Character Sheet Feedback

[Jeff Carlsen]

*UPDATE: Sheet now compatible with the PHB!*

I've updated the static version of the sheet. I want to get feedback before I put in the effort to update the fillable sheet. I'll once again provide the InDesign file when finished.

Version 1.1 is available from the forum Downloads Section.


Previous Versions:

I started working on a character sheet for D&D Next as a thought experiment when, low and behold, Wizards announced a contest.

I don't care so much about winning, though it would be nice. I just want to make a really good sheet, so I'm looking for feedback.

My initial work is being done in Libre Office Calc, because it allows for quick prototyping of the basic design. When that gets nailed down, I'll switch to either InDesign or GIMP to build a more attractive version.

Please let me know your thoughts.


Release 0.1

For this release, the basic design concepts are in place. The front page is focused on the core mechanics of the game, broken into four major vertical sections. Horizontally, the design is split into thirds to create visual symmetry.

The top section is dedicated to a character biography. I've always felt that having an image in the top left corner next to pure character description was important for two reasons. First, It makes an individual character sheet recognizable at a glance. Second, it reinforces that you're playing a character first, and that the rules are secondary to that.

Lastly, I use a separate sheet for spells. I figure you either need a lot of space, or none.


Release 0.2

This release made several changes based on the feedback given.

I've also further embraced the concept of a modular character sheet. The first two pages are core, and relate to everyone. Additional optional pages add detail for those who want it.

I'm also providing the LibreOffice Calc file I'm using for reference.

Changelog

• Added missing labels in several places
• Reorganized the character biography to keep game related information together and at the top.
• Added description of how to use abilities and skills
• Redesigned the Attacks and Defense sections to allow for more content
• Added entry for Initiative
• Restyled the Class and Race section and added tracking for class features with limited uses.
• Expanded Carrying Capacity information
• Added section to track coinage
• Created optional sheet for recording magic items
• Created optional sheet for tracking hit points, spell effects, conditions, and adventure notes, plus bookkeeping for experience, and treasure.

Release 0.3

This release has a redesigned second page and a focus on increasing white space.

I wasn't happy with the amount of space for equipment and treasure, so I've expanded that section.

With the design team planning to implement bigger feats, I've decided to treat them in the same manner as I do magic items. Namely, have a concise list of feats on the main sheet, and then provide an optional reference sheet, which will be designed when we know what the new feats look like.


Release 0.4

I've moved on to InDesign! This is just the front page for now. Working this way takes more time, and I want to get feedback at this point.

Some caveats:

• I haven't really worked on the portrait box to incorporate a D&D logo or text saying it's a character sheet.
• Some of the lines appear to have varying thickness in the PDF, but not when printed.
• The "Current HP" box extends beyond the pages print margin. I need to find a solution to that.

Release 0.5

This release represents the basic sheet in a fully useable form.

I fixed some copy problems, added a new portrait border, redesigned the hit points section, and completed the second page. Next step is the spell sheet. It's possible that I'll have all of the sheets converted for the next release.


Release 0.6

The sheet is complete, including all the optional sheets I've presented so far. I post it now for final feedback before I submit it to the competition.


Release 0.7

I have done a quick update to reflect the changes in the 8-2-2013 playtest packet.


Release 0.8

I've made changes according to feedback and experience. In particular, there's a place to record your lifestyle costs, "vision" has been renamed to "senses", fields of lore is now a checklist, the class features section has been revised, the hit point tracker has been redesigned, and magic items now how a checkbox for attunement.

Release 0.9

I've updated the sheet for the September 20th, 2013 packet, as well as to address feedback.

As always, I'm looking for feedback. Once I've address feedback, I'll take the time to make it fillable.

What's changed:

The Defenses and Attacks section have been merged into a combat section and rearranged. This was done to open up some more space for tracking proficiencies and various modifiers while keeping the sheet feeling organized.

A fair amount of stylistic polish has been included as well. Hopefully you like it.

After far too many hours, the 1.0 release of my sheet is complete. Thank you all for your feedback. It was invaluable.

I have only made the main page and the spellcasting pages fillable for now (though that alone increased the file size by an order of magnitude). I'll get to the other two pages eventually, but I needed a break.

D&D 5E Character Sheet 1.0 (Static).pdf (185 KB)

D&D 5E Character Sheet 1.0 (Paritally Fillable).pdf (1,674 KB)

As promised, I'm also providing the InDesign document. Feel free to do with it as you will.

Dungeons and Dragons 5E character sheet.indd

 

[sheadunne]

My only suggestion would be to move all the "appearance" stuff to a second or third page. I don't think it needs to be referenced often in a game. But I always do like having it on the sheet.

 

[GX.Sigma]

I like a lot of it. My group is really enthusiastic about drawing their characters, so they'll like having the drawing area on the front. Fields like "Upkeep" and "Birthday" don't really seem necessary.

I'm not a huge fan of the skills being right next to the ability scores like they are. Maybe that's because it's a perfect way of representing the current skill system, and I hate the current skill system. I'd prefer a little space with 4-6 blank lines.

What's the deal with all the little bubbles under "defense?" Is that supposed to be for encumbrance? If so, I don't see how that helps (and it shouldn't be under "defense").

There needs to be more slots for feats.

I like the equipment section, but it's missing a place to put coinage (IMO, the best way to do this is to have separate boxes for gold, silver, etc. and have the conversion rates right there). Also, you could have more weight capacities and what they mean (unencumbered, encumbered, max drag/lift).

I like the spell page.

 

[Libramarian]

Pretty nice, I prefer it to the official sheet already.

Using hundreds of little circles to represent every hit point is pretty inelegant though. Why not use an abacus, like this:
10|_ _ _ _ _._ _ _ _|_
01|_ _ _ _ _._ _ _ _

Top row represents tens, bottom row represents ones. The slot to the right of the tens row represents +100, so you can take it to 200.

e.g. 123 looks like this:
10|_ * _ _ _._ _ _ _|*
01|_ _ * _ _._ _ _ _

You can have another slot next to the ones row representing that the number is negative.

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

My only suggestion would be to move all the "appearance" stuff to a second or third page. I don't think it needs to be referenced often in a game. But I always do like having it on the sheet.

It's a difficult choice. After reading this, I once again considered the placement and played around with alternatives (such as placing equipment on the front and moving biography to the back), but in the end I want to keep all biographic information together. Second, I'm considering an optional set of expanded equipment sheets, which plays better with altering the back page.

Good feedback, though.

I like a lot of it. My group is really enthusiastic about drawing their characters, so they'll like having the drawing area on the front. Fields like "Upkeep" and "Birthday" don't really seem necessary.

I'm not a huge fan of the skills being right next to the ability scores like they are (I'd prefer a little space with 4-6 blank lines). Maybe that's because it's a perfect way of representing the current skill system, and I hate the current skill system.

What's the deal with all the little bubbles under "defense?" Is that supposed to be for encumbrance? If so, I don't see how that helps (and it shouldn't be under "defense").

There needs to be more slots for feats.

I like the equipment section, but it's missing a place to put coinage (IMO, the best way to do this is to have separate boxes for gold, silver, etc. and have the conversion rates right there). Also, you could have more weight capacities and what they mean (unencumbered, encumbered, max drag/lift).

I like the spell page.

The portrait box is a keystone of all my sheets these days, so I'm glad you like it. I feel it really makes it feel like a character sheet to have that top right.

What entries you have in a character bio influences the expected game play. Birthday, for example, is an entry that ties a character to the setting and calendar. Upkeep, on the other hand, I've always struggled with. I want to find a better term to represent how well a character takes care of themselves as far as grooming, hygiene, and clothing. I think it says something interesting about a character. But you're right. If I need to free up some space, those could go.

As you say, the way skills are displayed is intended to reflect how they are used in the system. If I submit this to the contest, then I'll have to choose one and stick with it. But, if I build this in InDesign, I could actually use layers to allow you to choose your preference, so I'll keep this suggestion on the back burner.

The bubbles under defense are a hit point tracker. I've been adding them to D&D sheets for a long time and they've proven quite popular at the table.

Why does it need more feat slots? You can only get four feats from specialties. Bonus feats from classes are, first of all, class features and would be recorded there, and on the way out according to Mearls. Am I missing something?

Your callouts for equipment are absolutely correct. I especially can't believe that I missed the coinage. The next version will have an updated equipment section. I'm also working on an expanded equipment sheet for those who desire such a thing.

Pretty nice, I prefer it to the official sheet already.

Using hundreds of little circles to represent every hit point is pretty inelegant though. Why not use an abacus, like this:
10|_ _ _ _ _._ _ _ _|_
01|_ _ _ _ _._ _ _ _

Top row represents tens, bottom row represents ones. The slot to the right of the tens row represents +100, so you can take it to 200.

e.g. 123 looks like this:
10|_ * _ _ _._ _ _ _|*
01|_ _ * _ _._ _ _ _

You can have another slot next to the ones row representing that the number is negative.

Your suggestion is elegant, in that it allows for tracking a lot of hit points in a small space. But, it has two problems when used on a character sheet. First, it's a bit confusing. Second, it requires erasing and rewriting every time your hit points change, which doesn't save you much over just writing down your current total. Lastly, all those extra erasings will destroy that section of the sheet over time.

The method I use means you can make simple marks to track where you are, and only need to erase them when you're healed. Plus, its very straightforward to use. Sadly, it does take up a lot of space.

 

[Philousk]

An example of your character sheet filled with data by an existing character would be clearer to me. As "posture" in the identity section seems futile unless I misunderstood the good meaning of the word. Do you mean the physical posture? i.e. my old druid have the shoulders hunched and his back is bent. Also, I would like to understand the meaning of blank rectangular boxes (small and large) and circular on the page dedicated to spells. Otherwise, I tip my hat to your very promising first draft.

 

[GX.Sigma]

What entries you have in a character bio influences the expected game play. Birthday, for example, is an entry that ties a character to the setting and calendar. Upkeep, on the other hand, I've always struggled with. I want to find a better term to represent how well a character takes care of themselves as far as grooming, hygiene, and clothing. I think it says something interesting about a character. But you're right. If I need to free up some space, those could go.

It just makes it feel like it was designed to make a point, rather than to be convenient and useful. It's like the lemon squeezer thing. You can make a page with boxes for "favorite color" and "mother's maiden name" and call it a character sheet, but what people actually want character sheets for is to write down their stats.

The bubbles under defense are a hit point tracker. I've been adding them to D&D sheets for a long time and they've proven quite popular at the table.

How do you use it?

Why does it need more feat slots? You can only get four feats from specialties. Bonus feats from classes are, first of all, class features and would be recorded there

The classes just say "you gain X feat," which to me says that it's a feat and belongs under feats. I dunno. I hope they go far far away and this is not an issue.

I've been looking at the spell page for a few minutes trying to come up with how to make it better (as it's nearly perfect right now). The only thing I can think of is that it's weird for divine spells; it feels like you'd have to write and erase every time you want to prepare a different spell loadout.

Can you share how you created this in Calc (or upload the file)? I'm really interested in how to make stuff like this.

 

[Evenglare]

The sheet isnt bad by any stretch of the imagination, however, ever since 4th edition's essential character sheet I simply LOVE one (or at the most 2) page character sheets. A sort of less is more aspect. I would love a sheet that went indepth with all the calculations, but then a sheet where you could bring it to your table and play.

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

An example of your character sheet filled with data by an existing character would be clearer to me. As "posture" in the identity section seems futile unless I misunderstood the good meaning of the word. Do you mean the physical posture? i.e. my old druid have the shoulders hunched and his back is bent. Also, I would like to understand the meaning of blank rectangular boxes (small and large) and circular on the page dedicated to spells. Otherwise, I tip my hat to your very promising first draft.

Yeah, it means physical posture.

The entry fields and circles are for recording and tracking spells per day for each level. There is a label for that under "level one spells". If you missed it, then I should consider labeling every box.

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

The sheet isnt bad by any stretch of the imagination, however, ever since 4th edition's essential character sheet I simply LOVE one (or at the most 2) page character sheets. A sort of less is more aspect. I would love a sheet that went indepth with all the calculations, but then a sheet where you could bring it to your table and play.

When I can, I absolutely agree with you. But I don't feel that D&D Next doesn't accomplish it well if you want one sheet to handle 20 levels. So I settled on a two page spread. Then I discovered that spells really need a page to themselves.

My plan for the next revision is to have the normal two page spread, with optional expanded pages where they make sense.