UPDATE: v0.991 posted. List of updates & download link in the appropriate post downthread.




I've been working on a SR4 Excel Character Creation Spreadsheet ever since the PDF came out. The current version (v0.9.) is in such a state I can post it for everyone to test out. While it's definitely not the final version, it is fully functional. You can create a fully playable character with the current version, though, including picking cyber & bioware that are automatically calculated into the stats when applicable (e.g. Dermal Plating or Wired Reflexes).

What is currently missing:

* Most of the weapons & gear
* Most of the hermetic magic spells
* All Adept powers and shaman & Hacker stuff
* Most of the Magic/Hacker oriented second page (for displaying programs, spells, dice pools etc.)

There also might be some bugs and strange results I haven't thought about. The layout (especially in the printable pages) are also not in their final form. They may not print out as they should.

NOTE: The spreadsheet does contain macros. They're only used for the (currently non-existent) "Clear Character" button, so feel free to disable the macros if you're paranoid.

What I'm looking for are your comments. What do you think? What should be improved? What is confusing in the sheet?

Thanks


Wizdoc


IMPORTANT NOTE: I am no longer developing this particular character sheet. Other people have graciously continued my work (see updates and discussion downthread), but I still continue to receive e-mails asking questions about this. This sheet has changed (and improved) so much since I worked on it, I can't really help anyone asking particulars how stuff in it works anymore, as I have pretty much lost track of how everything goes together myself. Sorry.

So - I can't respond to any queries or questions about the character sheet anymore!

Thanks for understanding, and keep up the great work you folks have done to it.

I should also note that this spreadsheet is a separate project from the other Excel workbook (the Autarkis sheet, it was called?). Just to clear up any possible confusion.


Wizdoc

WizDoc, it seems you're new around here, at least to posting. Welcome to the forums. =)

I'm working on an SR4 Excel character generator myself, based on my SR3 version. I'm sure we can benefit from a little collaboration, sharing table information if nothing else. You've saved me a little typing already it seems. This evening I'll send a link to my own unfinished project in case you have any interest.

Hi, love the work WizDoc.

I really like Blakkie's as well, but I like how in yours you have the skills all listed out easy to view to build and then have the condensed Char sheet for printing separate.

If I may comment, Nikoli has an advanced Commlink builder also in excel. Perhaps you and he could strike a bargain where you could replace your 1 line commlink/os choice with his builder, maybe just a cut and paste situation. That would be extra cool.

Here is Nikoli's article:
http://forums.dumpshock.com/index.php?showtopic=9984

I noticed you only had some of the gear, I will put gear in your format and send it to you if you PM me as to how to do that. I can get some blocks done for you if it will help.

You were looking for comment on possible imporvements.

It would be nice to be able to see the Remaining Money down in the Gear pick section somewhere. This is only a minor complain, because you can scroll up to see it, but it would be nice to have it visible while you are spending.

Thanks for the comments.

Re: Commlinks

I am going to include commlink customizing into the sheet. There's also going to be possible to buy more hacker oriented stuff like specific programs and the like.

As far as printing goes, my goal is to have all the basic info in Page 1. Stats, skills, equipment, augmentations and such. So if you're creating a "regular" character, you only need to print out the first page. Page 2 will be for Magic-oriented characters with spell lists, related dice pools, spirits, foci etc. Page 3 will be for Hackers/Technomancers with hardware, software lists, their dice pools etc.

My intention is to have as complete printable sheet as possible but with the need of only needing to print out the pages that are relevant to your character. That's why the Commlink & OS are also viewable in Page 1, everyone pretty much has a Commlink.

Re: Seeing how much resources are left.

Yeah, functionality is something I'm aiming for. Not only it'd be nice to see the money left for purchasing gear, but it'd be nice to have the remaining BPs at sight as well. I'm looking into several options on how to achieve this.

BTW, no need to send me the gear lists. They're already done, as are the Adept powers. Only thing that's left are the rest of the grimoire and all the Hacker/Technomancer stuff. And some small tweaks like including bonuses from the races (e.g. Troll's armor & extra reach).


Wizdoc

Well, this is embarassingly incomplete, but I'll post it anyway so you can get an idea of the approach (i.e. Step by Step creation app versus sheet-based). In short, expect very little to actually work. Campaign parameters, race, unaugmented attributes should work, and the qualities will work though no mods will show up. There are still many holdovers from SR3, and since I've removed the priority system screen even that old stuff won't work. The end result would be a macro that builds the character sheet (yet to be built) in one tab.

Link here.

I should also mention that the final version will have buttons for navigation, instead of relying on the tabs at the bottom.

Feel free to incorporate my commlink generator into your sheet. you can find a link on this forum.

Here's v0.95, the next-to-final version.

You can get it here:

SR4 Excel Character Creator Spreadsheet v0.95

Things added:

* Adept powers.
* Spirits & Foci.
* Commlink customization.
* 99% of the gear (things left out are some variable cost items like clothing & sims).
* A floating display of BPs & Resources remaining (need to have macros enabled).
* A lot of small changes and additions. For example, Troll armor & reach, added Ork & Dwarf metatypes (I wonder how I forgot those ) etc.
* Tweaked layout, both the creator and the print sheet.

What's still missing:

* Rest of the grimoire (help in typing them is greatly appreciated - the format is pretty easy to follow).
* Rest of the weapons, weapon accessories and munitions
* All the Hacker/Technomancer specific items like software.
* Page 2 & 3 layouts are still incomplete.
* Some of the qualities are not yet calculated in or listed (e.g. Exceptional Attribute or abilities from Mentor Spirits).
* Many of the metatype specific abilities (e.g. low-light vision) are not yet listed.
* Probably dozens of little things I may have missed.

Enjoy. And keep those comments coming.


Wizdoc

Thanks for the Commlink generator, Nikoli. I went over it, but due to how my sheet is structured, I ended having to build the actual implementation of the thing from the ground up. No big deal as it's only one small table anyway.

Good looking sheet, coolgrafix. Our approaches are indeed a bit differet. Yours is very functional, and to be used as an online companion that's open during play. Mine is more geared towards offline users - create a character, print it out and play, with no need to have a computer available during play. Both approaches have obvious pros and cons, so I think both version can co-exist rather peacefully.


Wizdoc

Both aim to have a printable character dosier/sheet as the final product, so they are not completely dissimilar. Mine is designed to carry through the life of the character, though, as you mention.

The overlap comes in the reference tables, naturally. It's quite a boon finding someone who's got different tables keyed in already. I'll make sure and give you credit on the credit tab when it's done. =)

Boy ... I've done a chargen-spreadsheet myself ... But compared to those published in this forun :'-(
Weeeelll .. whatever

Essence calculations aren't taking Sensitive System drawback into account.

Awesome job, btw It would be nice if there wasn't a password to remove protection, however. Then I could just make the change myself. But, I understand wanting to keep control of it.

Version 0.99

Okay, so I lied above. This isn't the final version. Things in real-life have intervened, so I can't really put as much time and effort into this spreadsheet as I should or would like to.

But, I have received requests for updates, so this version 0.99 does not have any password protection. Therefore, if you want to fill in the missing bits (mainly the rest of the grimoire), feel free to do so.

However, if you are going to post a more up-to-date version somewhere, please keep my name and e-mail address in the sheet (in addition your own, of course). Just so credit goes where credit is due. It's not cool to steal other peoples' works and claim them as their own, m'kay?

Anyway, v0.99:

SR4 Excel Character Creator Spreadsheet v0.99

Added:

* Added all the gear, guns, ammo and weapon accessories
* Software for Hackers
* Some small fixes

Missing:

* Rest of the grimoire
* Technomancer stuff
* Layout of pages 2 and 3


Wizdoc

I really like the spreadsheet btw it will help out alot in my campaign. Is it possible to add a #amount for the gear section so that you dont' have to pic stuff each time like extra clips or slap patches.

Great spreadsheet - one thing I noticed that you might want to fix if you can:

The '# of Spell Slots left' formula in A220 doesn't recognise the Sorcery skill group if you select it instead of taking the spellcasting skill.

It's a pretty minor thing really, but I thought you'd rather be told now than later.

I found some minor defects:
1. Cyberwear: Should be able to add more rows for additional Cyberwear.
2. Equipment: Internal Smartgun option isn't available (2x cost, etc.).

I'd just like to let everyone know that the spreadsheet works fine in OpenOffice (openoffice.org) for those of us who prefer not to use microsoft office due to price, dislike of microsoft, or running an OS that doesnt support it.

Also, for armor, there should be an armor customization just like theres weapon attachments for firearms.

I like it. Quick and easy to use. A couple things I noticed(minor, hate to seem nitpicky, hope you don't mind)

Improved Ability, Social missing from adept power list
A bit of a confusion on final sheet when the knowledges were added up(it left a couple of my skills blank and changed one of the values)
Vehicles. Tho that might take awhile.

Looks hella good tho, Im really digging it. It doesn't look to hard to add the other couple values in that's missing(like with the adept power and grimoire.)

Thanx!

Dude, where are the rides!?

My Rigger/Hacker needs toys to play with, there's no vehicles or drones in your lists.

Version 0.991

A quick update. I haven't had time to work on the sheet myself (your requests for rigger drones, armor customizations, vehicles and other additions have been noted and are very vaild), so sorry about that. In the meantime, a kind soul has taken the time and completed the grimoire. All the spells are now included. Thanks Christian.

I did fix that spell slot bug noted a couple of posts back, though.

SR4 Excel Character Creator Spreadsheet v0.991

Enjoy, and keep the comments coming. I am hoping to complete this damn thing some time in the near (or far) future.


Wizdoc

Looks great - thanks for all involved in putting this together!!

AJC

Well, its working fine on OpenOffice 2.0. I don't have any problems here, and the pull down menu's work fine. The only complaints I have so far is that there arn't enough slots for cyberware (uber eyeware takes up a lot of them), and possibly for Skill Groups if I had one more. Oh, and theres no specialization box for know skills. That might be useful too. Other then that, its very well done.

EDIT: Oh, not enough space for guns or gear and stuff like that either. I have more then 5 guns. I guess I might be more the exception then the rule.

Currently certain choices which should be mutually exclusive are not. Example Technomancer & Magician can both be chosen.

Also, if I select Technomancer as a positive quality, I still have to select the "Yes I am a hacker/Technomancer" to receive the bonus points for Simsense Vertigo etc.

I think it will be a great tool to help some of my math-challenged players and as a quick check for me if a character seems a little TOO well-rounded

Oh, sorry your right, I was refering to another excel sheet!

Anyway, some things did not work wan I tested it, i.e. the Attribute-cost-slot would reference to the Modified attribute slot instead of the unmodyfied. This way, it somehow counted zero cost for all the attributes. I may have mixed something up, but I´ll test the sheet when I´ve got some time, probably tomorow.

It´s a cool tool anyway, so thanx for all the work, your great!

Dude, this rawks, give me your email addy and let me paypal you a $5 donation.

i'll have to give this a try.

A very solid work. The best one so far, IMHO.

Ok, I finaly had the time, to try this out and it worked very good! Thanks again

Ther is only one bug, I saw, which is really no big problem! The cells C93 to C99 have no formulae so one has to draw them down from C91, so the costs for Professional and Interest Skills are properly correctly calculated.

Otherwise, it is great (except for to little space for group skills, implants or gear for some characters).

Edit: Oh and for Qualities, too. I just can´t get enough of anything

First off, Great job with this project and thanks a million!

I made a few changes on my copy of 0.991 just to help myself out. I thought someone here might be interested in the changes as well, and maybe Wizdoc might find some of this usfull to put in a future release.

Note: I'm just making a few minor changes to WizDoc's great work, I don't claim any credit for this cool spreadsheet.

1) I was adding ActiveSofts into my Gear and noticed that I really could use a comments field for each gear item to distinguish between the many Activesofts.

I noticed a blank unused column "E" next to the gear, so I used that to write my comment to keep track of which Skill each of my softs were., then I decided I needed this on the char sheet as well, so I changed the formula in Tables.AC888 to:

With the taser, the AP and such get an error because the slot is blank.

Good sheet.

I noticed there is no new activity with this spreadsheet for a few months? Has anyone else (including the OP) made any major changes?

Reason being, I have and can post it if the OP doesn't mind? I looked through all the programs and spreadsheets and found this one to be the best so kudos to Wiz! GREAT work btw!

Anyways, since we're starting a SR4 campaign soon, I had to convert my SR3 character for the THIRD time now (yes, original SR1 character).

What I did was create (among other things) an "Advancement" sheet so you can now track Karma spent as well. I'm still working on consolidating the info on the character output sheet but should have that done soon. I'm also trying to "expand" the selections where possible.

My question, if you had more slots available to add during "Advancement", is there enough slots everywhere during the "Build" process or does everything need to be doubled?

-Jamz

I have been playing with your sheet and I can say that I like it very much and find it quite useful.

Two suggestions:

1. Add a "None" line to each of the drop down boxes' arguments that fills in the selected cell with a blank line so that if I want to remove a piece of gear/spell/ability/skill group/etc. I don't have to delete the cell or space bar it. I ran into a couple glitches where either deleting or spacing caused me some math errors.

2. Make sure that the skill group (sorcery, in my experience) ranks add to the total spell pools calculated on the magic worksheet. I could get the correct number when I had the spell casting skill alone, but not when I took the sorcery skill group by itself. I don't want to double up and then have to delete the cost in the skills tables.

Awesome, thanks for the efforts!

1. Although probably easy to do, i may have to redo alot of functions because there is a lot of [if cell="" or isblank] logic and having "None in there would break that. BUT, i'll check to see if I can just add a Blank option that you can select. So far, in my experience, deleteing those types of cells hasn't caused a problem but still a good request.

2. I'll double check that, it should already work, at least it was working on my version (I found the code he was using and had modified for other reasons). Just to clarify, you are talking about the "number of spells you can take during character creation" correct? Which should be = to Spellcasting or Ritual Spellcasting?

-Jamz

Anyone know what happened to Wiz? He hasn't posted in 6 months.

Cool, and thanks. I am happy to be a tester. I need to get a stable of NPCs anyway.

I have a very similar modification, with a 'tracking' page noting income and karma earned, and an imporvement page for karma and money expenses after chargen. Perhaps we could coordinate something? I'll send you mine if you send me yours... I'm notable lacking in macro-writing skills.

No problem. shoot me a PM with your email address and I'll pass it on.

Hopefully I'll have a version to publicly post in the next week or so (would have been earlier but the GM keeps postponing the game so I've had "longer" to work on it lol)

-Jamz

I emailed you a couple little bugs. Also, the bonded power focus/spellcasting focus does not add to the dice pool on the character pages.

Nice so far, I haven't finalized anyone yet.

J