Obligatory E-Tools 3.5 Thread

[Kid Charlemagne]

I noticed there hasn't been a thread yet about e-Tools 3.5 data set yet... so I thought I'd start one. I installed it yesterday, and so far, I'm pleased. I had to recreate a couple of the races I had built, but that's not that big a deal, as I hadn't created many.

The one thing I will say is this: Make sure you've upgraded to 1.4.1 before installing the 3.5 set! I didn't see anything saying to do that and ended up having to reinsall e-Tools from scratch, as I was only at 1.4.0 beforehand.

I'm thrilled to be working at 3.5 now, it's been so long since I used e-Tools regularly that I'll need to relearn it, but so far so good.

 

[EricNoah]

There are many data errors with the 3.5 data set, as well as some code limitations that should be taken care of when etools 1.5 is released. The first bunch of data error corrections should be out middle of this week for 3.5.

The program improves every time, but it is sometimes a frustratingly slow process. I've had the luxury of keeping up with almost every little twist and turn and have learned to use ET Helper to do a bunch of cool things. I've got, I'd estimate, 60% of Arcana Unearthed (monte cook's, not WotC's UA) in and functional but like many have been waiting for the "real" functional AU set to come out since August.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

Yeah, I haven't had enough time to really see any errors, and the code limitations don't affect me, as I DM solely 3.5 at this point, and don't need to switch back and forth.

The one thing I'd like is for Code Monkey to improve their communication about things and navigation of the site. I found it amazing that the link announcing the 3.5 data set didn't include a link that took you directly to the product. It took me ten minutes just to find the set so I could give them my 10 bucks. Their new Friday update thing may be a solution to the first issue, hopefully.

 

[Silvanos]

I really like ETools! I cannot wait for the 1.5 patch to fix things like the Ranger Archery Focus, and Magic Item Creation for Armor.

At least they are fast on the data base fixes!

D

 

[Theocrat]

Need help with Home Game Classes

Hi all-
I'm learning eTools with 3.5. I've had the CD since it came out, but hardly used it. I've been using it recently in making fast encounters for my game, even if the monsters were 3.0. Our current campagin is coming to a close after 30 sessions, and so I'm preparing a new Campaign. As such, I'm building a new core class - the Prelatel Solider. I've based it off the Fighter Template and the AEG Mercenaries Legionnaire class. As such, it has a Formation Fighting special ability for the first level. At first I added it as a feat and granted that to the class, but found that this doesn't actually give them the ability unless they take it - costing them a feat (which I suppose is ok - provided they (the PC's) actually take that feat and not forget). So I took a look at the Sorcerer and their Summon Familiar ability under customization - and it's not there. Nor is it a feat. So how do I add this ability and remove some of the number of feats they are granted each level. I want to grant them all the special ablities at the appropriate levels instead of making them choose that particular feat from the list at the level required.

 

[gravyboat]

Any chance we'll see the datasets for Monster Manual II and Monsters of Faerun converted to D&D 3.5 since we now have conversion guides for both?

I'm glad to hear that eTools is coming together into something worth while. I was one of the disgruntled original purchasers of eTools and haven't used the program for over a year. But from the rumors CMP is rewriting the program to support templates and other features I'm considering taking my wallet out again to support the program.

Also, I noticed they have a string of patches that all require the installation of the previous patch. I have the earliest version of eTools on CD, do I need to install all these patches in a row or is there just one patch I can use to get up to date?

 

[Davin]

So how do I add this ability and remove some of the number of feats they are granted each level. I want to grant them all the special ablities at the appropriate levels instead of making them choose that particular feat from the list at the level required.

Most special abilities can just be granted directly in the class features list (using ETH's quick-add button if they're new). You can also grant feats directly there too, so I'm not quite sure what you're having trouble with.

 

[kingpaul]

Any chance we'll see the datasets for Monster Manual II and Monsters of Faerun converted to D&D 3.5 since we now have conversion guides for both?

Well, CMP is doing 3.0 to 3.5 conversions of datasets. Currently, only some of the bundles are available...I believe only the Core 3.5 is actually out, I think the others are pre-sale.

I'm glad to hear that eTools is coming together into something worth while. I was one of the disgruntled original purchasers of eTools and haven't used the program for over a year. But from the rumors CMP is rewriting the program to support templates and other features I'm considering taking my wallet out again to support the program.

Also, I noticed they have a string of patches that all require the installation of the previous patch. I have the earliest version of eTools on CD, do I need to install all these patches in a row or is there just one patch I can use to get up to date?

If you still have your original CD (which it appears you do), you don't have to shell out money for the program. The patches and hot patches are free. When you patch the program, be sure to do the patches in order. Also, the hot-patches are for 1.4.1, so you need to be up to that version to install them.

They are talking about, after the 1.5 patch comes out, of having a mega-patch that will take whatever version of eTools you have to 1.5.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

Yeah, what Paul said. You don't need to shell out any more money unless you want the 3.5 data sets or the various other sets that have been put out - there are a lot of them! Each is pretty cheap, however. If you're running off the original CD, you'll need to run each of three upgrades, unfortunately there's no upgrade from original to 1.4.1. It's a quick upgrade, though, no reboots involved.

 

[lordvorlek]

So on a scale of 1 to 10 for E-Tools and PCGen, what would you rank?
I have the disc of the first E-Tools, but have not went back to it because of, well, because of the obvious for so long. Now i have heard alot about it also and wish to give it a try, but i am really undecided between PCGen and E-Tools. My group plays 3.5 version and it is hard to find a program that supports it fully or even close to fully. Also having the capability to modify it slightly since our spellcasters like to make items,, mostly unique items and it requires the modification of any program to work,,,, IE -- Bracers of Armor +6, with enhancement bonus to Strength +6. I have modified Excel programs fairly easily, but have never worked with E-Tools to know how easy it is to modify since i am not a computer wizard. Excel is the only think i kinda know how to work. So any advice anyone?