Logs for ShadowRN and Associated Mailing Lists

From:	Mike Elkins <MikeE@*********.com>
Subject:	GM Helper Program
Date:	Thu, 26 Sep 1996 17:47:12 -0500

Message no. 1 I'm working on a Win95 program to help with GMing ShadowRun, and am
wondering what features people think they need most.

The core feature set I perceive is this:
Roll dice (including success tests)
Keep track of character stats.
Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
Keep track of Pools.
Keep track of injuries to characters.
Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility mods etc)
Have a character resist damage.
Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits

Non-Core but nice:
Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
Keeping track of ammo.
Decking "Wizard"
A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
A log of past dice rolls and events.
Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.
Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
Context sensitive help.

What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a simple user
interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
feature, no one will use it.

Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives, so don't bug me for
it untill then.

Double-Domed Mike

From:	bluewizard@*****.com (Steven A. Tinner)
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 01:17:29 -0500 (EST)

Message no. 2 >I'm working on a Win95 program to help with GMing ShadowRun, and am
>wondering what features people think they need most.
>
>The core feature set I perceive is this:
>Roll dice (including success tests)
>Keep track of character stats.
>Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
>Keep track of Pools.
>Keep track of injuries to characters.
>Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility
mods etc)
>Have a character resist damage.
>Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits
>
>Non-Core but nice:
>Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
>Keeping track of ammo.
>Decking "Wizard"
>A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
>A log of past dice rolls and events.
>Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.
>Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
>Context sensitive help.
>
>What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a simple
user
>interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
>feature, no one will use it.
>
>Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives, so
don't bug me for
>it untill then.
>
>Double-Domed Mike

Dear God!
If you manage to get all these features in one program I think I'll worship
you like a pagan deity!
IMHO, the tracking abilities should go in first.
I could really use the extra halp keeping initiative order in staright, as
well as keeping dice pools organized, esp. WHEN exactly they refresh.
This sounds really good, hope to see it soon!
Good Luck :-)

From:	chaos@*****.com (Steven Ratkovich)
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 01:34:15 -0500 (EST)

Message no. 3 >>I'm working on a Win95 program to help with GMing ShadowRun, and am
>>wondering what features people think they need most.
>>
>>The core feature set I perceive is this:
>>Roll dice (including success tests)
>>Keep track of character stats.
>>Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
>>Keep track of Pools.
>>Keep track of injuries to characters.
>>Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility
>mods etc)
>>Have a character resist damage.
>>Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits
>>
>>Non-Core but nice:
>>Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
>>Keeping track of ammo.
>>Decking "Wizard"
>>A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
>>A log of past dice rolls and events.
>>Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.
>>Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
>>Context sensitive help.
>>
>>What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a simple
>user
>>interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
>>feature, no one will use it.
>>
>>Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives, so
>don't bug me for
>>it untill then.
>>
>>Double-Domed Mike
>
>Dear God!
>If you manage to get all these features in one program I think I'll worship
>you like a pagan deity!
>IMHO, the tracking abilities should go in first.
>I could really use the extra halp keeping initiative order in staright, as
>well as keeping dice pools organized, esp. WHEN exactly they refresh.
>This sounds really good, hope to see it soon!
>Good Luck :-)
>
>
>
Now if we can just play in my room every night so I can use the computer...:)

#######################################################
# -Bull, aka Chaos, aka Rak, aka Steven Ratkovich #
# chaos@*****.com #
# Order is Illusion! Chaos is Bliss! Got any fours? #
#######################################################

"You do more damage out of simple irritation than most
men can do in a towering rage."
-David Eddings, "Demon Lord of Karanda

From:	"Gurth" <gurth@******.nl>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 12:43:55 +0100

Message no. 4 Mike Elkins said on 17:47/26 Sep 96...

> The core feature set I perceive is this:
> Roll dice (including success tests)
> Keep track of character stats.
> Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
> Keep track of Pools.
> Keep track of injuries to characters.
> Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility mods etc)
> Have a character resist damage.
> Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits

Not to try to put you off this task, but I've been talking back and forth
with somebody who's made a program that does most of those things. (I
don't know if he's on the list, though.) Anyway, the prog's designed for
NPCs only, and needs a little bit of work, but apart from that it's about
finished and should be on the WWW somewhere soon.

> Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.

It should also be able to use that program's data files, if you go through
with this.

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
I have another stupid question.
-> NERPS Project Leader & Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
-> The Plastic Warriors Page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/plastic.html <-

-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version 3.1:
GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ U P L E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+ PE
Y PGP- t(+) 5+ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

From:	Mike Elkins <MikeE@*********.com>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program -Reply
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 10:16:01 -0500

Message no. 5 >Not to try to put you off this task, but I've been talking back and forth with
>somebody who's made a program that does most of those things. (I don't know
>if he's on the list, though.) Anyway, the prog's designed for
>NPCs only, and needs a little bit of work, but apart from that it's about finished
>and should be on the WWW somewhere soon.

Well, mine's been in the works for a while, and I tried to keep the code up to
proffessional standards (don't try this at home, kids). Currently it does dice
rolling, initiative and actions, but architected so that all the other features can be
added "easily". I'm just trying to decide which parts to work on next before I
send
out version "0.1".

Double-Domed Mike

From:	Ferri_Pagano_at_STRM__Amsterdam1@******.com
Subject:	Re[2]: GM Helper Program -Reply
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 96 17:23:44 EST

Message no. 6 ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________

><snip>
>and should be on the WWW somewhere soon.

%Well, mine's been in the works for a while, and I tried to keep the code up to
%proffessional standards (don't try this at home, kids). Currently it does dice
%rolling, initiative and actions, but architected so that all the other features
%can be
%added "easily". I'm just trying to decide which parts to work on next before I
%send
%out version "0.1".

%Double-Domed Mike

Will these programs also run on pc's or only unix monsters?
Ferri

From:	Mike Elkins <MikeE@*********.com>
Subject:	Re[2]: GM Helper Program -Reply -Reply
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 12:12:53 -0500

Message no. 7 >Will these programs also run on pc's or only unix monsters?
> Ferri

Mine will run on Win95 PCs (and WinNT 4.0 too). It's possible (I haven't
checked) that it might run on Win32s (for Win3.1) but I use the new Win95
controls a lot, so you would need to get those.

Double-Domed Mike

From:	"Sascha Pabst" <Sascha.Pabst@**********.Uni-Oldenburg.DE>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 18:37:49 +0000

Message no. 8 On 26 Sep 96 at 17:47, Mike Elkins wrote:
> The core feature set I perceive is this:
> Roll dice (including success tests)
(Turn on/off rule of six enabled)

> Keep track of character stats.
> Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
> Keep track of Pools.
> Keep track of injuries to characters.
> Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility mods etc)
> Have a character resist damage.
Do you mean this for NPCs or PCs?

> Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits

> Non-Core but nice:
> Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
Description of spells

> Keeping track of ammo.
> Decking "Wizard"
> A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
No. No,no,no. No, I will not draw every map on the computer everytime I
prepare to GM. No.

> A log of past dice rolls and events.
> Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.
Good idea!

> Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
> Context sensitive help.

> What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a simple user
> interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
> feature, no one will use it.
Most important will be the NPC handler and Initiative-Generator for NPCs, I
think.

Sascha
--
+---___---------+----------------------------------------+--------------------+
| / / _______ | Jhary-a-Conel aka Sascha Pabst |The one who does not|
| / /_/ ____/ |Sascha.Pabst@**********.Uni-Oldenburg.de| learn from history |
| \___ __/ | | is bound to live |
|==== \_/ ======| *Wearing hats is just a way of life* | through it again. |
|LOGOUT FASCISM!| - Me | G. Santayana |
+------------- http://www.informatik.uni-oldenburg.de/~jhary -----------------+

From:	Mike Elkins <MikeE@*********.com>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program -Reply
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 13:00:36 -0500

Message no. 9 Sascha Pabst replied to my list of features:

>> Roll dice (including success tests)
> (Turn on/off rule of six enabled)
I currently allow you to roll dice, roll success tests, and roll opposed success
tests. For any success tests, the rule of six is enabled. You can always treat rolls
of 7 or more as sixes, but why do you need this? If you just want to add them up,
type "3d6" instead of "3(4)" or "3t4" (three dice, TN=4).
Do you need something
different?

>Do you mean this for NPCs or PCs?
Both of course. Eventually for critters, vehicles, programs and spells... So far I
just do initiative and actions, so there isn't any difference anywhere. I'm about to
add Pools, so there would be a difference between PCs and NPCs. (threat rating
etc.)

>Description of spells
That would violate the FASA copyright, I believe. I could let the user type in his
own descriptions, perhaps...

>> A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
>No. No,no,no. No, I will not draw every map on the computer everytime I
>prepare to GM. No.
Relax! I'm with you. Currently what I have implemented is that you can view your
list of characters either as a "report" or as icons (check out the Win95
explorer
for an example of this interface). If you are looking at the icons, you can drag
them around to wherever you want to show relative positions. I MIGHT implement
the ability (always optional) to load a pre-created bitmap as background, which
could be a map. More important, I think, is having dragging and dropping
characters onto each other be a shortcut for attacks/spells whatever.

>Most important will be the NPC handler and Initiative-Generator for NPCs, I
>think.

Done and Done.

Double-Domed Mike

From:	Jonathan Hurley <jhurley1@******.stevens-tech.edu>
Subject:	RE: GM Helper Program
Date:	Fri, 27 Sep 1996 20:30:02 -0400

Message no. 10 ------ =_NextPart_000_01BBACB2.AA56EC00
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

>What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a simple user
>interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
>feature, no one will use it.
>
>Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives, so don't bug me
for
>it untill then.
>
>Double-Domed Mike
>

The initiative generator. The biggest pain I have is
running a gazzillion NPC's and having to keep track of
their initiative as well as the players

------ =_NextPart_000_01BBACB2.AA56EC00
Content-Type: application/ms-tnef
Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64
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------ =_NextPart_000_01BBACB2.AA56EC00--

From:	"Gurth" <gurth@******.nl>
Subject:	Re: Re[2]: GM Helper Program -Reply
Date:	Sat, 28 Sep 1996 13:41:59 +0100

Message no. 11 Ferri_Pagano_at_STRM__Amsterd said on 17:23/27 Sep 96...

> Will these programs also run on pc's or only unix monsters?

I don't know about Mike's, but the one I was referring to was written in
Visual C++ 4.2 (I think) for Windows 95. Whether that runs on anything
else than Win95 I'm not sure.

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
It's going to hurt if you fail to miss the ground.
-> NERPS Project Leader & Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
-> The Plastic Warriors Page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/plastic.html <-

-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version 3.1:
GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ U P L E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+ PE
Y PGP- t(+) 5+ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

From:	dhinkley@***.org
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Mon, 30 Sep 1996 00:48:46 -0700 (PDT)

Message no. 12 >I'm working on a Win95 program to help with GMing ShadowRun, and am
>wondering what features people think they need most.

How about those of us that are still running Windows 3.1.
There is no way I would try Windows 95 on a 386-40.

>The core feature set I perceive is this:
>Roll dice (including success tests)

I have mixed feelings about the computer doing the dice
rolling. It is somewhat easier to accept failing a roll of 12 dice
when you are looking at the dice then reading the result on the CRT.
The big question is how random is the dice rolling program.

>Keep track of character stats.

Please make the format compible with Paolo's excellent
Character Generator. Also include a means of printing out a current
version of the character stats.

>Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.

This should permit the option of inputting the players rolls
or having the computer do the rolling. The acceptability of the
computer rolling verys from group to group.

>Keep track of Pools.

This should be expanded to cover the calculation of all pools,
initiative, and track Karma (and its use) The key may be a electronic
character sheet that is up dated frequently. A means of printing it
out is also needed so the players have a copy to refer to.

>Keep track of injuries to characters.
>Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods +
>visibility mods etc)
>Have a character resist damage.
>Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits

A must if the program is to gain wide acceptance. There has to
be a way to bring in the somewhat weird yet wonderful special
character types.

>Non-Core but nice:
>Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
>Keeping track of ammo.

Only works if a complete shooting module is included. Other
wise the GM is now tracking the players Ammo consumption. This results
in more work for the GM.

>Decking "Wizard"
>A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
>A log of past dice rolls and events.
>Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.

This should be moved to the Core group.

>Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
>Context sensitive help.

>What do you think should go in first?

I would start with an electronic character sheet. One that
self calculates pools and other similar items. It should be able to
import from SRCG and make hard copy print out. Next I would develop a
similar record for NPC's and a means that a group of them could be
prepared in advance ready for use during the game. An option to reset
the stats after combat or to retain (this permits the development a
group or group of thugs, security types, and gangers that can be
carried over from game to game) should be included. Next I would add
the Initive calculator and a means of generating a list of who comes
off at what phase.

>Keep in mind that I want A) a >simple user
>interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a
>particular
>feature, no one will use it.

>Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives,
>so don't bug me for
>it untill then.

>Double-Domed Mike

Good Luck with this project. I am looking forward to seeing
the result. You might consider doing it in sections and releasing Beta
test versions for evaluation and feedback. That way you can react to
comments and fix some of the bugs on an on going basis.

David Hinkley
dhinkley@***.org

From:	"Gurth" <gurth@******.nl>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Mon, 30 Sep 1996 12:23:51 +0100

Message no. 13 dhinkley@***.org said on 0:48/30 Sep 96...

> >The core feature set I perceive is this:
> >Roll dice (including success tests)
>
> I have mixed feelings about the computer doing the dice
> rolling. It is somewhat easier to accept failing a roll of 12 dice
> when you are looking at the dice then reading the result on the CRT.
> The big question is how random is the dice rolling program.

It's just not the same, in my experience. I've been writing a BattleTech
to-hit number calculator, which can also roll for hits. When we tested it
last week, we quickly decided it would be much more fun to throw the dice
ourselves, and only use the prog to actually calculate the to-hit number.

A dice roller would be good to include, though (it should only be a small
routine), but I guess I'd only use one for really large numbers of dice
-- like a hundred or so :)

> >Keeping track of ammo.
>
> Only works if a complete shooting module is included. Other
> wise the GM is now tracking the players Ammo consumption. This results
> in more work for the GM.

Ammo tracking isn't something I'd be looking for in a program. It's a lot
easier if players just make check marks on their char sheets and change
clips when necessary.

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
If I had it my way I'd hear you say that it's okay.
-> NERPS Project Leader & Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
-> The Plastic Warriors Page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/plastic.html <-

-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version 3.1:
GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ U P L E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+ PE
Y PGP- t(+) 5+ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

From:	MENARD Steve <menars@***.UMontreal.CA>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Mon, 30 Sep 1996 08:17:54 -0400 (EDT)

Message no. 14 On Thu, 26 Sep 1996, Mike Elkins wrote:

> I'm working on a Win95 program to help with GMing ShadowRun, and am
> wondering what features people think they need most.
>
> The core feature set I perceive is this:
> Roll dice (including success tests)
> Keep track of character stats.
> Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
> Keep track of Pools.
> Keep track of injuries to characters.
> Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility mods etc)
> Have a character resist damage.
> Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits
>
> Non-Core but nice:
> Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
> Keeping track of ammo.
> Decking "Wizard"
> A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
> A log of past dice rolls and events.
> Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.
> Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
> Context sensitive help.
>
> What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a simple user
> interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
> feature, no one will use it.
>
> Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives, so don't bug me
for
> it untill then.
>
> Double-Domed Mike
>
>
>
I'm working on just such a beast, written in java. Personally, I'm
going for the tracking / combat thing first. I'am also thinking of
incorporating complete equipment/critter database, just so the GM can whip
them out faster(like, with a couple of clicks ).

To echo Mike's sentiment, It is in it's infancy. It wont be able
to load SRCG character, but will includie it's own generator. When it is
usable (i'm still wrestling with java interface building and database
management), I'll post a message and maybe send it to Paolo.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--- |\_/| Still The One and Only Wolfbane! ---
--- |o o| " Hey! Why ya lookin' at me so weird? Ain't ya 'ver seen a ---
--- \ / decker witha horn ?" --- Scy, Troll decker with a CC ---
--- 0 Steve Menard menars@***.UMontreal.Ca ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From:	fro@***.ab.ca (Richard Jury)
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Mon, 30 Sep 1996 07:41:36 -0600

Message no. 15 At 12:23 9/30/96 +0100, you wrote:
>
>> Only works if a complete shooting module is included. Other
>> wise the GM is now tracking the players Ammo consumption. This results
>> in more work for the GM.
>
>Ammo tracking isn't something I'd be looking for in a program. It's a lot
>easier if players just make check marks on their char sheets and change
>clips when necessary.
>
>Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html

Better yet, you secretly keep track of ammo, and if they don't, tough luck.
Poor guy on IRC a few weeks back..

Player: "I empty my clip into Vlad"
Me: "You pull down the trigger, only then realizing you have no ammo left"
Player: "nooo!"

Err..something along those lines anyways :) I never realized how much a
helicopter puts one team at an advantage so much over another team.

Fro

From:	"Loki" <loki@*******.com>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Tue, 1 Oct 1996 10:11:10 -0700

Message no. 16 ----------
<SNIP>
> Better yet, you secretly keep track of ammo, and if they don't, tough
luck.
> Poor guy on IRC a few weeks back..
>
> Player: "I empty my clip into Vlad"
> Me: "You pull down the trigger, only then realizing you have no ammo
left"
> Player: "nooo!"
>
> Err..something along those lines anyways :)

Maybe for those w/o Smart Link, but one of the ideas for a smart gun is a
retinal readout of remaining ammo to avoid just such and oops...

@>-,--'--- Loki

CLARKE'S THIRD LAW:
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

*********************************************
Poisoned Elves
http://www.netzone.com/~loki/
*********************************************

From:	The Jestyr <s421539@*******.gu.edu.au>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Mon, 7 Oct 1996 10:26:52 +1000 (EST)

Message no. 17 > Better yet, you secretly keep track of ammo, and if they don't, tough luck.

... unless they've got a Smartlink. Great toys, huh?

Lady Jestyr

------------------------------------------------------
A titanic intellect... in a world full of icebergs
------------------------------------------------------
Elle Holmes s421539@*****.student.gu.edu.au
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1503
------------------------------------------------------

From:	musa a lindsey <rage@*******.CPS.K12.IL.US>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Wed, 30 Oct 1996 08:50:35 -0600

Message no. 18 Mike Elkins wrote:
>
> I'm working on a Win95 program to help with GMing ShadowRun, and am
> wondering what features people think they need most.
>
> The core feature set I perceive is this:
> Roll dice (including success tests)
> Keep track of character stats.
> Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
> Keep track of Pools.
> Keep track of injuries to characters.
> Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility mods etc)
> Have a character resist damage.
> Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits
>
> Non-Core but nice:
> Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
> Keeping track of ammo.
> Decking "Wizard"
> A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
> A log of past dice rolls and events.
> Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.
> Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
> Context sensitive help.
>
> What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a simple user
> interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
> feature, no one will use it.
>
> Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives, so don't bug me
for
> it untill then.
>
> Double-Domed Mike
I'ed like to see more on your program. or even test it.

From:	Rick St Jean <stjeanr@********.CANADOREC.ON.CA>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Wed, 30 Oct 1996 14:44:06 -0500

Message no. 19 At 08:50 AM 10/30/96 -0600, you wrote:
>Mike Elkins wrote:
>>
>> I'm working on a Win95 program to help with GMing ShadowRun, and am
>> wondering what features people think they need most.
>>
>> The core feature set I perceive is this:
>> Roll dice (including success tests)
>> Keep track of character stats.
>> Roll initiative + show which character acts next etc.
>> Keep track of Pools.
>> Keep track of injuries to characters.
>> Have a character roll a success test ( including injury mods + visibility
mods etc)
>> Have a character resist damage.
>> Ability to handle characters, critters, spirits
>>
>> Non-Core but nice:
>> Combat and Spell "Wizards" to deal with these very common situations.
>> Keeping track of ammo.
>> Decking "Wizard"
>> A "Map" mode to drag characters around on.
>> A log of past dice rolls and events.
>> Ability to load characters created from the SRCG program.
>> Ability to handle vehicles, spells, barriers and programs.
>> Context sensitive help.
>>
>> What do you think should go in first? Keep in mind that I want A) a
simple user
>> interface and B) if the program needs to much data entry to use a particular
>> feature, no one will use it.
>>
>> Once it's in a releasable state, I'll send it to peoples' archives, so
don't bug me for
>> it untill then.
>>
>> Double-Domed Mike
>I'ed like to see more on your program. or even test it.
>
You know that if you pull this off you have a good basis for a shadowrun game.

From:	Sascha Pabst <Sascha.Pabst@**********.UNI-OLDENBURG.DE>
Subject:	Re: GM Helper Program
Date:	Thu, 31 Oct 1996 20:00:00 +0000

Message no. 20 On 30 Oct 96 at 14:44, Rick St Jean wrote:
[snip heaps of stuff]
> You know that if you pull this off you have a good basis for a shadowrun game.
You know you make people _REALLY_ angry if you quote about a page of letter
just to add ONE line?

Sascha
--
+---___---------+----------------------------------------+--------------------+
| / / _______ | Jhary-a-Conel aka Sascha Pabst | 'If we had to buy |
| / /_/ ____/ |Sascha.Pabst@**********.Uni-Oldenburg.de|you, you wouldn't be|
| \___ __/ | | worth the price.' |
|==== \_/ ======| *Wearing hats is just a way of life* | - E. Weatherwax |
|LOGOUT FASCISM!| - Me | (T. Pratchett)|
+------------- http://www.informatik.uni-oldenburg.de/~jhary -----------------+

Mailing List Logs for

Further Reading

Disclaimer