Master Tools Update

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Here is something else about MasterTools.
http://boards.wizards.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=133&t=000116

OK, just to clarify some points...
The mapper portions of the program were not mentioned in Eric's post because
we didn't show it to him. The reason we didn't show it is because we've
decided not include it in the initial release of Master Tools. Why, you ask?
Well, the mapper utility, as it was, just wasn't working out for what we
want the product to be. Ryan Dancey called it the hybridization of computer
tools with table-top play.

Essentially, when the decision was made to use the isometric graphic engine
for the mapper, it was in anticipation of moving towards internet play.
However, with the advent of the Hasbro/Infogrames deal, we sold off the
rights to produce electronic games, hence that direction became null and
void. The asset of being able to play online, now became a liability to the
remaining direction for Master Tools, which is to aid table-top play solely.
This is now the only focus for Master Tools. Though it is disappointing
(even to us!), it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the isometric
mapper tool is a wonderful editor for a computer game, but lacking as a tool
for creating only table-top maps. So, it is back to the drawing board for
the mapper. What we have decided to do is to set aside the mapper tools and
revisit it at a later date and concentrate on completing the character
generator tools as soon as possible and make them the best they can be.

As far as customization goes, we are working on creating the front ends to
add items to the Master Tools database, things like weapons, spells, loot,
etc. We felt it necessary to include some of these user interfaces because
we needed to protect data that users may have added from add-ons that WotC
may provide in the future. For instance, if you decided to add your own
weapons to the weapons table numbered 100-112 and WotC later comes out with
an add-on for Sword and Fist that adds weapons numbered 100-150, then we
would be unknowingly overwriting data that you've sweated over. This would
be bad. With the user interfaces that we will provide, we can control where
in the database user-defined items go to make sure we won't overwrite that
data in the future. This also provides the added benefit of providing a
front-end to add new items to the database for users who do not own Access,
which many people were concerned with.

Although we will be providing a user interface for many of the tables in
Master Tools, there are still some areas that will not be able modifiable in
this way. These are areas that require special case code that is not in the
database. Classes (including Prestige Classes) fall into this category.
Though, there may be some adventurous souls who will delve into the database
using Access and try to add a class, they may find that all of the features
of the class cannot be fully realized. That is just the reality due to the
level of sophistication within the Master Tools application.

I hope this little note answers more questions than it creates.

I received this via e-mail just today.
Now I'm really mad. First a delay then this reduction in content.

[Fixed the link - BTA]
Thanks BTA for fixing the link.
[This message has been edited by Blackthorne TA (edited August 09, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 09, 2001).]

 

Will this program be able to do anything that can't be done with PCGen? That program stores data in text documents too, not some stupid MS Access database.

 

Well from reading the link and the info above I'm rather upset about MT. I was willing to pay $30 for a quality program to help me with running a 3E campaign. But no mapping utility and no ability to add new prestiege classes. What is that? No support for FR. Unless WotC clears up the program and add the features they promissed in the first place I won't be spending my money in it. And I'm not the only one.

3E is all about free or choice and the ability to do things the way you want. If I, as the DM, can't do things my way on MT then I just do them on paper for free.