Try the new and improved FightCard
A few weeks ago, I released my personal initiative tracker, FightCard, for public consumption. Unfortunately, it definitely wasn’t ready for prime time. If you tried FightCard back then, you were probably disappointed with the results.
I hope you’ll be much happier with the new and improved FightCard, which I uploaded earlier today. The first version of FightCard required you to edit JavaScript files and write your encounters in code; the new version doesn’t require you to do anything more complicated than cut, paste, and name files on your disk. You can save data from within the browser (though it’s a two-step process, due to browser security issues) and even (if you’re running Safari) download Compendium updates each month (if you’re logged into D&D Insider and don’t mind waiting 10–20 minutes, depending on your connection speed).
Oh, and FightCard doesn’t assume you’re playing D&D 4e any more. You’ll surely detect the 4e mindset in some of the default options, but you can use FightCard to run combat for any RPG that organizes combat into rounds, with each creature getting one turn per round based on an initiative order set by rolling one or more dice and adding a modifier.
Here’s a glance at an active combat session in FightCard:
Learn more on the FightCard information page. Download the application and give it a shot. I hope some of you find it useful; I certainly do.
4 Comments so far
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Great tool! Not easily intuitive, but the more I tinker with it, the more I like it and plan to use it my next session!
Best parts for me:
1) Linking to the D&DI Compendium cards format (and the local drive option when I don’t have internet connectivity)
2) Option where each PC/NPC/Monster has his/her own initiative roll.
3) Spot for quick DM notes.
If I could improve — I’d make a “dead” button (skull or gravestone?) like the “ready/delay” button so the entire post-combat details could be printed for easier XP reconciliation.
Brandon, could you expand a little on the “dead” button? What information would you like to track? I am trying to avoid graphics, by the way, so that FightCard can be self-contained in one HTML file and doesn’t depend on Internet connectivity.
I am needing help. I am trying to import the compendium data and nothing seems to be happening. I am using Safari on Vista, I am making sure I am logged into insider. When I select either entire compendium or latest updates and click import the whole thing seems to lock up. Are there any known issues with vista and Safari or something?
I’m sorry, but I just don’t know the answer! I have not tested the import functions in any Windows browser. It may be that Windows itself enforces stricter security protocols than Safari, but this is just a wild guess. On a good broadband connection on Mac, the import function for all Compendium entries takes 10-20 minutes for me. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult and clunky to implement a progress bar in self-contained JavaScript. I will look into the matter and see what I can find out.