The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

It's been a while since the last GCA archive we had worked, so in my off time I started tinkering around with a new archive for GCA material. I've finally gotten it to the point of being usable, so I'm announcing the grand opening of the:

GCA Repository - A GURPS Character Assistant archive

It's still a work in progress, of course, so please send any comments and suggestions you have to make the site better for the community.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I really like this project. Is there something that I can do that would make people more interested in making use of it?

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I'm waiting for the current shakedown on DF to be complete before I put it up. I'm doing another go-around on the OpenRPG sheet, and then I'll upload that. I've also got a hairy beta of a SJG Forums export sheet that will be getting polished and going up some time soon.

And of course I'm re-opening development on Supers as well.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I published a big update this morning. Hopefully, I'll be able to get around to adding some additional file support (portrait images, maybe sample PDFs, etc) soonish.

Let me know if you notice anything broken.

PS: Take note that how you login has changed. You now login with your registered e-mail address, not your username, which itself has become merely your handle/nom de plume and can be changed at will (subject to some restrictions).

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just pushed another update. I've overhauled package/file management UI and you may now attach an image and an example PDF, if you like, to packages in addition to the GCA file.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Another small update today. Mostly adding options in various places to search by member.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

It seems my hosting provider recently decided to push a major database upgrade without informing me. Long story short, the repository will be down for some hours while I fix the issue. My apologies for the inconvenience.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

... oh joy! >.<

I'll slap them with a wet trout for you.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Heh. Thanks. ^_~

Turns out that it wasn't just the database that was upgraded, although that was the major hiccup here. After making the requisite changes to my queries to appease the new DB server version and changing the collations to something other than latin1_swedish (don't ask me why that was the default!), the repository is back in working order.

I should probably make further adjustments, to get the most out of the new environment, but that's not critical and can wait for another day, say after I sync my development system to match the new production environment.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

More happy news: During the upgrade, they also managed to torpedo some of the PHP extensions/modules that the repository uses. This will cause problems with uploading and previewing character save files (.gca4, .gca4base) that include a description or notes in RTF -- no character file currently in the repository contains the data required to trigger the problem. I'll get a work-around in place while I wait for them to decide (a) if they're going to fix it, and (b) which of them gets to commit seppuku.

EDIT: The temporary work-around is in place and uploads/previews of character files containing RTF description/notes are working correctly again.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I have a request/question.

I can link to a search based on a given tag

http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/sea...tags=equipment

and I can link to a search based on a given UserID

http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/sea...earch&userid=4

I'd like to create a static link to a combination of BOTH these searches (so it only shows results for me, that are tagged with equipment.

I've tried using a comma and a semicolon to chain those arguments togeather but it just does the userid and ignores the tags

http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/sea...tags=equipment

and

http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/sea...tags=equipment

Is there a way to do this? Can there be? :D


EDIT Never mind. I just randomly tried using an & to chain them together and it worked.

http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/sea...pment&userid=4

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Yes. The ampersand is the standard conjoining character.

Related to this, I suppose it might be a nice feature if I were to expose a URL for the current search, so you don't have to make one yourself. I'll look into that.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I'm wondering, is anything I can do to make the repository more attractive to potential users/authors?

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I've posted my Necromancer, and one of his perks has gone AWOL from the preview.

The last perk on the list (both alphabetically and as per the trait list in the file), Focused Fast Caster (Frostbite), is missing. It seemed a little odd.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Will check on that. It almost has to be a parsing problem of some kind.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Set it up to allow easy browsing without searching. That's my biggest beef with the archive.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Could you elaborate a bit?

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Right now the GCA repository only lets you view the contents that match search criteria. But I want to see what's in there that I wouldn't even think to search for.

An example from this morning's shopping trip:

I went to Harbor Freight looking for a paint sprayer. If it had been the sort of store where you walk up to a window and ask for what you want, I would have gotten my paint sprayer a lot more quickly. Instead, at Harbor Freight you walk around the store and pick up your items from the shelf. So in getting to the paint sprayer, I walked past the bin with bicycle lifts (a pulley and hook arrangement for easily hanging your bicycle from the ceiling in your garage or shed), and I have two of those now. I also walked past the bin with multi-bit screwdrivers, and picked up one of those for a friend. And I happened to see a good deal on motorcycle jacks, so I bought that too. Before I left, I also grabbed the paint sprayer I was looking for.

In other words, by making their products browseable, instead of just getting one item to me with great efficiency, they managed to get 6 items to me. That meant that instead of getting $14 out of one customer, they got $125 out of that same customer, just by having the right interface.

BTW, if you're looking for a paint sprayer, you might want to hit Harbor Freight today. Good prices.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just dont enter anything in the search engine and it will list all items in alphabetical order

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I did eventually stumble on to that. As an interface though, that stinks. Better to make that the default, and have searching be an option. Search is an appropriate interface for very large databases. A list I can browse is an appropriate interface for smaller databases. In fact, I wouldn't even bother with a search feature until you have more than a hundred entries in that database.

To continue my example, you're not going to sell me a motorcycle lift that way. All you're going to sell is a paint sprayer.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Mostly just for my own curiosity:
As has already been pointed out, just clicking search will yield all packages for you, is the "Search with no terms specified to browse all packages" note that poorly placed?

Now, on to the real reply:
My hope at the time was that the database would become large enough to make searching the obvious choice of interface, and yes I was apparently being very overly optimistic. Regardless, I'm not going to have two separate interfaces to the database, that is the path of madness, so we're sticking with the search page, although it seems that some tweaks may be in order.

What if I were to invert the search, so to speak, and make it sort of a filter instead. The default view of the database would be an unfiltered listing of the entire database, the same as if you entered an empty search now. You could then use the search/filter controls to narrow that list, if needed. I assume that would be an acceptable modification to the interface? (everyone/anyone)

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Yes, it's that poorly placed. The fact that you put it there at all is the problem. The fact that you need it is the root of the problem.

That is the way it definitely should work. In fact I think that until it gets very large (several hundred entries), that's the ideal interface.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I've revised the repository browsing interface a bit. How does that grab everyone?

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I do like it better.

Armin

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I agree, the new interface is better. Thanks for your hard work!

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Another update to the Browse page.

For the most part, it's functionally the same as the previous update, however, I've begun to use jQuery on the site and that was the first page to get some of the love. The visibility of the filter options should be less quirky on page reload, and if you have JavaScript disabled, you'll no longer see the now useless visibility toggle checkbox.

I did add one tiny bit of functionality to the page, however. When the package list is filtered, by any means, you'll see a link in the bottom right corner of the filter options (named "Filter Link"), which exposes the current filter URL for bookmarking, copy/pasting, or whatever else turns you on.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Nice improvement.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Great site and resource!! Thanks for doing this!

Where can I find out about the Stress Points option? It intrigues me...

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Hmm. After looking around a bit.

Game rules: They act somewhat like mental FP. The only concrete game rules I have left are what's in Phoenix, when you show the effects chart for the SP block. Digging them out for you, they are:
Sheet support: Only Phoenix directly supports the Stress Points stat with its own block, as far as I know, being that it's an unofficial stat. It was added by request for someone, I forget who at the moment, maybe KoD (Kitty of Doom). You can see the SP block by enabling it in the Phoenix options, under Statistic Options, you may also want to turn on the effects chart, which is just below the other option. Caveat: the SP block will not display if the character does not have the Stress Points stat.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

For anyone interested I recently added a few files. A Cyberpunk data file that allows the user to make custom cyber-ware advantages on the fly (basic cyber-limb is a parent item and add ons are separate advantages), and a set of data files for Gurps Prime Directive the Star Fleet Universe game A.K.A. Classic Star Trek by way of a licensing nightmare.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Hey, there.

Just a quick question. I was wondering if I could upload an Excel sheet I've been working on for my GURPS game. It isn't a GCA file per se, but it is a handy tool for keeping track of characters in a GURPS game.

The purpose behind the current version is to allow a GM to create a pre-made store of PCs and NPCs in a the Character Summary page, with a number of calculations taken care of for you (weapon damage, encumberance, move, brawling modifiers, etc). These characters can then be selected from a drop down list and brought into the campaign page (currently just a combat page). Once in the combat page, you should have access to the majority of the stats and scores you need for a fight with up to 20 characters. I was originally thinking of adding skill summaries, innate attacks and so on, but I thought I would test this version first and see if there is any appetite for a more detailed version. This one should do a lot of heavy lifting for any fantasy or modern game.

Anyone mind if I put it up on the Archive?

Thanks!

CG

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

If anyone's interested I just added a new file the "advertising copy" is

Want to print out NPC cards for the wolves you plan on sicking on the PC's? A player wants' to stat up a animal companion as a Ally? Need somewhere to start when calculating the point cost of a were's alternate form? If you answered yes to any of these, then this file is for you. All animals from Campaigns stated up as racial templates (finished off with data from the encyclopedia esp. on lifespan & top speed). Hope they are useful.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I was about to ask if anyone had updated prime directive files. And some has! Thanks

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I hope you like them.
One of these day's I'll even finish and post my files for the Klingon and Romulan supliments. The ones posted so far have the races but not the Academy templates or equipment.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

If anyone is interested I have now added a data file for GPD Klingons. So now you GPD players can generate and outfit a squad of Klingon marines with GCA and go blow stuff up.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushing a large update to the site. Parts of it may be on fire until the update is complete.

[EDIT] The update is now complete. Let me know if you notice anything dangling.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

New in the repository, Gurps Prime Directive: Romulans. All the training templates, equipment and wildlife from GPD Romulans. GCA files for GPD are now up to date with the published material. Now if only ADB would finish Gurps Federation, Feline Empires . . .

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Another new file in the repository. Path/Book magic. I've done an unofficial file for the Path/Book magic system in Gurps Thaumatology and uploaded it for any interested parties. Enjoy.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I've added another file based on material in Thaumatology, Rune magic. I've created a file of spells to go with the rune alphabets in Thaumatology, it includes a set of Generic runes based of the how to example in the book as well as spells for the Futhark, Ogham, Zodiac and Hebrew examples discused in the book. I've even included a modified version of the new spell from basic set to allow you to create your own campaign specific runes.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Another new file added, Gurps Wizards. an unofficial conversion of the templates from the third edition book Gurps Wizards to fourth edition. I have included all the templates from the book (except the Super Wizard bump up the point value of an existing template till you get a super version, you're on your own there). Several templates will require loading variant files to work properly (ritual magic, and clerical magic particularly) you will also need my Path/Book magic and Rune magic files for two of the templates. Which variant files are required are noted in the template descriptions. Also for many templates you will need to run a needs check on the spells due to GCA not always recognizing prerequisites as being fulfilled from the auto added spells for spells in lenses or on pick lists although I have made an effort to make sure all prerequisites have been met (except for the add x points of other spells, you're on your own there too).

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Small site update to make the new and updated feeds more visible.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I've added a file of templates converted from the 3e book Gurps Warriors. Several templates in the book ended up as multiple templates in the file due to variation for TL or lenses that work better as seperate templates in GCA. I have also fleshed out a few items mentioned in the text that didn't get full treatment as temlates, the High Tech Knight and Island Barbarian for example.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I've updated my Path/Book Magic file to work with the newest udated of GCA. the Rune magic file works without need for update.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small site update, internal stuff for the most part, however, there were a few interesting changes (for content publishers): file archives must now select an associated GCA file type and added support for the 7-zip format.

A larger update will be coming sometime within the next few days.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Hey I really like Pheonix a lot, especially the Greyscale. thanks.

I wanted to ask if anyone associated with the GCA archive would be interested in Beta Testing the GURPS character archive that I made.

GCA is a supported filetype, although other filetypes are allowed as well, namely PDF.

http://www.gurpscharacter.com

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Hi all,

It's been a long while since I posted anything here.

To help me learn how to edit GCA code I've made templates of the 13 Martial Art Styles from Martial Arts Gladiators.
This was my first attempt at GCA coding. It looks to work fine but I'd appreciate it if anybody can tell me of any errors I've made or how I can make it better.

The files can be found at the GCA Repository:
http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/view.php?pkgid=48

This is a work in progress. I hope to complete the equipment and character Templates next.


Andy

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I added the FN FAL Para from Hightech and created the Springfield XD tactical .45

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just added a new file Gurps Rogues. unofficial conversions of the files in the third edition book.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I just cobbled together and uploaded a variant of the Imbuements 2: Perks file. This version removes all traits that use the Magic system. Games that do not incorporate magic may find this one easier to use than the regular Imbuements file.

I deliberately left Magic School Familiarity in there because that Perk does not require an actual working magical system to be useful. Campaigns that don't even have that much can delete that trait individually.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small update to fix some issues related to a certain Minotaur-loving gal dynamo's unending war on the character preview engine. ;)

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small update to add reCAPTCHA to the account registration page.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Added an incomplete gdf for the animals, monsters, and divine servitors described in DF5. These are for the creatures themselves, not for the traits that they make available to their PC companions.

Druidic Allies: Complete
Holy Allies: Complete (some cleanup still required, known non-fatal bugs)
Familiars: Meta-traits complete
Animals: not started
Fantastic Creatures: Hellhound only.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

If you had had this like a week ago, my players would have been VERY happy! Anyway, I'm getting it ASAP. Next time, please include a link, as I'm going to go search for it in the repository ;)

EDIT: And here's the link

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I have published my first unofficial data file to the repository. It takes the information from Psionic Powers and I hope it is useful. It does not put any of the specifics of the powers, but does list what page they are on.

And here is the link. http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/view.php?pkgid=86

Updated file to fix technique errors

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small update that allow you to specify a package-link within a package's description. You do this via a bit of markup, [pkgid=ID]TEXT[/pkgid]. For example, from the description of the GMCS Weapon Tagging GDF:

Tags all weapon traits from the December 04, 2009 data update for inclusion in the [pkgid=4]GM Control Sheet[/pkgid].

Which renders as a standard hyperlink:

Tags all weapon traits from the December 04, 2009 data update for inclusion in the GM Control Sheet.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Is the Improved Character Sheet working for anyone else? I've downloaded and 'installed', but when I Print Preview nothing happens.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I just tried it. I get a beep when I try to preview, but nothing else happens.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I believe it is/was supposed to work with the 3e GDF. I don't think it ever worked the with 4e GDFs, it would just crash.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Ah, gotcha. Thanks for the replies.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I just performed some tidying of the database—tag cleanup mostly. On a related note, I also added a slew of new tags to the tag guide.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small update—from Eric's wish list—to allow one-step updating of package files; you no longer need to remove the old version before posting the new one.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I didn't know that there is a tag guide, where is it? Thanks.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

On the package addition and editing pages, right next to the Tags legend. A round blue question mark button looking thing—e.g. (?)—whose title, when you hover over it, is "View recommended tags".

There's a similar one on the browse page, for the filter terms.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small update:

• Added a few more tags to the tag guide.
• Made the tag guide popup-window interactive. Clicking on the tags within the tag guide will automatically load them into the parent window's Tags field for you.
• Expanded the GCA file type names out in the various list displays; e.g. instead of seeing "DATA" you'll now see "data file".

I tested the tag guide's new interactivity in: Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.6, Safari 5, Chrome 9, and Opera 11. Please let me know if you have any issues with it.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small update to add "pyramid" to the tag guide as a source tag.

And now a question about the tag guide itself. At the moment, I've got it segregated into rough categories—source, genre, setting, sheet, and miscellaneous. Would it be better to make it a simple alphabetical list?

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I wasn't expecting the segregated list, but I liked it when I got over the surprise. The Repo is more content-specialized than, for example, Flikr, so leveraging that to make the tag list easier to navigate seems useful.

I suppose the compromise is to provide BOTH options, but that's more coding for you ;)

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Pushed a small update that changes some of the site styling and re-paths the style tree. So, if things look wonky, that would be why. Clearing your browser's cache should fix any issues.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just a note: In the e23 forum, in the "Predictions for 2011" thread (whatever it's called...), someone posted a link to the (apparently completely authorized) file for the upcoming Monster Hunters pdf.

As I'm not sure how valid the info is (or how authorized... I'll let someone with the authority to verify come in and make a statement), I'm not going to link directly, so if the link has to be edited out by the mods, there's fewer places they have to track down. :-)

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking. I can assure everyone that no files are ever posted on MyGURPS without my authority, because I'm the only one with the FTP password. :)

So yes, I was the one who posted the (PARTIAL) Monster Hunters GDF on MyGURPS, and announced it in the User-made items for GCA thread. It's also announced in my signature, below, and I announced it on Twitter.

Is there something I'm not aware of that calls into question who uploaded the file? Or am I just completely misunderstanding your question? (Probably the latter...)

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

If it helps, check out the Rev.s user title. He's also the author.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Nope, just making sure that I don't step on anyone's toes. :-)

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Updated DF5 Beastiary -- it now has the common familiars. Only the Fantastic Creatures section is left.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

And now they are all in there. From Anaconda to Undine.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just posted a minor update, mostly cosmetic. If things look wonky, that would be why. Clearing your browser's cache should fix any issues. If not, let me know.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Posted an update today. I reworked filter section of the browse page significantly, made the help system for package tags more prominent, and added support for sheet profiles. The latter won't be terribly useful until the next version of GCA is out, but I figured while I was in there I might as well get it done now.

I tested it fairly thoroughly, however, if I have missed any problems with the update, please let me know.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just posted an update, which included some style changes. If things look wonky, forcing a refresh or clearing your browser's cache should fix it. If not, let me know.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just posted an update to fix an issue on the character preview pages where the popular browser add-on Adblock Plus (ABP) would erroneously block any advantage-type trait sections. The fix required some style changes, so if you use ABP and have previewed a character recently, you may need to either force a refresh or clear your browser's cache to pick up the requisite changes. My apologies for the inconvenience.

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just added an archive with a proposed change for the "Variant Basic Set 4e - Remove Skills TL 4+.gdf" file. I split it in two parts, one for TL4+ and one for TL5+. Currently files are named with "Kingmaker_" prepended as that's the name of my current campaign.

http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/view.php?pkgid=108

/Jonas

Re: The GCA Repository (GCA file archive)
 

Just added a data file with a missing bit from "GURPS Dungeon Fantasy Remove Unnecessary Traits.GDF", it removes all the forbidden wizard spells from the AllSpellsMagical group (from the Gurps Magic gdf.)
Filenames have "Kingmaker_" prepended as I do that for files I use in my campaign. But, should work for anyone.

http://www.motoslave.net/gcarepo/view.php?pkgid=109

/Jonas