I am a new DM and find it daunting to keep everything organized. Like initiative, hp/damage, actions available, etc.
I was thinking if I could find a way to print up some cards (playing card size 2.5"x3.5") I could make ones for the characters and each monster. Does something like this exist?
Does anyone know how to go about doing something like this?
For initiative: I take some small strips of paper, and fold into "little Vs" and have char names/monster names on them. I then put them in order on top of my DM screen and slide them across as each turn proceeds. I used different colored paper for the player's but that's because I expect those to be reused a lot.
I have a larger sheet of paper with basic monster AC/HP and I may put their initiative roll on that as well.
I do things digitally, so have small copies of pertinent monster info that I can then look up as needed.
For the players, while they have their own sheets (or logins to DnD beyond :) I have a small index card that has their character: AC/HP and passive perception that I have on the inside of my DM screen.
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"An' things ha' come to a pretty pass, ye ken, if people are going to leave stuff like that aroound where innocent people could accidentally smash the door doon and lever the bars aside and take the big chain off'f the cupboard and pick the lock and drink it!"
I have info on the PCs on my screen, and for initiative I'll have a notepad with 1-25 written down one side with character/monsters listed when they roll, with monster HP on the same page that I'll just mark off as they damage. Since I use a laptop I'll have the statblock for the monster and any NPCs open in various tabs to let me quickly see who is doing what.
I've seen people use initiative towers and devices, but for me the players should be trying to remember who acts next.
i use https://kobold.club/fight/ not only can i track initiative but damage and encounter challenge if i want to make sure it's a deadly fight or not. For simpler combat i jot down on paper and my players typically remember their turn order but won't say anything if i forget an enemy turn. Which KFC helps with too.
EDIT: I also use a party tracker sheet with details on my players characters such as active they can take etc. And for enemy stats and spells i open tabs for each from the D&D beyond reference pages.
As with above I use D&D beyond, so I have full access to the player's sheets. I also use cheap LCD writing board that I use to keep track of Monster HP and Initiative numbers. I paid like 10 for mine. Just do a search for "boogie board" and buy a generic one. Works great!
The way I do it is by asking my players to give me a moment to write initiative down once all roles have been done as someone that does everything on discord
For initiative and monster HP, I use a wipe erase board. I have everyone roll and remember their numbers (I make a note of monster numbers). Then I ask for intiative numbers in groups: Anyone over 20? 15-20? 10-15? etc. So I can write down in order as I go. (I learned this from watching Matt Mercer on Critical role)
I use the bottom part of the same board to track monster HP. I don't currently have a good system for spell slots used, etc. I'm hoping to eventually be able to do that with the encounter builder that is currently in alpha here.
I previously tracked initiative on a whiteboard as well; made changes very quick and easy. I've also done it on the game board itself or tasked a player with managing it to keep them involved.
Lately I've switched to a variant system with dynamic initiative each round, so I only roll opposing checks when two or more creatures would interact (it's more rolling but there's nothing to track round to round).
I have created an Encounter Tracker that I use, I have even premade a few so I can print off a Goblinoid Encounter with ready made stats and actions. It also has an Initiative Tracker Column as well. It is not an original idea, cannot remember where I saw it. But I made it nonetheless and it makes things much easier. If you like, PM me your email address and I will send a pdf to you.
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Thank you. ChrisW
Ones are righteous. And one day, we just might believe it.
I use notepads. One for my adventure notes, another for encounters and one pad used as scratch paper ( a smaller one ). I also make several bookmarks out of 8.5 x 11 printer paper buy cutting it up. I can keep notes on them if needed also. Yeah, I still use the books.
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I am a new DM and find it daunting to keep everything organized. Like initiative, hp/damage, actions available, etc.
I was thinking if I could find a way to print up some cards (playing card size 2.5"x3.5") I could make ones for the characters and each monster. Does something like this exist?
Does anyone know how to go about doing something like this?
For initiative: I take some small strips of paper, and fold into "little Vs" and have char names/monster names on them. I then put them in order on top of my DM screen and slide them across as each turn proceeds. I used different colored paper for the player's but that's because I expect those to be reused a lot.
I have a larger sheet of paper with basic monster AC/HP and I may put their initiative roll on that as well.
I do things digitally, so have small copies of pertinent monster info that I can then look up as needed.
For the players, while they have their own sheets (or logins to DnD beyond :) I have a small index card that has their character: AC/HP and passive perception that I have on the inside of my DM screen.
"An' things ha' come to a pretty pass, ye ken, if people are going to leave stuff like that aroound where innocent people could accidentally smash the door doon and lever the bars aside and take the big chain off'f the cupboard and pick the lock and drink it!"
What Koradgee said.
I have info on the PCs on my screen, and for initiative I'll have a notepad with 1-25 written down one side with character/monsters listed when they roll, with monster HP on the same page that I'll just mark off as they damage. Since I use a laptop I'll have the statblock for the monster and any NPCs open in various tabs to let me quickly see who is doing what.
I've seen people use initiative towers and devices, but for me the players should be trying to remember who acts next.
i use https://kobold.club/fight/ not only can i track initiative but damage and encounter challenge if i want to make sure it's a deadly fight or not. For simpler combat i jot down on paper and my players typically remember their turn order but won't say anything if i forget an enemy turn. Which KFC helps with too.
EDIT: I also use a party tracker sheet with details on my players characters such as active they can take etc. And for enemy stats and spells i open tabs for each from the D&D beyond reference pages.
As with above I use D&D beyond, so I have full access to the player's sheets. I also use cheap LCD writing board that I use to keep track of Monster HP and Initiative numbers. I paid like 10 for mine. Just do a search for "boogie board" and buy a generic one. Works great!
"Shadow Hide You..."
The way I do it is by asking my players to give me a moment to write initiative down once all roles have been done as someone that does everything on discord
For initiative and monster HP, I use a wipe erase board. I have everyone roll and remember their numbers (I make a note of monster numbers). Then I ask for intiative numbers in groups: Anyone over 20? 15-20? 10-15? etc. So I can write down in order as I go. (I learned this from watching Matt Mercer on Critical role)
I use the bottom part of the same board to track monster HP. I don't currently have a good system for spell slots used, etc. I'm hoping to eventually be able to do that with the encounter builder that is currently in alpha here.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
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I previously tracked initiative on a whiteboard as well; made changes very quick and easy. I've also done it on the game board itself or tasked a player with managing it to keep them involved.
Lately I've switched to a variant system with dynamic initiative each round, so I only roll opposing checks when two or more creatures would interact (it's more rolling but there's nothing to track round to round).
I have created an Encounter Tracker that I use, I have even premade a few so I can print off a Goblinoid Encounter with ready made stats and actions. It also has an Initiative Tracker Column as well. It is not an original idea, cannot remember where I saw it. But I made it nonetheless and it makes things much easier. If you like, PM me your email address and I will send a pdf to you.
Thank you.
ChrisW
Ones are righteous. And one day, we just might believe it.
I use notepads. One for my adventure notes, another for encounters and one pad used as scratch paper ( a smaller one ). I also make several bookmarks out of 8.5 x 11 printer paper buy cutting it up. I can keep notes on them if needed also. Yeah, I still use the books.