Ahoy y’all! I caught the Pirates fever again and decided to take care of some unfinished business. I’ve updated both the Randomizer (v1.4) and the VASSAL module (v2.6). The files are altered/updated in the Dropbox link on the first post.
Pirates CSG Randomizer 1.4 Update
Fully integrated the pages of Ben’s Master Spreadsheet (most recent version) so that it all stands alone as a single macro-enabled Excel spreadsheet. A big feature of this version is the Reverse Lookup – choose the set, enter the name, and the info should appear (though you may need to add an arbitrary amount of spaces after a name for it to find the exact match). Took care of a few bugs and tried to make it slightly more user-friendly too. I’ve also added Ship/Fort ID Codes that should automatically appear… which brings me to my next item:
VASSAL Module 2.6
I’ve added a “Ship Image” object into which you can enter a code in the properties to make the picture of that ship or fort appear. Previously, I use a Word .docx to paste images into to have that visual while running a game on VASSAL, but this way it’s all built in. Just like with crew/unique treasure/equipment/event images, there’s a document in the Help toolbar that will show you a list of all the codes. Or you can use the shiny new Randomizer to reverse lookup the piece’s code, up to you! It just feels much cleaner. I can run a game with only the module and a single excel – *chef’s kiss*. Also took care of a few more bugs that escaped my notice last time, included a field for entering in Links for Named Crew, and other general housekeeping. I’m no VASSAL savant and I wish I had more time to make it perfect. No doubt other irksome bugs got away, but thar she blows mateys (for now).
For me, the ship images add a little je ne sais quoi that was missing.
Some Randomizer Reminders:
Unblock the Macros
If you’re downloading the Randomizer for the first time, remember to right-click the file itself to open Properties and check the “Unblock” to allow macros. The file should be an .xlsm (not .xlsx). You may need to enable further options after opening. Nothing dangerous about the file, but less scrupulous types have made it so that you have to do all this to make macro-enabled excels work.
Local Image Files
In the .zip on the Dropbox (or on BGG) there’s a folder with all the artwork/images for the game that (I think) are the most up to date. You can use the embedded Online Image option – but if you want to have an offline option then you’ll need to download the folder, open the Randomizer, go to cell AL192, and enter the file path to the folder (with a \ at the end of the path!).
I added both the updated Randomizer on BGG (might still be pending) and module 2.6 on VASSAL, the same as the ones linked in the Dropbox now. Happy Sailing!