E-Tools

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The correct title of this article is e-Tools. The initial letter is shown capitalized due to technical restrictions.

e-Tools

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Developer:	Code Monkey Publishing
Latest release:	1.666 / 2006
OS:	Microsoft Windows
Use:	RPG playing aid
Website:	codemonkeypublishing.com

e-Tools: Character and Monster Generator is a software application initially developed by Fluid Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast (WotC). The software contains many different tools designed to assist with hosting and playing Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, though it can be altered to work with most games that use the d20 System.

[edit] History

e-Tools was originally named Master Tools and was first seen as a free demo with the Player's Handbook. Many changes were made during development cycle, and the project was eventually renamed to "e-Tools: Character and Monster Generator".

The full-version was released in 2002 at Gen Con. At first, the software was rather limited and did not have the versatility demanded by many Dungeon Masters. WotC quickly moved to address many concerns and released a large patch three months after the initial release. Many players were still dissatisfied and several add-on programs, such as Davin's ET Helper were created to allow the insertion of custom content.

WotC then contracted Code Monkey Publishing, handing them control of future e-Tools development and granting them a license to distribute all published WotC content for use with e-Tools as well as PCGen.^[1] This lasted until November 30, 2006 when WotC declined an extension of their agreement. A company representative simply explained their decision as being "because of future product considerations".^[2]