Dungeonographer Quick-Review

For some time, I've been hailing the virtues of Fractal Mapper 8 http://www.nbos.com/products/mapper/mapper.htm to create solid fantasy worlds and dungeons. Few products on the market can match it for price and flexibility, and I've done plenty of work with it on this very blog.

From Overland maps:
Case Study Archipelago
Gone Fishing Module

to a 3 level Dungeon :
Well of Lost Souls, Level 1
Well of Lost Souls, Level 2
Well of Lost Souls, Level 3

*****
Now from Inkwell Ideas, the makers of Hexographer, comes Dungeonographer.

It's built to run via Java, and I've tried out the free version to test its capabilities on my Windows 7 laptop prior to investing in the full "Pro" version. Overall, there is a ton to like with the layout, from choosing the size of the base map to placing items and building your own dungeon.

A Random Dungeon Generator is included, and as you'll see in the screenshots, it has a solid design

After clicking Generate Map, the Random Map is displayed. I love that this can be used to inspire/give ideas, and you can fully edit the Generated map within the tools. Below is a map created using the default settings (as seen above).

Tabs run along the top of the main window. Here you can switch to each and custom set the look of colors for your specific needs. Remember to click APPLY when finished otherwise the settings will not be applied to your current design.

Choose a floor tile, left click on it to highlight it and then simply click in the main window, or left drag to fill a larger area. I would like to see the ability to flood fill a chosen section, for larger maps, but this is quick and very easy to use.

The right side of Dungeonographers main window is dedicated to buttons that provide you access to the various tools you'll need. Below I'm showing each with some highlights.

The Map Items tab gives you access to a wide range of items, all broken down by a Filter. Need doors, choose doors from the drop down filter and your set. I would like to see a separate category or folder structure to help me isolate just Medieval/Fantasy style items, but this shortcoming is minimal compared to the ability to import your own custom items.

You can draw freehand (Erol Otus style), or use the Snap-to-Vertex mode. To delete a line, choose the Select Line and choose it then hit delete. I would like to see the ability to move an entire line, or even a single vertex point., but very versatile tools are included here

Being able to combine smooth walls and caverns together is a breeze within Dungeonographer., as shown below.

Some odds and ends here, highlights include being able to save as png and also choose the exact scale I need. Boom, winner, winner, Beholder dinner!. This is far and away a feature that every tool should have, and this one pushes Dungeonographer way up the scale of goodness.

The two previous posts on this blog, "Old Reaver's Tomb" and "Cult of the Owlbear" feature maps that were created in 15 minutes with Dungeonographer. What I find to be the best reason to upgrade to the full "pro" version is the amount of time you'll save in creating a dungeon complex.

Joe has done a brilliant job in the design of Dungeonographer, and it is indeed a very versatile product. The full Pro version is $25.99, and should be, in this persons opinion, the defacto search when you type Dungeon Designer in Google. It's that good!

Cheers,

Project X: Part 15

Ice Mage's Treasure Hoard Generator
Version 1.0.0
Brett Paul
Status: Inactive
Found: The Ice Mage

The Treasure Hoard Generator, otherwise known as The Ice Mage Generator, remains one of the best because its based on the same treasure charts in the Dungeon Master's Guide, and for each monster in the Monster Manual I, MM II and Fiend Folio.

To begin, when your mouse hovers over a check box - say for Treasure Type A, you get a small hint at the bottom of the window that reminds you what values will be generated if that treasure is selected. This is a small thing, but in design and execution absolutely perfect.

NOTE: The check box at the bottom "Adhere strictly to DMG guidelines" is an excellent addition. Otherwise, normal items and coins will be distributed differently than by the rules.

Once you've chosen what types of treasure you need, click the "Create Hoard" button. You can double click any item to modify/customize for your own campaign, and you can add Coins and Items by clicking the appropriate buttons at the bottom the window. Shown below is the customize and Coins popup. Oh yeah, another feature? - You can convert coins with this interface!!:

Below is shown the Add Items interface. Two features worth noting are the DM's Choice and Detailed Spellbook buttons. Click DM's Choice and SOME - not all of the buttons will do this - but you can choose a specific item for your list. The Detailed Spellbook button is just that, choose it and you can choose class, and level of spells to add to it. BUT you can also use the DM's Choice button here and choose the exact spells you need for that hoard.

Overall, the Treasure Hoard generator is a bone-fade smash. All the features and the ability to print out both a DM and Players list separately is an added bonus - and makes this program an excellent addition to any DM's arsenal. Two thumbs way up!

NOTE: The link above is through The Wayback machine - but the links work as of this date - March 6, 2012. Grab the additional zip file created by THG user Greg for even more goodness

Cheers,

Project X: Part 14

Magic Shop / Treasure Generator
Version 1.0.0
Mick Wade, Tom McVicar
Status: Available at:
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/php4/archive.php?sectioninit=FE&fileid=254&watchfile=0

The Magic Shop / Treasure Generator does an excellent job of randomly creating items found in a shop, and rolling up an NPC (or even PC) spell book. For the shop, first choose the size of the town, and select which items you want to appear (default is all ON) then click generate list. You get a visual of each item, but also a text file can be created and saved for later use - or to copy into your notes.

Next the Scroll / Spell Generator Tab. Choose the class and level of spells needed, then click LIST. You get a quick and dirty listing broken down by spell level and again you can print the results to a text file for easy reference.

A sample text File from the results above:

Overall, while this is a niche product, what it does excel at is the quality that it produces. Taken directly from the table of the DM's Guide and Unearthed Arcana, this is an excellent design, with simple execution. Download, unzip to your desktop and double-click the executable - simple and no install needed.

Highly recommended because it is 1E compliant and because of size (92 kb) and content.

Cheers,

Project X: Part 13

*****
Familiar
Version 1.2D (Shareware)
Red When Excited
Status: Inactive **

There have been 3 software programs developed for 1E through 4E on the market named Familiar. This is the earliest version, and is one of the most complete packages for character design I've had the pleasure to use. It is based on 2E, but with small changes it fits the 1E game very well. The key words here are flexibility, ease of use, and solid design. One of the high points is the way in which you interact with the various items/weapons etc. throughout the creation process. When its time to outfit a character, you first select the + sign on the weapons tab, which opens a context folder that has all the weapon types listed. then simply choose the folder that applies to your choice, and then click the "hand" that will be carrying this item. On, Two Handed, Off, Throwing and Firing are your choices here. Then you can choose proficiencies, in the same way.

Magic works the same way, with the added bonus that a mage has to buy a spellbook (you can override the cost here by simply clicking purchase anyway) then choose your spells. Open the book in the middle tab, assign the spell to the book (each book has 40 pages) then memorize the spell and it appears in the right tab.

Many of the features here are down right brilliant in concept and execution. In one example I've shown visually, I opened the treasure table, chose 1 of type M, then decided to add in Black Opal Dust with the gold pieces. I can already see making some unique treasure hordes, but more importantly this software gives life to my imagination. Something that I was not expecting, yet was a very pleasant surprise. Another excellent feature is the ability to create magical intelligent weapons. Add in special abilities, Ego, and really this is a solid way to quickly add your own items to the software.

Overall, this software is shareware, and while it isn't an "active" software title at the moment, I've placed an asterisk by the current status due to a possible deal being worked out between us so that access to the code would be given, thus making it available for interested parties to further develop and use. Stay tuned...

I can humbly say this is in my top 3 products I've reviewed for how well everything fits together, and how intuitive everything is. A ton of time was spent developing this product, and it shows. 2 thumbs, way up!

*****

Project X: Part 12

*****

RPG Manager
Version 2.0
Flavio Roli
http://www.rpgmanager.net/Index.htm
Status: Active

 

Talk about an ambitious project, this is one of those under the radar programs that has been produced with a ton of care and thought. RPG manager isn't for a specific system, but what it does cater to is the GM/DM whom wants finite control over their world and what is in it. There are 2 distinct programs here; the Campaign Editor and the Game Manager.

The Campaign Editor allows you to create world maps (with hexagonal tiles), local maps (both indoor and outdoor) with a square grid, and then link them to each other either via a hex on the world map, or via an image that you've saved. Don't overlook the capability of the world creator based on your previous experience with Hexagonal software. I've discovered it to be robust, and what makes it nice is how quick and simple you can create a map that is functional and works great. Layers offer ease of use, and each tile can be mirrored/flipped if need be, while there is a random tile placement system that handles multiples of the same type. On top of this is the ability to set encounters/weather for each tile position, while it keeps the DM firmly locked into the creation process.

Next is the various creator buttons. Adding a PC/NPC/Creature is a breeze, and while this software isn't AD&D specific I was able to quickly add in a 2nd Edition Aerial Servant and all his stats in just a few clicks. I like that the program will tell you if you've made an error (like forgetting to include # of attacks) and once its added to the library, when reopened it takes on a different color. Subtle things like this abound with RPG Manager, like when I clicked on my world map and decided to do an encounter table for a specific hex, up pops my Aerial Servant, and when I highlighted him, his image and base stats showed up. Excellent design!

The Game Manager allows you to collate all the data you created in the Campaign Editor, and places it at your fingertips. One thing that shocked me was when I opened up my Isolde world in the Manager was that each hex has its own terrain, vision, and random encounters at the bottom. Move your mouse to a new hex and voila, instant feedback. No more searching for charts covering terrain, vision, encounters etc.

While I can't possibly cover everything this program has in this short review, the included screen shots should help shed some light on the features.

Overall, this software has so many great features and best of all its still under development. The designer has put a ton of effort into this product, and while the first glance may lead you to believe its just another hex mapping program, what is hidden inside is as solid an entry into the DM Tool's field as I've ever encountered. I'll be following this product closely and urge you to do the same. Two thumbs way up!

*****

Project X: Part 11

*****

Monster
Version 2.1
Scott Metzger
http://www.greyhawkonline.com/smetzger/monster/
Status: Inactive

Monster is one heckofa program. First it uses the Magnificent Monstrous Database 5th Edition (worthy of mention for the sheer size of it) and its already set up for 1E/2E games. You can quickly print out a set of monsters via HTML or hardcopy for use at the table, and it has a configurable system that allows you to choose what/how to set up the database to fit your campaign. Don't need monsters from Birthright? Set the marker to False for them and they won't be included in your searches. You can edit monsters quickly and easily, and if you need to create an encounter its flexible enough to add in Name and background info for the event.

Overall, while Monster has been updated to 3.0 standards, I lean towards this version due to its ease of use with my 1E games. Well worth owning.

*****

Project X: Part 10

*****

WeatherMaster
Version 1.1.3
Milieu Simulations
Status: Inactive

WeatherMaster reigns as the king of Weather generating software for campaigns because it can be as detailed or as simple as you like. Say you need a detailed month, day and moon cycles, and a spot on your own world map where the players are located (longitude/latitude). Then create weather specifically for them? or, maybe you want a detailed/Automatic creation of complex weather events so you can fill in a on-the-fly outdoor encounter? or just need a temperature for Mid-Summer? On all accounts Wm delivers. Included is a list of what it can do:

·Event-based, not day-based weather
·Batch weather creation
·Database storage
·Create weather for any number of worlds
·Built-in game log for recording the action
·Print/Export Reports
·Support for Customized Worlds
·Custom Calendars - ·Track Phases of Multiple Moons·Custom Climates
·Custom Storms·Wrath of God Wizard·
·Horizon Finder
·Wind Speed and Direction
·Fog
·Precipitation Accumulation
·Wind Chill and Heat Index
·Atmospheric Visibility
·Cloud Ceiling and Cloud Layer Thickness
·Altitude Affects Temperature
·Support for both Metric and English Measurements
·Hour-by-Hour Temperature Updates
·Terrain Effects on Weather

I can't give a higher rating for this product as its as near to perfect for what it does as any software I've ever used. Get it, use it, love it.

 *****

Project X: Part 9

*****

The Creature Encyclopedia
Gibson Graphical Studio (1999)
http://www.angelfire.com/realm3/ggs/creator/products.html
Status: Inactive

The Creature Encyclopedia has a very simple interface and yet provides everything a DM needs when a creature's stats are needed, and is flexible enough to allow for creation/addition of new monsters to the listing. As a bonus, you can also edit current entries, so adding more material is a snap. Traditional Armor Class is represented here, so use with 1st Edition requires little work.

Each Creature has a reference to the exact page in the Monster Manual for more detail if needed, and has enough information that you may never have to crack the book open during a session. Two hearty thumbs up.
 

*****

Project X: Part 8

Continuing part 8 of Project X

*****

DM Secretary
5.0.202
Occult Entertainment
http://occultentertainment.co.nr/
Status: Active

DM Secretary has an interesting interface, complete with tasty graphics, and a GUI that is quite intuitive. This tool has a multitude of options, chief among them is a campaign system that is flexible - setting up world features like day/week/year/calendar/moon phases and generating weather on the fly. You can create a town step-by-step, or generate one in seconds and then alter it to fit your vision. The same type of interface is used for PC/NPC design.

This program, like DA: The Role Player's Assistant, has a map feature which allows you to import a map and add features/icons/notes/objects on the fly for quick and easy reference. One idea which struck me as solid was the ability to add a NPC then switch to the map and voila - they can be added to the map. Excellent conceptual design.

Next we come to the reference tab - herein you are able to import your own rules set in PDF/DOC/RTF formatting. You can add DM notes and even add in your own Web links. One way that I've used this program is to access offline web data I've collected - which is excellent for collections like a virtual DM Screen with all the charts.

Lastly is the best feature (for me), a custom program feature to add in all those small executable that I use during a session. This one is solid and the best implementation I've seen.

Overall, I give this program high marks for what it has, and while a monster generator is not included within the program, this is something I can overlook given the quality of DM Secretary.

*****

Project X: Part 7

Continuing Part 7 of Project X:

*****
Dungeon Master Screen
Version 1.2
Wydraz Software
Status: Inactive

 
Dungeon Master Screen (DM Screen for short) has a friendly interface in support of the D&D D20 system. Essentially, this program is a literal Virtual DM Screen, with buttons that make finding a specific chart easy and intuitive. The charts are copies of those taken from the DM/Players books, and they cover a wide gambit of information.

As a bonus, included is a set of random buttons which include the following info: Room/Corridor/Trap/Door/NPC/Name and even a Custom generator. With this a DM is able to choose from a wide range of text files - which are editable to customize to his/her own campaign. Included as well are 2 custom buttons - so you can have Dm Screen set to start up a favorite executable Tool/program on the fly.

The second tab has a combat planner, a solid addition to the package, with sequence and Duration Counters for easy tracking of battles, and more buttons with charts specific to combat and the like.

Overall, even though this program is D20 based, I lean towards it as being how my Project X tool should look - with an expanded Tab section for Campaign info and all of these buttons with quick access to all of my charts. Highly recommended!

*****