Our First Game -- What some non-RPG fans Learned that they want to share!

Hambot · Nov 4, 2008

I'll give these playmates a go this Friday.

I'll keep the Weisbaden character sheet underneath, with the favourite powers bit sticking out so I don't have to faff about with cards - all the math has already been done during PC creation, so we'll just print off another sheet each time a PC levels up.

thebouv · Jan 5, 2009

I know this is dredging up a topic, but I love this playmat (the final version by porter that is zipped up with the b&W and fancy versions). And I love the OP's ideas for his group.

Someone mentioned that they would love to see a DM playmat that is similar to this, with some simple callout boxes for the numbers you constantly ask the PCs for (Defense numbers for instance, etc). Anyone come up with one yet in the same style?

Smog · Jan 5, 2009

thebouv said:
I know this is dredging up a topic, but I love this playmat (the final version by porter that is zipped up with the b&W and fancy versions). And I love the OP's ideas for his group.

Someone mentioned that they would love to see a DM playmat that is similar to this, with some simple callout boxes for the numbers you constantly ask the PCs for (Defense numbers for instance, etc). Anyone come up with one yet in the same style?

THANK YOU! For pulling this thread back up. I would have never found it if you had not.

And thank you to everyone that had a hand in all of this.

Nathal · Jan 5, 2009

amysrevenge said:
This.

Seen it sooo many times. I only play at clubs and conventions, so I see a great many gamers, and it is almost universally true. Folks who could handle doing the arithmetic from scratch every time are the ones who have it pre-calculated, and folks who can't don't.

That's funny...I learned a long time ago to bring my calculator to games. I'm too slow doing simple math in my head. So I produce the calculator and explain it's my "left brain". Also, I'd have stuff pre-calculated on my character sheets.

Goblyns Hoard · Jan 5, 2009

thebouv said:
Someone mentioned that they would love to see a DM playmat that is similar to this, with some simple callout boxes for the numbers you constantly ask the PCs for (Defense numbers for instance, etc). Anyone come up with one yet in the same style?

I did actually have a look at this and created a first template but then abandoned the idea. The issue I had was that there are a number of factors that can affect Defences that it would require the DM to keep track of a range of numbers not only for the NPCs but now also for the PCs as well. I figured that was best left to the players. Plus having to ask them all for details keeps them drawn into the game while the DM is having his 'go' at the table, and keeps the interaction flowing - which has value to the game as a whole. So the only thing that I've had value to keep as a sheet myself is the passive insight & perception, and I didn't see the need for an entire mat for that.

If I'm wrong about this and anyone can identify a list of stats that they think are worth the DM tracking for the players then I can come up with a suitable design.

WarDaddy · Apr 24, 2009

Wow

So I have not played DnD since I 2e. I have been wanting to get back in, but all of my friends are too cool to play DnD, sad. So I have been waiting, and waiting, and now my sons are 8 and 5 and I am going to give it a try.

I was really worried about how I would do this, but I think the tools of this thread are PERFECT to help me introduce the game to my sons. They play lots of games, so using the playmate with gramps cards will be a nice way to visually show them what is happening and what they can do.

I have been searching long and hard for any other version of the 'mates. This thread has been quiet, anyone else try playing with them? Any new alterations made to the concept? Anyone still using it? This thread has been quiet a while, so I thought I would bring it back. The ideas here seem perfect for my shadowfell adventure that I will introduce the family to gaming with.

Mistwell · Jan 21, 2011

I always loved these character sheet mats. I wonder if they would require any changes after all this time and the changes to the game? Is anyone still using them?