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

[Desdichado]

I use 3x5 index cards to track initiative. On them I have the players write down stuff like AC (including Touch and Flat Footed), BAB, Initiative, Saving Throws and Spot, Listen, Search and Move Silently. If I need to make secret rolls, I can do so using the info on the card.

I think I'm also going to have them write down known languages next session.

Hmmm, I like this idea.

 

[VorpalBunny]

I keep stat blocks of each player character on a piece of paper in a 3-ring binder. I use the combat logs included in the original 3e DM screen to keep track of everything else.

 

[Rel]

Hmmm, I like this idea.

Glad I could be of help. The way I figure it, I've got the cards sitting in front of me anyway, why not have something on them besides the character's name. It costs me no effort because I have the players write the cards.

Also (though it's a tad off topic), I write up similar cards for the enemies the party faces as well. I use something like the format below:

Init: Speed: AC: HP:
Primary Attack: bonus (damage)
Secondary Attack: bonus (damage)
Saves:
Special Abilities or Spells: (or noteworthy skills like Move Silently or Bluff, etc.)
Magic Items:

It takes a bit of time to write out for each critter or NPC, but if they (or an identical creature) crop up later in the campaign, I've already got the card written out. It keeps me from having to refer back to the Monster Manual during the game. Also, I tend to learn through transcription. Once I've written something down I'm far more likely to remember it. So after I've filled out the card, I'm much less likely to forget that a monster has Improved Grab than if I was just running from the stat block in the MM.

 

[the Jester]

I keep a card for each pc, with their saves, class/race, spot, listen, search and sense motive, and languages. Oh, and AC- basically anything I can think of that I might need without their knowing it.

 

[the Jester]

I use 3x5 index cards to track initiative. On them I have the players write down stuff like AC (including Touch and Flat Footed), BAB, Initiative, Saving Throws and Spot, Listen, Search and Move Silently. If I need to make secret rolls, I can do so using the info on the card.

I think I'm also going to have them write down known languages next session.

Heh... this is what I get for posting without reading the whole thread!

Looks like we're pretty much on the same page...

 

[Nine Hands]

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

I've seen some DMs who keep the whole character sheet on his table during play. I've also seen some DMs who have absolutely no info about the PCs on hand.

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

Quasqueton

In the Robotech game I play in (using Fuzion/Mekton Zeta Plus rules) the GM has the character sheets and hands them out during play. For quite some time I really only knew my character's stats only when playing, but things move slow enough that I am starting to memorize them. As for my epic level game. I don't keep an eye on the character sheets too much and I still seem to challenge the group (since I make up stuff on the fly).

 

[sircaren]

I have full character sheets on file, for my reference when planning the game, and for when they forget their own. After each session I have the players update their sheet.

During the game I just keep their stats handy on 3x5 cards.

 

[Vahktang]

Nothing.
I have a bunch of stuff in my head.
But I trust my players to not metagame too much.
If I ask for a spot and nobody makes it, the ambush continues and they react normally.
And if the damage dealt out is too much and they're low in HP's, it's their job to back out, get healed.


More later,

Vahktang