# Default tips file, suitable for all game modes.
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# Author: James Dempsey <jdempsey@users.sourceforge.net>
# Version: $Revision: 18915 $
#
# Each non comment, non blank line is a tip. Tips can support simple html markup.

<b>Welcome to PCGen!</b><br>If you ever need help, hit F1 or see the Documentation in the Help menu. The Character Creation Walkthrough is a great place to start.
The "Things to be Done" list in the bottom left of the Summary tab will guide you on what needs to be done for your character. You can even click on an item to be taken to the appropriate tab and field. 
PCGen supports a huge range of source books. Some of the most popular combinations have been set up for you in the Basic list of sources. However you can always create your own combinations on the Advanced sources tab and click Save Source Selection so they show up on the Basic list for you next time. 
Use the <em>File > Export</em> or <em>File > Print</em> menus to output great character sheets. We support HTML and PDF output as well as output to files which can be loaded into real time tools.
Using the Qualified toggle buttons on each tab will trim the list down to just the options that you can take.
The Affordable toggle button on the Purchase tab only shows those items you have the funds for.
Here be Monsters!<p>PCGen makes it easy to create monsters too. Just load up a source which includes monsters and then create a new character. You can either: <UL><LI>Click on the <em>Create Monsters</em> button to make one just like in the book; or</LI><LI>Select a monster race and make up the monster like you would a normal character.</LI</UL> 
Treasure abounds!<p>PCGen makes it easy to add treasure too. Just load up a source which includes treasure tables and then create a new character. You can either: <UL><LI>Select the <em>Add Kit</em> function on the Edit menu and search for the available treasure kits; or</LI><LI>Click on the <em>Create Monsters</em> button and search for the available treasure kits.</LI</UL> 

# Game mode specific items go here

At the top of each list is a search box - start typing to search for something, press the X button to clear the search.
You can right-click the heading of the first column in most lists to choose how you want the contents grouped.
Try right clicking on lists to see extra options, including bulk buying and selling of equipment.
Weapons with enhancements can be created in PCGen by selecting the base weapon and clicking Add Custom. This will allow you to add masterwork, magical enhancements, special materials etc to create the perfect damage dealer.
On the <em>Spells > Prepared Spells</em> tab you'll see the <em>Spell List</em> text box.  A spell list is a set of spells you have memorized at a time. e.g City, Dungeoneering, Wilderness travel.<p>You can add new spell lists by adding a name for the spell list in the text box and clicking on the Add button.
On the <em>Spells</em> Tab you can see the number of spells you can cast in a day for a class by selecting any spell, level or class in either tree.
The <em>Inventory > Purchase</em> tab shows all of the gear you own. You need to equip the gear on the <em>Inventory > Equipping</em> tab before it affects your character though. You can even set up groups of equipment that you'd use (e.g. City, Party, Combat).  You can then print these sets out showing the changed effects on your movement and skills!
If you ever see something that doesn't make sense to you, look on the trouble-shooting preview. To get to that, click on the <em>Character Sheet</em> tab. Select the "Troubleshooting.htm" sheet. You will see all the various abilities, skills, hit points, saving throws, and the like all expanded with a tag in [] showing where it came from. Very useful for tracking down that strange -1 that shows up.
You can save buffs with your character - just apply them on the <em>Temporary Bonuses</em> tab. The effects of the buffs will then be included when you output your character.  
The -2 circumstance penalty for not having thieves tools is a temporary bonus you can apply in the <em>Temporary Bonuses</em> Tab. Other circumstantial bonuses such as riding without a saddle or having your familiar within 5' are available in this tab as well.
The Barbarian Rage is also a temporary bonus as well.
There are lots of ways to customize PCGen. Use the <em>Tools > Preferences menu</em> to access the Preferences dialog.
PCGEN doesn't always deal with levelling down perfectly.  So before you level up a character, make sure that you back up the pcg file first. That way if you choose the wrong class etc., you can go back and do it properly.
Confused about gold in your inventory?  You can purchase coins, gems etc. with your pooled gold to get them shown on your inventory.
You will see small &gt;, &lt;, &lt;up&gt; and &lt;down&gt; arrows on the panes of the PCGen windows. You can click on these to get one of the panes to expand to its full width/length.
Use the <em>Edit > Add Kit</em> menu to select predefined kits to add to your character. Options available include standard gear packs, starting gold or even standard monsters. 
PCGen is an Open Source project which means anyone can contribute. If you want to help drop a mail to <a href="mailto:PR@pcgen.org">PR@pcgen.org</a> or <a href="mailto:Content@pcgen.org">Content@pcgen.org</a>, or simply post a message with the title <strong>"I Want To Help"</strong> in one of the mailing lists.
