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The E-InitiativeTM application (the “EIA”) is software written for Windows-compatible
systems that assists gamemasters (“GMs”) within the d20 system to manage character
combat. The EIA allows you to enter character data into a database, or uses character data
already contained in another database, and then load these characters into a combat file.
The character files contain all the relevant data (e.g., Fortitude save modifier, spells known,
base attack bonus, etc.) used by the EIA. The various combat features maintain initiative
order, track the number of rounds left in a magical effect, perform dice rolls when requested,
track hit points left, and provide stat blocks for characters. Initiative order is rigidly
maintained by the EIA, but – in addition to the delay and ready action maneuvers – the GM
retains the flexibility to make ad hoc changes to any of these features.
What isn’t E-InitiativeTM?
In order to use new characters, you must have some capacity for character generation.
Although the EIA certainly has that feature, it is not a true character generator. For
example, although may enter a character’s base attack bonus, you are free to enter
whatever number you like. The EIA doesn’t error check your entries. There are two reasons
for this. First, some of the complexities of character generation may include copyright-
protected intellectual property, and it would be illegal to include those in the EIA. (If
someone wants to volunteer to spend tens of thousands of dollars in litigation to test the
bounds of the Copyright Act, let me know how that turns out.)
Second, on the bare-bones level, most of that kind of information isn’t needed in an
application such as the EIA. The EIA isn’t intended to replace face-to-face, paper-and-pencil
gaming, but rather improve the accuracy of the combat process in particular. This is
accomplished by tracking mundane details that are easily miscalculated, such as the number
of rounds left for a magical effect. We’ve provided you with a means of tracking much more
than is needed is for future considerations. If we eventually create a character generator,
then some of your data will already be entered.
Of secondary concern is the limited usefulness that character data has in combat. For
example, knowing that a character is an elf will have an effect on how that character reacts
to certain magical effects. Although this isn’t factored into the calculations done by EIA,
having that reminder will nevertheless make the gamemaster’s job easier.
Pricing
The following pricing policy is subject to change without notice, and no warranties are made
as to the retention of the pricing policy.
As of the writing of this document, the current price for the E-Initiative version 1.0 is $9.99,
or $19.99 for and unlimited user license, payable only through certified check sent via first
class mail. The current upgrade policy is as follows: When version 2.0 is released, it’s almost
certain to cost more than $9.99 (or $19.99 ). If you own version 1.0, your cost to upgrade will
be the difference between the latest version you’ve purchased and the current version.
Example: Hypothetically, let’s say version 4.0 will cost $14.99. To upgrade from version 3.5
to 4.0 will cost $5.00.
Purchase of the EIA requires a donation to your favorite charity, or, if you don't have one, to
the Salvation Army at https://secure.salvationarmy.org/. Report any such donations to me so
I can take a deduction on my tax returns. This will certainly represent a financial benefit to
me, and you'll be helping a good cause.
systems that assists gamemasters (“GMs”) within the d20 system to manage character
combat. The EIA allows you to enter character data into a database, or uses character data
already contained in another database, and then load these characters into a combat file.
The character files contain all the relevant data (e.g., Fortitude save modifier, spells known,
base attack bonus, etc.) used by the EIA. The various combat features maintain initiative
order, track the number of rounds left in a magical effect, perform dice rolls when requested,
track hit points left, and provide stat blocks for characters. Initiative order is rigidly
maintained by the EIA, but – in addition to the delay and ready action maneuvers – the GM
retains the flexibility to make ad hoc changes to any of these features.
What isn’t E-InitiativeTM?
In order to use new characters, you must have some capacity for character generation.
Although the EIA certainly has that feature, it is not a true character generator. For
example, although may enter a character’s base attack bonus, you are free to enter
whatever number you like. The EIA doesn’t error check your entries. There are two reasons
for this. First, some of the complexities of character generation may include copyright-
protected intellectual property, and it would be illegal to include those in the EIA. (If
someone wants to volunteer to spend tens of thousands of dollars in litigation to test the
bounds of the Copyright Act, let me know how that turns out.)
Second, on the bare-bones level, most of that kind of information isn’t needed in an
application such as the EIA. The EIA isn’t intended to replace face-to-face, paper-and-pencil
gaming, but rather improve the accuracy of the combat process in particular. This is
accomplished by tracking mundane details that are easily miscalculated, such as the number
of rounds left for a magical effect. We’ve provided you with a means of tracking much more
than is needed is for future considerations. If we eventually create a character generator,
then some of your data will already be entered.
Of secondary concern is the limited usefulness that character data has in combat. For
example, knowing that a character is an elf will have an effect on how that character reacts
to certain magical effects. Although this isn’t factored into the calculations done by EIA,
having that reminder will nevertheless make the gamemaster’s job easier.
Pricing
The following pricing policy is subject to change without notice, and no warranties are made
as to the retention of the pricing policy.
As of the writing of this document, the current price for the E-Initiative version 1.0 is $9.99,
or $19.99 for and unlimited user license, payable only through certified check sent via first
class mail. The current upgrade policy is as follows: When version 2.0 is released, it’s almost
certain to cost more than $9.99 (or $19.99 ). If you own version 1.0, your cost to upgrade will
be the difference between the latest version you’ve purchased and the current version.
Example: Hypothetically, let’s say version 4.0 will cost $14.99. To upgrade from version 3.5
to 4.0 will cost $5.00.
Purchase of the EIA requires a donation to your favorite charity, or, if you don't have one, to
the Salvation Army at https://secure.salvationarmy.org/. Report any such donations to me so
I can take a deduction on my tax returns. This will certainly represent a financial benefit to
me, and you'll be helping a good cause.