LL Monster Stat Blocks: Brevity Enhancements

As I noted yesterday, I was unhappy with the design decision in my hoard generation system. The output of the gems and jewels routines can be excessive. Detailed output is useful for treasure only information. When used in tandem with a far more terse application, such as the Monster Stat block generator, the information is overwhelming.

To alleviate the problem, I re-factored the treasure generation system with a terse option. I initially removed only the detailed gem and jewelry types but individual values were still too long. I settled on a count for both categories and a total value listing.

Currently, only the monster generator uses the terse option but I plan to add terse as an option for both the hoard and treasure book generators. I occasionally like the added detail for inspiration. Usually, I skip past all the details between the count and total value.

The output is far more useful now. Clean. Simple.

Monster Stat Generator for Labyrinth Lord

Ever had a project twist and turn while under development? Something you consider brilliant? The once brilliant thought degrades into question of relevance. The Monster Stat Generator is my dilemma.

The original concept was a quick and simple utility — generate short stat blocks for wandering creatures with associated treasure. The implementation was frustrating. Pride and more stubbornness than a mule hell bent on getting back to the barn kept me moving forward. I finally hit the functional level I desired. The design decisions made in my treasure generator need to be fixed. Massive gem and jewellery type outputs are not conducive to this utility.

The original, self induced hallucinations of brilliance are long gone. I doubt its usefulness beyond my own needs. The fanciful ideas wandering about in my head have fallen to the blows of doubt.