PCGen

From RPGWiki

Table of contents

1 What is PCGen 2 Getting PCGen 3 Getting custom data files 4 Using PCGen 4.1 PCGen Settings 4.2 Source Material 4.3 Character Creation 4.4 PCGen Issues 4.5 Custom Rules 4.5.1 Eberron 4.5.2 Daughters of Light and Darkness 4.5.3 Forgotten Realms

What is PCGen

PCGen is a Java based character generator specifically for d20 game systems. The default package comes with the game data released under the Open Gaming License. Read more about it here (http://pcgen.sourceforge.net).

Getting PCGen

You will need a Java Runtime Environment, if you do not already have one. Download here (http://www.neonepitaph.com/pcgen/downloads/jre-6u1-windows-i586-p.exe), and install.

The custom data files developed for our house rules require PCGen version 5.10.1. Download here (http://www.neonepitaph.com/pcgen/downloads/pcgen5101_win_install.exe), and install.

Getting custom data files

My custom data files are not quite finished, but they should be located here (http://www.neonepitaph.com/pcgen/data/asylum_custom_pcgen.zip) soon.

If it asks you for a password, let me know and I will email it to you.

Unzip the two directories in the data file (should be named "data" and "system") into the install directory of PCGen (usually, "Program Files/PCGen/PCGen5101"). It should ask if you want to overwrite existing files; say yes.

Using PCGen

PCGen Settings

First, you must select a Game Mode. This determines which rule sets you can load. For our setup, we will select "Asylum" as the Game Mode.

In "Settings->Preferences", make the following changes:

• Appearance:Level Up Options
  • Check all boxes
• Appearance:Display Options
  • Chooser Single Choice Behavior: Add the single choice and close

Source Material

Load, at a minimum, the following sources:

• Wizards of the Coast
  • Core
    • Campaign Setting
      • Players Handbook
      • Dungeon Masters Guide
• Asylum
  • House Rules
    • Packages
      • (Package for your campaign)

Depending on your campaign, you will probably want to get at least the campaign setting information for your world.

• Wizards of the Coast
  • Forgotten Realms
    • Campaign Setting
      • Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting
  • Eberron
    • Campaign Setting
      • Eberron Campaign Setting

Then use the "Load" button. You may see some "Cannot apply .MOD" errors during the load, depending on which additional sources you choose; these can be ignored.

Character Creation

Be sure to use the "Lang, Weap Prof, & SA" button to select your characters bonus languages. You can add languages from bonus Intelligence or from the Speak Language skill here. Use the appropriate button to get the selection box.

When making a Forgotten Realms character, be sure to use the "Create Monster/Add Kit" button to add your regional kits. You should add the bonus language kit and one of the other kits. The window in the lower left should display what a kit will grant to you. It will allow you to pick more than one kit, although by the rules you should only get the language kit and one gear kit. Be sure to pick the right kit, it doesn't seem to want to let you change them once added.

PCGen Issues

Reloading sources using the "unload all" followed by the "load" buttons does not seem to work out all that well. I recommend closing the entire program if you need to reload sources.

Removing character levels is very problematic. I recommend saving a separate copy of your character after every level, so that you can go back if you need to. Basically, do not use the "minus" button for character levels.

If you have a magic item equipped which affects your stats (specifically, Con or Int), unequip it before adding a character level. Otherwise you will get extra skill or hit points.

If you discover any other helpful suggestions, please let me know, or better yet, add them yourself.

There will be bugs in the data files. Please let me know when you find them.

Custom Rules

Eberron

You will need to go to the "Race" tab, select the "Templates" button, and take the "Eberron PC" template for Action Point information to appear on your character sheet.

Daughters of Light and Darkness

You will need to go to the "Race" tab, select the "Templates" button, and take the "Child of Selune" template for your special abilities to show up on your character sheet.

Forgotten Realms

Forgotten Realms characters get bonus languages and equipment depending on their region. This is handled through the "Add Kit" button on the main page. You will find that there are 3-4 kits available (black text), depending on the region you chose when you chose your race. There is a flaw in the data sets which will allow you to choose all of the kits; you should only choose the "Lang" kit and one of the other kits. You can see what bonus gear a kit grants by highlighting the kit name in the selection window (information will appear in the lower left area of the program)