Adding Characteristics to Templates

[blackfalcon]

Hi all

I want to add two new Figured Characteristics to the Standard Hero template.

So I give in - how do you add a characteristic to a template AND get it to show up in Hero Designer when you open the template?

I can do the XML bit. I can't understand why the characteristics don't show up. I am guessing there is some core program rule preventing it - but I hope not.

I hope someone can help.

[Simon]

You can't add new characteristics...at least not in v1. The app will only read in characteristics that it knows about, so if you create something new, it will just be ignored.

There is a way to have new characteristics appear, however. You need to use one of the "unused" characteristics on the template. Say, DEF or SIZE. Just redefine it to suit your needs.

The only thing that will be off if you do this is the notes for that characteristic, which are hard-coded into the app.

[blackfalcon]

Thanks for that.

Do I detect the hint that you will be able to do this stuff in version 2? See how hope springs eternal.
:)

[Simon]

Possibly...I'm going to be working in "generic" additions for Skills, Poers, etc.....but I'm not sure about Characteristics yet, they're kind of a different beast.

We shall see what develops...

[blackfalcon]

That is a cool start to the idea.

Basically, from my point of view, the coolest thing about Hero is that you can customise the game very easily and mould it to your campaign with few worries about game balance.

The coolest thing about Hero Designer is that, by and large, it reflects the open style of the Hero system and is very flexible.

Therefore, giving users ultimate flexibility in this way would deliver the ultimate in cool product. In the end if I end up reverting to a spreadsheet to build my campaign heroes, I will feel that Designer failed me - which is unfair given how great the product already is for general use.

Nuff said. Thanks for your help in this matter too - awesome customer support! :D

[Simon]

The only response that I can really make to that is that there comes a point in designing a chargen at which you have to simply say "this is what the Hero System is". I am endeavoring, wherever possible, to work in flexibility to the app, but there are some things which simply need to remain 'fixed'.

Characteristics are exceptionally complicated in the system, due to their interactions throughout the rest of the abilities that the system defines.

If possible (and feasible within the time constraints that I have), I will work in support for defining your own characteristics in a template.....but I in no way, shape, or form appreciate the insinuation that if this support does not exist that the app will be no better than a spreadsheet.

HD is designed, marketed, and sold as a chargen for the Hero System. Not your system. Not my system. The <i>Hero System</i>. The fact that it has the flexibility to modify the system itself and incorporate fairly sweeping rules changes is a very nice extra....but it doesn't alter the primary purpose of the app: implementing the rules and regulations of the Hero System. This has always been (and will continue to be) the primary purpose of the application.

[blackfalcon]

That is cool.

No need to get upset though - I wasn't having a big poke at Designer. Nice software. No need to be upset over my comments.

(TIP: I switched to decaff :D )