Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Pulp => Topic started by: Gulix on 10 June 2016, 10:02:42 AM
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First, my generic announce :
Geckos
http://www.github.com/gulix/geckos
Geckos is card editor, looking to mimic Magic Set Editor : from a template, cards can be created following the same pattern. And, of course, everyone can create his own template.
Geckos is a tool for gamers, looking for profiles, spells or skills cards, for roleplaying games, boardgames or miniatures games. You can even use it for something entirely different (why not greetings cards ?). Built with easy-to-use and open-source technologies, it's looking to be easy-to-use and open-source as well.
Having spent time creating cards with Magic Set Editor, I came to a point where some limits were irritating me. Geckos is kind of my response to those limits. Being 100% web, Geckos can be used on any computer able to use a modern browser, such as computer with Windows, Mac Os, Linux, Chrome OS, ... or even with a Tablet computer or a Smartphone !
Geckos works with templates. A template define the data that will fill a card, and the way a card image will be generated. After loading / pasting the template code on the UI, you just have to add cards and edit them. Then, each card image can be exported to an image format. More export formats are planned (zip archives, pdf, ...). Of course, you can save your work to get back on it later.
Geckos is very young : the first Alpha version is just out : https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/releases/tag/v0.0.1
What does that mean ? That the main functions, validating my concept, work. The tool is not fully workable, but the goal of this Alpha (and the next one) is to build the roots, and then expand. A much more complete beta will then follow, and finally the first 'true' version will be released. Geckos will still evolve, depending on the needs and the desires.
The big chunk of the templates will be one of the main tasks. I already planned to switch my Magic Set Editor templates (http://www.github.com/gulix/msetemplates) to Geckos. And I want to see other templates, for other games, to help create them, even make some. Geckos will also have a "my game" mode, which will allow, for example, a game creator to host a specific version of Geckos, with a custom themes, and his own list of templates.
Well, many ideas.
In order for these ideas to come true, I need to know if this project is interesting enough. On github, Issues (http://www.github.com/gulix/geckos/issues) will list the needs, the bugs, and I will answer any questions. Don't bother to create issues to get your wanted evolutions done.
You're a developer and want to help : it's open-source, github allows Pull Requests to get your evolutions into the project.
You're a designer and want to create cards : ask your questions on the methods for creating a template, and help me buil the wiki.
Want to test the beast ? http://gulix.github.io/geckos/
Then ...
I'm a french player and developer, and I like to use cards with my miniatures. Each miniature has cards for different systems it can be played with (SOBAH, One Page Kill Team, Frostgrave, Pulp City, ...) and now that I discovered Pulp Alley, well, my miniatures will have cards for it ! But I'm french, I want my fellow players to have easy access to the game, so the cards will be in French.
I used to make templates for Magic Set Editor (http://www.github.com/gulix/msetemplates), but some limits have made me thinking about creating my own software. And here comes Geckos.
And for my Alpha test, it's a version of the Pulp Alley character cards that is used.
First : is that OK ?
Second : enjoy the software !
Third : I'll come here to show you progress and the final cards when it will evolve !
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Looks like you are off to a great start. We have been wanting something like this for awhile. And I think Pulp Alley players would really use it if it had dropdowns for selecting abilities. ;)
HAVE FUN
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Thanks !
With the Alpha 2 version, the card will be almost complete : Health Bar depending on status, and Description area with a text input with bold, italic and line breaks.
The Dropdown with abilities ... could come later ^^. I will have to think about this option, though.
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This would be fantastic with drop down skills/Perks! Great stuff!
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Geckos have been working this weekend, and a tutorial describing how to create a template card from scratch has been published : https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/wiki/Tutorial01
As far as the dropdown menu for the abilities, well, I think that Issue #38 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/38) and Issue #39 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/39) will cover that well. Still have to develop them, though ^^.
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Some news about Geckos !
8 Issues (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues?q=is%3Aissue+milestone%3A%22Alpha+2%22+is%3Aclosed) have been closed and resolved. Progress towards Alpha 2 is still ongoing, some issues still need to be treated (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues?q=is%3Aissue+milestone%3A%22Alpha+2%22+is%3Aopen).
Wiki has also been updated. Some explanations about the advanced string variables (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/wiki/Canvas-Advanced-String-Variables) have been added, and the page about Code Variables (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/wiki/Canvas-Code-Variables) in the template is planned. A new tutorial about the use of Kitchensink is also coming (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/46).
About the project. It grows step by step, and the availables functions allow for interesting card templates. Here are some new functions :
* Adding some code in the template (Issue #10 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/10))
* Advanced String Variables (Issue #11 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/11))
* Custom Fonts (Issue #28 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/28))
* Multiline text (Issue #27 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/27))
* Rich text (bold & Italic) (Issue #12 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/12))
Three templates are under development right now : Characters for Pulp Alley, Star Players for Blood Bowl & Heroes for Warhammer Quest Silver Tower. Templates can be found on github (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/tree/master/templates).
Please note that some bugs (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3Abug) interfere with advanced template creation. Correction in progress !
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Here's an example of what can be achieved with the template right now :
(http://tof.canardpc.com/view/ea7eb40d-93ad-4c73-a2c0-07dc262a775a.jpg)
I still have to beautify that template by using some Pulp Fonts, and maybe a bitmap background. But it works fine for making cards (its main purpose !).
Other templates are coming too, and the general UI should be refreshed during the development of the beta version.
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Looks great!
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Thanks !
More are coming ! Same type of cards, but with a different feeling.
As I'm planning to play Pulp '40K' Alley, I might get some 40K-inspired characters cards.
I could also make some Fortune Cards template. A good way to get them to my fellow french friends.
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Thanks for the update! The Pulp Alley character cards are looking great. :D
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The release is on Github (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/releases/tag/v0.0.2)
The Alpha road is coming to an end for the Geckos.
This current version is validating what I defined as the needed functionalities. Many Issues have been closed (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aclosed), and you can already create some stunning cards !
This release still comes with a demo template, for the Pulp Alley (http://pulpalley.com/) game. It's a fine miniatures game, and this template is a good base to create a template. You can also find a templates (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/tree/master/templates) directory containing three templates : the demo one, one for Blood Bowl (featured in a Tutorial (http://www.github.com/gulix/geckos/wiki/Tutorial01)), and one for Warhammer Quest Silver Tower.
How to test ?
You can download the source code and run the index.html file in the src directory.
Or you can go on the up-to-date page on http://gulix.github.io/geckos.
What's next ?
We now begin the Beta phase of the software. Some functions will be made more robust, the UI will be revamped in a more modern version, the documentation will grow, and some new parts will of course be added. See the related Issues (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/milestones/Beta%201).
There will be some Beta releases, when big steps will be achieved :
* The new UI (see Issue #42 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/42) )
* The template editor (see Issue #14 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/14) )
* The multiple styles in one template (see Issue #57 (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/57) )
* List of templates
* ...
I still need your help for making a geckos at least a good software : bug reporting, defining new functions, creating templates, enhancing wiki, ... Feel free to write Issues !
And again, if you want my help to create your template : ask me !
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Looking great! That's a lot of work. ;)
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Great program! One suggestion however would be to make the text size a little bit smaller so as too allow skills to be added. Besides that though everything is amazing.
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Thanks !
I'm planning to add some fields to this card, in order to configure it more accurately. And an example of that will be a "Skills Font Size" menu. With two or three different sizes, depending on the amount of text written for each card.
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Great program! One suggestion however would be to make the text size a little bit smaller so as too allow skills to be added. Besides that though everything is amazing.
You can change the font size in the code itself - at least that's what I've been doing.
Think this is the line I change - {"type":"textbox","width":330,"left":5,"top":260,"fontSize":18,"text":"$description$","styles":"£description"},
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Yep, that's it ! ;)
But you could also use a Numeric Input field (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/wiki/Templates-Numeric-Input-Field) to let the user set the font size (in the fields) :
"fields": [
{ "name": "skillsFontSize", "label":"Font size for Skills", "default": 20, "type": "number" }
]
And then, in the canvasFields, use this variable :
"canvasFields": [
{"type":"textbox","width":330,"left":5,"top":260,"fontSize":"&skillsFontSize","text":"$description$","styles":"£description"}
]
But I think an Options field will be more suited. But for the moment, they can't return a numeric value. So it will be an evolution to make, and a card to update !
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Alright Ill have to try that, thanks for the reply
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Here's a glimpse of what's to come :
(http://tof.canardpc.com/preview2/0698df0c-d1fa-4ef4-91f6-255a0374ac74.jpg) (http://tof.canardpc.com/view/0698df0c-d1fa-4ef4-91f6-255a0374ac74.jpg)
That's new UI I'm working on, and you can try it if you want. Just download the sources at this address : https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/tree/skeletonsWithTabs (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/tree/skeletonsWithTabs)
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Looks like it is really coming along. Very cool! ;)
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A new release with the first Beta of Geckos.
New UI, new fields (List with images, Color Picker, ...), new functions (Shared options, description of template, ...)
Still more to come, of course ^^.
All the informations on the release page : https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/releases/tag/v0.1.0
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THANKS for the update. Got to check it out! ;)
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I'm getting back into creating cards, to change from only developing the software.
And as I need them, I'm going to do Pulp Alley cards.
Already available is a template with classic character card in both english & french (here (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/blob/master/templates/pulpalley-charactercard.json)). Don't try it on the demo yet, it won't work :D. I still got some minor issues to complete before releasing a new minor version.
And I'm planning to use this card as a base for other style of card (sci-fi/40K, fantasy, ...).
Also, Fortune Cards and other kind of cards should be added soon. I will need them translated to play with my fellow french gamers.
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Updated demo is now live !
The major upgrade is the Multiple Style / Style Inheritance functionality. A good way to get translated styles in a template, or themed styles. Look at the Templates (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/tree/master/templates) for examples.
The Pulp Alley template now has two styles : english / français. And I can work on my 40K style, which will be added to this template.
The release notes : https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/releases/tag/v0.1.1
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be careful that a certain corporate monolith doesn't get wind of it as they'll make you shut it down since they own the IP for anything remotely related to 40k (including "40k").
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Well, I didn't find a way to make a 40k-style card.
So I looked the existing cards on the internet.
And I really liked the one by BaronVonJ : http://baronvonj.blogspot.fr/2013/04/pulp-alley-leagues-rosters.html
So I made a SVG variant of these cards, and put them in my editor.
Here's an example of a B&W version. I'll see later for coloured variants.
(http://tof.canardpc.com/view/668c5e88-6f25-4b7e-84cc-fdaa6f5dc078.jpg)
The font size of the description / abilities will need some refining. Also, I'm thinking of putting a "caption" area.
Right now, it's not available through the editor, cause it uses functions not available in the demo page. This weekend, I'll made available a new version of the beta with new functions, and this template will be available.
Any comments are welcome !
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Here's the "Fortune Card" template that goes with it :
(http://tof.canardpc.com/view/8ffe6702-1d63-4f62-b951-dce28b3292cc.jpg)
Why remaking the Fortune Cards ? Well, I'm playing in French, so I'll translate the cards (and the Solo cards) to play easily. And with those two templates, my "cards collection" will be consistent.
The Rewards cards will follow the same theme.
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Indy jones seems OP to me; at least for pulp alley. But I do like the layout.
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Well, Indy was just a test. I did not check if he was over-powered or not, I must admit ::)
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He's made using the standard rules and with the standard abilities though... lol
Seems fair game to me. Obviously there are stronger and weaker ability combinations, but most leaders are going to be very strong characters anyway by virtue of the way PA league building works.
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Looking good, Gulix. Thanks for the update.
HAVE FUN
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I just started using Geckos for Pulp Alley and I really like it. Thanks for your effort Gulix. :)
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I just started using Geckos for Pulp Alley and I really like it. Thanks for your effort Gulix. :)
Thanks to you ! Glad to hear someone use it !
A new beta version is coming, with a better User Experience (I hope), especially for those that don't want to look at code ^^.
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gulix -
just had a little test run and it looks nice. the only thing i'd recommend is having dodge be a different color and the other abilities since it's either/both combat and non-combat. or have a way for users to change background colors.
i will have to play around a bit more as time allows but definitely helpful for creating my own cards - way more easy than scanning/printing/handwriting as i have been doing.
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The Beta 2 of Geckos is now live ! (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/releases/tag/v0.2.0) And to celebrate this milestone, here's the all new and fresh logo for the application :
(https://cloud.githubusercontent.com/assets/9212910/22396812/3e44be9c-e563-11e6-80e3-13fba69a67e0.png)
But that's not all that have been done, of course. For a complete list of completed Issues, see this page (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/milestone/5?closed=1). Here's a summary of what have been done :
- Multiple Styles in one template
- Inheritance in Styles (great for translations !)
- Documentation moved to a better suited wiki (http://www.gulix.fr/geckos/wiki/)
- Bold and Italic with Rich Text Editor
- List of pre-installed Templates (with a still-growing list of games / uses)
- Validating the Template Code before using it
- Image Editor with cropping functionnality (no need to prepare image beforehand)
- Grouping Editable fields together (and hiding them)
All of these new features can be found in the demo project, hosted on Github (http://gulix.github.io/geckos). Test them, use them, feel free to report any bug, missing feature, wanted feature, or anything else via the Issues page (http://www.github.com/gulix/geckos/issues).
What's coming next ? Well, I've got some things to do to fully complete the Beta 2 Release. Some documentation, tutorial to create a template, and update for some existing templates. Also, in the next weeks, new templates will appear : Pulp City, Dungeon World, Silver Tower, ... If you're a game developer and want to use geckos to edit cards for your game(s), feel free to contact me. As I did for "Au nom de l'Empereur" (check the installed templates), I can help create a template based on your work.
Also, there's the Beta 3 that's now waiting in line. Many many things are planned, and intermediate releases will surely happened. I'll get into the Template Editor as soon as possible. But I also got some interesting features that need to be added to the core engine. See the list (https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/milestone/6).
Enjoy Geckos ! And feel free to speak about it !
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gulix -
just had a little test run and it looks nice. the only thing i'd recommend is having dodge be a different color and the other abilities since it's either/both combat and non-combat. or have a way for users to change background colors.
i will have to play around a bit more as time allows but definitely helpful for creating my own cards - way more easy than scanning/printing/handwriting as i have been doing.
Playing with colors should be easy. I'll add that to my to-do list.
Feel free to post Issues about the Template if you have ideas to improve it.
There is now two "Pulp Alley" templates pre-installed, one for the characters (with two very distinct styles), and one for the cards (Fortune, Solo, others). A good way to create your own, or, like myself, get your cards in your own language.
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This is sounding really cool. Can't wait to check it out!
THANKS for everything you're doing and for sharing with everyone! :D
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Quick question. How do I change the font size for the description? Could tweak the code on the previous version, but failing to see where I can edit it in the new version.
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It seems to have disappear. Strange.
Will look into it and correct it.
https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/156
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When printing does it do multiple cards per page? Sorry if that seems like a simple question but couldn't find any information on the wiki.
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Not yet. But it is planned : https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/issues/29
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Geckos is teaming up with "En Terres Sauvages" (right now on Ulule (https://fr.ulule.com/en-terres-sauvages/news/)), the french translation of Perilous Wilds, a supplement for Dungeon World. The goal is to provide new templates for inspiration cards for Dungeon World (and other uses, I'm sure).
While developing those templats, I will add new functions to Geckos (some are already done) and everyone will get access to cards designed by a true designer (aka not me). Here's what I already put in place :
(https://drfhlmcehrc34.cloudfront.net/cache/f/2/8f831dfbbd8bad8cdd4d3e58ea0b58.png)
Stay tuned for more informations, and feel free to ask me about creating cards with / for you !
PS : better export and printing are in development !
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A post on my blog (in french), about the state of advancement and what is coming : http://www.gulix.fr/blog/spip.php?article429
TLDR : the project grows slowly, I'm open to external collaborations, and I'm getting into "Template Creation on Demand", versus some contribution (feel free to contact me).
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Good news. Still like Geckos. :)
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The Beta 3 of Geckos is now live !
https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/releases/tag/v0.3.0
But what's about this Beta 3 ? Well, many new functions are now done. You can see a list of what has been achieved in this page, but here's a summary :
* Google Fonts are now very easy to use inside templates
* Copy an existing card to create a new one
* Globals / Constants inside a Template (for images, complex code, duplicates, ...)
* Export a card to SVG
* Export all cards to ZIP (of PNG or SVG)
* Export all cards to PDF
* Save your work in your browser cache, instead of using JSON files
* Load Geckos with a chosen template
* Overall make-up of the UI
http://gulix.github.io/geckos/
All of these new features can be found in the demo project, hosted on Github. Test them, use them, feel free to report any bug, missing feature, wanted feature, or anything else via the Issues page.
What's coming next ?
Some videos are planned to explain how to use Geckos, as a card maker, and as a template creator. In addition, the documentation will be updated with a "how to use" section. Feel free to express your needs in documentation in the Issues !
Here's some info on how Contributing to Geckos : https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md
There's a Milestone called Templates for Beta 3 ( https://github.com/Gulix/geckos/milestone/8 ) that is now my priority. I've got some templates to update create in order to provide more templates to you, the users ! If you want a template that's not on that list, feel free to contact me. I could work on a template for a small fee, or guide you through the creation of your template.
There will be some minor (I hope !) issues that will come with this Beta. I will correct them and create minor releases.
Also, there's the Beta 4 that's now waiting in line. Many many things are planned, and intermediate releases will surely happened. I always say that I'll get into the Template Editor as soon as possible, but other interesting things pop up. Some features that need to be added to the core engine. See the updated list, and feel free to express your needs and wants by commenting the Issues (or by creating new ones).
Enjoy Geckos ! And feel free to speak about it !
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Very cool! Thanks for the updates. :D :D :D