Instructions for Character Generation

Currently there isn't much to tell. On the main character generator page simply enter a WikiWord. This will be the topic of your character. Click create and the new character will be born! You will be taken to the topic, where you can enter your character's name and stats, or click 'roll' and you'll get a 'method three' set of stats generated for you. A list of all existing characters is also provided, so you can find and edit your character later.

If you want to link to your character from other topics, then use CharGen.Topic where 'Topic' is the wikiname you used when you created the character.

Editing

You can edit your character's topic using the regular edit button. I would advise against making radical changes to things like the stats editing form, but it will not hurt at all to add text or whatever else you want to put there, attach pictures, etc. If you happen to break something, you can always use the TWiki 'revert' feature to go back to an earlier version, so don't worry too much about messing things up.

Character Data

The actual data for your character is stored in a TWikiForms attached to your character's topic. If you want to display some of this information where you can see it in the topic, then you can do that using a TWiki variable. So for example you can show your character's name with %FORMFIELD{"characterName"}%. If you want to see all the currently available form field definitions then take a look at the CharGenForm topic, it lists all the available fields. More will certainly be added later!

TWiki also allows you to edit form data directly in the topic editor. You will see a 'Form' button at the top of your editor if you edit the character's topic. It will let you enter data for any of the fields in your character's form. Sometimes the form gets updated with new fields. If you save your character's topic then any fields that didn't exist when your character was created will be added in. They will be blank, but you should now be able to go back and edit them.

Calculations

The character sheet tries to perform most of the basic calculations to display bonuses etc. It is impossible to do this for every conceivable situation, bonus, power, etc. The following things are calculated and taken into consideration

• Ability score modifies - Ability scores are adjusted for race, basic ability score modifiers are calculated
• Initiative - Initiative modifier is calculated for dexterity and level, use the MISC field to add in any other bonus that always applies
• Hit Points - Hit points are determined based on class, level, and ability modifiers. Surges etc are calculated. There are no known constant modifiers for this, so you cannot adjust it. If you need to enter bonus hit points from feats, a field is provided. There are also fields for current hit points, temporary hit points, etc. They do not factor into calculations.
• Skills - All normal modifiers are calculated for ability, level, armor, and training. Any additional modifiers can be added per skill in the skill's MISC entry box.
• Movement - base movement is determined from race. Armor modifiers are applied. ITEM and MISC fields can be used to add in other adjustments.
• Senses - Passive insight and perception are calculated using the insight and perception skill calculations. Any MISC bonuses added there will also show up here.
• Basic Attacks - Weapons in the character's inventory will be evaluated and basic attack stats given. These account for race, class, proficiency, ability, level, and weapon magic bonus. Damage also factors in 1 or 2 handed use.
• Defenses - Each defense line box is calculated for the named factors and all factors are applied. Any additional constant modifiers can be entered in MISC.
• Weapons - The character's standard weapons can be entered and some related factors will be calculated. These are also applied as needed in Basic Attacks.
• Armor and Shield - The factors related to these will be used where appropriate, usually the modifier will be shown in the appropriate section (defense, movement, etc)

Currently no other types of calculations are performed. Feats, Powers, and Magic Items (except weapon and armor bonuses) are not factored into anything. Class features based modifications are not factored into anything either.

Missing Features

Currently the character sheet is layed out with sections for Equipment, Feats, Powers, etc, but these sections are mostly not yet supported. When I'm bored and have the time to add these in I will. If you really want something which is not here now, let me know and I can either add it or if you feel brave I can give you access to add it in yourself...

-- TodHarter - 11 Aug 2008