DMs: how much PC info do you keep at hand?

[barsoomcore]

I keep AC, Saves and hit points. Think I SHOULD keep Spot, Listen and Search, but so far I don't.

Then I scribble frantic notes about everything else that I can never read. Which amuses my players, if nothing else.

 

[kigmatzomat]

I prefer the PCs to do most of the rolling and figuring of things themselves. That said, some really basic stuff I need as a DM (because I don't necessarily want the PCs to know that a roll has even been made) include Spot, Listen and Search modifiers. Saving throw modifiers are also nice, although I typically tell the players to "make a xxx save."

I have the players each make 10 d20 rolls at the start of each session. Those get used for spot, search & listens and whatever NPC rolls I might need to make without letting the players know I'm making a roll. Maybe the "1" they roll is on the goblin's hide check or it might end up being their spot.

 

[Varianor Abroad]

As a DM, how much info do you have on the PCs?

...
How much info do you have in front of you during a game session?

Never enough.

I keep a cheat sheet with some prerolled numbers for things that they shouldn't know the results of (Spot, Listen, etc), as well as AC, saves and other pertinent items. That's for my Arcana Unearthed game where I only have three players.

In the shared world that I DM in, which has anywhere from 5-8 PCs at the table, I have a full initiative card on everyone. I use the ones found here: http://www.thegamemechanics.com/ Great stuff.

For both games, I usually have a copy of the sheet at every level made up by the players, which I keep in a binder in my bag in case I need it for some obscure reason. Now if I can find it easily, that's great.

 

[takyris]

Spot
Listen
Sense Motive
Saves
AC (for surprise attacks)
BAB

I usually have other stuff, like Bluff and Search and Hide and Move Silently and such, since I prefer to roll those (under the "You don't know how well you do" philosophy), but since those tend to be active rather than passive, I can always ask the person what I should add to the d20 I roll.

Most of that list is for reaction, but a few things in there are for me to be able to run the PC if the player has to miss at the last moment and can't get me a character sheet. Lately, though, my beloved geek buddy players have put together a character sheet system online, so all our sheets are available on the web -- and in fact, I have my own screen that I can configure to show me whatever I want.

Geek buddy players rock.

 

[Voadam]

Our character sheets are in a files section of a Yahoo group for our game which is currently done by e-mail. During face to face the characters have their sheets.

 

[nopantsyet]

Nothing, nada, zip, HETY (anyone?).

I really ought to keep spot, listen, hp, ac and saves...But I've got great players, I don't even need to review their character sheets. I think it's important that I don't base my encounters on the characters' stats and/or gear. Unless some uber-evil high-level mage has been scrying on them or some other in-game reason.

But, I'm thinking I may have to give those initiative cards a shot. They could really smooth out some of the rough edges of my battles.

 

[EricNoah]

I have a cheat sheet with room for the following:

Char Name, Player Name
Class/Race
Injury Threshhold (house rule)
Spot
Listen
Search
Sense Motive
Fort Save
Will Save

The last two are for when I need to make a secret skill check or save (poison/disease, charms, etc.). Usually the player is aware of situations calling for a Reflex save.

However, often this sheet is buried under other notes and so I just end up asking the players anyway...

 

[jmucchiello]

Nothing. Well, I have copies of everyone's character sheets. But during play I never refer to them. I also verify ACs with most every hit because AC is too damned situational. Which characters have Dodge, Mobility, I can't keep track of that. I call for Spot checks at the table. Usually there is something to spot, sometimes I'm just messing with them.

For initiative we have standard 3x5 index cards with the characters' name and dex written on it (as well as three "monster" cards). At the begining of combat one of the players arranges the cards and calls combat order so I don't have to keep track of even that. Laziness is a good thing.

 

[zenld]

I don't keep any info on players that isn't in my head. I usually can keep the characters straight as far as history, etc. Also, my games are fairly informal, so I tend to wander around the room while we play. I will check the players sheets as I pace to get any specific info I need for gm rolls at that time.

Just my thoughts.

zen

 

[maddman75]

I really don't keep anything during play. I generally remember ACs after the first fight. As for spot checks, 99% of the time that's to avoid an ambush. It doesn't really matter if they make it or not. If they do, they spot the critter. IF they don't, the goblins open up