New SR4 Widgets for OpenRPG, I am developing a auto-calculating, die-rolling character sheet. Options

[De Badd Ass]

I am developing a Shadowrun (SR4) Widget for the OpenRPG online gaming platform.

For those of you that don't know, OpenRPG is a chat program optimized for online gaming. A lot of work has been done to facilitate gaming on OpenRPG using the D20 system. There is even an interface between OpenRPG and PCGen that enables PCGen to create OpenRPG character sheets.

PCGen doesn't help Shadowrun gamers because PCGen is designed around the D20 gaming system. OpenRPG is ostensibly game system neutral; most of the custom widgets are for DnD. Some of those can be used for other D20 systems.

I am developing SR4 widgets for OpenRPG, and I am looking for others interested in playing SR4 using OpenRPG. I tried a short run last week (20090124-0100 UTC). I thought it went okay for a first effort. Clearly, some problems are insurmountable.

The number one problem, of course, is the global distribution of Shadowrun players, and the resulting time zone conflicts. No simple Widget can solve that problem. The number two problem (compounded by number one) is the relatively small size of the active online Shadowrun community. Who knows, perhaps a few good Widgets might attract more players to Shadowrun? I've taken a few baby steps in that direction:

1. I developed a patch for the OpenRPG dieroller to make it SR4 friendly. The standard dieroller is designed around D20; its basic input format is [nDs + m] where n = number of dice, s = number of sides each die has, and m = modification to add to the die roll. The standard SR4 customization lets the dieroller count successes instead of adding the results together. It also does stuff like re-roll sixes on edge test, detect glitches, critical glitches, etc.

The patch I made alters the basic input format to [(calculation)Ds + m]. This allows for SR4 style dierolling where calculation = (Attribute + Skill Rating + mod1 + mod2 + ...)

2. I am working on a SR4 style character sheet widget for OpenRPG. So far, it has a form for entering General Information, a form for entering Attributes, and a form for entering Skill ratings. It generates a skill table. Right-Clicking on a skill causes the form to look up the attribute and roll [(attribute + skill)D6]. If the skill rating is 0, the form will roll the default [(attribute - 1)D6]. The next step is to automatically add in modifications like smartlink, burst fire, wound penalties, spell sustaining, etc. Meanwhile, there will be a place to manually enter the modifications to be added. Eventually, there will be a checklist, so that the user can simply check off the appropriate mods.

A little explanation. Right now, if I right click on Automatics, what gets sent to the chat window is:

PCname: Agility + Automatics: [(3+2)d6] => [5, 5, 2, 4, 6] Hits: (3)

The next step:

PCname: Agility + Automatics + mods : [(3+2-1)d6] => [5, 5, 2, 4] Hits: (2)

Eventually:

PCname: Short wide burst, Ingram Smartgun, Running, Condition Monitor: -1
PCname: Agility + Automatics + mods : [(3+2-1)d6] => [5, 5, 2, 4] Hits: (2)

I could use some help. Would you believe I could use a lot of help? How about I need all the help I can get? Yeah, the third answer!

First of all, there is a lot of data that needs to be entered to implement that level of detail. I understand that other members of this forum are creating Character Generators that require the same data. I'm hoping these people are willing to share.

Second, OpenRPG gaming trees are XML (eXtensible Markup Language) files. Any data supplied would have to be in, or converted to, XML format.

Before number one: I don't know the rules about sharing this kind of data. I'm hoping someone here knows, perhaps some of the official developers that participate in Dumpshock.

Third, There is a whole 'nother aspect to OpenRPG: The gaming map. I am not ready to deal with it, perhaps somebody else is. I saw at least one thread in this forum dealing with maps and layouts. I'll have to check that out. The other issue is miniatures to move around the map. Most of the OpenRPG miniatures that I have found are DnD PCs and monsters. The only ones that are appropriate for SR4 are the elementals, dragons, and animals. Actually, the elementals are really cool!!! Dragon lovers will find joy, too. If someone knows where to find D20 modern miniatures, they might find some that would work with SR4.

Fourth, I need gamers to use this. Clearly, the first ones to do so will be alpha testers (too early to call them beta testers) and play testers. Find bugs, and suggest ways to make the system work smoother/better.

Fifth, I need GMs. Don't we all? 'nuff said.

Sixth, I need advertisers.

Seventh, if you know Python, or are interested in learining, and want to code - please join in. OpenRPG is written in Python, and uses the Mercurial distributed version control system.

Eighth, OpenRPG "is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version."

Ninth, eight is more than enough for now!

Ten, I am PhillyG on OpenRPG.

[Draco18s]

XML? Awesome, might want to check out the Standardized Character Format thread. I believe most of the work was being done to create a standardized XML character sheet (vs. another format).

I should note that I've used OpenRPG once for a game that typically used IM-chat to run games. I ended up having issues with the game (cough, the GM was a moron) and left.

The idea had been to have maps set up on ORPG and use the board and yadda yadda better than all text...and the GM didn't predraw the maps. Not to mention other issues (such as the software even working properly for everyone).

I might be inclined to play SR on ORPG if it has good widgets and if there were GMs and players (I am eastern US but operate on closer to a Australian timezone).

[cryptoknight]

I have to agree... trying to use Open RPG to do D&D didn't even work.

Some people would connect and be stable, others would connect and freeze up... one user blue screened.

OpenRPG is a good idea... but it rarely works well.

[ahammer]

1st did you know open rpg has a die roller for sr4. it also has a intive tool for sr4 that will handle passes

2nd im going to be running a openrpg game of sr4 soon I would love to test it.

3rd I dont think that you will be able to make the xml in the format define by the other post and work with open rpg.

I have never had any issues with openrpg is the pass... but the maps are a pain in the ass to set up
the miniatures are not that bad you can get the maptool miniature maker to work you just have to host them somewhere.


I dont know py but I do know a lot of other programing lang I was thinking about doing this myself.. seem to have no time between work,wow and gming.

this all being said I wish open we remade with some better tech. it does. you would not have to code to make a sheet that does some calc for you and map tools does a much better job of the maping.

if only openrpg and map tools would be combined with some better character sheet software added in.

give me some time I will see if I have room for one more.

[Starmage21]

I have to agree... trying to use Open RPG to do D&D didn't even work.

Some people would connect and be stable, others would connect and freeze up... one user blue screened.

OpenRPG is a good idea... but it rarely works well.

Sounds like you havent used it in a loooooooooooong time. Try it again, one of the new guys has done much to improve it over the past few years.

[De Badd Ass]

1st did you know open rpg has a die roller for sr4. it also has a intive tool for sr4 that will handle passes

2nd im going to be running a openrpg game of sr4 soon I would love to test it.

3rd I dont think that you will be able to make the xml in the format define by the other post and work with open rpg.

I have never had any issues with openrpg is the pass... but the maps are a pain in the ass to set up
the miniatures are not that bad you can get the maptool miniature maker to work you just have to host them somewhere.


I dont know py but I do know a lot of other programing lang I was thinking about doing this myself.. seem to have no time between work,wow and gming.

this all being said I wish open we remade with some better tech. it does. you would not have to code to make a sheet that does some calc for you and map tools does a much better job of the maping.

if only openrpg and map tools would be combined with some better character sheet software added in.

give me some time I will see if I have room for one more.

1. Yes. In my point number 1 above, I mentioned that I customized the standard SR4 dieroller to accept formulas.

2. Great! I would love to play in your game. If that happens, then this program will already be a success in that it found me a game. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Of course, as gamemaster and tester, you would be a VIP as far as suggesting enhancement goes!

3. I am not interested in the sheet or format per se. I am interested in the data. If they have done the hard work of inputting all the data, I am sure I can write a translater to convert it into whatever form I need or want. That's assuming they use some logical rationale. I got the feeling that some of those guys are professionals. I didn't understand half of what they were talking about (I wasn't trying very hard, either), but I got the feeling a few of them do.

I didn't know python on Monday, I learned it on Tuesday. I am no expert, that's for d~ sure. OTOH: If you have to choose between coding and GMming, I pray you choose GMming. Even if you don't have to choose, I hope you choose GMming anyhow.

Right now, OpenRPG integrates with PCGen, so clearly the potential is there. I repeat, the best part about PCGen is the data files.

I also repeat: PLEASE RESERVE A SPOT IN YOUR GAME FOR ME!!!

Thanks,
DBA aka PhillyG

[ahammer]

I game every other week. 3 of my players flaked out on my im going to give it a 2nd try in 2 weeks((it is a game that runs every other week on staterday)).

if I let you in it would give me 3 players I could count on being there.
.you will have to deal with my bad spelling. all of the other player would be new to shadow run.

ya I can read py I know it easy just have not spent the time to write any. I will pm you with my contact info if you still want in.

[Draco18s]

I would also be interested in joining.
For simplicities sake I think I'd just use the character I've already got for my Thursday IRL game. The karma difference between him and a starting character is... *grabs sheet* 62, with 14 unspent, and 28 that went in to Magic/Initiation, and 10 into a 5 point quality. That leaves...24 points that I don't recall what they were spent on. I may also have an Excel sheet with his starting stats around (which I'd tweak a little--a few things that seemed like good ideas turned out to be less essential that originally thought).

Drake Adept, if you were wondering.

[De Badd Ass]

2. I am working on a SR4 style character sheet widget for OpenRPG. So far, it has a form for entering General Information, a form for entering Attributes, and a form for entering Skill ratings. It generates a skill table. Right-Clicking on a skill causes the form to look up the attribute and roll [(attribute + skill)D6]. If the skill rating is 0, the form will roll the default [(attribute - 1)D6]. The next step is to automatically add in modifications like smartlink, burst fire, wound penalties, spell sustaining, etc. Meanwhile, there will be a place to manually enter the modifications to be added. Eventually, there will be a checklist, so that the user can simply check off the appropriate mods.

A little explanation. Right now, if I right click on Automatics, what gets sent to the chat window is:

PCname: Agility + Automatics: [(3+2)d6] => [5, 5, 2, 4, 6] Hits: (3)

The next step:

PCname: Agility + Automatics + mods : [(3+2-1)d6] => [5, 5, 2, 4] Hits: (2)

Eventually:

PCname: Short wide burst, Ingram Smartgun, Running, Condition Monitor: -1
PCname: Agility + Automatics + mods : [(3+2-1)d6] => [5, 5, 2, 4] Hits: (2)

I am PhillyG on OpenRPG.

Progress report: I have passed the next step defined above.

Right now, if I click on Automatics, what gets sent to the chat window is:

PCname: Agility + Automatics + mods - CM: [(3+2+1-1)d6] => [5, 5, 2, 4, 6] Hits: (3)

Where mods is the sum of your die mods, and CM is your condition monitor.

You have two options. You can enter a number or calculation in the mods box, or you can enter ?mods. Ditto for CM.

If you enter ?mods into the mods field, then when you click on Automatics, a dialog box will pop up asking ?mods. Ditto if you enter ?CM into the CM field.

De Badd Ass, aka PhillyG (on the family channel)

[stratvm]

I just grabbed the openrpg src last night, looks awesome. Haven't used it yet, would love to join in on anyone's game. As for the changes you are making, is it hosted somewhere? svn, cvs, bazaar, etc?

[De Badd Ass]

I just grabbed the openrpg src last night, looks awesome. Haven't used it yet, would love to join in on anyone's game. As for the changes you are making, is it hosted somewhere? svn, cvs, bazaar, etc?

Welocme aboard, stratvm

I posted my changes on the OpenRPG DEV II forums, because that forum accepts attachments.

I am using OpenRPG version 1.7.7, available at assembla.com. They use the Mercurial distributed version control system, which is one of the requirements when installing OpenRPG version 1.7.7

Try it out, and let me know what you think. I have made further changes, but I haven't uploaded them anywhere as i haven't received much feedback on the first set yet.

Meanwhile, I have been paying attention to how others use the DnD character nodes. I developed the current version as a "quick and dirty". I hope the next version will exhibit some polish.

[DamienKnight]

Does OpenRPG have whiteboard like functionality for drawing impromptu maps? Can it be used to distribute files to the players (ie. Pictures).

My group has used skype and twiddla to play online a few times and it works. Twiddla is a web-based whiteboard, so it is glitchy and an alternative would be desirable.

The Character Generator I work on (see sig.) has some xml output that I could enable. Untested and perhaps useless, but maybe with a little help it could be useable in a few weeks.

[Draco18s]

OpenRPG does have a scribble-map, yes.

[Starmage21]

OpenRPG does have a scribble-map, yes.

Its a little bit better than paint, but it automatically overlays a grid for you in squares or hexagons. Snap-to feature makes it really usable for map-making.

[cryptoknight]

Sounds like you havent used it in a loooooooooooong time. Try it again, one of the new guys has done much to improve it over the past few years.

Last time I tried to use it was with the latest release in the middle of January. We tried to play D&D... gave up and went to Screen Monkey which worked.

[Tunnel Rat]

Actually, there is another option not listed here: MU* (MUSH, MUX, etc)

Although, I think the only 4e game right now is New Seattle (http://www.newseattle.org), and it's in an alpha testing phase. It's called the 'wild wild west' which goes by RAW, and players are allowed to start up their own plots (GM their own games, basically).