn off the image button....same logic as above. If there shouldn't be an image, then folks won't assign one. Unless they want one ;-) I can think of several examples of why someone would like an image for a USPD entry. The book has numerous images of Powers being used, for example.

It sounds like you're intending to have a full character file for each "entry"....that strikes me as an extremely heavyweight way to do things which may not function too well. Most of "new" items that I can see in USPD would likely be better accomodated with a custom export template rather than a custom character template.

There are a number of fields (Target/Area Affected, Duration, etc) which do not currently have export tags. For this reason, it may be best to wait on this until v2, when these tags will be made available.

There will also be additional functionality in v2 to allow you to get at a finer-grained definition of the various attributes of a power...many of these will likely come in handy for what you're looking to do.

[RPMiller]

Originally posted by dsimon
You can't control the size of the fields on the Background tab....really, you shouldn't. A template defines the rules for the items, what items are available, etc. It shouldn't limit the text that the user can type in. If all that will be going in there is a couple of words, then that's all the user should enter....unless they choose to do it differently for their character.

The fields on the background tab are all free-form (i.e. no drop-downs).

You cannot turn off the image button....same logic as above. If there shouldn't be an image, then folks won't assign one. Unless they want one ;-) I can think of several examples of why someone would like an image for a USPD entry. The book has numerous images of Powers being used, for example.
Thanks for the answers. I had pretty much assumed that would be the case so no biggie. I was just curious.
It sounds like you're intending to have a full character file for each "entry"....that strikes me as an extremely heavyweight way to do things which may not function too well. Most of "new" items that I can see in USPD would likely be better accomodated with a custom export template rather than a custom character template.Actually, this is for submissions. Just wait and see what it looks like when I'm done. I'm trying to keep it simple, but within the capabilities of HD. I'm creating a character template and an export template to go with it. In fact I should be done either later today or tomorrow at the latest.
There are a number of fields (Target/Area Affected, Duration, etc) which do not currently have export tags. For this reason, it may be best to wait on this until v2, when these tags will be made available.

There will also be additional functionality in v2 to allow you to get at a finer-grained definition of the various attributes of a power...many of these will likely come in handy for what you're looking to do. I was hoping/counting on that for version 2, but until then I want to give the people that have asked me something to use. I'll convert them to v2 when it comes out. Hopefully people will find this one useful until that time though.

[RPMiller]

Ok, for those of you who were asking for it, I have created a new character template and export template to be used in tandem for USPD submissions. (See it's not so hard :p )

There are a couple quirks/bugs/edit issues that you will have to deal with so read the description of the Export Template in HD, but hopefully this will make things much easier for you to get those submissions built and sent in. :)

I have not yet asked Steve if the Export is ok for what he is looking for, but I will do that shortly. In the mean time please test these out and let me know your questions and/or comments.

Enjoy!

[RPMiller]

We have our first update! :D
This solves the 'extra line' issue.

[Mastermind]

So do we save this in the Sample Templates folder?

[Simon]

Originally posted by Mastermind
So do we save this in the Sample Templates folder?
Character Templates can be placed anywhere that you want. You would select it by going to File -> Set Template -> Choose File...

The Export Templates (because of some "user-friendly" functionality that's built into them) need to reside in a specific directory (namely: [install folder]/ExportTemplates).

When v2 is released, I believe that I will be standardizing the location of the templates as well (it will help for sharing templates with the new hierarchical structure).

[Rigel]

Durnin, your templates (both character and export) are pretty cool. Is there any way to include the first power in the Game Information scetion and then list the other powers as Options?

That would make your cool templates super cool. :)

[RPMiller]

Originally posted by Rigel
Durnin, your templates (both character and export) are pretty cool. Is there any way to include the first power in the Game Information scetion and then list the other powers as Options?

That would make your cool templates super cool. :) It isn't doing this for you already???
Could you send me a sample output you're getting?
The output should be formatted exactly per the USPD Submission template. Also, make sure to read the notes on the description of the export template.

[Ben Seeman]

Durnin, would you like me to post this to the Free Stuff section? You can send me updates whenever you wanna.

If you'd rather keep it here only, that's cool.

[Rigel]

All right, so it's my fault. :)

Now it is officially SUPER COOL. Nice job Durnin.

[RPMiller]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
Durnin, would you like me to post this to the Free Stuff section? You can send me updates whenever you wanna.

If you'd rather keep it here only, that's cool. Oh you bet! Go ahead and post it. I was waiting to get some feedback and make sure that everything was working before sending it to you, but I think we can go ahead since it seems that it is working.
Thanks Ben!

[Ben Seeman]

Both templates are now posted on the appropriate pages.