The Living Codex (Beta)

The Living Codex is a locally hosted, browser-based character sheet system for
tabletop role-playing games.

It is designed to be:

• Rules-aware but player-controlled
• Multiclass-safe
• Data-driven (CSV / JSON → UI)
• Offline-friendly
• Transparent and hackable

This project is currently in beta. Expect iteration.

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Beta Status

This is a functional beta:

• Core systems work end-to-end
• Rules logic is implemented
• UI and data formats may still evolve

There is no backend server and no cloud storage.
Everything runs locally in your browser.

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What This Is (and Isn’t)

What it is

• A responsive character sheet
• Automatic spell slot calculation
• Multiclass and subclass aware
• Prepared and known spell tracking
• Designed for self-hosting and tinkering

What it is not

• A game engine
• A rules adjudicator
• A hosted web service
• Locked to any single tabletop system

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Running Locally (Required)

Because this project uses ES modules and dynamic imports,
you must run it via a local web server.
Opening index.html directly from disk will not work.

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Option A: Python (Recommended)

If you have Python 3 installed:

cd The-Living-Codex
python3 -m http.server 8000

Then open your browser at:

http://localhost:8000

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Using The Living Codex

Creating a Character • Click “New Character” • Choose: • Species • Class • Level • Ability scores • Proficiencies and derived stats are calculated automatically

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Classes, Multiclassing, and Subclasses

•	Multiple classes are supported
•	Subclasses unlock at the correct class level
•	Spellcasting progression respects:
•	Full, half, and third casters
•	Pact magic
•	Subclass-gated casting

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Spells

•	Spells are selected from a searchable rules database
•	Known and prepared spells are tracked separately
•	Prepared limits are enforced per class
•	Cantrips are handled independently
•	Spell slots auto-calculate from class levels

Manual overrides are always available.

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Proficiencies

•	Displayed as readable pills
•	Editable via an overlay
•	Supports:
•	Saving throws
•	Skills
•	Tools
•	Weapons
•	Armour
•	Languages

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Data and Rules Architecture

The Living Codex uses a layered architecture:

CSV / JSON (data)
      ↓
RulesDB (indexed runtime rules)
      ↓
Character State
      ↓
Derived Calculations
      ↓
      UI

This makes it easy to: • Add new systems • Extend rules • Audit calculations • Replace datasets

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Repository Structure (High Level)

/data/
  /dnd5e_2014/
    classes.json
    subclasses.json
    species.json
    spells.min.json
    cantrips.json

/js/
  app.js
  /ui/
    editor.js
    spells.js
    derived.js

/tools/
  normalize_spells.py
  build_rulesdb.mjs

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Known Limitations (Beta)

•	No persistence beyond the current session
•	No character export yet
•	Inventory automation incomplete
•	Subclass spell restrictions not yet enforced (hooks exist)

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License and Attribution

This project does not reproduce proprietary rule text. All trademarks referred to belong to their respective owners.