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NWOD java dice roller

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teloric Posted: 24 Jul 2009 7:52 PM
I have written a java based dice roller for the NWOD rule system and I would love to get feedback. It is completely free to download and use. The zipfile is located at http://groups.google.com/group/nwodroller/web/nwodroller-download?hl=en

It is very basic and what I am looking for here for people to give it a try and perhaps put forward ideas for future features I could implement. I will monitor this thread, and also if you want to join the google group for it and leave feedback for me there instead I will watch that also.

I specifically had Mage in mind when I wrote it because of extended spellcasting, but I believe it should support the normal dicerolling in any of the NWOD systems.
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I haven't looked at the code or analyzed results, so I'm taking for granted the random generation system is decent.

What I'd want to see:

- Type in the dice pool instead of a pull down
- A bit better formatting to help know what to set for an instant roll and what to set for an extended action
-  Implementing advanced modifications like the no rerolls, 1's subtract successes, rote actions, bonus successes, etc.
-  The ability to choose between rolling out all attempts to stopping at a success.
- Exceptional success indication (with a place to alter the number of successes needed for an exceptional)
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Zeev:
- Type in the dice pool instead of a pull down

this could already be done. those dropdowns can be edited like a text field

New version ready for download from http://groups.google.com/group/nwodroller/web/nwodroller-download?hl=en

changes:
Added several tooltips to clarify usage.
Added option: no rerolls
Added option: 1s subtract successes
Added option: rote actions
Added option: bonus successes
Added option: cease rolling when target successes achieved
Added option: alert for exceptional success, modify number considered exceptional
Added option: change target number considered a success
Fixed: error which was causing 8s to sometimes not register as successes in default setup


[Edit: Link fixed thanks to your friendly neighborhood Mod, MrGone.]
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I think that's a lot better, a few more things though:

- 1's subtract successes doesn't carry over into other rolls, so if you roll no successes and one 1, you have zero successes, not -1.
- The program doesn't know to implement chance dice rules for negative dice pools if you type them in.  I know the hover-over says to use zero, but it's easy to miss.
- Some of the hover-overs should probably be given more useful values, or at least be removed (a few of them say 'Dice Pool')

In terms of replicating all the rules variations though, I think you've got it down (at least as far as a dice-roller is concerned).
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I like it. Pretty cool.

Thanks for sharing!
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I couldn't find an X-again function anywhere in there, though the readout text did hint at its existence, which confused me...
It is one of the more common dice rolling variant properties of the nWoD...
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It is the slide bar with 8,9 and 10 on it. set it to the "again" level
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Ah, perhaps a text tag of some sort to help draw attention to the nature of the function, then?  Just to help hopeless cases like me from seeming blind?
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Great tool. I wonder whether it's possible to combile the dice roller for mobile phones.


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New Version posted at http://groups.google.com/group/nwodroller/web/nwodroller-download?hl=en

Fixed: Forced any dice pool below 0 to act as a chance die
Fixed: If ones subtract is selected the subtraction only occurs on a per roll basis and does not carry negatives to the next round of rolls.
Changed: a frame around the X again slider to make it's function clearer
Changed: added text to every UI element and option to explain function
Changed: removed added option to unlock exceptional success editor. editor is active so long as the alert is checked
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Nin:
Great tool. I wonder whether it's possible to combile the dice roller for mobile phones.


yes it would be possible, but unless I get considerable interest in such an app I wouldn't begin it as I have never worked with java mobile and would have to learn that platform.
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teloric:
Changed: removed added option to unlock exceptional success editor. editor is active so long as the alert is checked


All in all, I think you've got a solid app now.  I'm not sure why you changed this though.
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Zeev:
I'm not sure why you changed this though.


I decided that just making it editable only when the alert option was checked was all that was needed and that the extra option only complicated the interface with no real benefit.
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My point was linking the two, since wanting an exceptional success alert and wanting to alter exceptional success values aren't always going to match up.  The benefit is not confusing the user by having two options linked that don't seem like they should be.

Though, really, you could cut out the toggles for adjusting exceptional success and target number.  Leaving them on doesn't hurt anything unless someone changes them, and then they aren't taking up space in the menu.
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I would add only one option: Dramatic Failure if rolled X 1's. For example, I use house rule that Dramatic Failure could come if you roll 50%+ of dices are 1's, without "subtracting success". Rolls like "`1,2,1,5" are Dramatic Failures, but rolls like "1,2,9,5" aren't, cause you got the needed one success to not get DF. Would love to see this option. ;]
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