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Dumpshock Forums _ Shadowrun _ NPC Databases

Posted by: Tyron Jul 15 2004, 06:39 PM

Hey everyone.

Currently I'm working on building NPC's for a campaign I'll be running in the future, and I've been wanting to make a database of the NPC's on my lab top. So far I've been using just Word to store the information, but I'm not very happy with using that program for this particular purpose.

So what I want to ask to all the GM's out there, do any of you use a program or database to store NPC stats and information, and if so, which one do you use?(And information about where to find it)

Thanks!

Posted by: GrinderTheTroll Jul 15 2004, 07:10 PM

I just use a home-brew MS-Access DB with a basic UI for the stats and notes. Flexible and easy to use.

http://blackjack.dumpshock.com/ARCHIVE_peopleplaces.htm is a good reference I use from time to time.

Posted by: Backgammon Jul 15 2004, 07:38 PM

Excel. Not like you need Oracle to store this stuff..

Posted by: Tyron Jul 15 2004, 07:42 PM

Fair enough. I was actually kind of hoping for a home made program that someone had made that could be pointed out to me.

Andy Adamzack's GM tools looked promising...but he hasn't updated it in like a year and it still needs a lot of work.

Posted by: Bearclaw Jul 15 2004, 08:29 PM

I've found that it only takes about 5 minutes to whip one up in nsrcg.
Then, once you've got your basic 50 point (or whatever) model, you can spend about two minutes each making modified versions like adding 50 karma for a higher rank (gang liutenant, or security sergent), the add another 50 karma and 100K in ware for the leader or watch commander, etc etc etc....
Anyway, it works for me.

Posted by: Azrael Jul 16 2004, 06:43 AM

I'll agree with Grinder, Access is quick and useful. Spent about an hour setting the forms and reports up, and then however many NPCs you have.

If you have Access, but don't want to spend the time, drop us a line and I can send you mine empty.

Posted by: Shockwave_IIc Jul 16 2004, 11:30 AM

In my Mind!!

(Sorry been watching too much Eddie Izzard, i'll go now)

Posted by: Cray74 Jul 16 2004, 01:23 PM

QUOTE (Tyron)

A scratch sheet. IMG, each recurring NPC gets a few lines mentioning personality and noteworthy features, enough to jog my memory for how they fit into the storyline. It's not like many of them need stats - the PCs don't fight every NPC they encounter, and they rarely even have tests against most of them.

The ones they do fight are usually red shirts or disposable rentacops that just need a generic set of stats.

I use Word for PCs, but that's a different matter.

Posted by: Dashifen Jul 16 2004, 02:38 PM

Eventually, I'll be expanding the DCRS to show character sheets in a more succinct fashion -- probably right around the same time that my hosting company gets me PHP 5!! Then, the characters marked as PC And NPC in the DCRS database online would be viewable and printable for instant NPCs in you gamges. This isn't available yet, though.

Posted by: Tyron Jul 16 2004, 03:36 PM

QUOTE

If you have Access, but don't want to spend the time, drop us a line and I can send you mine empty.

If you wouldn't mind, that would be awesome! I haven't used Access in like years, so I'm kind of rusty with with, so it would probably take me even longer than usual to set everything up.

I'll drop you a PM, to give you my email address and all that good stuff. Thanks!

Posted by: DV8 Jul 16 2004, 09:44 PM

http://www.wiredreflexes.com/sr/characters/index.php

Posted by: Azrael Jul 17 2004, 06:26 AM

A couple of yous have dropped me a line interested in getting a copy my database - more than happy to help (check your PMs)

If anyone else is interested, if you send me a message, let us know what version access you have and whether you want me to dump all my NPCs out of it (all are 2nd ed archetypes or my own concoction)

Cheers.

Posted by: Siege Jul 17 2004, 02:35 PM

Heh - it's given me an idea on how to practice my Access skills.

-Siege