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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Oofta" data-source="post: 6911960" data-attributes="member: 6801845">There have been some good ideas, I'll just reiterate a couple of things that I use for me.I roll multiple D20s at once (red and blue) and then apply attacks consistently.  If I'm attacking multiple people I'm always consistent on what order (red is nearest mini or farthest on the right to me, blue is next).  I always just use the average numbers, rolling only on crits.  I also recommend that my players try to do the same.  If you need more dice, just do a google search for pound of dice ... you get more dice than you need for cheap.I create index cards for each character and monster that I use for initiative.  I use laminated cards (you can get laminating sheets at staples, etc) where I've typed up the info I need to run a monster.  I get 4 cards per piece of paper ... it's kind of a pain but I reuse them so once I type up stats for orcs I just use the same card forever.  For characters I just use blank cards.Use dry erase markers on the laminated index cards to track initiative, or whatever you want.  I use a small whiteboard and dry erase markers to track monster HP, etc.I think about how the monsters are going to fight, and jot down quick notes when I'm planning the mod.  Goblins may run when half their number are gone, crazed gnolls may fight to the death, etc.For spells, I either jot down a quick note - how big is the fireball and how much damage (I use average damage for this too).  If it's more complicated, I photocopy the spell or have a picture of the page on my phone handy.  I only have a handful of spells per caster, normally 5 or less.I use minis and a grid, I use the plastic rings from milk jugs/pop bottles to mark conditions.Those are the main things.  I also don't normally spend too much time worrying about detailed rules analysis during combat - save that for after the game.Whether you like theater of the mind or minis/tokens is personal preference.  Personally I have a really hard time with theater of the mind so you may want to try different styles to figure out what works for you and your group.I've been DMing for a long, long time and I still feel like I can improve so don't get discouraged.  If everyone is having fun most of the time you're doing it right.</blockquote>

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